Bali & Java
Resorts, Retreats and Pool Villas

ElEgant REsoRts & Villas of

Bali

The island of the gods
The island of Bali is among the most popular stops in Indonesia - the island’s people, culture, rhythmic dances, volcanoes, sculptured rice paddies, spectacular beaches, and beautiful scenery, combined with a stunning array of accommodations, make it a delectable place to visit.
The Balinese dedicate themselves to a vibrant and elaborate set of beliefs and an intriguing culture. Scores of sacred holidays and festivals are celebrated each year with ritual and pageantry. Ubiquitous palmleaf offertory plates are replenished daily with flowers and fruit to honour the deities and placate evil spirits. Thousands of temples and altars dot the fertile landscape, rising from rice terraces and family compounds in rural hamlets that have remained mostly unchanged for a thousand years or more. Humble caretakers for the gods, the Balinese have also been blessed with the inherently unselfish gift of hospitality. So Bali is an obvious choice for the plethora of heavenly hideaways that the island has to offer. The name “Ubud” comes from a word that means “medicine” the area is well-known amongst locals for the medicinal plants which grow there and for Como to locate two well-being resorts there makes perfect sense.

When to go
Bali has a tropical climate with a year round average temperature of 31 degrees Celsius. Bali has two seasons; the dry season that officially runs from May to October with the lowest humidity. Occasionally rainfall can be expected during the dry season, usually at night or early morning. From June to August there is usually a refreshing cool breeze all day long. The central mountain areas are typically cooler than the lower coastal areas, especially at night. The wet season is officially from October to April with high humidity. The wet Season brings daily rain and overcast days with the most rain recorded between December to February.

nyepi: the Balinese Day of silence
The Balinese people welcome the dry season after their most important holiday, Nyepi day, the “Balinese day of Silence. This is a day reserved for silence, fasting, and meditation and falls between late March and early April. Observed from 6am until 6am the next morning, the main restrictions are low lighting; no working, entertainment or pleasure; no travelling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. Hence usually bustling streets and roads are empty and there is little signs of activity. Traveller’s are not exempt; while free to do as you wish inside resorts, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets and Bali airport is closed for the day.

This Page Candle Lit Ruby Spa at Ametis Villa Canggu.
2

island experiences

Beyond the Ordinary
Elegant Resorts and Villas individually tailors island experiences. Our particular delight is to assist travellers with well-informed advice about what we consider to be the most brilliant island escapes. We also pay careful attention to your specific requests and personal requirements. We give experienced consideration to the appropriateness of a resort, taking into account location, facilities, ambience, quality of service and elements of unique appeal. Travellers seek island escapes for reasons that vary from adventure to romance and activity to relaxation. We can find the perfect place for you in the “Land of the Gods”.
RELAXATION, REJUVENATION & RETAIL THERAPY
You pack your bags and leave home and everyday life often to find peace, indulgence, a bit of escapism, for new experiences or happy diversion and ultimately to feel good about it. Luxury lies in finding just the right place. We present this range of fabulous resorts and villas where you can surrender to amazing massages, chill out in places of extraordinary natural beauty or succumb to the lure of designer boutiques, unsophisticated markets, the talents of in-house mixologists, celebrity chefs or the temptations of quirky art galleries.

FAMILIES, FRIENDS & SIGNIFICANT OCCASIONS
Holidays can be especially designed for entire families and Bali is a destination where both adults and kids can enjoy a broad range of activities and entertainment. Beach excursions, temple visits, jungle safaris, art and language classes – these are just a hint of vast repertoire of cultural rewards that a carefully planned, activity-based holiday can deliver. You might prefer travelling with like-minded friends or want to celebrate a significant occasion. We have a portfolio of Villas and Resorts perfect for sharing time with those special friends. Our role is to help you make the right choice for a relaxed, enjoyable and successful journey.

