Overview

Amidst the sheer ubiquity of beach clubs and sprawling villas, lies a sparkling gem for tourists who are looking for a toes-in-the-sand, emotionally uplifting hideaway. Eco-minded Desa Potato Head, Bali’s first creative village, is a magnet for travellers who flock to Bali to lounge around smooth sandy beaches, frolic in azure blue sea waters and surf. 

Vibe

Desa Potato Head’s pull is irresistible. There is a youthful, pulsating energy that reverberates throughout the entire property. Yet there remains a sense of seclusion, a cosy intimacy one would associate with a soothing vanilla candle scent. The place has an artisanal, eclectic aura; the walls of the lobby are teeming with striking handcrafted pieces and hand-painted art, while the bar area is decorated with kitschy retro items and kaleidoscopic bric-a-brac. The delicate combination of bohemian charm and meticulous service is Desa’s blueprint for success. 

Interior

Avant-garde hotelier Ronald Akili assumes a spiritedly, unusual approach to sustainability with his designs. Think honey-tone wood, traditional Indonesian textiles and contemporary-style furniture fashioned from wicker and teak. The hotel takes inspiration from local art, with ikat-inspired textiles and handwoven basketry, while the lush greenery surrounding the property calls to mind a Balinese countryside. All the rooms are furnished with teak trimmings by local artisans and Akili’s personal collection of mid-century modern furniture. 

This tropical modernist hotel has sustainability engraved into its DNA—from the facade, made with 1.8 million hand-pressed bricks, baked locally with only coconut shells to the local textiles created with plant-based dyes. Even the smart water and electricity systems are created with the environment in mind. 

Light-filled rooms, suites and villas feature gleaming mahogany wood floors, plump, fluffy beds and balconies with a view. The pool-view Island Suites offer a king-size bed, a walk-in wardrobe and a living area with a work desk, while the Pool Suites have a king-size bed, a freestanding bath, a generous living area and a private decked pool. Each of these suites makes it feel as if you were immersed in a quaint Balinese village, with its intricate wood panels, woven carpets and brick-walled patios.

Amenities

The hotel is packed with several top-notch amenities including a voguish in-house shop Escalier that stocks eclectic fashion brands like Ashley Williams, Drunk Dad and swimwear label Oséree. Behind a wall of recycled window shutters is the snazzy Potato Head Beach Club, where guests get privileged access to the highly coveted daybeds. Its quirky architecture—including a giant wooden head made from reclaimed Indonesian fishing boats, makes the club an Insta-worthy locale. Fitness junkies can continue their daily workouts in a uniquely designed space gym rigged out with state-of-the-art equipment. Scan the barcode at the gym and get a specially curated programme tailored to each individual’s fitness level. Other features include a jamu bar, an eco-innovation lab, an infinity pool and a lavishly appointed spa furnished with ice baths and sound healing experiences. There is a notable amount of effort to make every stay extra memorable with exciting touches like an impressive cocktail station in each of the rooms, allowing guests to create their own concoctions. 

Food & Drink

For beachside dining, head over to the Ijen. The stylish seafood restaurant doles out a thrilling, minimal-waste menu that flaunts the island’s freshest produce. Through the use of contrasting flavours, the natural taste of raw ingredients is elevated. Perennial favourites include the clams with citrus vinegar and avocado cream, the octopus with salted chilli and kombu noodles and fresh fish with roasted chilli butter.

For a languorous lunch, head over to the beach club and graze on some light nibbles and thirst-quenching tipples, while you soak up the electrifying atmosphere. At Kaum, guests are treated to unique generational recipes from over 600 Indonesian islands. These include local delights like the Gado Gado Kaum and the Ayam Berantakan—a scrumptious dish of fried chicken topped with toasted coconut flakes and curry leaves. Lastly, an imaginative plant-fuelled dining experience awaits at Tanaman, where vegetables take centre stage and drive the menu. From root to fruit, no part goes to waste. 

Neighbourhood

Located in the island’s buzziest corner, Desa Potato Head lies in the heart of the trendy Seminyak neighbourhood. Known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining scene, the bustling area is filled with a plethora of eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and designer stores selling bespoke crafts and home decor items. Overall, this makes the property a convenient and accessible destination for travellers exploring Bali.