The idea behind Guru Canggu was not complicated, in fact there was no big plan at all since all started in July 2019. It would be merely one more girly Boutique Hostel in Canggu, an area that was, and still is, one of the hippiest and exciting places to be in Bali.
As we opened in September 2020 during the pandemic crisis, while everyone was closing Hotels and restaurants, we felt like it was a great challenge that we had ahead. At the same time, it presented itself as a great opportunity to experiment and be creative in this particular moment in human history.
With this challenge ahead, when tourism business was inexistent, visas on arrival were being denied and no international flights were happening, we were forced to think outside of the box. This meant that our targeting and activities offered needed to be completely different, it was time to understand the needs of the ones still lucky enough to be on the Island. Extra activities focused on the physical and mental health, and events that could entertain mind and soul, were the new fields to explore.
With an inviting open space and a beautiful tropical garden, it was not difficult to promote activities such as boxing and yoga classes. The beach just 10mn walking, was naturally the playground for the ones that already master the art of surfing, as well for the beginners trying to catch the first baby waves. Workshops that invited you to get more familiar with Balinese art such as dance, and open circles that went deep into the knowledge of your own self, transformed Guru Canggu into the place to get inspired and grounded.
With our popular weekly events, such as music nights with live art, and Guru Talks – Movie Nights with debates, collecting an impressive panel of outstanding speakers from the Island and worldwide, we slowly and firmly started to grow a solid community of people. Inspiring other worldwide communities, Guru Canggu kept its spiritual guidance strong, with the amazing Guhya Mantrika Community, located in Portugal. The Heart – Mind Meditation program offered the balance needed, through the knowledge of Lama Gyurme (Resident Lama at Guhya Mantrika Community). The Guru Canggu community has the support and friendship of Lama Gyurme and the Guhya Mantrika community, being the spiritual guide that maintains this project with a high humanitarian standard in harmony with the spiritual principles of Dharma https://www.guhyamantrika.org/
Today Guru Canggu is a thriving community with worldwide guests and solid digital connections with New York, Barcelona, Lisbon and others coming up very soon, with the digital connection and support offered by our Guru Talks Podcast – The World Meets in Bali.
Our online shop was developed partnering with brands from Bali that you can easily acquire in our website, from clothing to jewelry and home living, they have 3 main pillars in common:
1. Stop mass production, create beautiful and exquisite items handmade.
2. Social and economic support, provide jobs to local people empowering them with knowledge and print the slow factory concept.
3. Promote the use of local products like batik fabrics and bamboo, with unique and exclusive patterns, carved to perfection.
We believe in diversity and quality, we believe in people, and the most important we believe that with the right intention everything can be achieved. Come and join us physically, digitally or both, and come back to the future with Guru Canggu!