ROMANTIC WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
When love and romance are the inspiration for a journey, the gentle and dignified people of Bali and Java and the seductive natural beauty of these islands are an intoxicating magnet. Stunning properties in amazing locations create the perfect stage for a special and anticipated celebration. You could walk down the aisle in a tropical garden, on a sandy beach or in an exotically decorated space that speaks about the place through décor, flowers, music and food. To stay on for a honeymoon is to sensibly extend the magic.

HEALTH, WELLBEING & SANITY REGAINED
Burnt out, solace seeking or just looking for a healthy escape and a place to exclude the real world for a while? Bali and Java offer an extraordinary selection of spa retreats and programs designed to restore wellbeing. These islands are some of the most magical and inspiring places on earth where the art of massage has had a long history, where nurture is intrinsic and natural beauty is the balm. From aerobics to Zen, modest, modish and dramatic sanctuaries take the care and nourishment of body and soul into a blissful, tropical zone. Even though Java and Bali are some of the most densely populated and productive islands on earth, a walk in a field or a forest or a yoga class to a backdrop of birdsong and awakening villages can be one of the most serene experiences imaginable.

3

BURMA

THAILAND LAOS Bangkok CAMBODIA VIETNAM Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh City Manila PHILIPPINES

C
Phuket Banda Aceh MALAYSIA Medan Dumai Padang Kuala Lumpur Singapore Rengat SUMATRA Bengkulu Merak Toboali

h

i

n

a

a S e

P h i l i p p i n e S e a

o

u

t

h

PALAU ISLANDS Brunei MALAYSIA BORNEO KALIMANTAN Palu Manado Ternate Sorong

S

P a c i f i c O c e a n
Biak Sarmi
PAPUA NEW GUINEA

SULAWESI
Kolaka Kendari

MALUKU
Ambon

IRIAN JAYA

JAKARTA

Indonesia and Neighbours
I n d i a n

Banbung

JAVA

LOMBOK
Denpasar Mataram Sape

FLORES
Waingapu

Larantuka

BALI

O c e a n

L e s s e r

KOMODO & RINCA
S u n d a

Dili EAST TIMOR Kupang

Merauke

Torres Strait

s n d I s l a

Darwin AUSTRALIA

Bali

Blessed by the gods with gentle and hospitable inhabitants.
CANDI DASA
Like Lovina, Candi Dasa has been a drawcard for travellers since the 1970’s. The area is renowned for its spectacular beauty where lush, steep rises from the coast create unforgettable scenery. Fortunately tourism has had a relatively low impact. A kilometer or two up any side road reveals ancient village life goes on essentially unchanged. The cluster of old regencies in this district offer easy access to untouched rural countryside, local traditions and the region’s royal past.

SANUR
On the southeast coast of Bali, next to a sandy, reef-protected stretch of beach, the small town of Sanur has welcomed visitors since the 19th C. The area surrounding the town has seen a proliferation in private holiday villas and Sanur is nowadays a popular choice for families seeking a friendly and relaxed place in the sun. The centre of the town has an urban feel with its broad streets, moderately priced restaurants and shops. The frenetic pace and traffic of the western part of the island is mostly absent and nightlife is also proportionally more sedate.

CANGGU
Best known for sunbathing, surfing and special sunsets, this quiet beach takes relaxing to the max. Traditional fishermen still come to the beach to eke out a livelihood in the sea. A prestigious country club and a handful of trendy dining venues have made a relatively unheralded arrival but there is an absence of the commercial hum of the restaurants and boutiques that characterize buzzy Seminyak. Peace still reigns over Canggu’s beach and coastal rice fields.

SEMINYAK
These days it is difficult to distinguish where Legian ends and Seminyak begins because the (original) villages have been merging one into the other for decades. What does distinguish Seminyak however, are its divine sunsets. It has been described as Bali’s Notting Hill or Soho and it clearly thrives on a healthy social beat. Visitors include royalty, the Jakarta glitterati and the simply trendy. Seminyak stands for relaxing on the beach, blitzing the shops or just kicking back.

