Following a frenetic career trajectory in fashion, former Ksubi co-founder George Gorrow has shifted into slower gear, allowing himself to bring a lifelong dream into fruition. This dream, aptly baptized the Slow, is an intimate boutique property on Bali’s western shoreline, and fully embodies Gorrow and his wife Cisco’s style-infused yet relaxed vision on hospitality and life in general. A collab with architect Rieky Sunur of local practice Gfab resulted in a brutalist volume, softened by slatted screens made from locally sourced sustainable wood, voided space and inverted gardens. The façade discreetly hints a series of contemporary settings that the couple has concocted across twelve spacious suites and communal spaces, and offers guests a homey amalgamation – albeit one with a free-spirited surfer’s perspective – of art, design and music.
Local artisan-produced furniture, crafts and natural textures are paired with industrial elements, custom pieces and artworks by many of Gorrow’s friends. The Suites at the Slow come in two variations, each with a distinct set of features. The Grand Suite measures a sizeable 60 sqm, and features floor-to-ceiling windows with custom screens. Catering to the every need of modern travellers, the interior blends locally made furniture, crafts, with sustainable wood and stone finishes, and works from the founders’ personal art collection. The amenities include a walk-in rain shower, complimentary wi-fi, ceiling fan, in-room safe, mini bar by Mr. Sid, and local, organic bathroom amenities. at 80 sqm. the Pool Suite not only offers a setting that’s bigger, but also a tad closer to nature, thanks to a private plunge pool flanked by lush tropical greens.
The interior features local, custom-made furniture and crafts with sustainable wood and natural stone finishes, meticulously mixed and matched with cool art works, music curated by reverberation radio, and this suite’s set of amenities is similarly elaborate. The Slow’s approach to hospitality may come across as holistic, but also has enough edge to indulge those with a hedonistic disposition. That brings us to the properties tempting facilities that extend the hospitality concept into areas Gorrow is has always had a keen interest in. The hotel’s all-day restaurant, simply called Eat & Drink, is a destination in its own right. Helmed by Shannon Moran, a chef and good friend of Morrow who has honed his skills at a handful of renowned establishments across the planet, it serves a wide range of classic bites and dishes, all modernly tweaked and paired with the Island’s exotic flavours.
And obviously, there’s a curated list of wines, cocktails and local beers to match. The stylish dining space is seamlessly embedded in the concept, and has the relaxed feel of a private living room. As said, there’s a lot of art is on display – mind you, more than 90 works are displayed, and all from the owners’ private collection – and some are beautifully integrated in the décor here as well. Interestingly, the Slow also signals Gorrow’s anticipated return to the fashion arena, as a concept store that carries non-type, a new men’s label he set up with fellow ksubi veteran Gareth Moody, can also found on the premises. Called room 14, it stocks the brand’s first collection, in addition to a just few items by other brands. Last but not least – and we mentioned it before – the curated, easy breezy tunes by Los Angeles-based Reverberation Radio are blended into this recreational equation.
