LUXE Loves is our regular feature where we spotlight our all-time favourite places on the planet. From wowza hotel stays to the world’s most happenin’ restos, bars and shops worth raving home about … welcome to the crème of our curated cohort.
What:
Lost Lindenberg
Where:
Pekutatan, West Bali
Why We Love It:
Fiery sunsets reflected against the black lava sand beach, design-mag worthy rooms perched among the swaying palm trees, and cocktails gathered ‘round the evening bonfire with fellow guests – that’s just the tip of the ‘berg on why we love Lost Lindenberg, a hidden gem of a hotel on Bali’s West coast.
Far from the teeming crowds of Seminyak, Ubud and Canggu, Lost Lindenberg is located in Pekutatan, a quiet, wild and remote part of Bali that’s yet to be discovered by the average tourist. The first overseas property by Lindenberg, a Frankfurt-based hospitality group, and Considerate Collection member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this eight-room, eco-friendly hotel is the perfect place to get lost in or reconnect with nature.
Getting there:
The journey to Lost Lindenberg takes around 2.5 hours from Denpasar airport (depending on traffic) and once there, guests are greeted by a larger-than-life wall of ‘big city, bright lights’ styled neon signs. The idea is that you’re leaving the city behind once you go past this wall – through a hidden doorway, no less – where a narrow and jungle-lined pathway to the lobby awaits.
Walking past the giant foliage, including monster-sized Monstera plants, ferns and a sacred Pule tree, feels like a jungle adventure in itself, and we stop at the shrine to receive a traditional blessing from the hotel staff before continuing on our way. Before long, the stairs to the lobby appear, leading to an open-air boutique and elevated walkway.
Rooms and design:
Designed by Alexis Dornier and Studio Jencquel, the elevated, open-air pathway (known as the Highline) leads towards the ocean and connects the four staggered treehouse towers.
The six Jungle Panorama Suites with the two Ocean Panorama Suites are accessible by spiral staircases and sized equally at 45 square metres, each with floor-to-ceiling windows, sustainable bed linens in soft beige and peach tones, a living area with sofa, air conditioned interiors and spacious ‘outdoor’ bathrooms (without A/C, FYI). There are also no televisions, mini bars, or kettles in the room, so city folk, take note.
Besides the suites, there are plenty of gorgeous open-air communal spaces at Lost Lindenberg to relax, chill and take in the surroundings, such as hanging chairs draped in sumptuous fabrics, antique wood loungers, the ground floor bar and lounge (for cocktails and daily afternoon tea) and adjoining swimming pool shaded by trees.
Dining:
In quite a bold move for sustainability, Lost Lindenberg serves only plant-based meals, which are enjoyed at the communal dining table where guests can connect and mingle over delicious veggie dishes inspired by Balinese home cooking. Pure and simple, there’s no imitation meat here – just flavourful, locally sourced produce (and tofu) cooked to perfection with punchy sauces, spices and herbs.
Breakfast is heavenly, too, with a spread of homemade breads – including the best banana bread of our lives, no joke – housed in a giant bamboo steamer. Choose from a menu of brekkie plates paired with freshly ground coffee, hot tea and fresh-pressed juices, and you won’t feel like you’re missing out at all despite the lack of meaty options.
Afternoon tea is served daily at the bar and lounge, and by night, guests can enjoy their favourite cocktails made with local araki and the usual spirits.
Activities:
Days at Lost Lindenberg are spent doing as little or as much as you like. Feeling active? Learn to surf from Lost’s resident surf instructors right on the beach (the waves may be small but be prepared to take a tumble!), or borrow one of the hotel’s bicycles, e-bikes or e-scooters to explore the surrounding neighbourhood.
Go further by taking a ride on the Lost Lindenberg VW van to the fishing village of Medewi, a popular spot among the surf crowd where you’ll find the local hangout, beachfront cafe and surf shop, Holy Tree, plus a few other cute and crafty shops.
Our favourite activity, though, was “Putu’s hike” – a 20-30 minute guided trek through tropical, lush and jungle terrain to a completely private and secluded section of the river where we jumped right in to cool off, splashed around the mini rapids, and enjoyed thick slabs of Lost’s homemade banana bread in between.
Sustainability and community:
Last but not least, Lost Lindenberg takes sustainability seriously – and not just through its plant-based, zero waste kitchen. The treehouses are solar-powered, the room amenities are made from sustainable materials such as wood and bamboo, and reusable water bottles are supplied to replace any use of plastic.
Lost Lindenberg also works with local tour operators for their excursions, partners with Mission Pawsible for free sterilisation and medical treatment of dogs in the area, and founded The LOST Bunch with professional surfer Muklis Anwar to support young surfers in and around the area with surf classes and lessons in English and hospitality.
Verdict:
Lost Lindenberg’s tagline is “I mean, it’s not Ubud”’ and that, it sure isn’t. But, it’s not like anything else either. Since opening in July 2022, the hotel has been making waves amongst those in the know, but it won’t be long before more people discover this unique slice of paradise in West Bali. Translation: go now!
Book your stay at thelindenberg.com/lost or join one of their upcoming retreats with guided boat trips, surf lessons, snorkeling, massages and more adventures!
Lost Lindenberg is a Considerate Collection member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Discover more at thelindenberg.com
(All images courtesy of Lost Lindenberg)
