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Desa Potato Head

Bali

Redefining Balinese luxury through a sustainable lens

What makes it unique? Just steps from the sand, Desa Potato Head is more than just a boutique hotel, standing in stark contrast to the classic luxury of heritage beach resorts across the island. Here, an ever-evolving vignette reveals modern rooms that sit aside art installations, a buzzy beach club, sound stages and studios, a library and unique concept stores. It’s a holistic scene that draws globetrotting creatives, hedonists and sun-kissed locals alike.

A visual marvel: Desa’s striking architecture unfolds at the moment of arrival via ‘The Womb’ – a bamboo structure where a Balinese water blessing commences to the sound of gongs. The facade is swathed in more than 1.5million hand-pressed Balinese temple bricks and flows seamlessly to a pool dressed with handmade Batu Sakabumi tiles. Within the bedrooms, exposed walls, abundant natural materials and mid-century furniture bring a sense of tropical modernism. The beach club is found enveloped within a striking curved structure constructed from reclaimed window shutters. 

Helping the planet: Sustainability forms the bedrock of the Desa Potato Head brand. As much a placemaker as a hotelier, founder Ronald Akili embraces a principle of radical innovation, with the motto ‘Good Times Do Good’ at the core of every creative decision. As the first Asian hospitality brand to go carbon-neutral, a zero-waste ethos runs through everything here, from the design to the cuisine and the experiences on offer. The Sweet Potato Lab crafts bins, trays and baskets from recycled plastic and food waste like oyster shells; woven palm leaves, offcuts and coconut husks provide biodegradable room slippers. Guests are also provided a reusable water bottle that can be refilled across the property.

And to eat? Think authentic Indonesian mainstays meets global nous. A farm-to-fork mantra leads across the six restaurants – that are scattered across the site from the beach club to the rooftop – while open-air bar and lab Akademi whips up modern libations using traditional local spirits like arak and jamu.

Plentiful activities: There’s something for everyone. Guests can get to the heart of the island’s vibrant creative culture with a roll call of immersive activities such as ikat weaving and ceramics classes. Myriad modern wellness experiences run the gamut from yoga sessions to hypnotherapy and breathwork and there’s a multi-sensory night club – the hotel even hosts its own digital streaming station for up-and-comers.

Key Information

• Rooms: 225
• Starting Rate: $350
• Dining: Beach Club and Kaum, among others
• Drinking: Potato Head Beach Club and Sunset Park
• At the Hotel: Beach, library, workshops, waste tour, swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, family friendly
• Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
• +62 361 6207979
• Visit Desa Potato Head's Website
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