I slowly open my sleepy eyes, and the first thing I see is a tilted mirror above me reflecting the soft rhythm of the ocean’s waves. I sit up in my gold-framed king-sized bed, mesmerised by the breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean unfolding through floor-to-ceiling windows. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve ever stayed anywhere with such a stunning vista. The answer is clear – Morabito isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a place to feel.
Perched dramatically on the cliffs of Bingin Beach in Uluwatu, Morabito Art Cliff was born in 2006, the vision of French architect, designer, jeweller, sculptor and all-round creative force, Pascal Morabito. Over the years, the property has evolved into a multi-storey architectural marvel, featuring a rooftop restaurant and eight distinct suites and lofts.
After staying in four very different rooms, I can confidently say that in all my travels across 40 countries, I’ve never encountered anything quite like Morabito. It is, without a doubt, the most unique accommodation I’ve experienced.
Location
Morabito Art Cliff from the sky (photo: Katelyn Rew)
If you’ve ever been to Bingin Beach in Uluwatu, chances are you’ve unknowingly passed by Morabito Art Cliff – probably too focused on catching your breath to notice. For those unfamiliar with the famous Bingin steps, getting to the beach requires navigating a few winding laneways, squeezing through a tight alley, and descending about 150 steps. It’s a bit of a workout.
What makes Morabito such a gem is its location halfway down the cliff. You’re close enough to hear the surf and soak in sweeping ocean views, but not so far that the climb back up is a killer. You’re also only five to ten minutes by bike from central Uluwatu. Just note that if you’re planning to catch a ride, you’ll need to make your way back up to the pickup point.
Personally, I loved the exercise and didn’t mind the steps at all. The location is unbeatable, especially for surfers or sunset lovers. I would’ve happily climbed the stairs a hundred times to catch those fiery Bingin sunsets.
Design
The Nice Suite (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
Built into the cliffside, Morabito blends raw nature with avant-garde design. In some suites (like the Nice Suite), exposed limestone walls give the feeling of sleeping in a luxurious cave. The entire property is designed to flow like a waterfall – from the forested cliff edge down to the shimmering sea – each suite inspired by one of Pascal’s favourite seaside destinations.
Every room is adorned with hand-picked art and objects collected by Pascal and his partner and muse, Marie-Eve, on their global adventures. The effect is deeply personal, like stepping into someone’s artistic sanctuary. It felt like having a private gallery all to ourselves, filled with treasures and curiosities.
Rooms
The Nice Suite living room (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
Over our stay, we experienced four different suites and lofts, each with its own personality – some absolutely magical, others a little quirky.
Our first room was the Cartagena Loft, a 160m² space with two beds, a hot tub, a massive balcony and sweeping views of the ocean. It was clean, bold, with lots of natural light and full of character. I loved everything about this loft.
The Cartagena Loft balcony & hot tub (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
The Cartagena Loft bedroom (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
Next was the Saint Tropez Suite, an 85m² one-bedroom space with a small ocean view, a spacious bathtub, living area and balcony. This was probably our least favourite. We had issues with water pressure (or lack thereof), and the layout made it tricky to avoid wet feet on the way to the toilet. That said, its proximity to the beach made post-surf climbs a bit easier.
The Saint Tropez Suite (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
The Nice Suite, where Pascal and Marie-Eve stay when in town, was hands-down the most quirky. At 380m², with two beds, a central pool and a sprawling 195m² living area, it was a mix of museum, cave, and designer dream. Ocean views filtered through soft, diffused light, and a beautiful balcony provided the perfect place to sit and ponder.
The Nice Suite (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
However, we did have a few challenges: smells from the upstairs kitchen drifted down in the evening, and one morning we had to quite literally hold the balcony doors shut as monkeys tried to barge in. Definitely a story to remember!
Last but far from least was the Monaco Suite – our absolute favourite. This suite felt like it belonged on the cover of an interior design magazine. At 100m², it featured a king bed facing the Indian Ocean, with a perfectly angled mirror above reflecting the waves as you woke each morning. The 180m² terrace and private infinity pool overlooking Bingin Beach were the cherry on top. Floating there at sunset was as close to paradise as I’ve ever been.
The Monaco Suite infinity pool (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
Food & Drink
The Sunset Bar & Restaurant (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
One evening, we dined with Pascal and Marie-Eve at the on-site Sunset Bar & Restaurant, where a roped-off VIP section awaited us – thankfully, as the place was fully booked! With unbeatable views over Bingin Beach, it’s the spot for a sunset dinner.
The Mediterranean menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For me, the standouts were the sautéed asparagus and broccoli and the beetroot hummus – light, vibrant, and bursting with flavour. Add in a sea breeze and the sound of waves below, and it was pretty much perfection.
The Nice Suite balcony private dinner views (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
Service
Morabito at sunset (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
From the moment we arrived, we were added to a WhatsApp group with our friendly personal butler Komang, which made communication easy for most of our stay. The staff were helpful, kind and incredibly accommodating – even carrying an extra mattress up the famous Bingin stairs, which we were very grateful for!
One morning, we were jolted by the extremely loud sound of drilling – directly above our suite. I’m talking industrial-level concrete drilling that made it impossible to relax. I messaged the butler straight away, and while they did eventually stop, it took around 20 minutes of chaos before peace was restored. Not ideal, but we appreciated that the team acted on it in the end.
Value
The Monaco Suite pool & terrace (photo: Supplied by Morabito)
The value really depends on the kind of traveller you are. If you’re after something five-star, flawless, and traditional, this probably isn’t it. But if you love creativity, character, and the unexpected, then Morabito is a dream. For us, the imperfections added charm, and the uniqueness made it special.
I still dream about those views and the serene feeling of waking to the sound of waves. Life’s far too short to play it safe – get quirky, dive into a private infinity pool, admire some art, and maybe fend off a monkey or two. It’s all part of the adventure.
Tip:
If you fall in love with Morabito and want to keep the magic going, you can also check out Morabito Art Villa in Canggu. Located right on the beach, it’s the livelier sister property where you’ll find DJs playing every weekend, with the party carrying on into the early hours – perfect if you’re looking to mix art with a good boogie.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Morabito Art Cliff
Contact: +6281239700053
Address: Jl. Pantai Bingin, Pecatu, Bingin, Bukit, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
The author stayed for three nights as a guest of Morabito Art Cliff
