A newly opened, hidden away retreat in the peaceful residential neighborhood of Umalas, Design Hotels’ newest member Magia de Uma is a place to slow down in nature. Untouched by the scale of development seen along Bali’s south coast, the setting is a lost-in-time landscape of lush tropical greenery and rice fields, yet with the popular beach towns of Canggu and Seminyak less than 10 minute scooter ride away’.
The vision of husband-and-wife owners Jacopo and Rosa Sertoli who prioritized preservation in the architecture and design, rooms are spread between a villa and bungalows, some of which are built around Javanese joglo structures with 150 years of history. Cuisine is a celebration of Indonesian culinary culture while spa treatments and a curated program of experiences offer further connection to the surroundings.
Magia de Uma also represents a meaningful collaboration between Jacopo Sertoli and Gabriele Salini—founder of GS Collection—whose shared vision for culturally rooted hospitality helped guide the project into the Design Hotels community. Their partnership is grounded in a mutual commitment to authenticity and a deep respect for place. In the main building, rooms are beautifully simple, with original wooden floors, high ceilings, and soft white linens on the bed. Indonesian craftsmanship is threaded throughout, from intricate wood carved entrances and vintage furniture to ancient tools once used to work the rice fields, which have been repurposed as decorative objects.
Downstairs, in the open-plan restaurant-bar social space, the natural materials palette is complemented with modern steel beams and a metal staircase that nod to the island’s colonial past. “Our aim was to conserve, not to restore to perfection, so guests can feel the history of the place. By protecting the land, the sacred trees, and artisanal techniques, we hope the guests leave with a deeper appreciation of Indonesian heritage,” confirms Rosa. “In a world that appears to seek impersonal flawlessness, we want to show the passing of time.”
The bungalows—several of which have a restored joglo façade—combine wood, stone, and handmade tiles, and are enhanced with subtle contemporary touches to ensure comfort while keeping their soul intact. Some come with an open-air, foliage-framed Balinese bathroom, others a private patio. There is also a three-bedroom villa, set in its own garden with a pool and dedicated team of staff, including a chef and butler. Links to the community are seen through artwork by three local artists: Wiguna Valasara, whose stitched, sculptural canvases are inspired by a Balinese Hindu offering ceremony; botanical paintings by Ketut Nugi; and Mesuka Dopazo, who is renowned for her vibrant fabric collages.
Meanwhile, the food fuses Indonesian staples and retro international dishes with an imaginative menu created by Bali-based Michelin star chef Fernando Trump. Vegetables are picked fresh from the garden, white rice is harvested from the owners’ field, and tables spill onto the terrace for informal, communal dining. The hotel’s outdoor areas revolve around the tranquil mosaic-tiled main pool, where rope-woven loungers are the perfect spot for languid afternoons playing chess or enjoying the sunset. “What we are offering is an oasis,” continues Jacopo. “The hope is that by coming here, guests will take a moment for themselves and leave refreshed.”
This ethos is especially true in the spa, which is crafted in Indonesian wood. It houses a treatment room, sauna and ice bath, and a yoga shala overlooking the rice fields. Wellness rituals tap into Balinese traditions, from traditional massages to uplifting facials and a restorative warm spice body wrap. Complementary holistic activities on offer include sound healing, a monthly full moon ceremony, and meditation in the onsite temple.
Completing the creative programming are artist-led painting sessions; Balinese dance classes; learning about Metanding (the tradition of preparing offerings for a Balinese Hindu ceremony); and hands-on cooking workshops guided by the hotel’s resident chef. The latter centers around Indonesian spices and storytelling, where guests prepare authentic dishes before sitting down for a shared supper.
Sustainability
From shining the spotlight on ancient Indonesian carving techniques to protecting sacred trees and the land, the central philosophy at Magia de Uma is conservation. The property uses heat pumps to reduce energy consumption and eco-conscious materials like timber and stone. Upholstery fabrics are made from recycled plastic and organic latex mattresses are biodegradable. Community partnerships range from using natural products by all-female skincare start-up Boemi Botanicals in the spa to connecting guests with Indosole, who turn ocean plastic into flip flops.
