The drive along Bali’s coast, amongst honking moped drivers, past roadside Warungs, palm forests and crashing waves, is captivating. On arrival in Pekutatan, a quiet village road lined with temples and frangipani trees leads to a clearing and, as if out of nowhere, a huge, brightly illuminated wall of neon signs appears, advertising holiday pleasures in giant letters. There’s a small, secret door built into it, so plain that it’s easy to miss. Open it, and enter a lush green jungle, a narrow path weaves between tropical plants before reaching a landscape of treehouses. 

We are at LOST LINDENBERG, a new guest collective far removed from Bali's garish mass tourism. LOST focuses on the collective experience of the guests, who are invited to spend their time together in the property’s communal areas. Retreat is offered in each of the eight lovingly-designed panoramic rooms, which are elevated high amongst the treetops of the West Balinese palm jungle, set on a long and pristine, glistening black lava sand beach. The own surf spot on the remote black sand beach at the doorstep invites the guests to surf calmly in an intimate atmosphere. In the plant-based restaurant and bar guests sit on a large table together. 

The small spa is located in LOST’s jungle. LOST offers a dreamy experience in the midst of a mystical jungle with spaces and walkways high off the ground. Constructed beside tall coconut trees, the staggered towers provide a glimpse of the sea in front. The towers are connected by a highline, an elevated walkway pointing towards the sea. Grouped closely together, the towers form a floating village in the trees. The variety of plants is huge: heliconias, ferns, Bodhi trees, banana trees, Banyan trees, Majapahit trees, Baobab trees, Pule trees, bromeliads to name a few. LOST’s interiors are warm and cosy, integrating linen fabrics, lava stone, tropical hardwood, burnt teak and river stones. 

The colours and materials are locally sourced. The furniture, the lamps, the ceramic tableware and almost all the accessories in this project were custom designed for us. Art plays an essential role, local Indonesian antiques meet contemporary photographs. In the entrance area, the tropical jungle is interrupted by a huge neon sign installation by renowned Frankfurt artist Tobias Rehberger. LOST operates in an eco-friendly, low-waste manner. Solar panels supply the property with energy, and fruits and vegetables from LOST’s own permaculture are used in the restaurant. 

All products such as soaps and toilet paper, are produced regionally and fairly; litter is collected in weekly beach clean-ups; the restaurant - like all LINDENBERG projects - is entirely plant-based (free of animal products). In order to contribute to the local community, LINDENBERG founded LOST BUNCH, an educational programme with local surfers that supports, encourages and opens up new prospects for children and young adults in Medewi.