JIMBARAN
This area is located on the western side of the island on the narrow bit of land that connects the bulk of island to the south. Jimbaran is famed for a long, wide beach, beautiful bay, seafood restaurants and the cluster of up-market hotels. A fishing village and its fleet, traditionally anchored at the northern end of the beach, provides a scenic backdrop that complements the sunsets.

TABANAN
Tabanan is a versatile region that encompasses a wide range of landscapes from lofty peaks and dense tropical jungle in the north, to fertile rice plains in the south. On its coastline is a string of beautiful, black sand beaches where some chic establishments have now put down their fashionable roots. Apart from the well-frequented seaside temple of Tanah Lot this is a still a mainly agricultural area, renowned for its dancers and gamelan musicians. It is home to one of Bali’s last royal families who live in a palace that is open to the public.

LOVINA
Lovina is the name of a string of villages on Bali’s northern coast, a 3 and a half hour scenic journey from Denpasar. Here you can still find the beautiful soul of Bali that attracted backpackers there decades ago: bold, black-sand beaches, good offshore snorkelling, a variety of restaurants and now, attractive places to stay. It offers a sensuous contrast to the island’s cultural centre and the busier, beachy south.

UBUD
Ubud comes wrapped in clouds, bathed in calm, sunshine, thunderstorms, mists and the restorative sounds of farm and village animals, birdlife, temple gongs and the chants of the dance. The name “Ubud” comes from a word that means “medicine” – the area is well-known amongst locals for the medicinal plants which grow there. Quirky art galleries complement the myriad hues of green in palm fronds, trees, and rice fields. Whilst the main streets are bustling with energy, the locals are laid-back and friendly. Turn down any side street and you can find yourself in the byways of Balinese village life.

NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua is a manicured, self-contained, high-end tourist enclave replete with acres of palms, white sand beaches sheltered by coral reefs, pristine waters, and security gates at all entry and exit points. Abundant coconut trees are a reminder that the area was once a coconut plantation. Without doubt, this is resort headquarters and most visitors seem content with conspicuous relaxation and being only a 20-minute drive from the airport. Nusa Dua is also home to the most popular golf course in Bali, a major convention centre and to one of the most splendid but underappreciated art museums in Bali.

ULUWATU
Uluwatu is located on The Bukit Peninsula at the tip of Bali’s southernmost landmass. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bali since it is home to the Uluwatu Temple. For hundreds of metres over its offshore reef some of the most perfect surf breaks in the world are continuously created and professional surfers have always been intuitively drawn to the place. At low tide the beach is small but enchanting and almost surreal.

4

Nusa Menjangan Permuteran

B a l i

S e a

Singaraja

Gilimanuk

6 Lovina Beach
Kintamani

National Park

Lake Batur

Bedugul Amed Besakih

THE ELEGANT RESORTS & VILLAS COLLECTION
Elegant Resorts & Villas have carefully selected a suite of resorts on Bali. Each has been chosen for their unique style, location and facilities. CANDI DASA 1 Alila Manggis & Villa Idanna Pucci CANggU 2 Ametis Villa Bali JIMBARAN 3 Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay 4 Kayumanis Jimbaran Estate & Spa 5 Ayana Resort & Spa Bali - The Villas LOVINA North Bali 6 The Damai Lovina NUSA DUA 7 Amanusa 8 St Regis SEMINYAK 9 The Legian & The Club at The Legian 10 Anatara Seminyak Resort & Spa 11 The Seminyak Resort TABANAN Tanah Lot Temple 12 Alila Villas Soori UBUD 13 Komaneka Bisma Villas 14 Alila Ubud 15 Uma Ubud by COMO 16 COMO Shambhala Estate 17 Four Seasons Sayan 18 Amandari ULUWATU 19 Bulgari Hotel & Resort Bali 20 Alila Villas Uluwatu

