Review / Bali’s up-and-coming luxury villa retreats, Lyvin Bingin and Melasti in Uluwatu

Right after we booked our trip to Uluwatu, Bali, a number of friends came out of the woodwork to share that they’d recently visited too. Although Bali is a well-known tourist destination in Hong Kong and beyond, we usually think of the well-trodden Canggu or Seminyak first. Uluwatu, however, has been swiftly on the rise in recent years, transforming from sleepy seaside locale to must-visit bucket-list destination, with all the hallmarks of a Bali hotspot: surfing amenities, beach clubs, yoga studios and spas. Despite its rapid development, though, Uluwatu’s relative serenity still sets it apart from the rest of the island – as do its spectacular cliffside views and cultural offerings, from the Kecak Fire Dance performed at Uluwatu Temple, to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, home to the 121-metre Garuda Wisnu Kencana, the tallest statue in the country. Naturally, there’s no shortage of luxury accommodation to book, from Alila and Six Senses to Anantara and a Bvlgari Resort. But we went for something a little more boutique and checked into a villa instead – namely, Lyvin Bingin in the north and Lyvin Melasti in the south. Both are run by husband-and-wife-owned Lyvin Properties, which encompasses three villa complexes throughout Bali – including Lyvin Berawa near Canggu. Lyvin Melasti is the newest, having opened in June 2025, with 20 ocean-view suites to be added this December. The end of the year will also see the opening of a new on-site spa and Middle Eastern restaurant. The properties have hosted Korean stars including Red Velvet’s Seulgi and actor Jung Kyung-ho, in addition to a number of Indonesian celebrities. Owners Alexander and Victoria Sokovykh have been living in Bali since 2013 and, according to a promotional video released in 2024, the company’s story began with “a dream of an ideal home” on the island. That combined with Victoria’s background as an architect – she leads the design of all the company’s properties – might give you an idea of what to expect from Lyvin. The villas and suites are true homes away from home, with plenty of attention paid to design details. As charming as the more typical approach to barefoot luxury on the island might be – breezy bohemian with thatched roofs and plenty of wood and woven materials – Lyvin has a more expansive vision, proving that a more contemporary, elevated look is hardly out of place at a coastal resort. Think a Japandi aesthetic, marble floors, minimalist curvilinear structures, clever plays on light and shadow – and eye-catching statement features, like an elegant free-standing spiral staircase or rock-formation feature wall. At the same time, the properties don’t feel divorced from their surroundings – rather, they coexist with nature, with Indonesian design touches woven throughout. Lyvin Melasti uses Alfa Beige “marble” floors from Sulawesi alongside Balinese artworks, while Lyvin Bingin sits within the oldest – and only – teak forest in the area. Of course, teak features within the property’s decor too. Melasti’s villas include two to four bedrooms, while Bingin’s each have three, making either ideal for families or groups of friends. (The former offers one-bedroom suites as well.) Indeed, if you wanted to spend your entire holiday hanging out at the villa, cooking in the fully kitted-out kitchen and lounging in the expensive living area or by the private pool – each villa has one – you very well could. Bingin’s villas also boast rooftop terraces that are perfect for barbecues. Both are family friendly, with kids’ amenities and nanny services available on request. Although united in concept and design, and both located in Uluwatu, the properties hold distinct appeal for different kinds of travellers. Melasti is quiet and tranquil, tucked away from the buzz of Uluwatu’s beach clubs and surf breaks, with infinity pool terraces offering sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. A stay here feels like escaping from the world entirely – though this does mean exploring requires a little more planning. Don’t expect restaurants, shops or beaches within walking distance, as even the closest require driving. And while there’s no in-room dining, it’s easy enough to order a meal via Grab directly to your door. Certain villas also feature an office space – ideal for digital nomads. Those who would rather be close to the action, however, should opt for Bingin – located in the happening area from which it takes its name, replete with restaurants, nightlife and wellness spots. Unlike Melasti, Bingin is integrated with the rest of the neighbourhood – although the surrounding greenery and high walls provide plenty of privacy. Popular beaches – from Eat Pray Love’s Padang Padang Beach to the picturesque Suluban Beach – are easier to reach, while you could walk to Bingin Beach or Dreamland Beach if you wanted to. Stroll to the Bali Training Centre for a workout or to The Cashew Tree for a leisurely brunch. While there are no restaurants on site (yet), Melasti provides daily breakfast for a fee, while Bingin offers a private chef to hire for all three meals – ideal if you’re craving elevated Western comfort food right in your villa – alongside a barbecue package. Both properties also offer buggy service – Melasti throughout the grounds, Bingin up to 1.5km away from the villas – and prompt and friendly service, whether in person or through WhatsApp. You could take a page out of our book and stay at both properties on the same trip, but either on its own would be a worthy base for exploring Uluwatu. The author stayed as a guest of Lyvin Bingin and Lyvin Melasti.

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Korean stars such as Seulgi from girl group Red Velvet and actor Jung Kyung-ho, plus a number of Indonesian celebrities, have stayed at the properties

Korean stars such as Seulgi from girl group Red Velvet and actor Jung Kyung-ho, plus a number of Indonesian celebrities, have stayed at the properties