19 May 2017

THE SLOW BALI

Hipster tourism in Bali is moving up from Seminyak to Canggu. Canggu is still more relaxing – you will see surf dudes on motorbikes with their surfboards attached to it on their way to the beach via the paddle fields. There, only a 10-minute walk to the beach, you’ll find The Slow, an initiative by husband and wife George Gorrow and Cisco Tschurtschenthaler. George is an Australian entrepreneur who is behind fashion label Ksubi and launched BASK, a luxury villa resort on Gili Meno, two years ago. More recently he decided to open a small hotel where guests will not only slow down, but also experience a slower pace of life. Of course there’s internet, but there aren’t any televisions in the rooms. There is a variety of art (books) in your room. All part of the personal collection of the owners who love to share it with their guests.

Suites
The interior is kept simple and is an example of bohemian surf chic. Look at the beautiful blanket on the bed, the surf pictures on the walls and the bamboo chairs. The windows reach from floor to ceiling and have a beautifully designed screen with a view to the beach, or if you’re on the other side of the hotel, to the volcano. The bathroom is huge and has the most amazing light (which means: you will look tanned and beautiful every time you look in the mirror). What I also love is the graphic design throughout the hotel. Just a simple black palm tree as what looks like it’s been taped on it with masking tape. There are two different kind of suites. The Pool Suites on the Ground Floor have a private pool. And The Grand Suites on the first floor where I stayed at.

Eat and Drink
If you’re not staying at the hotel you can also visit their restaurant. A super cool designed space with tons of hanging plants, wooden screens that open completely if the weather allows it and a menu inspired by the travels of chef Shannon Moran but with an island touch. The idea is to share the dishes like tiger prawns, spicy chicken or a crab sandwich. There’s also a special drink menu designed by London bartender Maya Jaworska. It looks like a pharmaceutical list of choices (Go for E-01 if you love apple, bitter gourd, cucumber, lime and mint. Or try the I-01 if you like ginger, lemon) and they come in cool bottles. Then there’s also a small rooftop with a stunning view.

Check out: www.theslow.id

My trip is sponsored by Cathay Pacific.

Cathay Pacific flies on a daily base via Hong Kong to almost 200 destinations in Asia and Australia from 595 euros (from Amsterdam to Hong Kong) and from 1030 euros (from Amsterdam to Melbourne). Check out their latest tool called Cathay Fly & Stay so you can book your flight(s) and hotel(s) together.