Rote Island, on the Southern most tip of Indonesia, is a remote outer island with a charm all of its own. It’s a timeless place. The roads are basic, with hardly any cars and very few traffic lights. The beaches seem endless, and have very few people on them. In other words, Rote is super low-key.
Seed Resort is located right on the beach, and each of its nine bungalows is unique. Some are made of antique teak wood in Java’s Joglo style, while others are local hut style with natural fibre roofing.
Dining at the tropical indoor-outdoor restaurant allows you to view the ocean from your table. The menu includes healthy choices like berry smoothies, seed burgers, falafel and hummus. There is also excellent coffee. Some beautiful word art is dotted around the place, spelling out words like love, home, peace and namaste. Seed Resort is about taking you on an inner journey as well as an outer journey.
There are plenty of activities, including yoga, kayaking, mountain biking, trips to the other islands, sailing, fishing and, of course, surfing. The famous surf break, T-land, is nearby.
On my first night at Seed, one of the guests bought back a huge barramundi from his sailing trip. The kitchen staff grilled the fish to the guest’s special recipe – with lime juice, spices and plenty of butter. It looked delicious, and I made my mind up right there and then to book a fishing trip the next day!
My little wooden bungalow was a delight. My word-art pillow had peace on it and there was a dream catcher hanging above my bed. I have never seen that before in a resort! Also, this was the first time I have stayed in a bungalow that provides water by the gallon in the room, so I could help myself to filtered water all day. The water dispenser was not the usual purely functional affair, but a sparkling crystal decanter. The resort is fitted with solar panels, and other eco-friendly touches which show that Seed really does care about island sustainability.
I took advantage of the daily yoga there, and also filled my days with touring the island by scooter and long solitary beach walks. I most enjoyed exploring the many secluded bays. A beautiful stay, at the very end of the Indonesian archipelago – Rote has stolen my heart.
Story by Stephanie Brookes
Stephanie Brookes is a travel writer and blogger with tales from Indonesia and beyond.
www.travelwriter.ws
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David Metcalf runs cultural photography tours in Indonesia and beyond. His photo gallery, Taksu Photo Gallery in Ubud, Bali is a showcase for beautiful photographic work from the many islands of Indonesia.
www.davidmetcalfphotography.com
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ACCOMMODATION:
Seed Resort, Rote Island, Indonesia – 9 private bungalows, resort infinity pool, yoga, healthy wholefood restaurant with international cuisine, beachfront property.
http://www.seedresort.com
HOW TO GET THERE
Transport to Rote has improved considerably in recent times –
Plane to Kupang, West-Timor, Indonesia: Garuda and other airlines fly from Jakarta and Bali. 2-hour flight.
Plane to Rote: Wings Air flies daily Kupang- Rote. 20-minute flight
Boat to Rote: There is a daily express boat from Kupang to Rote. You can book VIP tickets for more comfort and enjoy an air-conditioned cabin. Please note this option means you must overnight in Kupang, as the boat leaves in the morning before any connecting flights arrive. Sometimes, due to storms, the boat may be cancelled. Departure time Kupang – 08.00am with arrival time in Rote 10.00am.
Land Transfer: Seed Resort will meet you at the boat harbour in Rote for an additional charge.
