When a property is described as “Bali’s first boutique museum hotel”, you know you’re in for a special kind of vacation experience.

That’s the unique concept behind Hotel Tugu Bali, a labor of love for its founder Anhar Setjadibrata. A doctor, lawyer and – most important for hotel guests – an art collector, Setjadibrata has adorned Tugu Bali with one of the largest private collections of Javanese, Chinese and Dutch colonial antiques; nearly 1,000 total pieces!

“I have never thought of collecting for profit,” he remarked. “I was only thinking of a way to save these treasures because they are a part of Indonesia’s history, history that I can touch and feel.”

While design and culture are central to the Tugu Bali experience, so is a dedication to Asian hospitality that helped it earn distinction as One of the 101 Best Hotels in the World by Tatler Travel Guide.

It all starts in darkened lobby of the Hotel Tugu Bali. With the sounds of traditional Balinese gongs floating in the air, you will be welcomed by the most unlikely of figures: a giant, two-story wooden statue of a beaked eagle, wings outstretched.

“Just sit back and relax, gazing up at a winged Hindu divinity, drinking tea. Would you like us to light some candles for you as well? No problem,“ said Era Erawati, Sales Manager. “Because that, really, is the point of this place: to let the Balinese spirit sink in.”

Meanwhile, your guest suite features a flawless co-existence of refined amenities, open space and water. It might be difficult choosing between either a Dedari Suite – featuring a semi-open-air bathroom, oversized bathtub and private plunge pool – or Rejang Suite, with private spa area and sunken bathtub, plus ocean view.

Speaking of spas, Hotel Tugu Bali will expose you to the intricate and healing methods of traditional Balinese and Javanese treatments. Exotic practices like Keraton Leha-Leha and Dandang Watoe may not be easy to pronounce, but will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated.

Ask and ye shall receive,’ has been conveyed to the Tugu’s staff as the hotel’s credo,” said Erawati. "If you feel like surprising your loved one with a most romantic tete-a-tete dinner over the lotus pond at midnight of her birthday, or to book an eight-hour spa treatment after hours, everything is possible. Meals don't have to be taken in the restaurants or the rooms, but the hotel provides various beautiful dining venues and romantic corners of the garden where guests can choose for themselves. There are no rules, no opening and closing hours at Tugu to make guests feel really at home. "


Dining is yet another art form at Hotel Tugu Bali, and like the on-site antiques, pays homage to the region’s traditions. Guests are strongly encouraged to try “Waroeng Tugu,” a special dining experience in an open-air, traditional Javanese kitchen hut. Here, traditional Javanese meals are cooked in front of you in authentic pots on a wood-burning stove before being served on antique tables. Accompany your meal with a Tamajito cocktail, which Erawati calls a must-try drink served at the hotel, or take an Indonesian cooking class with chef Ibu Soelastri.

If you prefer to head into the nearby town of Seminyak for dinner, the Tugu Bali will arrange a private car service to whisk you away to your reservation. Speaking of location, it would be difficult for Hotel Tugu Bali to be more sublimely-situated. Located on a private beach in the quaint fishing village of Canggu southwest coast of Bali, both sunset-seekers and surfers will love this stunning stretch of sand. From here, Explore the island’s other legendary beaches or head inland to lush, mist-shrouded tropical rainforests.

Bali is well-established as a premier destination for sun, sand and spa, but Hotel Tugu Bali takes these experiences to the next level with its extreme attention to detail and dedication to traditional art and architecture. On your next Southeast Asian escape, delight each of your senses with a stay at this one-of-a-kind resort!