Max Loong is breaking the rules of the boutique hotel experience in Bali. He talks about the importance of going above and beyond for his guests, and why Uluwatu is becoming the pinnacle of laidback luxury on the island of the gods
Sitting at the southern tip of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu gained fame in the 1970s when surf film icon Alby Falzon directed Morning of the Earth, which introduced the world to the region’s virtually undiscovered waves. In 1974, legendary Hawaiian surfer Gerry Lopez visited the island and became one of the first to ride the fabled Balinese surf break.
To this day, surfers from around the world make the pilgrimage to Uluwatu where, after a day of chasing the waves that roar and curl along the coast, they retreat, salty and sun-drenched, to its lush green hills. Maintaining the spirit of a serene surf town, over time it has become a luxury destination for those who want to enjoy Bali’s balmy embrace, away from the madness of popular tourist areas like Seminyak and Kuta.
“There’s something about Uluwatu that feels raw and authentic,” says Max Loong. The Swiss-Chinese actor and TV presenter—he is currently the host of The Voice of Switzerland—opened Hidden Hills Villas, a collection of individually designed villas in Uluwatu, in 2015 when he and his late mother set out on a mission to build a house for her to retire in.
“I’m not even particularly spiritual but there is a really special energy here. The beaches, the cliffs, the community are what drew us to Uluwatu in the beginning. Before we knew it, Hidden Hills became a bigger passion project,” Loong explains.
After purchasing the original plot of land, they began acquiring neighbouring plots and building intimate, intricately designed villas—a nod to his mother’s background in art and design. She spent years as an art consultant for Christie’s in Zurich, and guests staying in the five-bedroom Raja Villa at Hidden Hills will find themselves among artworks from the family’s private collection, including an original piece by Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti.
“Raja is a very special villa; we built it as our family’s dream home,” says Loong, who goes on to list its luxurious specs: two living rooms, a huge kitchen, an infinity pool with sunset views, spacious cabanas and even a home cinema.
“We built Hidden Hills Villas before there was Airbnb, which disrupted the hospitality industry and unearthed a new breed of travellers,” says Loong. “Without realising, we kind of hit the nail on the head for travellers who appreciate staying somewhere that feels like a home.”
The property features 14 villas, including eight new villas built during the pandemic. “Our interior designer was my mother’s best friend on the island,” says Loong. “She really knew her better than anyone, and has helped us stay true to her vision.”
See Also: A Guide to Bali's Best Beach Clubs