When you think of quintessential Bali accommodation, a cosmic paradise with life-sized monopoly pieces and pop-art futurism probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. But that’s exactly what you find behind the doors of Luna2, an out-of-this-world studiotel (studio + hotel = studiotel) in Bali.
Named after the first spacecraft to land on the moon in the late fifties, British founder and designer Melanie Hall centered the hotel on nostalgia, futurism and fun — which is spotted everywhere from the lobby to the pool.
Here are six reasons why it should top your list, stat.
1. Location, location, location
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While direct beach access is usually reserved for big (read: expensive) resorts, Luna2 is situated front, right and center. Within walking distance of the best bars and restaurants (Potato Head Beach Club is 15 minutes along the beach), you are smack bang in the middle of the action, although hidden from the riffraff on a quiet lane. Don’t feel like going out on foot? The humidity and traffic is made bearable with the “Lunamobile” — a chauffeur service to get you from A to B, which is especially hand for airport pickups.
2. Pop-art interiors
Hall has used a color palette of primary yellow, red, blue and green, inspired by classics such as Lego, Monopoly, Rubik’s cubes as well as renowned Mondrian artwork. While the lobby and pool areas are focal points to focus your camera lens, the super-spacious studio rooms have open-plan lounging areas, bright bathrooms and single-color themes all worthy of a double tap. As well as an iPod dock and Italian Brionvega TV, there’s a full-sized Smeg fridge, Nespresso machine and ingenious mini bar with treats like playing cards to buy.
3. Downright delicious dining
Overlooking the pool through a late-fifties/early-sixties- style “bubble” window is Orbit restaurant, a dining setting to rival any capital-city experience. Australian head chef Alanna Agnew re-imagines classic European dishes and then peps them up with a touch of fun (think foie gras parfait shaped in a Superman shield) but also included the classics (like sourdough topped with smashed avocado and smoked salmon) on the menu.
4. Stuff to do that isn’t sunbathing
For pre- or post-dinner drinks with out-of-this-world panoramic ocean views, Space rooftop bar is the place to see and be seen. Catch the kaleidoscope sunset over Seminyak beach with cocktail in hand (we strongly recommend Houston We Have a Problem) or descend the spiral staircase to the underground Pop! lounge bar (open for in-house guests and private parties only), which has a pole for dancing and a peephole window onto the pool. Can’t handle the heat? Bunker down in the private 16-seat cinema, Lunaplex, with one of the three movie screenings held daily.
5. Out-of-this-world service
From in-room unpacking and repacking of your bags to imaginative amenities, Luna2 has it all covered to earn a loyal following of “Lunatics.” While there isn’t a spa onsite, staff happily draft in services, from yoga instructors to manicurists, ensuring every need is ticked off. To make up for the lack of gym, guests receive complimentary membership to Finn’s Recreation Club, which runs a bunch of classes so you can sweat it out if you so choose.
6. Value for money
Standard studios start at around $250 a night. Breakfast isn’t included, but Luna2 does good value packages upon inquiry. Wi-Fi comes free because, well, Instagram.