Bali is one of Indonesia’s best known islands and it is a glorious assault on the senses. Thanks to its sub tropical location (just 8 degrees below the equator) Bali basks in a warm, humid climate all your around and the seasons are defined not so much by swings in temperature but by the amount of rainfall.
It‘s fair to say that pockets of the island have fallen prey to the “party crowd” and yes, between the hordes of travellers trying to find themselves (thank you, Eat Pray Love) or find the perfect Instagram moment, there is a sad narrative around the dangers of unchecked over-tourism. Yet tradition and creativity are woven into the air of this bewitching place, and those willing to look for it will undoubtedly be rewarded with something that is not just authentic, but also inspiring and heartwarming in equal measure.
With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of some of our favourite Bali design secrets to help you discover the heart & soul of this beautiful island.
Photo Credit: Hoshinoya Resort, Bali
Hoshinoya, Ubud
The first Hoshino Resort hotel outside its native Japan, this off-the-beaten-track resort maintains the brands authentically modern Japanese aesthetic whilst incorporating the charms and culture of this most spiritual of locations.
Perched at the top of a sprawling valley above the Pakerisan river, the entire design ethos here is quite literally unified by water. Three canal-like pools connect the various villas offering a mix of semi-private water-gardens and open, leafy avenues. The villas themselves showcase Hoshinoya’s brand of luxuriant Japanese minimalism and artfully feature complex wood carvings and decoration, crafted by local artisans and so typical of Indonesian culture - it provides an aesthetic link to the nature and jungle that surrounds you and pays respect to the Balinese philosophy of balancing the human with both the natural and the supernatural.
Aside from a full-service spa, spectacular fusion restaurant, sunrise yoga sessions above the jungle canopy and a roster of cultural activities besides, the resort is also full of hidden nooks and quiet corners where you can just take some time for yourself and hide from the world. Our favourite was definitely one of the treetop gazeebos, where by special request you can even have breakfast delivered. No better way to start to the day.
Photo Credit: Katamama Hotel
Katamama, Seminyak
The queues for daybeds at Seminyak’s infamous Potato Head beach club are lengthy (and hot!) but we sail on through and take our place, poolside. That’s because we’re staying at Katamama, the Potato Head families first hotel venture, and despite what you may think about it having such a world-renowned sibling, this hotel more than stands on it's own two feet when it comes to design.
Combining centuries-old Indonesian traditions with a contemporary imagination, Katamama is a heady mix of custom Mid-Century Modern furniture, locally-sourced amenities, and artworks crafted by nearby artisans. Fabrics are hand-dyed and stamped by a husband & wife team in Pejeng, a village on the outskirts of Ubud or else hand-woven in delicate pastel hues by the women of Desa Blahbatuh. The hotels iconic red-brick facade is made up of over 1.5 million hand-pressed bricks, a method of manufacture and an art form under threat from the rise of automation.
Green Village
Situated on the Ayung River, Green Village is not just an architectural gem but has been built based on the principles of sustainability and organic permaculture. Each of the distinctive bamboo villas that make up this peaceful compound has been designed by the IBUKU architectural team and built by hand. The thoughtful and unique designs draw on a variety of sources for inspiration, from the verdant jungle to more traditional architectural features from the surrounding regions.
Photo Credit: La Brisa
The sunsets in Canggu are spectacular, and La Brisa on Echo Beach is one of the best spots we found to enjoy them. Modelled on the rustic home of a Balinese fisherman, it is replete with seashells, antique buoys, straw baskets, fishing nets and oh-so-many comfy beanbag chairs. It could so easily be gimmicky but instead it feels fun and a little nostalgic. The kind of place that invites you to sit back, put your feet up on a palm tree and enjoy a sundowner… or two.