 Luxury Villas: On the coast of Bali, Indonesia just inland from Seminyak, a short distance away from
the scars of development, the familiarity of commercialism and the chaos of transport is
the village Cepaka. Here, time slows down, the impact of western society dissipates and
sprawling rice paddies (which have supported families for generations) are defined by a
slow meandering river. And by this river sits Sungai Gold. A luxury Villa, laced with
tangible indulgent luxury, generous spaces and an acute attention to detail. All things are
hand made, hand chosen and custom designed, from the thatched rooves made from
dried alang alang grass, to the furniture made from local teak finished in chalky lime
wash and covered in batik fabric, to the fresh cut flowers. The hand of the craftsman is
time honoured and this element impregnates your psyche - it is part of the slowing down
and mending we crave in our busy lives. Oh, and the smell of the linen is heavenly.
A recent addition to the village Sungai Gold is a sanctuary for couples, honeymooners
and small families (it is the younger sister of the larger adjoining Villa Sungai and part of
the Bali Luxury Villa Collection - www.baliluxuryvillacollection.com), The layout of the
villa is open, generous and well thought through. The neutral textured palette is so
pleasing on the eye and everything is done simply and well. You can't even imagine that
all this space is yours for your time here. Made up of 4 pavilions, the simple daily rituals
of sleeping, eating, relaxing and bathing create the pattern of your day. Time here is a
totally recuperating experience for your relationship, family, the soul and the senses.
Though close to many of the attractions, world class restaurants, shops and interests
Bali has to offer there is really no reason to leave the Villa or the village. In fact if you
don't want to see another Westerner I suggest you don't leave. Everything is at your
fingertips. Between dips in the 10m private plunge pool where darting white butterflies,
tiny birds and dragonflies skim down the river corridor, providing a constant visual
parade of activity, massage and yoga specialists are on call. If the sun gets too hot,
retreat to the 4-poster daybed or inside to the air-conditioned pavilion to catch up on a
movie. Three meals a day, snacks and an extensive selection of wine are available.
Food is sourced and cooked daily with local produce for both the western and
Indonesian menu, at an exceptionally high standard. It is obvious that time has been
taken to train the local staff to 5 star western standards. And the service is exceptional.
There is a staff member available for your every whim (including a car and driver for your
entire stay) and their sense of loyalty and pride for the Villa is apparent. The villa
supports 10 families locally and is integral to the local trade. However, careful attention
is given to ensure you don't feel overwhelmed by the service but are encouraged to
make the villa feel like home. And this is the difference between the luxury hotels and
villas in Bali.
Step outside the villa and it is not uncommon to see a cremation ceremony or rice husks
drying on the side of the narrow road lined by the lush wet rice terraces. Flustered
chooks, disgruntled pigs and bossy roosters keep the village lively in the down time
when the smiling faces of the kids are hidden behind the school gates. If it weren't for
the relentless call of the rooster marking the day, time would just dissipate. You could be
a million miles away from civilisation. It is comforting to feel that there is still something
sacred about this place. The Villa is a welcome retreat and sanctuary from the frenzy of
the other well-beaten tourist areas and within days here you find your centre. In this
heavenly tactile home away from home you really appreciate the ultimate luxury - time
and space.
Pamela Hayes |
HOTELS
HOTELS
HOTELS
HOTELS
