Home Turned Hotel

Soori Bali abuts Pejaten, a slip of a village that is known across Indonesia for its striking terracotta ceramics. Guests will recognize some of the distinctive pottery found across Soori Bali, including the tiled walls at the Soori Spa, as being the work of Pejaten artisans commissioned by Chan and his team. In Pejaten, the Tanteri Museum of Ceramic Art (Banjar Simpangan, Desa Pejaten, Kecamatan Kediri; +62-361-831-948) was founded two decades ago as a studio where local artists could work on their pottery; it’s since evolved into a museum, where visitors can spend an afternoon seeing the work of potters from across the region and learning about the generations-old tradition that continues to thrive in Pejaten—some of the ceramics displayed are more than 400 years old. Be prepared to get your hands dirty: you can stay on to try your hand at wheel-throwing and decorating with Balinese motifs, making your own piece to bring back home.

You might think you know the color green, but a visit to western Bali’s distinctive rice terraces, a striking feature of the landscape, will make you wonder if you’ve ever really seen the color properly before—the verdant fields are a lush contrast to the blue sky, and make for a stunning photo op. An hour northeast of the hotel lie the Jatiluwih rice fields (2 Jalan Jatiluwih Kangin, Desa Jatiluwih, Penebel; +62-362-701-3999), part of a region protected by UNESCO because of its ancient subak system of irrigation. The undulating emerald fields are a scenic setting for cycling or hiking. Chan and his family like enjoying relaxing picnics on the terraces—the hotel is happy to pack a lunch for guests.

Soori Bali lies on the outskirts of the traditional village of Kelating. Chan suggests guests eager to experience authentic Balinese village life should pay the hamlet a visit, making stops at temples, markets, the 17th-century Puri Anyar and Puri Gede royal palaces, which sometimes host cultural events, and to visit with local musicians, artists, and dancers keeping the region’s distinctive artistic traditions alive. Hospitable locals love welcoming guests into their homes for tea. Chan has fond memories of taking his sons to explore the village on Segways—the hotel has its own fleet as well as rechargeable electric scooters, and can arrange excursions for guests.

The Ayung River is Bali’s longest and widest; when Chan and his family are feeling more active and adventurous, they like to hit the river’s Class II and III rapids (they rise to class IV in the rainy season) for some adrenaline-spiking whitewater rafting. The scenic course takes you through the rainforest and past waterfalls and emerald green rice fields, making a thrill-seeking mission a sightseeing tour as well. There are many operators across the island to choose from; Bali Adventure Rafting (+62-361-721-480) and Bali Sobek (+62-361-729-016) are two of the most popular.

Legendary Canadian jewelry designer John Hardy and his wife Cynthia moved to Bali more than 40 years ago to work closely with local artisans, making the island both their creative inspiration as well as their home. After selling the business a decade ago, they decided to give back to the community in a different way, by opening their innovative Green School (Jalan Raya Sibang Kaja, Banjar Saren, Abiansemal, Badung; +62-361-469-875). While the focus is on academics, the 400 students learn through an environmentally friendly way, in open-air classrooms and bamboo structures; the curriculum includes gardening, building, and sustainable living, raising a generation of environmentally conscious leaders. Chan likes to visit to see for himself what new discoveries in green living and design are being made. Afterward, pay a visit to the stunning John Hardy workshop and showroom (Kapal Bambu Boutique, Br. Baturning, Mambal, Abiansemal Badung; +62-361-469-888), set in a striking bamboo building in Ubud, where you can watch jewelry being made in an open-air design center.