Hotel Tugu Bali

This arty boutique hotel is filled with Balinese artifacts and antiques -- the owner has the biggest antique collection in Indonesia -- so the property has an almost museum-like feel, full of fine Indonesian art and sculptures. Thatched-roof villas dot the lush grounds, which are rife with tropical greenery and verdant gardens. A maze of stone pathways meanders through the property, past palm trees, lush plants, lotus ponds, and stone statuettes and sculptures. Guests are greeted in an impressive, theatrical lobby with a steep thatched roof and a terra-cotta floor. Red tablecloth-clad tables surround a wooden stage at the center of the space, heralded over by a large stone statue of Garuda, Indonesia's phoenix-like national symbol. The various dining rooms are similarly atmospheric and teeming with antiques. Overall, this charming property suits travelers seeking a culturally rich boutique experience and those wishing to be near a beach.

The hotel is situated by the beach in the quaint coastal village of Canggu, which offers a more laid-back atmosphere than other nearby popular beach resort areas like Seminyak and Legian (each a half-hour drive away), and Kuta (a 40-minute drive). Canggu Beach is a two-minute walk away, while a 10-minute walk leads to Echo Beach, popular with surfers and home to a couple of casual bars and restaurants. There are several dining options nearby as well as a couple of other hotels. The Tanah Lot Temple and the Nirwana Bali Golf Club can be reached in in about 25 minutes. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away.

Individually decorated suites and villas feature traditional Balinese decor and -- much like the rest of the property -- plenty of Indonesian artifacts. Romantic four-poster beds are paired with antique wooden furnishings and jewel-toned accents in the form of cushions, drapes, and other details. Color palettes vary and while some rooms are full of rich hues, others are more subdued. Some rooms have lovely stained-glass details in the wood-framed windows and doors. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, minibars, and free bottled water. Fresh fruit and flowers are a luxurious touch. Some of the suites have private plunge pools and outdoor patios or terraces with seating. Bathrooms are covered in colorful tile and have deep sunken baths, some of which are partially outdoors. For those seeking more space, a two-bedroom suite is also available. 

The hotel offers several cultural dining experiences that range from royal feasts to ancient Balinese dining to traditional Javanese festive dining. For a la carte dining, Ji restaurant serves sushi and Japanese fare with other East-Asian influences, and there’s also a bar offering cocktails, sake, and wine. There are several dining rooms here, including an authentic reconstruction of a 1706 Kang XI Chinese temple and a chamber filled with antiques of Balinese royalty, plus guests can choose to dine wherever they desire on the property, be it in the garden or in a private dining pavilion. Breakfast is not included, but afternoon tea service is.

The on-site spa offers an array of treatments inspired by old Indonesian traditions; these range from the Royal Javanese Palatial Pampering, a five-hour treatment that includes a massage and luxurious milk bath, to a chakra opening massage, to a purifying full moon massage. The hotel has an outdoor pool surrounded by a couple of padded lounge chairs and umbrellas. A wall-- meant to prevent erosion-- was built between the property and beachfront after our visit, but the hotel plans to add a walkway to their lawn to create easier access to this lovely stretch of beach.

A variety of classes are available, including yoga, Balinese cooking, surfing, floral arrangement, herbal healing, and Balinese dance. Other amenities include free airport transfers, a business center, babysitting services, and bicycle, scooter, and surfboard rentals. There’s also a library with books and DVDs available to borrow. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.