If you’re craving a tropical break where the surf and sunset cocktails rule supreme, the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu delivers the ultimate island escape. Especially if you’re from Perth, where the three-hour flight time will have a mojito in your hand in no time. Located steps from Batu Bolong Beach, this vibrant resort blends laid-back coastal living with contemporary comfort, perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer tropical recharge if you can wing it.

Best location for a weekend getaway in Bali: Canggu

Set in the heart of Canggu, the resort is perfectly placed for beach clubs, surfing, boutiques and cute cafes designed for living out digital nomad dreams. Everything is within walking distance of the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu, which is a big plus if you’re only in Bali for a short stay.

Batu Bolong Beach is a stroll away, beckoning sunrise walks and sunset sessions. It doesn’t get much more idyllic than cocktails from the resort’s rooftop bar as the sun slips into the ocean, but if you’re looking for more action, The Lawn Canguu and Old Men’s also offer epic views and lively evenings.

For a weekend getaway in Canggu, the convenience is everything and being so close to the best of Canggu means you will spend less time in Bali’s notorious traffic.

Fun vibes and chic design

The fresh design at the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu feels playful and unmistakably tropical. Natural wood accents, colourful details, and contemporary furnishings give the resort a youthful energy while remaining polished.

Modern design elements pop against traditional Balinese aesthetics and the resort is designed by Bangkok-based Nava Studios in partnership with Placebo, a boutique design studio hailing from Jakarta. Contemporary amenities include a fitness centre, kids’ club and all-day dining.

The rooftop infinity pool is a standout feature – a social hub to gather around for sunset drinks or a dip at anytime of the day or night for showstopping sunsets

Why Canggu is perfect for a weekend getaway

Canggu can get busy, but there’s a good reason why it’s so popular for surfing, yoga, cafés, bar hopping and beachside cocktails. It’s not as hectic as Seminyak, and the laid-back beach vibe offers a creative and bohemian culture that attracts digital nomads and surfers in equal measure.

This compact enclave is easy to explore for a weekend but also lively enough to keep things interesting. For travellers short on time, that balance makes all the difference.

 

Funky rooms and suites

The resort’s 144 rooms, one-bedroom suites and special kids suites (ideal for families and friends) at the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu are bright, modern and thoughtfully designed. Plush bedding, high-speed wi-fi, smart TVs, air-conditioning and private balconies elevate the experience, especially if you’ve scored a room with an ocean view.

I particularly like the coastal décor and the sliding walls in the bathroom, which you can close for privacy or open to maximise natural light and views.

Dining at the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu

Unpretentious dining is what Canggu is all about at Roomah Restaurant, ranging from generous breakfast spreads to casual poolside snacks and cocktails at the Rooftop Pool Bar. The menu boasts a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and healthy options.

Of course, you’re surrounded by endless smoothie bowls and satays galore just steps away for a change of scenery.

Travel tips for a Bali weekend getaway

• Arrive as early as possible on Friday to maximise your weekend and fly out as late as possible on Sunday night, or Monday if you’re lucky enough to have a long weekend.
• Make sure you have your eVisa organised in advance.
• Consider only packing hand luggage to make getting out of the airport quicker. Bali’s tropical weather means you’ll only need light clothing, and your bikini, of course.
• Book an airport transfer to avoid long taxi queues.
• If you’re a confident driver (where ‘confident’ is the operative word), rent a scooter or rely on Grab to get around to those places you can’t reach on foot.
• Make reservations for your activities, restaurants and beach clubs in advance.
• Don’t ever leave home without travel insurance, and be sure to check the conditions, especially if you plan on renting a scooter.

The dry season between May and September offers milder weather, and Bali’s year-round tropical weather is part of the charm.

Things to do in Canggu

Less is more when you’re short on time in balmy Bali, and Canggu has plenty to offer such as:

• Several markets, especially on weekends such as La Brisa Sunday Market (Sundays only), Old Man’s Market (last Saturday of every month) and Bali Niki Natural Art Market (daily).
• Surfing lessons at Batu Bolong Beach
• Go café and bar hopping, popping in wherever takes your fancy. I personally love Yuki for modern Japanese, Black Sand Brewery and Roomah Restaurant in your hotel.
• Enjoy the sunset on a beanbag at Batu Bolong Beach, Berawa Beach and Echo Beach
• Settle into a beach club for the day, as there are so many to choose from, including FINNS Beach Club, the boho-chic La Brisa and The Lawn, and you must experience at least one sunset at the Rooftop Pool Bar.
• Have you even been to Bali if you haven’t indulged in at least one massage or taken a yoga class?

The Holiday Inn Resort Canggu Bali is part of IHG Hotels and Resorts, which means you can earn points with their One Rewards loyalty program, and be rewarded at their 19 leading hotel brands. Check the website for year-round special offers and bookings.

I have been lucky enough to have been a guest at the Holiday Inn Resort Canggu Bali and I look forward to hopefully having the opportunity to return in the future.

If you’re lucky enough to have more time on your hands, combine your Canggu stay with a Romantic Bali Getaway: The Laguna, Nusa Dua or further afield with these Unique Places to Stay in Ubud or to The Wild West, Balinese Style in West Bali.