There is an island that is spoken about in hushed tones. Living in south Bali, where it can seem like development is everywhere, it feels as though there is a secret agreement to not spread the word too widely, so that it retains its charm. That island is Rote. Alfred in Bali gave me the opportunity to visit Rote with my family and stay at a resort I had wanted to visit for a long time, Seed Resort. It is one of the most prominent resorts in Rote Island. So we packed our bags and headed off to the domestic airport. Randomly running into friends at the airport who were headed in the same direction. They all gave us knowing looks. This was going to be a great trip!
Unlike the mythical hidden island depicted in Alex Garland’s “The Beach,” Rote Island isn’t a secret location accessible only through a cryptic map. If you’re travelling from Bali to Rote Island, your journey typically involves a stopover in Kupang, situated in West Timor. Several airlines, including Garuda Indonesia, offer flights from Jakarta and Bali to Kupang, with the Bali flight taking approximately two hours. Once you arrive in Kupang, you’re presented with three transportation options to reach Rote Island: plane, fast boat and slow boat. The Seed Resort Team will help you to choose the best option for your trip and make it as smooth as possible for you.
When you arrive in Rote, Seed Resort as the best luxury hotel in Rote, Indonesia, offers a pick up service to bring you directly to the resort. And this is when the fun truly begins! Infrastructure on some of Indonesia’s far flung island can be pretty hit and miss. This time, however, the roads were fantastic. Wide and smooth all the way to our resort, which would be our home for the next 5 nights. Throughout our stay, we hired scooters to explore this part of the island. Most of the time, between the most popular places, the roads were very good.
Rote Island’s natural beauty is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s the reason people come. It’s a remote, windswept paradise, often blissfully deserted. Surfers have flocked here for years, drawn to the famous white powder beach of Nemberela, renowned for hosting the longest shore break wave in all of Indonesia, known as T Land. Lots of passionate surfers come here to surf in Rote.
My 2 mini-surfers weren’t here for the waves, they wanted to explore. Scooting around was a dream. The roads are empty. The occasional scooter rider or car would give you a friendly nod as they drove past. The local school kids yelled out “Hello hello” at every opportunity, and gave us high fives as we slowly cruised by. Time moves slowly here and people drive slowly too. I love it! My kids loved all the goats that sit by the side of the roads.
Cruising along to deserted beaches, where a few fishing boats are tied up and there is not a soul around as far as the eye can see. This feels like your very own Robinson Crusoe adventure. The beaches are simply stunning. Turquoise water and fine white sand with specks of pink. Basically, it’s the tropical water that you dream about. It’s hot and wind-swept and the vegetation matches this environment. Lots of low bushes, cacti and succulents.
Seed Resort is something very special. There aren’t that many luxury hotels in Rote, Indonesia, but Seed Resort is definitely one of the best resorts in Rote Island. Considering the distances and difficulties of getting here, I wasn’t sure what we would discover as standards often drop dramatically when you get off the beaten track.
Amazingly, it’s a little oasis and it’s all so worth it! It has 9 bungalows in total, including family ones with a queen + 2 single beds for the little ones. The beachy bungalows style really bring in the laid-back and breezy design aesthetics. It features a harmonious blend of natural materials and coastal colours. Soft, muted tones of blues, and sandy neutrals dominate the colour palette, creating a tranquil and soothing atmosphere.
Large windows and open spaces allow for ample natural light to flood the room, bringing the outside in. While the design of beachy bungalows exudes simplicity, comfort is never compromised. Expect plush, king-sized beds dressed in crisp, high-thread-count linens that invite you to sink into relaxation. There is air conditioning to ensure a comfortable climate. The bathrooms feature open-air showers, allowing you to bathe beneath the stars or in the warmth of the morning sun and it’s huge!
