Bali's trendy Further Hotel opens rooftop pool in Pererenan

West Australian

07-05-2025

An Italian travel philosophy centred on community is behind the evolution of one of Bali's most design-forward hotels.
Albergo diffuso is a concept where hotel guest rooms are dispersed between multiple buildings, guided by a vision to breathe life into historic villages off the tourist path.
The model has found its way to hip surf locale Pererenan in Bali, where Further Hotel has made itself a central pillar of the up-and-coming region by spreading itself across several sites on the main jalan, or street.
This innovative approach was intended by Further's owners to blend a modern aesthetic with Bali's rich cultural heritage, and when the first building opened in 2022 locals said it felt like it had always been there, 'as though it had emerged naturally from the ground'.
Further has now expanded to encompass 25 suites across five buildings within a 500m radius — the latest opening arguably being the most anticipated, with the addition of a contemporary rooftop pool.
To not have a pool at a hotel seems unheard of in Bali, but guests did not go without in the meantime, with golf buggies ready to transport them to idyllic beach clubs amongst the Pererenan rice terraces.
Further's resident pool seems to have been well worth the wait, having been recently unveiled after an exacting design process from architecture studio MORQ, which has its Australian base in North Fremantle.
The refined rooftop retreat is serviced by a restaurant and bar, Portion, and its elevated vantage point offers panoramic views over the village exclusive to hotel guests while they laze in the water with a fresh cocktail in hand.
The pool building reflects the broader aesthetic of Further as a whole, which co-founder Claudio Cuccu says pays homage to the culture and community of the surrounding area.
'The design is a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and traditional Balinese elements, emphasising natural materials and open spaces to create a seamless connection with the environment,' he says.
'The clay brick has been part of the Balinese constructions for centuries, especially for their temples.'
The diffused philosophy of Further extends beyond the pool site to the main hotel complete with 18 distinct suites, a Parisian wine bar, surfboard retailer and concept store, Gallery, which includes two high-end penthouses and an outpost from Melbourne coffee darlings ST. ALi, the large Studio A perched above artisan perfumery Oaken Lab and the soon-to-launch Urban Retreat Day Spa.
Luxe touches that can be found throughout Further's spaces include plush beds sunken into platforms, deep bathtubs hewn from travertine, terrace rain showers, black and white photographic prints, marble chess sets, hand-carved furniture and custom incense.
Cuccu says it is rare to find the unique Albergo diffuso structure outside Italy.
'It's a different approach to hospitality, that instead of developing vertically it develops horizontally,' he explains.
'The concept was launched in Italy in the early 1980s as a means of reviving small, historic Italian villages and town centres off the usual tourist track. The term is translated into English as 'dispersec', 'scattered', or 'virtual' hotel.'
Cuccu says each of Further's buildings has its own character and purpose to cater to different aspects of visitors' experiences.
'We want guests to feel a sense of discovery and connection,' he says.
'Further is designed to integrate seamlessly with the local community. By spreading our accommodations across different locations within the village, we aim to provide guests with an authentic and immersive experience.
'We believe this approach allows our guests to truly connect with the amazing local Balinese and expat community, culture, and daily life of the village, making each stay unique and memorable.
'We feel that connection is what made all of us fall in love with Bali in the first place.'
Further seems to have popped up just as Pererenan is gaining traction as the must-stay area on the west coast of Bali.
Situated north of Canggu, it has a vibrant restaurant and bar scene but remains a well-kept secret to those in the know and — for now at least — is far quieter than the tourist magnets further south.
For more, visit furtherhotel.com.