Staying at Como Uma Canggu, at Bali's Echo Beach

Private pool deck in one of 12 penthouses at COMO Uma Canggu, a luxury resort in Bali.

Stephanie Holmes checks into Como Uma Canggu, at Bali's Echo Beach.

Location: On the shores of Echo Beach, a popular spot in the uber-trendy Canggu, the latest place to see and be seen in Bali. Facing southwest, Echo Beach is also a great place to watch the sunset, and has some of the best surf breaks on the island.

Getting there: Approximately an hour from the airport, depending on traffic. Private transfers are available.

First impressions: The clean lines of the lobby, where everything is white and the air conditioning is pumping, provided an instant relaxation from the relative chaos of scooters and tourists outside.

Check in experience: We were given refreshing dragon fruit and lemongrass juices and cold flannels to freshen up. The whole process took less than 10 minutes.

Room: The hotel — which opened in February and is the only international resort brand in Canggu — has 52 hotel rooms and suites, 55 one- and two-bedroom private residences and 12 three-bedroom penthouses, which have their own private infinity pools. We were in a 106sq m one-bedroom residence, overlooking the stunning 115m-long pool, with views out to the ocean. It featured a separate kitchen, living room, separate bedroom and spacious bathroom. The large deck had a table and chairs, plus outdoor lounge suite, ideal for early morning coffees and ocean-gazing. The design was sleek and stylish, with a muted colour scheme and comfortable furnishings.

Bed: A double with firm mattress and high-quality linens.

Bathroom: Huge and functional. Twin sinks, walk-in shower, plus a giant, deep, spa bath, with plenty of room for two people. Gold and bronze mosaic tiling added a stylish touch.
Toiletries: Como Shambhala's own brand — delicious smelling and high quality shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, bath salts and a small bottle of natural insect repellent — invaluable in this tropical climate.

Facilities: In the lobby building you'll find a 250sq m state of the art gym and there's a daily exercise programme offering four daily group fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, HIIT training, and meditation. Two classes per day are complimentary for hotel guests. As well as the lagoon-style pool for hotel guests only, there's a second smaller one at the Como Beach Club that can be used by day guests. Surf lessons are available with partner Tropicsurf.

Spa: The on-site Como Shambhala Retreat has eight therapy rooms and a range of spa treatments, including award-winning facials.

Food and drink: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks are available at the Como Beach Club adjacent to Echo Beach. The food is excellent and prices are reasonable considering the location and attachment to this luxury hotel. There's a focus on wellness, with a range of healthy options.

Wi-Fi: Free, unlimited and fast, with no need for a password.

Entertainment: Regular live music at the Beach Club.

Noise: Guests in pool-facing residences will of course have to allow for some disturbance from people enjoying the water, but the ranch slider doors are well soundproofed.

Perfect for: A luxury escape, where sunsets and surf are just steps away.