COMO Uma Canggu Review, A Modern Taste of Luxury in Bali’s Canggu and the perfect blend of chic and chill.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Bali’s south coast, Canggu has transformed from a sleepy surfer’s paradise into a bustling hub for digital nomads, wellness enthusiasts, and a globally-minded crowd.
Amongst the trendy cafes, boutique shops, and crowded streets, COMO Uma Canggu stands as a beacon of polished, modern luxury, offering a sophisticated sanctuary that feels worlds away from the “scruffy” charm of its surroundings. This hotel is like a pristine geometric iceberg, its cool white surfaces and sharp angles in the lobby rising out of the warm, undulating sea of Balinese beaches and bustle nearby.
The hotel, part of the famed COMO Hotels and Resorts group, created and named after Christina Png and her daughter Melissa, masterfully blends its signature emphasis on holistic wellness and refined cuisine with a relaxed, upscale beach club vibe, making it a standout destination for a balanced and beautiful Bali experience.
COMO Uma Canggu is more than just a hotel; it is a meticulously crafted lifestyle experience. An elevated piece of Bali and all it has to offer. It successfully carves out a niche as the premier luxury destination in Canggu, appealing to a discerning Australian and European crowd who value sophisticated design, world-class wellness, and exceptional cuisine.
Within 24 hours of my stay I had run into a gorgeous Melbourne friend who looked better than ever after just 2 days there, and met a flirtatious gentleman from Athens on the way to breakfast who had just got in from the night before, and proposed to me over kiwi fruit and chia seeds, and had me on the floor roaring with laughter with tales of his antics at nearby clubs by the time our coffees arrived . This is as sophisticated and global as Bali gets.
While its modern architecture may not be for everyone seeking a traditional Balinese stay, its flawless execution of service, amenities, and its spectacular location on Echo Beach make it an undeniable standout. I found many bars close by to wander to for more of a typical Bali vibe, but returning to COMO Uma Canggu each time felt like coming back to a familiar ship after an adventure on the wild seas.
The sunsets are spectacular, and the relaxed yet refined vibe of the beach club makes it the perfect place to experience them. Families and couples in love seemed to enjoy their stays equally. This is a resort where everyone seemed happy.
It’s an ideal choice for couples and families seeking a tranquil retreat without sacrificing the energy and culture of Canggu. COMO Uma Canggu is a masterclass in modern Balinese luxury, a sanctuary of style and serenity that sets a new standard for hospitality in this vibrant and fairly new corner of Bali.
Overall Rating: 8/10
Location: 8/10
Nestled directly on Echo Beach, COMO Uma Canggu offers a unique position of being both connected to and separate from the bustling heart of Canggu.
The hotel’s location provides a peaceful buffer from the traffic and crowds of the main streets, a welcome relief in an area that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
While the hotel is a little isolated from the central hub of Batu Bolong, this is precisely its strength. Guests can easily walk along the public boardwalk to explore the nearby area, which is lined with cafes, bars, and boutiques.
Echo Beach itself is a legendary black volcanic sand coastline, famous for its powerful surf breaks and, most spectacularly, its breathtaking sunsets.
The COMO Beach Club is perfectly positioned to capture these magnificent displays of color, offering an unrivaled vantage point for a sundowner.
While travel to other parts of Bali, such as the airport or Ubud, can be lengthy due to traffic, the hotel’s location offers everything one could need for a complete and restorative vacation, making external travel almost unnecessary.
This balance of seclusion and accessibility is a key part of the hotel’s appeal.
Rooms and Accommodation: A Refined Coastal Sanctuary 9/10
The accommodation at COMO Uma Canggu are a testament to the brand’s commitment to understated luxury. My stay was in a one-bedroom residence, and the feeling was one of serene, airy spaciousness.
The decor is a subtle, contemporary fusion of minimalist design and natural textures, with clean white linens, light marble floors, and a woven grass headboard that hints at its tropical setting.
The color palette is calming, dominated by marine hues that echo the nearby ocean. While the design is more South Beach than traditional Balinese, it’s executed with a sophisticated restraint that prevents it from feeling out of place.
The large, well-appointed kitchenettes in the residences, while perhaps a bit superfluous given the abundance of fantastic local eateries, are a holdover from the buildings’ original design as condominiums and add a practical, home-like touch for longer stays or for families.
The bathrooms, with their shiny brown tiles, are functional and modern but perhaps a touch more urban than one might expect. There are a lot of mirrors throughout the one bedroom apartment, which highlights natural light and a high balcony overlooking the pool.
For a truly indulgent experience, the three-bedroom duplex penthouses with their private rooftop pools are the ultimate indulgence, offering a secluded slice of paradise with panoramic views that are perfect for sunset.
A fantastic insider tip I gleaned from a friend staying at the hotel, is that the entry-level rooms, located in the building away from the beach, are not only more affordable but also have a particularly charming and simple wood-and-white aesthetic.
Style and Vibe: Sophisticated Beachside Glamour 10/10
COMO Uma Canggu’s architectural style is a bold departure from the traditional Balinese aesthetic often found in other parts of the island.
