From pristine beaches and daunting temples to verdant jungles and roaring nightlife, Bali has it all when drawing up an ideal vacation destination. Travelers who wish to experience the pinnacle of Balinese culture should look no further than staying in Canggu, an oh-so-cool coastal surf town turned expat village that’s home to one of the only beachfront resorts in the neighborhood, COMO Uma Canggu.
Perched along a coveted surf break of Echo Beach, the stay boasts panoramic oceanfront views from its sheltered location away from Canggu’s vibrant environment. Styled by Japanese-born designer Koichiro Ikebuchi and Milan-based designer Paola Navone, the architecture mirrors that of a sophisticated boutique hotel in Miami with its all-white marble lobby, exuding an ambiance more upscale than the typical laid-back rice field and jungle-ensconced flair associated with Indonesian getaways.
Its 119 guestrooms and suites line the expansive aqua-tiled lagoon pool, allowing guests to overlook the palm-fringed lido and the shore in the near distance. From snug one-bedroom suites to spacious two-bedroom residences showcasing well-appointed living lounges and fully equipped kitchenettes, these chambers flaunt interiors that evoke a sense of brightness and airiness. Modern and coastal-inspired decor, including light bamboo wood furnishings, neutral-toned marble floors, and ocean blue-hued accent pillows, dress these fashionable spaces.
At the COMO Beach Club eatery, guests can kickstart their days with an expat-inspired breakfast. The menu features dishes like Eggs Your Way (with a strong recommendation for their creamy scrambled eggs), accompanied sides, such as chicken sausage and smoked salmon, or the option to try one of their homemade yogurts (the dairy-free coconut flavor is superb), topped with colorful, juicy fruit. The cocktail hour here exudes chic surf shack vibes, featuring a patio dotted with hanging swing chairs. Guests, swathed in voguish crochet cover-up ensembles, are found sipping on signature libations like the Jalapiña—crafted with reposado tequila, pineapple, mint, jalapeño shrub, and lemon—served in a glass with a spicy-sweet-salt-rimmed edge.
As the flagship of COMO Hotels, there is a distinct focus on wellness. The serene Shambhala Spa offers Asian-inspired treatments, including the Traditional Balinese Body Wrap: a muscle-relaxing experience complemented by an invigorating Taksu massage and finished with a refreshing glass of one of their daily freshly squeezed juices. Plus, the hotel boasts one of the largest fitness centers in the area, offering yoga classes and pilates lessons each morning—an essential detox after enjoying vibrant nightlife spots like La Calita and Motel Mexicola in Canggu.
In the love segment of your Eat, Pray, Love journey, opting to lounge in luxury at COMO Uma Canggu rather than in a secluded rice field enveloped stay is acceptable and indulgently fitting if you ask us.
Top Takeaways
Location: Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Address: Echo Beach, Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Rating: Five-Star
The vibe: A modern beachfront retreat that effortlessly combines the vibrant atmosphere of a lively beach club with the tranquility of a peaceful seaside spa escape.
Food + Drink: Indonesian-meets-Western cuisine highlights expat-influenced breakfast options and café lattes, innovative pizzas, and seafood-infused plates of pasta that suit the modern tourist. They also serve an exquisite, five-star steak dinner that’s the best beachside ribeye we’ve ever indulged in. We’d be remiss to forget to mention their outstanding brunch, which supplies delectable dishes such as a Caviar Tartlet and Ricotta Hotcakes (yum!).
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: We enjoyed the fact that the suites were complemented by a palm tree-fringed outdoor swimming pool, which not only offered a picturesque backdrop but also happens to be the longest outdoor lido in Bali.
Amenities: Beachfront; 2 Outdoor swimming pools; Spa & Wellness facilities; Fitness center; Room service
What’s nearby? Echo Beach; Batu Bolong Beach; Canggu Beach; Pemecutan Palace; Pantai Perenenan; Monument of Puputan Badung
Any personal neighborhood recs? Situated in the heart of Canggu, the resort’s exceptionally central location offers easy access to an ensemble of local restaurants, cocktail bars, and shops beyond the property. If we suggest just one, don’t miss La Barisa. This neighboring tropical beach club hosts the LYD Market, an authentic village trade show offering handmade Balinese goods, including jewelry, clothing, natural beauty products, and organic produce.
Rooms: 119
Pricing: Rates start at $216/night.
Closest Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
