Forget Seminyak, Canggu is the new Balinese hotspot thanks to The Slow, an immersive new boutique accommodation. Set on the coast in Batu Bolong, the just-opened holiday spot includes a hotel, all-day dining and drinks, an expansive art collection and retail space.

Founded by designer George Gorrow and model Cisco Tschurtschenthaler, the hotel is a celebration of island time with the couple’s own personal influences woven throughout. At a glimpse the spaces could be described as ‘tropical brutalism’ – but looking deeper there’s a wealth of influences from minimalism to traditional Indonesian craftsmanship to Geoffrey Bawa. In a word, it’s lush.

WORDS Melia Rayner | PHOTOGRAPHY  Tommaso Riva

Self-described as ‘a place to rest your bones, stir your senses and expand your mind’, the hotel was inspired by Gorrow and Tschurtschenthaler’s personalities amongst the tropical island environment. Natively-sourced, sustainable timber and stone form the foundation of the design, paired with locally made furniture and crafts and artwork from the couple’s own collection. The eclectic soundtrack comes from LA’s Reverberation Radio.

With two types of suites to choose from (one featuring a private plunge pool), the rooms embrace the jungle outside with floor-to-ceiling windows, palm tree greenery and views of the surrounding village. The communal spaces are where The Slow concept really shines though, from the gallery space Room 13 (including a barista bar so those accustomed to snobby Australian coffee won’t have to make concessions), a concept store called Room 14 and Eat & Drink, an all-day dining venue inspired by chef Shannon Moran’s travels to Europe, South America and Asia.

Whether it’s the beach at your doorstep, the jungle surrounds or simply just the fresh and relaxed design of the space, The Slow definitely has our attention for the next Indonesian getaway.

The eclectic interior aesthetic of the hotel balances warm and inviting minimal design with a curated art collection and locally-produced wares, cutting the balance between physical location and independent style.

Polished concrete and traditional brickwork help to keep the suites cool (so do the fans) but the key drawcard of the pool suites is definitely the private plunge pool surrounded by greenery. Failing that, the walk-in rain shower should do the trick.