Oaken Lab Brings Sensory Storytelling to Ubud with New Flagship Concept

Ubud's creative landscape has expanded with the opening of Oaken Lab's most ambitious location yet, marking a significant evolution for the artisanal fragrance brand. Far from a conventional perfume shop, the new Ubud outpost reimagines retail as an immersive experience, combining scent, taste, and design in a way that reflects how Balinese culture has long approached sensory engagement.

Situated on Jalan Raya Sanggingan—a street that has become synonymous with Ubud's creative renaissance—the space introduces The Oaken Stillroom, a concept that translates the language of fragrance into culinary form through botanical cocktails, zero-proof elixirs, and ingredient-driven small plates.

Design That Honors Local Tradition

Designed by Rantara Studio, the store strikes a deliberate balance between contemporary minimalism and Indonesian spatial principles. Rather than imposing a singular aesthetic, the architects preserved existing architectural elements while introducing new material contrasts, creating what they describe as a "journey through distinctive environments."

This approach—respecting what existed before—resonates with how many boutique hospitality spaces in Bali are now being conceived. The design philosophy unfolds gradually, moving visitors from an intimate, scent-focused room through to open communal areas, ultimately leading to the Stillroom and garden. The architecture itself becomes part of the sensory narrative.

Beyond Fragrance: A Platform for Community

What distinguishes Oaken Lab Ubud from typical retail outlets is its positioning as a gathering space and cultural platform. The Stillroom menu was developed in collaboration with Elemental, emphasizing local and seasonal produce that echoes the brand's sensorial language across different mediums.

"Conceived as a space for exchange and exploration, Oaken Lab Ubud extends beyond retail into a dynamic platform for gatherings, collaborations, and cultural programming."

This model reflects a broader shift in Bali's premium hospitality sector, where experiential engagement and authentic cultural integration increasingly matter more than transaction volume. For visitors seeking meaningful interactions beyond tourism's conventional offerings, the space offers a template for how international brands can operate thoughtfully within Ubud's community.

Opening a Conversation About Sensory Retail

The opening signals how Bali's creative economy continues to attract brands willing to invest in depth and atmosphere. Rather than centralizing their operations in Jakarta or Surabaya, companies like Oaken Lab are recognizing Ubud's unique position as a cultural center and creative hub where such concepts can genuinely resonate with both local and international audiences.

The store's emphasis on botanical ingredients and seasonal menus also aligns with growing consumer interest in natural, locally-sourced products—a value system that finds natural expression in Balinese culture and contemporary wellness trends alike.

Visitor Information

Oaken Lab Ubud
Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Kedewatan, Ubud
Phone: +62 811 2646 226
Instagram: @oakenlab | @oakenstillroom
Website: oakenlab.com

Originally published by NOW Bali