Ubud has plenty of places to stay, but Moon Gang is a welcome break from the traffic, cafe queues and increasingly built-up pockets around town. The new five-suite hotel sits along the Sari Organic Walk — a car-free path lined with rice paddies, coffee huts and warungs — about a 15-minute walk from the centre of Ubud. Brought to life by Sydney-based YSG Studio, Moon Gang's design pulls from Japanese and cosmic references, with work by more than 15 Indonesian artists and makers throughout the property, and interiors made almost entirely from natural and recycled materials. The hotel is small, and that's the appeal. With room for just 10 guests, the natural pool, common room and suites sit so close together that by the second day the place feels easy and familiar. Staff are on WhatsApp for anything from dietary requirements to food orders, which keeps things simple. Music is central to the design. Some suites come with a Walkman and cassettes, while others have a record player and a selection of vinyl. There's also dim lighting and bedside red-light therapy to help you wind down after a day out in Ubud — though I'd pack a torch if you're a big-light sort of person. If solo listening isn't the vibe, head to the common space, aka the Nongkrong Lounge. There are books and magazines, a self-serve tea station and a seriously stacked vinyl collection, along with a DIY DJ set-up for anyone brave enough to take over the aux. Music is clearly at the heart of Moon Gang's identity, and the team plans to develop artist residencies and future collaborations with Indonesian artists. Wellness is part of the stay too, but it never feels too formal. The spa menu covers massages, body scrubs and facials, while activities include sauna sessions, guided meditation and breathwork, and there are art supplies scattered throughout the hotel. Wellness is part of the stay too, but it never feels too formal. The spa menu covers massages, body scrubs and facials, while activities include sauna sessions, guided meditation and breathwork, and there are art supplies scattered throughout the hotel. Make time for the morning yoga class. It's held on the rooftop, next to plants whose bio-electrical frequencies are turned into sound, creating a gentle musical backdrop to move to. It's a little unexpected at first, but it works — and with a small group, it's a nice way to meet other guests before breakfast. Breakfast is included with each stay, with Balinese and Western options served in tandem with a local cafe across the street. When it's time to venture out, you'll find cafes, boutiques and creative workshops nearby. But with rice fields outside, a facial on the menu and a record waiting in the lounge, there's not much pressure to leave. Images: Tommaso Riva.
