YSG Transforms Bali Residence into Boutique Wellness Hotel
The Moon Gang hotel blends Indonesian cultural heritage with Japanese design influences.
1Adaptive Reuse in Ubud
Australian studio YSG converted a dilapidated private vacation residence into The Moon Gang, a boutique hotel in Bali. Located among rice fields on the northern outskirts of Ubud, the property features five interconnected suites. The site is secluded, accessible only by foot or motorbike, emphasizing its role as a quiet retreat.
2Cultural and Musical Fusion
The hotel is defined by a deep appreciation for Indonesian music and culture. A central feature is a DIY DJ station stocked with curated Japanese city pop and Indonesian records by DJ Midnight Runners. This space encourages guests to engage directly with the regional soundscapes while relaxing in the lounge area.
3Architectural Design Elements
The design incorporates bamboo and timber structures alongside lava stone tiling to reflect both Indonesian and Japanese aesthetics. The spa area features sliding bamboo doors that depict lunar phases, adding a cosmic touch to the interior. These elements transform the former concrete bunker into a modern, textured space for travelers.
4Commitment to Local Sourcing
YSG prioritized local materials to overcome logistical challenges of the remote site. Furniture includes stools made from recycled plastic bottle tops by Weedoo Plastics and handwoven lounge chairs from BYO Living. Wall sconces crafted from local seseh wood and green resin by AA Practice further emphasize the project's regional focus.
5Sustainable Construction Practices
The renovation addressed severe water damage by replacing rotten wooden walls and concrete flooring. To manage drainage, the team crushed terracotta tiles and breeze blocks, repurposing them as flooding riffraff. Joinery was specifically designed to be assembled on-site, minimizing the need for transporting large, pre-fabricated components to the secluded alleyway location.
6Symbolic Design Details
The pool area features a black-and-white checkered tile relief surrounding its edge. This design choice serves as a direct nod to the Saput Poleng cloths traditionally wrapped around holy objects in local Balinese customs. Such details ground the modern hotel in the spiritual and cultural history of the surrounding region.
7Targeting Unique Guest Experiences
The suites are specifically designed for dreamers, misfits, and wanderers seeking an alternative to large-scale resorts. Each room features walls finished with recycled earth-based materials and objects from local studios. A new second-storey bamboo suite, complete with an oversized skylight, offers guests a unique perspective of the surrounding Balinese landscape.
8Studio Design Evolution
This project follows YSG’s previous work, including a Sydney co-working space and a 1970s-inspired cafe. By focusing on boutique hospitality, the studio demonstrates its ability to blend historical architectural elements with contemporary wellness needs. The Moon Gang represents a shift toward highly curated, culturally immersive travel experiences in Southeast Asia.