Head to Canggu: Bali’s Hottest New Destination

There is no denying it. Canggu in Bali is hot! And we are not just talking about the beautiful tropical weather. Over the past few years, the sleepy fishing villages of Berawa Beach, Echo Beach and Batu Bolong – collectively known as Canggu, have sprung to life – first as an expat haven, then as a hipster paradise. These days, alongside digital nomads, you will find global jet setters, fashionistas and vacationing families drawn to Canggu’s fun island vibes and laid back lifestyle. From boho health food cafes overlooking the rice fields to designer boutiques. World-class beach clubs and restaurants and buzzing beach life. There is something for everyone in Canggu, Bali’s trendiest hood.

Some call it the ‘new Seminyak’. But in reality, the term ‘new Bali’ is probably more apt. Canggu provides quite a different vacation experience, yet is conveniently close enough to Seminyak. Therefore, you can easily hop between the two. On one hand, Seminyak has a more concentrated vibe. Canggu, on the other, sprawls across traditional villages, glistening rice fields, banana groves and exotic palm-fringed black sand beaches.

Where to stay in Canggu?

Forget the busy hotels and resorts. If you like comfort, space and privacy, the best place to stay in Canggu, Bali, is a luxury villa. Dreaming of a rural idyll with soothing rice field views or a beachfront vacation home nestled into a coconut grove? Each of Elite Havens’ Canggu villas has been carefully curated for superb location and facilities. Ideal for groups of friends and extended families, the Bali luxury villa experience is akin to having your own private retreat. It pampers you with a private pool, lush gardens and a team of friendly local staff ensuring highly personalised service.

 A lot of our luxury villas in Canggu, Bali, also come with a private chef. Look forward to exceptional cuisine prepared to your preference, when you stay with us. Many villas also have a dedicated car and driver. Keen to try the newest restaurant or day spa? The Elite Concierge is on hand to arrange all your bookings. This means that you can enjoy a seamless vacation experience.

So, all you need to do is pack your bags and get on the plane. Travelling as a family? One of the greatest benefits of staying in a Bali villa is having staff on hand to help with the kids. Preparing meals for fussy eaters, optional professional in-villa babysitting services, and other facilities make for a wonderful getaway.  

Things to do in Canggu, Bali

There is so much fun to be had it can be hard to know where to begin. Here’s our guide to some of the best things to do in Canggu.

Embrace beach life

With its sprawling tropical coastline, life really is a beach in Canggu. Renowned for world-class surf breaks, the region attracts surfers of all levels. Echo Beach, Old Man’s and Batu Bolong are the most popular spots to catch waves. Or simply plant yourself at a beach bar to watch the surfers in action. Meanwhile, you can enjoy an ice-cool Bintang, fresh grilled fish or tasty nasi goreng. Keen to learn how to surf, or to take your surfing to the next level? The Elite Concierge can organise private or group surf lessons. Canggu sunsets are legendary too. Sink into a beanbag on the sand, stroll the promenade at Echo Beach. Or treat yourself to a sundowner at a fancy beach club.

Discover Bali’s best beach clubs

Staying in Canggu puts you in easy reach of some of Bali’s best beach clubs, where you can while away the day (and the night) indulging in fine food, sublime cocktails and gorgeous views over the glimmering Indian Ocean. Berawa Beach is home to uber-stylish Atlas Beach Club – the biggest beach club in the world. Right next door is the iconic Finns Beach Club, with its soaring bamboo pavilions and impressive international DJ lineup. For a more exclusive experience, try Finns VIP Beach Club which includes a Champagne Bar and luxury day spa. 

Just up the road, Café del Mar Bali brings signature Ibizan vibes to the island. Prefer a smaller, more intimate vibe? Try COMO Beach Club at Echo Beach, for memorable cuisine and divine cocktails in classy surrounds. And for something more rustic, La Brisa is wildly popular thanks to cool, shipwreck-style, shabby chic décor.

Shop till you drop

Canggu is home to gorgeous boutiques, divine homeware stores and atmospheric local markets, making it a haven for fashion and design enthusiasts. Wondering where to shop in Canggu? Jalan Batu Bolong and Jalan Pantai Berawa are the main drags.

Credit: Jungle Trader

Here you can discover many of Seminyak’s famous boutiques including Magali Pascal, Uma and Leopold and Bamboo Blonde. You will find edgy international labels and uber-cool concept stores too, like Crate Concept Store and Limited Edition. Check out Yoli & Otis and Tahitian-inspired Kohei for sustainable fashion, and Love Anchor – a vibrant market featuring local designers and artisans – for great buys. Shopping is thirsty work, and amidst the shopping precincts is a slew of fabulous cafes and restaurants ideal for refuelling.

Vibrant dining scene

Bali has been a foodie heaven for quite some time now, luring top chefs from around the globe. And these days, Canggu is where you will find some of the island’s most exciting restaurants. Epitomising the boho vibe that made Canggu famous are quirky cafes with rice fields views like Milu by Nook, and Shady Shack, which serves up sensational vegetarian cuisine.

A top brunch spot, Penny Lane is a hit with Instagrammers thanks to a stunning glass-house style setting filled with palms and painted murals and a globally inspired menu. Try Miss Fish for chic, Japanese-inspired cuisine in seductive surrounds, or The Slow – which incorporates an eclectic art space and stylish yet relaxed approach to gourmet dining. While Skool Kitchen, Ji Terrace by the Sea and Mason are all top spots for a memorable date night.

Day spas and yoga in Canggu

Wellness is high on the agenda for many travellers these days, and staying in a peaceful villa with tropical views is a great place to start. Fancy a massage poolside? We can bring the spa to you. If you are looking to treat yourself to a more lavish spa package, there are some amazing day spas in Canggu. Amo and Spring both have a huge range of treatments and massages. Head to Goldust to add some bling to your pampering – the 24 Carat Gold Facial is divine, while Colors Juice and Nail Bar is just the place to enjoy cold-pressed juice as you get your nails done.

Canggu also abounds with yoga classes, meditation sessions and wellness workshops, making it the perfect destination to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Canggu’s original yoga destination, Desa Seni, offers tranquillity amidst the rice fields with inspiring yoga classes in a bamboo pavilion surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The Practice and Serenity are popular too, while Canggu Studio offers a variety of dance classes as well as boxing, Pilates and TRX.

Holidaying with kids in Canggu

Travelling with the family? Canggu has ample family activities to keep everyone entertained, and the Elite Concierge can arrange an itinerary for a fun day trip exploring the stunning hinterland, dramatic terraced rice fields and volcanos of the island. Finns Beach Club has a dedicated family area, while kids love the Pirates of the Caribbean-style atmosphere at La Brisa Beach Club. There are great rides at Splash Water Park, as well as tasty cocktails for Mum and Dad (enjoyed in a shady cabana). Bounce Trampoline Centre and Strike Bowling are right next door. And how about a family horse ride on the beach at sunset?

With its unique blend of laid-back vibes, fabulous food and shopping and natural beauty, it’s no surprise that people from all over the world are flocking to this vibrant hotspot. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a glimpse into life in Bali, Canggu has it all. Select an elite haven in Canggu for your next Bali holiday and find out for yourself.