Tabanan 12 Mengwi Tanahlot
Golf

16 17 Sanyan 18 Bangli 14 15 Ubud 1 13 Klungkung Padangbai
Gianyar

Amlapura Candidasa

Canggu

DENPASAR
2 9 11
Sanur Tanjung Benoa Nusa Dua

Ferry to Lombok

Seminyak 10 Legian Kuta Jimbaran

Nusa Lembongan Nusa Penida

5 34 20 19

8 7

Uluwatu

I n d i a n

O c e a n

JaVa

Caretaker of the geographical and spiritual heart of a nation
BOROBUDUR: A MUST SEE WORLD WONDER
The world’s largest Buddhist monument, lies about 40 kilometres from the sultanate city of Yogyakarta. An elaborate temple that is one of the historical art treasures of the world consistently tops lists of world wonders. Created in the shape of a mandala, it contains elaborate carvings that portray Javanese court life of the time. During the new year of Wasiak, the Buddhist population descends on Borobudur in a huge, colourful procession. Nearby its famous neighbour is the 10thC Hindu temple Prambanan with its ornate spires carved with reliefs honouring Shiva.

THE ELEGANT RESORTS & VILLAS COLLECTION
Elegant Resorts & Villas have carefully selected a suite of resorts in Java. Each has been chosen for their unique style, location and facilities. BOROBUDUR JAVA 1 The Plataran Borobudur 2 Amanjiwo Borobudur

PULAU SCRIBU KRAKATAU ISLANDS

JAKARTA
SERANG Bakasi Bogor Cianjur Genteng

J a v a

S e a
KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS BAWEAN ISLAND

Indramayu BANDUNG Garut Pameungpeuk Tegal Ciamis

Jepara SEMARANG

PULAU PULAU DELI TINJIL

Rembang

MADURA ISLAND Tuban SURABAYA Bangkalan

PUTERAN ISLAND IYANG ISLAND RASS ISLAND

BOROBUDUR

Ngawi

RAJA GENTENG SAPUDI ISLAND ISLAND ISLAND

1 2

Solo

YOGYAKARTA
Pacitan

Malang

I n d i a n

O c e a n

Banyuwangi Grajagan
BARUNG ISLAND

SEMPU ISLAND

5

Bulgari Hotel & resort Bali

An inclination for elevated and exotic privacy
Italian style has always captured the world’s attention when it comes to the sleek and the elegant so why not a resort that combines the highest achievements in sophisticated European design with the awe-inspiring drama of the Bukit Peninsula. Bulgari Uluwatu is an ensemble of creative prowess that evokes a humble reverence for the destination. On the extreme southern tip of Bali is one of the most dramatically designed resorts on the whole island. On a clear day, magnificent views over the sweeping expanse of the Indian Ocean are enjoyed from anywhere at Bulgari Uluwatu. The elevation is such that guests have to take a 1.5 kilometre inclined lift down to the pristine beach. It’s an exclusive stretch suitable for long walks and it is inaccessible to anyone else by land. Rustic thatch roofs that top out the individual villas belie the fact that they are retreats of sumptuous, contemporary design, using hand-cut volcanic stones, native hardwood and locally-woven fabrics.

UlUwatU

The villa interiors of rich browns and crisp whites are intended as a dramatic contrast to the dazzling hues of their open-air sun terraces, private plunge pools and ocean vistas. By night the sun decks double as a sunset and star gazing platform. An extensive ornamental lake and a vast swimming pool encircle a curved black resin bar, a lounge and two restaurants so that water and breathtaking views are the ubiquitous constant. One restaurant is for informal, all-day dining and the other, open only for dinner, serves classical but contemporary Italian cuisine. The grandeur of the spa is spectacular. The main pavilion alone is an ancient hand-carved Javanese house that has been dismantled and relocated. All of the spa pavilions and facilities can banish stress with a mere glance at their ornate beauty. It is a sanctuary where Roman mosaic bathhouse meets sensuous, outdoor, tropical healing. Bali and Bulgari – the perfect style stablemates!

