Once a sleepy fishing village surrounded by verdant green rice paddies, Canggu on the south coast of Bali is fast becoming the “it” place for tourists and expats alike.
The rice paddies are still there, but now they’re surrounded by hundreds of villas, while dozens and dozens of trendy, organic cafes and restaurants have sprouted up like mushrooms after the rain.
It’s busy, but there’s also an easy, relaxed beach vibe here and we are far enough away from the madding crowds of Kuta and the traffic woes of Seminyak.
Canggu draws a mix of people – from laid-back surfers – to chilled yogis, hipsters, families and backpackers.
When conditions are right, the surf pumps along this 10km stretch of coastline at places like Echo Beach, and Batu Bolong.
I’m in Canggu for five days and I’m staying at the stunning Fella Villas created by the founders of the Australian swimwear brand Fella.
Inspired by the owners’ travels and art, the villa is located down a quiet gang (laneway) and much to my delight there’s a rice field opposite.
With influences from Mexico and the exotic east, the Fella team has created a luxury, boutique indoor/outdoor, three bedroom villa which features natural timbers, polished concrete floors and lush, verdant tropical gardens.
There’s day beds and outdoor lounges, dozens of weathered, moss-covered pots, an art-filled living area, a Japanese-inspired pond with amazing lotus flowers and koi fish swimming under a large frangipani tree, an open plan kitchen and a sunken lounge which faces the green, slate-lined swimming pool.
The luxurious bedrooms feature a black and white colour scheme and the outdoor bathrooms are simply stunning.
With a large concrete wash basin, pots filled with exotic tropical plants, timber decking and views of banana trees, showering is a pure pleasure.
And when you can tear yourself away from this elegant villa, there’s plenty to do.
With loads of popular eateries including Betelnut, Canteen, Old Man’s, Green Ginger, Deus, La Finca, La Laguna, Milk and Madu and Crate Cafe, you’re never short of stumbling upon your next gastronomic delight.
And if shopping is your style, there’s a good selection of surf shops, upmarket clothing stores and homewares stores to keep you occupied for hours.
For beach lovers, there’s sun lounges and umbrellas to rent and if you’re keen to surf, you can rent a surfboard from one of the many hire stalls that line the beachfront.
IF YOU GO:
Fella Villa is located at Jalan Nelayan Canggu, Bali. Prices start from $275 per night (for 2 bedrooms). The third bedroom can be rented from $40 per night. The villa sleeps 6. The daily tariff includes a cooked breakfast and the services of a maid.
GREEN FIELDS: Despite the rapid development in Canggu, many villas, including Fella Villa, are surrounded by rice fields.
BATHROOM BLISS: The stunning outdoor bathroom at Fella Villa in Canggu.
COOL OFF: The pool and luxurious tropical surrounds at Fella Villa are the perfect place to escape Bali’s heat and humidity.
This review was written by Jann Burmester, contributor to @theasia.collective. Images supplied by Fella Villas.
