The original article was published by Luxecityguides.com. Read HERE.
Writer: Erica Fong
LUXE Loves is our regular feature where we spotlight our all-time favourite places on the planet. From wowza hotel stays to the world’s most happenin’ restos, bars and shops worth raving home about … welcome to the crème of our curated cohort.
What:
Hotel Tugu Bali
Where:
Canggu, Bali
Why We Love It:
A dream come true for art, culture and history buffs, Hotel Tugu Bali is filled to the brim with fine Indonesian art and antiquities collected by its founder, Anhar Setjadibrata. His treasures aren’t just scattered across the property either – every part of the hotel’s design pays homage to Indonesian culture and tradition.
There’s even a small museum, Bale Pupana, that houses a collection of artefacts related to the 1906 Puputan War, and a completely restored and rebuilt ancient Kang Xi period temple from 1706. Brought to Bali by Chinese immigrants over 300 years ago, Hotel Tugu Bali’s owner saved it from being demolished and had it reconstructed as Bale Sutra, a restaurant serving authentic Peranakan Chinese, Japanese, as well Indonesian F&B.
Location
Boasting a stellar location literally steps away from Canggu’s Echo Beach, Hotel Tugu Bali is neighbours with beach bars, yoga studios and co-working spaces galore.
That wasn’t always the case though – the area used to be surrounded by greenery and considered quite remote before Canggu developed into the surfer and digital nomad haven it is today. Still, entering Hotel Tugu Bali feels like a secret oasis where you can find peace and solace away from the rowdier crowds.
Rooms and design
No two rooms are alike at Hotel Tugu Bali, but all are designed to reflect the tradition, folklore and legends of Indonesia with features like four-poster beds, sunken-in bath tubs, private plunge pools, antique daybeds and more.
Rejang Suites are perched on the second floor of wooden Javanese houses with antique timber interiors, whilst Dedari Suites have their own canopy beds, open-air bathrooms, private plunge pools outside along side comfy sofas and daybeds.
We recommend splurging on the Walter Spies villa, which is named after the Russian-born, German musician and painter who settled in Bali during its colonial days. This colourful, sprawling art deco villa feels like a palace within the hotel, replete with the largest four-poster bed we’ve ever seen and slept on, private plunge pool, tropical garden, outdoor dining area and a gorgeous stained glass shower with sunken bath.
For the ultimate in romance, book the Puri Le Mayeur Villa, which floats atop a lotus pond and celebrates the love story between famed Belgian artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayur de Merpres and his muse-turned-wife, Ni Polok.
Dining
You’ll be spoilt for choice at Hotel Tugu Bali, which offers Indonesian dining at IWA and a fusion Japanese menu at JI, which offers views of the ocean on the rooftop. Breakfast can be enjoyed whenever and wherever you like, along with daily complimentary afternoon tea – but the star dining experience is definitely Hotel Tugu Bali’s famed cultural dinners that take place weekly on Thursday evenings.
Be sure to book early to get a good spot as you enjoy dinner over electrifying musical performances and dance-dramas including Calon Arang, Hanoman & Rahwana, Baris Dance, and Jaran Teji Dance in the majestic Bale Agung.
Java junkies will also love the ground floor Kawisari Coffee Farm Shop and Eatery, which sells strong brews from the Kawisari Coffee Plantation – the oldest and largest fully certified organic coffee plantation in Java – alongside sweet treats and a selection of items made from coffee byproducts.
Activities
Although there is no gym onsite, there is a Guan Yin yoga shala with daily yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breathing classes. Those looking for some pampering can enjoy the Waroeng Djamoe Spa, which offers authentic Balinese and Javanese spa treatments once reserved for royals.
Other experiences onsite include jamu-making workshops (a local traditional elixir for health) – or the concierge can help you book a surf lesson, horseback riding or other activities on the island.
Verdict
There’s something magical about Hotel Tugu Bali and you can feel it the moment you step onto the property. It’s like being transported back in time to an era of Indonesian mystique, tradition, romance, and art – making it a must-stay for anyone looking for a cultural, cosy and completely unique place to stay.
Tip: Don’t miss their sister property, Hotel Tugu Lombok, which boasts a prime beachfront location on the northwest coast of the pristine island.