main pic the dramatic panoramic view from the resort; left from top the Bulgari Villa Outdoor Pavilion; enjoy exquisite fine dining at Il Ristorante; spacious bathrooms; the Bulgari Villa Bedroom and deck.
6

alila Villas uluwatu

Bali meets Indian Ocean
There is something completely energizing about a whiff of salt in the air, the quality of light at the seaside and the breezes that skim its surface. Places that give design, service, and atmosphere a nudge above the ordinary are, in our book, winners. At the edge of the Indian Ocean, at Alila Villas Uluwatu, you can almost imagine yourself taking flight from the cliff tops on warm ocean updrafts. The whole eco-brilliant resort sings about fresh sea breezes and the delights of the natural world. Alila is a stunning showpiece of timber cabanas that seem almost woven into the stone of the cliff sides. Be prepared to fulfil your daily quota of activity on the myriad of steps that lead you up, down and around this fantastical resort. The location and design of this cool haunt mean an absence of reliance on too many mod cons. The roofs of the buildings are made of lava stone that absorbs or reflects heat, well-positioned lemon grasses are the clever deterrent against mosquito’s

UlUwatU and the breezes that easily waft through very smartly designed and removable “walls”, cancel the need for air conditioning. There are some yummy restaurants, a walk-in wine cellar, an infinity pool that mimics a dramatic plunge over high cliffs, plump day beds that orient your gaze over an infinite stretch of ocean, a cliff top bar and the beautiful Bukit Peninsula at your doorstep. Minimalist but nonetheless sumptuous villas are filled with generous treats such as espresso machines, private salt water pools, a butler service that can be fine tuned to suit and there’s a decadent spa that allows you to lash out on unlimited treatments on a daily rate. This is holiday central for those who fancy surrendering to yoga at sunrise, a legendary wave at noon, a delicious cocktail at sunset and perhaps a massage beneath the stars.

main pic the three bedroom villa with private pool; right from top The Warung; the Sunset Cliffedge Cabana; the stunning view from the three bedroom villa; the one bedroom villa cabana with private pool.
7

amanusa

Amo, Amas, Aman!
“Love” is a four letter word and so is “Aman.”. These two words will forever be linked once you have experienced Amanusa. There are elements of design that are common to all the Balinese Aman resorts: the use of natural woods and local stone; Balinese design in architecture and interior furnishings and a focus on the eloquence of Balinese landscapes. Perched atop a green and garden-tended hillside, Amanusa overlooks the Bali golf and Country Club. From the high ground of the resort’s palatial terrace the views run from the indigo coloured shoreline to Mount Agung that dominates the far horizon on a clear day. Breakfasts of course come served with divine views of a coral reef seafront and peninsula. Whilst it is youthfully gorgeous, this Nusa Dua resort is filled with the scent of centuries old frangipani, the grounds are framed by trellises laden with bougainvillea blossoms and colonnades are lined with baskets of white tuberoses.

NUsa DUa
In all this magnificent seclusion however, you do have to make some difficult choices: either a dazzling pool bordered by blossoms and antique earthenware or the resort’s exclusive beach club. It’s a jaunty five minute ride from the resort in an open top 1960’s VW jeep to a handful of private, two lounge beach bales on dazzling white sand. Refreshments, showers and washrooms make for a sun-cruisey day. After sundown the beach club becomes the setting for candlelit barbecues, and at sunrise, private breakfasts can be enjoyed in the bales. Villas are thatched roof, marble floored, open-air delights. Bedrooms are sheer film set magic and the bathrooms are sunken-bath decadence. Screened by mossy stone walls and lush foliage, villa privacy is palpable. The resort’s long-standing and solicitous staff is a blessing; the Reiki spa master is a magician. That makes Amanusa faultless!

