Shelter/Leisure delivers unbiased yet personal perspectives on exceptional hotels and dining venues globally, providing reliable insights into the genuine guest experience before you arrive.

Janji Surga Bali Hotel Review: A Balinese Sanctuary for the Senses
Janji Surga Bali redefines luxury not through opulence, but through profound connection—with nature, self, and the essence of Bali. This thoughtfully conceived sanctuary respects the land's natural contours, creating spaces that feel as if they've emerged organically from the landscape rather than being imposed upon it. The result is a rare accommodation experience that feels less like a hotel and more like coming home to a place you've always belonged.

FURTHER Hotel Bali Review: A Bold Urban Vision with Mixed Results
FURTHER reimagines the traditional hotel concept through what they call a "diffused hotel" approach – essentially spreading different hospitality elements throughout Pererenan village rather than containing everything in a single building. This creates a unique experience that weaves guests into the local community fabric.
The Highlights
Thoughtful Design: The interiors feature terracotta rosters that filter natural light into mesmerizing patterns throughout the day. Earthenware vessels housing lush tropical plants add organic warmth to the minimalist spaces. The rainfall showers mounted in the ceiling create a sensory experience that connects to Bali's natural elements.
Architectural Boldness: While most Bali accommodations embrace beachfront luxury or jungle retreat aesthetics, FURTHER carves its own path with an urban-inspired concept that feels refreshingly different from the island's typical offerings.
Community-Focused Spaces: The property features well-designed communal areas such as a cozy bar and rooftop pool with its own restaurant, attracting both travelers and locals, creating opportunities for meaningful connections.
The Drawbacks
Nighttime Noise Issues: The integration with the surrounding community comes with a significant downside – street noise and sounds from nearby venues penetrate the rooms well into the night, making quality sleep genuinely challenging.
Dispersed Layout: The "diffused" concept means amenities aren't centralized. While this encourages exploration, it also requires more walking between facilities than a traditional hotel setup.
The FURTHER Experience
Staying at FURTHER feels like being part of a curated village experience. The filtered light through the rosters creates a contemplative atmosphere that shifts throughout the day. Natural materials dominate the aesthetic – warm woods, textured concrete, and handcrafted pottery housing vibrant greenery.
The rooms offer a sanctuary-like quality during daylight hours, with thoughtful design elements that reflect a contemporary interpretation of Balinese architectural principles. The rainfall shower becomes a daily ritual rather than just a functional necessity.
However, the immersive village experience doesn't pause at bedtime. The vitality of Pererenan continues well into the night, and the hotel's design doesn't quite buffer these sounds effectively.
Is FURTHER Right For You?
FURTHER works beautifully for design enthusiasts and social travelers who prioritize aesthetic experiences and local immersion over traditional hotel conveniences.
It's less suitable for light sleepers or travelers seeking the tranquil Bali experience often depicted in travel magazines.
This hotel represents a bold experiment in Bali's hospitality landscape – one that succeeds brilliantly in some aspects while revealing growing pains in others. Like most innovative concepts, it will likely continue to evolve and refine its approach over time.
Rating: 3/5
Recommended for: Digital nomads, design enthusiasts, and short stays
Not recommended for: Light sleepers, families, or those seeking traditional Bali tranquility

Hotel Titik Dua Ubud Review: Minimalist Design, Thoughtful Hospitality
Hotel Titik Dua represents a masterclass in boutique hospitality, nestled within Ubud's cultural landscape. Designed by celebrated Indonesian architect Andra Matin, this intimate property showcases how thoughtful minimalism and local sensibility can create an experience that feels both contemporary and authentically Balinese, offering a compelling alternative to the island's ubiquitous resort complexes.