Ask anyone what he thinks of Bali, and he would most likely say it is a dream holiday destination. Probe further with the question “If you could move anywhere in the world, where would it be?”, and the Land of the Gods will surely be top of the list for those who seek to live surrounded by the sun and sand all year round.
Well, if one can tolerate and turn a blind eye to a major downside — nightmarish traffic and narrow, winding roads — there are certainly lots of hidden gems to discover here, from eateries and wellness centres to retail stores and beautiful beaches.
The tourism (or overtourism) in Bali did not happen overnight, though. Outsiders began flooding the island in the 1920s when authorities called for the development of better infrastructure such as roads and bridges that would allow people to move from one place to another with ease.
While it had only one proper accommodation, called Bali Hotel (now Inna Bali Heritage Hotel), at the time, the island has been booming with luxury residences scattered all over the tropical paradise in recent years. It is also the prime reason Bali was crowned the world’s most sought-after honeymoon destination at the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2024, defeating other popular vacation spots including Maldives, Santorini and Venice.
Esteemed fashion and lifestyle label Boss is jumping on the bandwagon, taking over a newly built two-storey deluxe villa in Pererenan — one of the up-and-coming villages in Bali famed for its rich paddy fields, lush landscapes and black sand beaches — for about three months to commemorate the release of its Spring/Summer 2024 collection.
When the line was launched in late January, the brand partnered globally renowned personalities — including Brazilian icon Gisele Bündchen, British sensation Adwoa Aboah, South Korean star Lee Minho, Italian professional tennis player Matteo Berrettini and British actress Suki Waterhouse (ambassador of Boss Watches, Jewellery and Eyewear) — to push an empowering narrative, #BeYourOwnBoss. The goal was to encourage confidence, style and forward-thinking so people can write their own story and be the master of their life journey.
While the campaign highlighted sophisticated and timeless ensembles as sported by the superstar line-up — suits and office wear in contemporary silhouettes boasted an understated colour palette (think black, nude, brown and white) — there was more to the collection than just the smart clothing range, which Boss is essentially known for.
Hugo Boss, founded in 1924, currently has two labels: Hugo and Boss. Although it can be confusing, the company rebranded itself after the pandemic to ensure relevance and become one of the top 100 global brands. A clear line has been set to differentiate Hugo and Boss. The former is moderately priced and produces vibrant and bold pieces to attract Gen Z consumers. The latter has more refined and elegant products centred on a palette of camel, white and black for working millennials aged between 25 and 40.
Boss has always been chiefly recognised for its excellent prowess in tailoring, suiting and fragrance. This villa staycation in Pererenan, Bali, serves as one of the rebranding strategies to introduce customers to its other creations comprising eyewear, home and lifestyle items and writing instruments. Beyond that, the label is also expanding its offerings to include animals. The collection presents dog accessories such as T-shirts, sweaters, bomber jackets, mats, travel bags, collars and toys.
Designed by German architect Alexis Dornier, who has worked on more than 20 hospitality and residential projects in Indonesia, Boss House Bali is an immersive space ideal for showcasing all its product segments. Erected right next to a narrow stream, the villa is surrounded by greenery, every corner overlooking panoramic views of the countryside landscape.
Taking inspiration from the beauty and durability of nature, it is built mainly with two of architecture’s most elementary materials, fusing raw concrete with stunning woodwork. These organic elements exude warmth, sophistication and modernity, and create paramount harmony between the structure and rural land.
Boasting an exceptional retreat for those seeking luxury and exclusivity, Boss House Bali could easily be your next dream destination on the island simply because it has a lot to offer within the residence itself.
Its floor-to-ceiling wooden main door opens to a spacious common space complete with a dining area and kitchen. On the right, there is a splendid display of The Collection Parfum on a side table, where guests are welcome to indulge in fragrant natural oils and ingredients — take note of geranium, rose and saffiano, which are the main focus of this line — infused in each precious bottle.
Adding to the warm reception, a resident Dalmatian named Pepper will drop by every now and then, adorably attired in the label’s accessories for canines.
A transparent glass divides the hall with the main attraction, which is the turquoise mosaic pool, complete with a spiral water slide that connects the upper and ground floors. A welcome element in Bali’s tropical climate, it will surely be enjoyed by families with children who love some good time splashing each other or adults looking to do laps to burn off calories from eating nasi goreng and mie goreng (these local favourites can be prepared by the attentive in-house staff). The poolside is furnished with sun loungers and wooden tables around its edges, and they are stacked with necessities such as towels and straw hats.
The house comes with six one-of-a-kind bedrooms — customers have the option to book five or six rooms for a minimum of three nights — each decked out with an array of curated products from the Spring/Summer collection such as eyewear, umbrella, signature bedding and pillowcases, bathrobes, towels and stationery.
There are plenty of lounging places for patrons to gather and spend time together. While most are open air, one space is enclosed and equipped with a large-screen TV for night-time entertainment with loved ones.
It is true that calories do not count on holidays, but fitness enthusiasts may be elated to know that the villa has a mini gym on the top floor so you can save yourself the hassle of looking for sports centres in the area. Pro tip: If some days you feel like staying in instead of braving the traffic for sunset by the beach, be sure to hang around the deck next to the gym to witness the serene view as daylight fades.
The spacious backyard also makes for a good venue to carry out rejuvenating activities such as yoga, Pilates or other home workouts.
As a sanctuary for creativity and self-discovery, Boss House Bali provides a calming atmosphere that can trigger artistic inspirations. One can possibly birth one’s own works of art, or simply admire the brilliant abstract and figurative contemporary paintings adorning almost all corners of the building, including all six bedrooms.
A perfect pick for a group getaway, the villa can accommodate up to 12 persons. So, if a special celebration or gathering is around the corner, Boss House Bali would be a wonderful haven to consider. A group yoga session, an in-villa dinner (buffet-style with a set menu prepared in collaboration with local restaurants), return airport transfers, daily continental breakfast and a welcome gift of Boss merchandise are included in some of the packages.
The epitome of holiday in style, Boss House Bali serves more than a taste of idyllic tourism. It offers an exquisite stay that places you closer to nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Reservations for Boss House Bali starts from June 16 to Aug 31. Book here.
This article first appeared on June 10, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.