clockwise from top left the elegant dining room of the Italian Restaurant; cabanas and sun loungers at the Beach Club; the Pool Suite; courtyard and pool; the Suite interior.
8

st regis Bali resort

Learning and languid luxury
Here is a resort whose warm inner glow makes it hugely attractive on many levels. Nusa Dua is enclave with an excess of luxury resorts. However, the St Regis has carved out its own impressive niche. Standout service begins at the airport; you are gently gathered up by a concierge, transported to the opulent entrance of the resort and delivered into the hands of a personal butler who oversees and anticipates your needs around the clock. There is not a trace of minimalism anywhere in any aspect of this graceful and sweeping resort. One standout feature is the expansive lagoon. At night, when torches are lit, it conjures up images of the epic Hollywood sets. The lagoon flows amongst outdoor pavilions and luminous gardens and then draws guests towards a dazzling, sandy beachfront. If you are sensible enough to book a villa on the beach, your sunbeds and sunshades are “owned” by being numbered to match your villa.

NUsa DUa
Creative flair is what fires all of the handsome dining venues. Breakfast is a feast of bespoke delights; there’s a gourmet “deli” with a sensational collection of ice creams; breezy glamour is the soul of the beachfront restaurant and whether you sit inside or alfresco, the degustation menu is one of the hottest tickets in Bali. Far removed from everything strenuous, the spa stands protected by a koi pond, a temple of temptation. Its beautiful rooms are adorned with cut-out butterfly screens that are backlit to perfection and glass domes imitate the ambience of silvery moons. Bring the children. The excellent learning centre is a thought-provoking but also entertaining facility that provides half and full day programs that they simply adore. Considering its grand scale, the St Regis still manages to feel intimate, especially when you are ensconced in your villa where astonishing attention to detail is just the beginning.

clockwise from top left Kayuputi outdoor bale; Remede Spa; the resort exterior; the gardens surrounding the swimmable lagoon; indulge in a champagne picnic by the ocean.
9

Four seasons resort Bali at JimBaran Bay

Brand watch on a quiet peninsula

JimbaraN

Four Seasons was one of the first to recognize the relaxing glamour of the Jimbaran Peninsula. They brought together inspired Balinese architecture with sophisticated and elegant design to show Bali off at it spiritual and hand-crafted best. Built in the 1990’s, this beautifully maintained grande dame still offers the finest comforts, traditions and insider expertise expected by Four Seasons habituées. The levels of luxury and pampering are impressive. A stay can be a destination in itself or a signature element of a longer journey in Bali. The entire resort, carefully located, is built into a terraced hillside that spills down to white sand and coconut groves. guests never lose sight of the calming bay and Mount Agung in the distance. Because the airport is only 10 kilometres and 15 minutes away, you can arrive, disembark, be delivered to the hands of staff who are armed with cold towels, be whisked to the resort and then be installed in your luxury villa within a very reasonable time. Thatch-roofed villa residences are arranged around squares, emulating the layout of a Balinese village. They are peaceful retreats of traditional design combined with tastefully modern flourishes and they are also a clever mix of indoor and alfresco comforts. Marble floors reflect the light from the bay; bathrooms boast deep soaking tubs; plunge pools and tropical outdoor showers create an indulgent but unequivocally Balinese ambience. Dinners served on a canopied “bed on the beach” and Indonesian and Western fare are served up in settings from the casual to the epically romantic. We are tempted to say the resort’s cookery school is real “wow” of this resort but there is also the infinity-edged pool and an excellent spa where waiting for an appointment is almost unheard of. Stylish exploration and relaxation are the well-practised mantras of this respected gem.

main pic Deluxe Ocean View 1 Bedroom Villa; left from top Deluxe Ocean View 1 Bedroom Villa; 1 Bedroom Villa; Residence Villa; pool deck; outdoor spa treatment; Residence Villa.
10

