WEST BALI

 

 

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Don’t let the garishly decorated outer wall fool you into thinking you took a wrong turn during your detour to West Bali’s newest paradise escape. The four-metre-tall neon-lit security wall – with dayglo slogans promising things like ‘Dancing’, ‘Entertainment’, ‘Beer’, ‘Amusement Park' – might make you think you’ve gone full circle and are back in the tourist-packed gangs of Legian. Don’t back away in horror. Instead, step through the doorway and – surprise-surprise! – you’ll find yourself in one of the most spectacularly restful and tastefully designed properties on the entire island.

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What's the appeal?

 

This exclusive eight-room boutique resort overlooks what might be Bali’s most spectacular – certainly most deserted – beach. Doors opened in July 2022 and within months the owners were already welcoming repeat guests. The infinity pool and public areas are so appealing that visitors often tend to extend their stay simply to soak up the atmosphere for longer (or to explore the sights of the west). Unusually – for what is essentially a fairly remote property – Lindenberg chose to go with an exclusively plant-based menu, but it seems to be a popular choice. 

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Conscious travel & eco efforts

 

Lost Lindenberg runs educational programmes for kids through their Lost Bunch community project. They are involved in sterilisation and vaccination programmes for dogs in the area; they regularly holds beach clean-ups, and are heavily committed to reducing plastics. As much as possible ingredients are locally sourced for the property's restaurant: either homegrown on the property or supplied by local organic farmers.

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Rooms

 

The eight suites are situated in four tall towers, so that you look out of your timber cocoon through the fronds of the 20-metre-tall coconut palms. Each air-conditioned room has a comfortable lounge area and large timber bathroom – with slatted timber shutters so that they are effectively open to the forest 

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Facilities

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The property is an ideal honeymoon option yet guests seem to appreciate the communal dining policy where meals are served at a long hardwood table. (You can opt out if you prefer to eat alone). There is a lovely bar/coffee shop overlooking the swimming pool (plus a more private sunbathing platform on the roof). There’s a custom-built spa, and yoga classes can be arranged. The property has a surf-school where ace surfer Rifky helps guests hone their skills on waves out front (or 10 minutes away at Medewi Point).

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Location

 

Pekutatan retains a village atmosphere that is delightfully restful and low-key even in comparison with Medewi and Yeh Sumbul.The deserted 14km sweep of wave-pounded volcanic sand will make you rethink everything you heard about ‘overcrowded Bali’. Medewi is only a 10-minute drive away, but the sandy beach in front of the resort is more appealing for beginners than the jagged rocks of Medewi’s pointbreak. Staff can arrange a shuttle to Medewi and tours farther afield.

Images here by Robert Rieger​