FEATURES • DESTINATIONS
Rooted in Heritage:
Hideout Bali’s Tribute to
Nature & Community
Rooted in Heritage:
Hideout Bali’s Tribute to
Nature & Community
In the remote mountains of Bali, Hideout Bali is proof of how nature and thoughtful design
can come together like instruments in an orchestra. In this untouched landscape, Hideout is
a collection of Airbnb houses that feature bespoke design decisions, all built entirely of bamboo,
honoring the earth in every detail. Each structure is crafted with care, showing a deep respect
for the environment and the local community that sustains it. Bamboo, chosen not only for its
beauty but for its ability to cut down CO2 emissions and provide jobs for local artisans,
is the lifeblood of this project.
In 2015, Alena and Jarmil Lhoták from the Czech Republic laid the foundation for what
would become Hideout. They were later joined by Brandon Van Slyke from Australia, and together,
they embarked on a journey that evolved beyond business. From the start, their collaboration was
fueled by a desire to create something meaningful–a space where nature, community, and design
resided in unity. Every decision they made was guided by this purpose: to honor the land, its people,
and the artisanal quality of Bali. With the expertise of local workers, led by the skilled Nyoman Bamboo,
this vision turned into reality, creating not just a place, but a tribute to sustainable living.
In the remote mountains of Bali, where the ancient spirit of Gunung Agung volcano presides, Hideout Bali is proof of how nature and thoughtful design can come together like instruments in an orchestra. In this untouched landscape, Hideout is a collection of Airbnb houses that feature bespoke design decisions, all built entirely of bamboo, honoring the earth in every detail. Each structure is crafted with care, showing a deep respect for the environment and the local community that sustains it. Bamboo, chosen not only for its beauty but for its ability to cut down CO2 emissions and provide jobs for local artisans, is the lifeblood of this project.
In 2015, Alena and Jarmil Lhoták from the Czech Republic laid the foundation for what would become Hideout. They were later joined by Brandon Van Slyke from Australia, and together, they embarked on a journey that evolved beyond business. From the start, their collaboration was fueled by a desire to create something meaningful–a space where nature, community, and design resided in unity. Every decision they made was guided by this purpose: to honor the land, its people, and the artisanal quality of Bali. With the expertise of local workers, led by the skilled Nyoman Bamboo, this vision turned into reality, creating not just a place, but a tribute to sustainable living.
December 2024 • Words & Photography by The Punch
FINDING HOME: JOURNEY TO EAST BALI
Each member of the hideout family found solace in the serene surroundings of East Bali. Captivated by the region’s surreal chain of undulating mountains and rice fields filled with frogs croaking their deafening love songs, where the ancient earth is barely concealed. The area’s soil, enriched by the nearby volcano, allows for the growth of almost anything–a fact that even intrigued David Bowie, who reportedly had his ashes scattered there.
Jarmil and Alena were initially inspired by the few bamboo structures scattered around Bali. They had seen bamboo furniture and the occasional cow shed in the rice fields, but they couldn’t grasp why such a versatile, sustainable material wasn’t used more for housing. Driven by curiosity and a passion for eco-friendly living, they studied bamboo and eventually took a leap of faith, creating their first house–Hideout Bali, now known as Hideout OG.
Meanwhile, in East Bali, Brandon's journey was unfolding in vivid moments of clarity. Watching his son, carefree, leaping into the river alongside local children made him cherish the simplicity of life. The golden afternoon light of Bali created moments of pure joy, instilling in Brandon a profound sense of belonging. It was in this magical setting that Brandon began to envision a new future. It wasn’t long before Brandon crossed paths with Jarmil and Alena. They became close friends and, later, co-founders. Together, they were inspired by the contrast between Bali’s natural landscapes and the urban sprawl of Kuta and Legian, dominated by traffic and concrete. Determined to create something that celebrated Bali’s essence, they shared a vision to redefine sustainable living in harmony with nature.
EXPERIENCE OVER AESTHETIC
Hideout is a project that honors Bali’s traditional values–Tri Hita Karana. Immersing themselves in the land’s natural rhythms, they designed structures that align with the environment, transforming their vision into a profound expression of unity with nature. At Hideout, the design philosophy is what sets it apart, showing a modern minimalist aesthetic that uses bamboo and glass–which was an innovative choice at the time. As one of the first distinctive bamboo Airbnbs, Hideout quickly garnered attention. Yet, instead of replicating designs, it channels creativity into crafting unique, carefully considered homes.
