Part retreat, part playground, The Seed, Bali is a private estate that embraces contradiction
Allow me to let you in on a secret: journalists run out of questions. I’m sitting opposite Sudi, general manager of The Seed, Bali, racking my brains for a follow-up question to his previous answer. After what seems like forever, I hear myself asking: “So what do you think makes The Seed different?”
It’s a feeble question, particularly as the answer is readily apparent. You see, The Seed, Bali—a 6,400sqm private estate with eight bedrooms across four villas, a private beach, and a soundproof media room fully equipped for private DJ sessions—operates on a different wavelength to the average resort.
The 21-person property, which can only be booked in its entirety, began as a passion project for American founder Logan Bailey. After living in Bali for over 20 years, he set out to create a private, playful, and eco-conscious retreat that would also give back to the Balinese people and land. Spoiler: it succeeds on both counts.
Local Charms
It’s tempting to label The Seed—with its cocktail bar, speakeasy-games room, and outdoor and underground cinemas—a picturesque party pad. To do so, however, would be to miss the forest for the trees.
Upon entering the property (it’s around a two-hour drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport), you will be immediately immersed in nature. From manicured lawns and towering palm trees that provide ample shade to fish-teeming ponds interspersed throughout the grounds, it’s apparent that the property has been designed to cocoon you within the natural world.
What is most striking, however, is the design and architecture. With almost every element—from treetop villas to a jungle gym with a boot camp set-up—crafted by local artisans, the resort is a thoughtful exercise in placemaking. Whether you’re savouring a meal at the restaurant or lounging on a hammock near the main pool, the experience will, however subtly, feel innately connected to the land.
This, of course, is partly owed to the materials and methods that were used to bring The Seed to life. A curated mix of reclaimed wood, natural stone, and upcycled metal fixtures forms the backbone of the estate, brimming with tactility while minimising environmental impact. Adding to this effect are the open spaces within its bamboo and sandalwood structures, which maximise natural light and breeze.
It may sound modest, but coupled with impressive sustainable fixtures (solar panels, permaculture gardens, and a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis system), and an attentive team of local staff, the resort feels authentically aligned with a conscious approach to travelling.
This sensibility becomes nuanced once you step inside the villas. The Pond House and Treehouse—two separate living areas situated close to one another—form the most contemplative corner of the estate. Consisting of a traditional sandalwood Joglo resting above a koi pond and a treetop retreat nestled high in the canopy, the spaces offer a natural retreat.
Villa Eywa, meanwhile, possesses a playful edge. Suspended above a private pool, its glass-floored living area, complete with a waterfall, heightens the sense of immersion and connects two expansive en suite bedrooms.
It is, however, at The Rabbit Hole and Villa Underground where an overt social energy is introduced. While the former, with its mural-lined walls and a communal space that doubles as a speakeasy-games room, is perfect for families, the latter appears more attuned to late nights and louder tastes.
Embracing a rock ’n’ roll sensibility, Villa Underground boasts two bedrooms (named Platinum and Golden after the discs awarded for record sales) and a fully soundproof basement that is suited to both late-night cinema sessions or after-hours gatherings. Golden Room, in particular, is striking: a round bed anchors the space, glistening walls catch low light, and classic LP covers line the room.
It may be hard to wrap your head around the eclectic mix of design choices. The logic, however, appears to lie in the estate’s central contradiction. The Seed is neither purely a nature-first retreat nor a dedicated party pad, but something that occupies the space in between.
Versatile Expeditions
“Bali is flexible,” replies my liaison when I ask if I can change my pre-planned, personalised itinerary.
I wince at ‘flexible’ as I remember my subpar performance at yoga earlier in the morning. Before I can get my mind back on track, my liaison tells me to let her know if I’d like to watch a film at one of the resort’s two cinemas, enjoy a sauna and cold bath session, or book a rejuvenating massage after my one-hour hike to a nearby village. Oh, and also if I’d like to postpone my horseriding session to another day.
As you can tell, there’s lots to do at The Seed. Wellness-focused travellers, for one, will find plenty to engage with. A sauna and cold plunge are tucked discreetly beneath the main pool, while the jungle gym offers an energetic counterpoint.
Others may gravitate towards the private beach or test their mettle at the 22m swimming pool with its five-metre diving board. The musically inclined, of course, can have fun at the fully equipped DJ and recording space, which is perfect for impromptu jam sessions. And with plenty of communal spaces, there’ll be more than enough opportunities for family and friends to come together.
All that activity is sure to work up an appetite. Here, too, The Seed delivers. Bloom Kitchen, a whole-food-focused restaurant, serves a menu that is light, seasonal, and unpretentious, drawing heavily on produce grown in the resort’s permaculture gardens and sourced from nearby farms and fishermen in the Karangasem region. Whether it’s the catch of the day, glass noodles served with lemongrass, or a side of crispy potatoes, every element feels simple and flavourful.
And while meals and many of the activities are included as part of the stay, those seeking something bespoke can easily arrange it. Chauffeured trips around Bali, horseriding sessions along a nearby beach, snorkelling excursions by yacht, and even private celebrations or festival-style events are coordinated through the resort in partnership with local operators.
I, however, spend most of my time sprawled across a beach chair, enjoying the raw Balinese elements. With a book in hand (the media room boasts an enticing range of books) and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the private beach, it’s hard not to feel connected to the land. I may have run out of questions, but The Seed, it seems, has all the right answers.
This story first appeared in the February 2026 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
