SubscribeSign In
Go Beyond the Basics in an Australian Fashion Designer’s Surf-Inspired Bali HotelView 12 Photos

Go Beyond the Basics in an Australian Fashion Designer’s Surf-Inspired Bali Hotel

The Slow offers much more than boutique accommodations, steeping guests in a curated experience that blends art across several disciplines.
Text by
View 12 Photos

A new kind of hotel has sprung up on the Canggu beach in southern Bali. The Slow—the brainchild of George Gorrow, the designer behind streetwear label Ksubi, and his wife Cisco, a model—combines art, fashion, music, and food for an immersive experience that blends Indonesian and contemporary surf cultures.

Go Beyond the Basics in an Australian Fashion Designer’s Surf-Inspired Bali Hotel - Photo 1 of 11 -
Go Beyond the Basics in an Australian Fashion Designer’s Surf-Inspired Bali Hotel - Photo 2 of 11 -

George collaborated with architect Rieky J. Sanur of GFAB Architects to create the work of "Tropical Brutalism." The 12-room hotel presents a striking facade of native Bangkirai hardwood screens, chosen for its resilience in tropical climes. Inside, local materials and area-produced crafts and furniture create a warm, textured atmosphere that displays George and Cisco’s personal art collection of over 90 pieces.

The Slow's slogan is "Get here fast and take it slow."

The Slow's slogan is "Get here fast and take it slow."

Room 13 holds a gallery that showcases their own pieces alongside changing solo exhibitions (photographer Woody Gooch is on display until June 30), while Room 14 serves as the flagship store for NON-TYPE, a new lifestyle brand by George and his Ksubi collaborator Gareth Moody.

Hanging plants create an atrium atmosphere in Eat & Drink, which is open for service all day.

Hanging plants create an atrium atmosphere in Eat & Drink, which is open for service all day.

Head chef Shannon Moran is at the helm of Eat & Drink, whose seasonal menu draws from his travels through Europe, South America, and Asia. All throughout the venue, curated tunes from Reverberation Radio, a weekly podcast by Los Angeles-based band Allah-Las, adds to the alt-island vibe.

Previously, head chef Shannon Moran worked at Damien Hirst's Pharmacy in London, Nobu, and Nahm Bangkok.

Previously, head chef Shannon Moran worked at Damien Hirst's Pharmacy in London, Nobu, and Nahm Bangkok.

Go Beyond the Basics in an Australian Fashion Designer’s Surf-Inspired Bali Hotel - Photo 6 of 11 -
Garuda of Death Metal by Madsaki is a featured piece.

Garuda of Death Metal by Madsaki is a featured piece.

Rooms don't come with televisions to encourage guests to disconnect (but don't worry—there's Wi-Fi). Pool Suites come with a private plunge pool.

Rooms don't come with televisions to encourage guests to disconnect (but don't worry—there's Wi-Fi). Pool Suites come with a private plunge pool.

Go Beyond the Basics in an Australian Fashion Designer’s Surf-Inspired Bali Hotel - Photo 9 of 11 -
Reverberation Radio pipes through each room, which also feature mini bars by Mr. Sid. Rain showers and local, organic bath amenities outfit the bathrooms.

Reverberation Radio pipes through each room, which also feature mini bars by Mr. Sid. Rain showers and local, organic bath amenities outfit the bathrooms.

Cisco and George Gorrow first moved to Bali to raise a family before George was pulled back the to the U.S. for work. By the time they returned, the area around their land had been developed, so instead of the quiet homestead they had originally envisioned, they tackled their dream of owning an island restaurant and lodgings.

Cisco and George Gorrow first moved to Bali to raise a family before George was pulled back the to the U.S. for work. By the time they returned, the area around their land had been developed, so instead of the quiet homestead they had originally envisioned, they tackled their dream of owning an island restaurant and lodgings.

Suites run between $200 and $300 a night. To book a stay, check out The Slow online. 

Jenny Xie
Dwell Contributor
Jenny Xie is the author of the novel Holding Pattern, a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Honoree. She’s received fellowships from Bread Loaf, Yaddo, and MacDowell, among other organizations.

Published

Last Updated

Topics

Travel

Get the Dwell Travel Newsletter

Start exploring far-flung design destinations, the newest boutique hotels, and well-designed bars and restaurants perfect for the modern jetsetter.