Belajar Bali Boutique Hotel & Retreat

Belajar means 'learn' in Bahasa, and the name carries the idea behind the place: that travel is about experiencing new ways of life. The hotel sits just off Batu Balong in the heart of Canggu, within five minutes of the beach, with cafes and restaurants nearby, a gym across the road and a supermarket next door.

It was dreamt up and designed in partnership by Marie, Jake, Raquel and Miguel, who are also the founders of Club Life Design, an online academy that teaches the knowledge and skills for an alternative lifestyle, with the freedom to travel and work overseas. The hotel is described as a physical extension of that mission: a space where guests are inspired to dream about what is possible and meet others who feel the same way.

The complex covers 900 square metres and holds eight private suites of around 36 square metres each, every one with its own bathroom and office space. Guests share the pool, dining area, kitchen and library. The architecture is intricate, with many steps, bridges and high platforms, which is why the hotel is built for adults and couples, and children are welcome from age 12. The two-storey communal dining area is open, with a sunken seating area, an upstairs library, a floating net lounge and a second-storey plunge pool.

Belajar is also set up to host retreats. It sleeps 16 people and has a kitchen, communal dining and a staff room, which the hotel describes as everything needed for a Bali retreat. Staff are on site around the clock for transport, food orders and requests, and a butler is on call. The stay minimum is two nights, and airport pickup from Denpasar can be arranged.