This article appears in Volume
24: The Slow Issue.

There

There
is nothing typical about The Slow. This tropical,
Brutalist hotel sits on a scooter-jammed road in Bali‘s
boho beach town of Canggu, just 300 metres from the Batu Bolong
surf spot. Yet since opening in late 2016, the hotel has attracted
both low-key surfers and artists drawn to its mix of haute- hippy,

Tulum-esque vibes and 1970s LA surf culture. Owned by George
Gorrow – the man behind cult Aussie label Ksubi – and his model
girlfriend Cisco Tschurtschenthaler, The Slow takes its name
seriously.

You won’t find a television in any of its 12 spacious suites,
which are designed as peaceful retreats – think bamboo chairs,
tables made of sustainable wood and private pools in four of the
ground-floor rooms. Instead, music and art are key. There are
non-stop tunes from Reverberation Radio, a live radio station run
by LA
surf-psych-rock band Allah-Las and their friends that plays
forgotten vinyl classics all day, every day – make sure to have
Shazam at the ready.

Stacks of eclectic books ranging from zines to coffee-table
tomes can be found in each room and aside from Room 13, The Slow’s
art gallery, the owners’ collection of vintage Woodstock posters,
Aztec installations and surf photographs decorates the walls
throughout. Meanwhile, the open-air restaurant and bar draws a
steady stream of sandy, barefoot guests eager to dine on green- tea
noodles, tangy ceviche and moreish tacos, all washed down with
inventive cocktails.

Rooms

Concrete floors, bamboo chairs and muted natural hues harmonise
in the 12 guest rooms at The Slow. All are incredibly spacious, but
the four ground-floor rooms also promise a private plunge pool,
making them all the more covetable. Sustainability is a big
priority for the hotel, so expect your in-room amenities to be
plastic free.

What’s for breakfast?

“Morning eats,” as the menu deems them, range from the sweet –
banana and jackfruit bread – to the savoury – “drunkard” noodles,
consisting of tiger prawns, egg noodles, sprouts and chili jam.
Lauded by expats, The Slow’s à la carte menu of fresh fruit dishes,
homemade granola and eggs with corn fritters is one of the best in
Bali. Breakfast is served until 12pm, highlight that there is no
judgement placed on late risers – start the day slow.

How about lunch and dinner?

Chef Shannon Moran’s revamped classics draw their flavour
combinations from his travels through Europe, South America and
Asia. With an emphasis on seasonality and sustainability, Moran’s
menus offer a contemporary take on ingredient-focused cooking with
an island accent with a healthy focus. Dine under a highline of
botanical chandeliers at this daytime café complete with private
dining during the afternoon and evening.

Is there a bar?

Yes. Drinks, designed by London bartender Maya Jaworska, are
inspired by mythology and history while a small collection of local
craft beer will encourage the less adventurous guests to try
something out of the ordinary. Completing the thirst-quenching
offerings is a carefully selected wine list, with a focus on small
growers, regional styles and quaint vintage wines.

Amenities

Fairly limited, but located on the main street in Canggu all you
could want is right on your doorstep.

Things you should know

The restaurant connects to Room 13, The Slow’s gallery space,
which features a barista station and rotating art collection.

Within a short walk I can find…

Boutiques, cafés, yoga studios are bike hire are all available
from Canggu main street. Just a five minute walk will take you to
the nearest surf spot, Batu Bolong, and a little further afield is
Tanah Lot temple – an unmissable spot to take in a Balinese
sunset.