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Where to stay in Canggu, Bali: Como Uma Canggu, the group’s latest hotel on Echo Beach, is ready for guests

By Crystal Lee 18 July, 2018
Como Uma Canggu, Bali

Singapore-based Como Hotels and Resorts group’s new property in Canggu brings new bags of attitude to what is already one of the island’s buzziest neighbourhood

Como Uma Canggu is Como’s love letter to Bali. The oceanfront resort, opened in February this year, is the group’s third property on the island — but it’s quite the departure from the brand’s other inland retreats.

Unlike Como Shambhala Estate and Como Uma Ubud, which are purposefully built away from the hubbub of the island to inspire zen, its Canggu outpost is right in the middle of it all. Sitting pretty on along the coast of Echo Beach, the new Como aims to commingle with the local landscape, while elevating the neighbourhood’s already-huge wellness scene overrun by surfers and yogis.

This is particularly evident in Como Beach Club, what is considered to be the heart of the resort. It’s an amalgamation of Canggu’s best within one gorgeous, lively space: clean, delicious eats (more on that later), a chilled-out, deep house-focused playlist, a back-to-the-elements, earthy design scheme made more buoyant with pops of bright colours (tabletops in the main dining hall are vibrant works of arts), and a killer view of Echo Beach’s famous surf breaks. Now, if you want to carve those breaks but need expert guidance, the beach club also houses a surf school, helmed by top-notch wave-masters Tropicsurf.

Back to the food. Termed ‘New World cuisine’, Como Beach Club relies on locally-sourced ingredients for maximum freshness. The kitchen is equipped with a charcoal grill for meats, seafood and vegetables. You’ll also find wholesome, healthy and energising plates courtesy of Como Shambhala Cuisine on the menu.

While the beach club is mostly reserved for guests, Glow, the resort’s grab-and-go café with a frontage along the street, extends its healthy offerings of cold-pressed juices, smoothie, snacks and salads to the local community.

Sophisticated Chic

Despite a shift towards a more open, modern and dynamic concept, the 119-room resort, which occupies nearly a hectare of ground, maintains the zen vibe that Como properties are known for. The decor, courtesy of Asian and Italian designers Koichiro Ikebuchi and Paola Navone, is elegantly restrained with its calming palette of neutral tones, pared-down lines and glossy marble surfaces.

If Como Beach Club is the heart of Como Uma Canggu, then the star — or rather, stars — of the property have to be the 12 spectacular penthouse suites. Each one comes with a private outdoor pool at the roof, which features an extraordinary arch that opens up to breathtaking views of the sky and the horizon. Not travelling in a group? Take your pick of the other 107 beautiful rooms, suites, one- and two-bedroom residences.

Wellness First

A stay at any Como property is not complete without a visit to the signature Como Shambhala Retreat. There are seven treatment rooms (five single and two double) and a range of Asian-inspired therapies, including the signature Como Shambhala massage, for top-to-toe glow.

Como Uma Canggu goes one step further. To help guests continue with their daily sporting or exercise routines, there’s a full-fledged, light-filled gym outfitted with all popular exercise machines, a Pilates studio, a yoga-slash-meditation room, as well as a ‘Jungle Sports’ centre for TRX-style exercises that uses suspension equipment. Of course, a wide variety of classes are available daily.

No One Gets Bored

Travelling with the whole crew? Check the kids into Play by Como, a delightful space right next to Como Beach Club that offers daily enriching activities. Little ones get to explore Bali’s diverse cultural heritage through well-thought-out programmes, which aims to capture young minds through nature, history, local culture and science.

If you’re keen to step out to see more of Bali, your trusty concierge can also arrange for cultural and adventure activities for you across southern and central Bali, including guided temple visits by the sea, jungle trekking, canoeing expeditions and traditional village walks.

So, how do you choose between all of Como’s beautiful properties? If you want to get away from it all and do all the good things your body will thank you for, choose Como Shambhala Retreat. To immerse yourself in the culture, Como Uma Ubud won’t disappoint. Those preferring a more dynamic accommodation in what is considered as Bali’s hippest neighbourhood, then Como Uma Canggu’s definitely your best bet.

Como Uma Canggu
Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan
Echo Beach
Canggu
Kabupaten Badung
Bali 80361
Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 3022228