The Lost Lindenberg: A Surf Retreat With Ethereal Architecture
Lindenberg, a Frankfurt-based hospitality company, commissioned Bali-based architect Alexis Dornier to design their first Indonesian venture, aptly named the Lost Lindenberg. Situated in the mountains of Pekutatan, Indonesia, the guest collective is surrounded by a dense jungle of palm trees and a black lava sand beach with its own surf spot. Together with Studio Jencquel as interior and landscape designer, the team was able to create a mystical retreat away from the bustling scene of Bali.
The 8400 square meter property boasts eight suites with varying views of the jungle, sea, and temples. Alexis Dornier designed the site by taking cues from the vernacular. The end result was a collection of towers next to palm trees that were connected by elevated walkways. The designers chose to embrace Bali’s materiality by utilizing sustainably harvested timber and Bali green stone with brass accents in constructing each cabin.
“We wanted to give the feeling of walking in a different world, of resting on a floating ship, elevated and safe, with the wild jungle at your doorstep.”
Studio Jencquel created the custom furniture, tableware, lighting, and accessories for the interiors. They used linen fabrics, lava stone, tropical hardwood, and burnt teak in their designs. Additionally, contemporary photography and artwork by local artists Prawobo and Annie Collinge, as well as antiques from Indonesia, were used as interior design components.
The surrounding landscape is accented by indigenous plants like heliconias, Bodhi trees, banana trees, banyans, and baobabs. Lost’s landscape designer, Max Jencquel, affirms that it was intended to be an expansion of the building’s footprint. The greenery winds along pathways that take visitors to quiet spots for reflection that include two lava stone temples, a moss-covered rock that has been transformed into a fountain, benches by a shrine, an enclosed garden, and a sacred spring. All of these components enhance the property’s ethereal atmosphere.
Tobias Rehberger, a Frankfurt-based artist, also created a funky neon sign installation meant to be the “ritual farewell to the hustle and bustle that visitors can literally leave behind when they discover the hidden entrance and step through the secret opening in the wall and into the tranquil paradise of LOST LINDENBERG,” serves as the gateway to the Lost Lindenberg.
The Medewi surf spot is directly in front of the property and is a favorite among surf enthusiasts globally. There are also roomy common areas, a plant-based restaurant, a swimming pool, and a soothing spa, giving visitors a unique retreat experience.
Photos by Robert Rieger & Neven Allgeier
