Imagining a life without my smartphone seemed impossible, yet I found myself committing to a four-day digital detox at an exclusive retreat in Bali. SEED, a private paradise on the island's serene and less-travelled east coast near Candidasa, actively encourages guests to switch off from the relentlessly busy outside world. Upon arrival, far from the bustling hubs of Uluwatu, Ubud, and Canggu, I sent a final message to family and friends declaring I was going off-grid.
A Private Playground for Disconnected Adults
The initial pangs of withdrawal were real, but as the days unfolded, a deep sense of calm took over. I became more present and relaxed than I had been in years, with my primary concern shifting to the timing of my next exquisite meal. This state of mind is almost inevitable at SEED, a resort comprising eight uniquely designed villas spread across 6,500 square metres. With the entire 21-person capacity to myself and a friend, we were immersed in pure luxury from the moment our private transfer arrived.
We were greeted by six warm Balinese staff with refreshing towels and drinks. Given the freedom to choose any villa, I selected Villa Eywa, an Aquarius-inspired sanctuary surrounded by water. The villa boasted two bedrooms with outdoor, jungle-style en-suite bathrooms nestled among tall palms, an outdoor living area, and even a waterfall. The crowning glory was a three-level pool accessible directly from the sofa, allowing you to swim beneath the living space. It felt like a childhood fantasy realised, embodying what founder Logan Bailey aptly calls a "playground for adults".
Hidden Wonders and Tailored Experiences
The resort continually surprised us with hidden features. Discoveries included a 22-metre swimming pool with a 5-metre diving board and a wellness spa situated underneath it, complete with viewing windows, an infrared sauna, and a cold plunge pool. Other unique amenities spanned an Alice in Wonderland-themed games room and bar, an eco jungle gym, a vegetable garden for foraging, and a state-of-the-art recording studio—previously used by A-list DJ Fred Again—that doubles as a soundproof underground nightclub.
SEED personalises each stay based on guest preferences. Our itinerary included full-body massages overlooking a picturesque pond house, snorkelling in the crystal-blue Indian Ocean off the Nusa Islands, and an Indonesian cooking class with private chefs. For adventure, we embarked on a four-hour guided jungle hike with our guide, Made, who showed us UNESCO World Heritage rice fields, local flora, and wildlife, followed by a visit to Bali's oldest traditional village, Tenganan.
Sustainable Serenity and a Reluctant Departure
Wellness was further enhanced by yoga in a beachfront shala, a breathwork masterclass, and a profoundly rejuvenating sound healing session with an opera singer. A core philosophy at SEED is sustainability; everything from the inclusive, locally sourced food to the custom-designed architecture and furniture is Indonesian. The resort even collects rainwater, purifying it through a reverse osmosis system.
The exceptionally intuitive staff provided seamless service, attentively refreshing cocktails without intrusion. Our final night featured an Indonesian banquet at a table adorned with local flowers, the menu elegantly written on leaves, followed by a film under the stars at the giant outdoor cinema. When our time in this heavenly retreat concluded, departing was the hardest part of the journey.
TRAVEL FACTS: SEED in Bali costs $35,000 (£26,673) for a week, or $5,000 per night, booked exclusively as a whole resort with all food included. The nearest airport is Gusti Ngurah Rai International, approximately a 40-minute drive away.