One of the defining features of a beachy bungalow is its connection to the outdoors. The private deck or patio is your own personal oasis, where you can sip morning coffee, watch the sunset with a glass of wine, or simply bask in the serenity of the ambience. Hammocks or loungers provide the perfect spot for a midday nap or a leisurely read.
Let’s not forget about the 20m freshwater infinity pool that overlooks the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by swaying palm trees, sun loungers, and daybeds, it’s the perfect spot to bask in the sun, sip on a refreshing cocktail, or take in the mesmerising sunset views that stretch endlessly across the horizon.
Rote Island might be famous for the surf but there’s so much more you can do in Seed Resort. Seed Resort is a water sports enthusiast’s dream: Snorkeling, kayak, paddleboarding and boat trips are also readily available, allowing you to explore the vibrant underwater world just steps from your accommodation.
For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the Seed Spa offers a range of wellness treatments that rejuvenate the body and mind. Experienced therapists use natural and organic products to pamper you with massages, facials, and holistic therapies in tranquil treatment rooms. The gentle sounds of nature and the sea breeze provide an exquisite backdrop to your wellness journey.
Nestled within the lush gardens, the open-air yoga pavilion provides the perfect setting for mindfulness and relaxation. Experienced instructors can guide you through yoga sessions, and meditation, leaving you with a sense of inner peace and balance. Or you can use it by yourself whenever you want. My kids practised their own improvised flips and wrestled each other, while I kept an eye on them from my balcony. It has brand new sports equipment, and everything you need to keep up with your workout routines whilst on holiday.
One thing that caught me off guard is the food! At Seed Resort, the culinary experience is a delightful journey that captures the essence of Rote Island’s rich flavors and celebrates sustainable dining. They offers a diverse menu that showcases the region’s culinary heritage. Fresh seafood, locally sourced organic produce, and vibrant vegetarian options take centre stage, delivering a unique fusion of local and international cuisine. Dining here is not just about savouring exceptional dishes; it’s a cultural exploration that connects guests with the island’s traditions and the community’s commitment to sustainability.
During my stay at Seed Resort, I was thoroughly impressed with the resort’s internet connection. The Wi-Fi was consistently fast and reliable, allowing me to effortlessly stay connected for work and leisure. Rote is a developing island and as such, the mains power can go out. However, the resort’s back up generator kicked in immediately, so we felt no inconvenience at all. I appreciated the peace of mind knowing that even in the event of a power outage (which happened a few times in a day), the resort seamlessly transitioned to generator power. This ensured that essential services, such as air conditioning and lighting, continued uninterrupted, allowing me to enjoy a comfortable and worry-free stay.
Seed Resort takes pride in delivering an exceptional level of service that certainly exceeds the expectations of its guests! From the moment you step foot onto the resort, you are greeted with warm smiles and a genuine dedication to ensuring your comfort and satisfaction throughout your stay. The staff at Seed Resort is not just attentive, but also incredibly knowledgeable about the local area, offering valuable insights and recommendations to enhance your experience. They were particularly helpful at arranging our transfers and transport options. As the boat and flight schedule changes as the weather changes (welcome to the tropics!), they stay in constant touch with all the transport options and made our travel days super smooth and relaxing.
Whether it’s arranging personalised excursions, catering to dietary preferences, or attending to any special requests, the team at Seed Resort goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and memorable environment, making your stay an unforgettable journey marked by genuine hospitality and care.
Seed Resort on Rote Island is a destination that offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and luxury amenities. The journey to this remote paradise is well worth the effort, and once you arrive, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of tranquility, adventure, and genuine hospitality. Whether you seek the thrill of water sports, the serenity of the spa, the mindfulness of yoga, or the culinary delights of Rote Island, Seed Resort has it all. It’s a place where pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes converge with top-notch accommodation and a commitment to sustainability. It’s a destination that leaves an indelible mark on your heart and soul, making your stay an unforgettable chapter in the story of your travels.
Book Seed resort here.
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Photography by Sheila Man for Bali Interiors
