The latest beachside retreat from swish luxury hotel and resort brand COMO sports 119 elegant rooms and suites that are spread across a hectare of landscaped gardens and lagoons
1. A striking aesthetic by three of the world's top design and architecture stars
The result of a collaboration between Singapore-based interior designer Koichiro Ikebuchi, Italian design doyenne Paola Navone and her compatriot, architect Giacomo Passera, COMO Uma Canggu is a beachy yet contemporary blend of eye-catching Asian details and Italian minimalist features. Rooms and suites are bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious terraces, and pale blonde timber, but these are juxtaposed with Balinese touches such as vertical gardens, local artwork, batik textiles and copper-hued tiles that are inspired by the island’s volcanic rocks.
2. A genuine effort to minimise impact on the environment
It’s clear that the resort goes to great lengths to be as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. There isn’t any plastic to be found here; rather, you’ll use bamboo straws, glass bottles, paper-wrapped toiletries and even biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes.
3. Proximity to some of Bali’s best breaks and an on-site surf shack with expert instructors
The resort has teamed up with Australia’s Tropicsurf with an on-site surf school offering year-round, customised classes for beginners (you’ll have your first class in the pool, but move on to one of Canggu’s surfing hotspots by class number two) right through to pros, who will be able to ride deep sea waves that are only accessible by boat.
4. Colourful Balinese gypsy dresses and other local wares at the stand-out, expertly curated boutique
Curated by Brit Lorraine Oakes, the billowy and bohemian yet luxurious dresses by Feather and Find are a highlight of the resort’s boutique. The new Balinese brand is garnering fashionable fans around the globe with its striking prints and excellent cuts.
5. An award-winning wellness concept and spa
Expect top-class Asian-based massage and facial therapies, nutrition advice, anti-ageing and stress management techniques (try the pranayama breathing exercises) as well as scented oils and other products from COMO’s Ubud estate at the eight-room Shambhala Retreat.
6. A tropical lagoon of a swimming pool that’s among Bali’s biggest
The resort’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites hug the pièce de résistance of the resort’s landscape: a curvaceous, 115m saltwater pool that’s perfect for lolling in or churning out a few laps.
Singapore Airlines flies to Bali four times daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
This article was originally published in the May 2018 issue of SilverKris magazine