Hideout lies in the experience it offers rather than the aesthetics. Viewing staff as family, they cultivate a communal atmosphere akin to a village. Committed to environmental conservation, the boutique retreat balances eco-sustainability–through rain capture systems and permaculture gardens–with cultural and aesthetic mindfulness. It integrates structures into the landscape, preserving the area’s natural beauty and neighborly views. Guided by a principle of replenishment–planting 10 trees for every cut one–Hideout merges innovation with environmental respect.
CRAFTING WITH BAMBOO: A LIVING LEGACY AT HIDEOUT
Bamboo is a remarkably adaptable material, seamlessly constructing everything from rooftops to furniture, and even making items like bedsheets and curtains. This versatility makes it an ideal choice within a restrained palette at Hideout. In this region, bamboo flourishes, drawing strength from the sun-drenched valleys and rains, while aligning with the values of the projects.
Embracing bamboo not only helps the local ecosystem but also fuels the community’s prosperity. Much of Hideout’s success is attributed to the skilled Balinese artisans, guided by Nyoman Bamboo, whose mastery, honed over generations, renders bamboo both expressive and practical. Bamboo structures are living art–requiring attentive care to thrive. Neglected, they swiftly decay; yet, with diligent maintenance, they endure for years. These bamboo abodes are living masterpieces–perpetually in flux and always needing a personal touch to sustain their longevity.
PRESERVING HERITAGE, EMBRACING PROGRESS
Hideout's journey is one of constant evolution. The team acknowledges the need for ongoing improvement, aware of greenwashing–where terms such as “eco-friendly” often lack genuine action. Here, bamboo is more than a building material; it is a commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and supporting local employment, thanks to its proximity to the building sites.
The retreat blends with the local culture and environment to preserve the region’s heritage, working with local farmers, and honoring traditional practices like rice farming. It also minimizes plastic use and explores renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, and wind power. Plans include planting a large organic field and partnering with local farmers to promote farm-to-table practices. The team actively consults with sustainability experts and works with local government to safeguard the area’s natural heritage. The challenge is significant, but the vision remains clear: to make sure future generations cherish the beauty of this special place.
HIDEOUT'S ENCHANTED STAY
At Hideout, guests connect with nature. The accommodations are designed to embrace the natural multi-hued wonders. Whether lounging in bed, soaking in the bath, or relaxing in the jacuzzi, nature integrates into every moment. The open spaces and airy bathrooms invite the outdoors into the core of the experience. While adventurous pursuits like hiking, trekking, and spiritual explorations await, the true magic of Hideout unfolds in the beauty that is all around. For those yearning for a deeper communion with nature, the surrounding mountain village promises a sanctuary of community and wellness.
ADAPTING & INNOVATING
The pursuit of mindful innovation is a continuous process, filled with challenges. The team balances managing costs, driving profits, and investing in forward-thinking practices. Collaborating with a community of like-minded individuals and gaining insights from guest experiences have been vital in overcoming such obstacles.
When Hideout first launched in East Bali, the largely untouched landscape presented both opportunities and difficulties. Environmental impacts arose, and competitors quickly began to imitate their designs, adding pressure to address local land rights and access issues. Implementing new sustainability initiatives demands significant resources and effort, yet the team approaches this journey with determination and adaptability.
FUTURE VISIONS FOR UPCOMING PROJECTS
The retreat’s expansion, driven by the surge of interest, is both a challenge and a joy. It’s deeply gratifying to see guests respond warmly to the care that can be seen in every aspect of the experience. Currently, Hideout is venturing into new territories with the River Village and the Mountain Village projects, pushing boundaries in design and creativity. Although neither Jarmil nor Brandon holds formal training in architecture or interior design, their creativity comes to life, whether in crafting spaces, composing music, or sharing stories.
Recent collaborations with architects like Pablo Luna and Widhi and Putri from Studio WNA in Denpasar are inspiring fresh, innovative ideas in their work. The new houses promise to be distinctive and refined, reflecting the timeless beauty of bamboo. The focus remains on creating designs that show a sense of adventure and authenticity, steering clear of fleeting social media trends.
BALANCING GROWTH & PRESERVATION Balancing Growth and Preservation
The universe is in constant motion, and this is evident in Bali, where esoteric growth unfolds with economic, cultural, and political dynamics. The long-term vision for sustainability demands stricter regulations and collective action, as expats and local Indonesians work together. For Brandon, it’s essential to recognize the need to respect the island’s finite resources.
Understanding and honoring Bali’s unique culture and environment becomes a big element of Hideout’s development journey. Rather than focusing solely on profit, a mindful balance must be maintained–one that preserves green spaces and promotes sustainable practices. Though this vision may seem idealistic, it is crucial for safeguarding Bali’s heritage and ensuring future generations can experience the island's raw beauty.
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