The gleaming stone-and-glass buildings, while initially surprising against the backdrop of rice paddies, exude an air of cool, modern elegance. This is not a place that tries to be something it’s not; it’s a confident expression of a global luxury brand’s vision.
The atmosphere shifts beautifully as you move from the sleek, white lobby towards the beach.
The COMO Beach Club is the heart of the hotel’s social scene, where the polished glamour gives way to a relaxed, barefoot luxury. With its striking aqua-tiled restaurant and a lovely, surf-shack-inspired bamboo roof, it’s a perfect blend of chic and chill.
The colorful modern furniture with batik cushions and the swinging white chaises create a vibrant, yet laid-back atmosphere.
The crowd here is distinctly upscale, a sophisticated mix of couples, families, and young professionals who appreciate quality without the pretense often associated with other Bali beach clubs.
It’s a place where you can unwind with a cocktail and a gentle breeze, a stark contrast to the more raucous, party-focused venues elsewhere in Canggu. This is a place for quiet conversations and serene relaxation, not for wild revelry.
Wellness: A Flagship of Holistic Health 7/10
The COMO brand is synonymous with wellness, and Como Uma Canggu is a prime example of this philosophy in action.
The hotel has a strong array of wellness facilities that go far beyond the typical hotel gym. The fitness center is exceptionally well-equipped with a wide range of free weights and Life Fitness machines, satisfying even the most dedicated gym-goers.
The presence of a full Pilates studio with reformers and a dedicated yoga studio (one of which has aerial yoga facilities) is a rare and impressive luxury. Guests have access to a complimentary group class daily, (the schedule is on the TV) encouraging participation and making wellness an integral part of the stay. There is also a steam sauna guests can access, but I would have liked an infrared sauna and ice bath to complete the wellness offering.
The wellness journey continues at the Shambhala Spa, a miniature version of the world-renowned COMO Shambhala Estate in Ubud.
Here, guests can indulge in a comprehensive menu of Asian-inspired treatments, from massages to beauty rituals. I had a massage that was absolutely exceptional, one of the best I have ever had in Bali.
The philosophy of “Wellness Begins Within,” a cornerstone of the COMO Shambhala brand, is evident in the thoughtful and holistic approach to treatments.
The food and beverage offerings, with the health-focused Glow café, further reinforce this commitment, ensuring guests can maintain their healthy habits effortlessly. The cafe happily packed as healthy lunch for the road for me before I travelled to Uluwatu, and thank goodness they did as the journey was three hours. Traffic in Bali continues to be a major problem.
For the active traveler, the Tropicsurf surf school at the COMO Beach Club is a highlight, offering expert guidance for all skill levels and a fantastic way to engage with the natural beauty of Echo Beach.
Food and Beverage: Culinary Excellence with a Healthy Twist 6/10
COMO’s reputation for exceptional, health-conscious cuisine is on full display at Como Uma Canggu. The dining experience is solid, perfectly balancing refined flavors with a focus on fresh, local, and nutritious ingredients.
Breakfast at the COMO Beach Club includes a menu that goes far beyond the standard buffet. The “expat-inspired Balinese ‘clean cuisine'” is a refreshing and delicious concept, featuring dishes like red quinoa bowls with avocado, coconut French toast, and savory zucchini waffles.
The a-la-carte breakfast menu is complemented by an exquisite selection of homemade coconut and natural yogurts, some with chia seeds and fresh fruit.
Dinner at the beach club is a sophisticated affair, offering “haute surf shack” fare cooked over a wood-fired grill.
The menu is a thoughtful blend of Indonesian and Western dishes, prepared with a light touch that allows the quality of the ingredients to shine, although I found a number of sauces too rich with sugar which I like to stay away from.
The cocktails and mocktails are equally impressive; although the margaritas were very sugary and sweet. The Tropical Julep, with its refreshing mix of coconut water, cucumber, and mint, was slightly better. I have never had an issue with crockery but I found the cocktail glasses very thick and unpleasant to drink from ( a first for me)! And even the coffee cups were odd without handles making it difficult to hold and drink a long black in the ,mornings.
For a pure wellness fix, the Glow café provides an offshoot of the Shambhala Estate’s famed restaurant, serving up invigorating teas, smoothies, salads, and the famously wholesome “power cookies, ” all day.
Service: Seamless and Attentive Hospitality 9/10
The service at Como Uma Canggu is a defining element of the luxury experience. From the moment you arrive, the staff are professional, accommodating, and genuinely welcoming.
The attention to detail is evident in every interaction, from the seamless check-in process to the attentive service at the beach club. The staff’s ability to anticipate needs without being intrusive is a hallmark of a truly well-run hotel.
The culture of hospitality here reflects the brand’s global standards, ensuring a level of comfort and care that is consistently high. The friendly demeanor and efficiency of the team, whether at the front desk, the spa, or the restaurant, contribute significantly to the relaxed and effortless feel of the entire stay.