Kayumanis JimBaran PriVate estates & sPa

Coconut groves and cinnamon pancakes

JimbaraN

Jimbaran is noted for its beaches and coconut groves. Kayumanis Villas are located here just metres back from a beach, where, as the sun descends, silhouetted fishermen haul their nets to shore. Step out of the Jimbaran bustle, through a bamboo lined entrance, across lily pads and into a warm Balinese embrace. From here it’s all earthy, cinnamonscented villa “estates” amidst pots of cascading water and lush gardens. Kayumanis evokes a sense what the island was like before the tourist boom of the 1970’s: open spaces and garden vistas. Traditional thatched roof villas are scattered beneath coconut palms and linked by a series of cobblestone garden paths. Each villa is distinctly Balinese and offers vast square metres of indoor-outdoor living. Sliding glass doors open adorable bedrooms up to the balmy salt-tinged air and you can dance from the comfort of your ridiculously spacious lounge pavilion into a private pool. Authentic, home-cooked cuisine is a standout in this resort. Book a poolside table at Tapis, tuck into high tea, enjoy a beach picnic or reserve your own in-villa meal. A private villa feast can be stage-managed for in a setting that brings to mind the Bali of old - black and white checkered fabrics, bamboo torches, palm frond adornments and live Rindik music. This haunting gamelan music is a critical element of the ambience of the whole island because its soft and rhythmic sound is intended to conjure up images of breezy rice fields and sunny days. Bury reality and bliss out at the spa. The dexterous lovelies within have an arsenal of massage oils and fluffy white towels and you can work your way through the list of spa treatments that even includes a heavenly chocolate wrap. Finishing touches such as in-room soft drinks, moreish cookies, fresh fruit and a butler service makes Kayumanis a resort worth leaving home for. main pic reflection pool in the arrivals lobby; right from top One Bedroom Private Estate; Tapis Restaurant; spa bathtub; Kayumanis Spa; Villa Living Room; Chef’s cooking classes.
11

ayana resort & sPa Bali - tHe Villas

Bali comes to Ayana, sometimes in wedded bliss!
There will be an intake of breath when you grasp the full scale of this clifftop resort at Jimbaran Bay. It runs the gamut of gardens, enormous pools, an exclusive beach, walking tracks, a scaled down 18 hole golf course, boutiques, a multitude of restaurants, one cliff hugging bar with spot-lit ocean and a glam martini bar, two cafés and a theatre. There’s also a vast spa complex dedicated not just to massage treatments - it offers a two-hour package that allows you to create your own perfumed massage oil. Perfect for ladies in wedding mode! We have not yet mentioned the expansive menu of activities, the kid’s club, two dedicated wedding chapels and half dozen wedding venues. One boutique even carries all those last minute items a bride may have forgotten in the sensibly headlong rush to be here. There is a hotel complex of airy rooms and suites but we were smitten with the villas in 77 acres of tropical gardens and sometimes hilly pathways. The villas are built in

JimbaraN bay traditional compound style and all have dramatic views of the ocean plus an allimportant private pool. Villa guests have a dedicated check-in area that is a tease for the grandeur to come. Reception is surrounded by a lotus pond, beyond which your gaze is drawn to a split-level, infinity pool. So it’s not uncommon to have to have to dry your tears of happy disbelief before being led to your private, pampered haven of secluded joy. There is an enormous choice of dinner venues that serve three courses of romance but perhaps the most imaginative is the private jetty where a candlelit table takes two to the ends of the earth. This is a place to which you can elope on an intimate or elaborate scale - but take your family and friends with you!

clockwise from top left the ocean beach pool; Ocean Front Cliff Villa Plunge Pool; Kubu Beach; Deluxe Ocean View Room; Ocean Front Cliff Villa bathroom; spa on the rocks.
12

tHe legian & tHe CluB at tHe legian

An elegant excess of discretion and Hollywood style
If ever you needed a place to be seen in Bali, the Legian & The Club should be your logical selection. You have a choice of two luxurious entities: the sleek and wondrous suites at The Legian and The Club villas that proudly flout every frill that a butlered palace can summon. The décor, the service, the gentle manners and the high society ambience deliver sophisticated getaway thrills. Choose The Legian Club villas and your feet will literally never touch the ground. On arrival, it’s a butler chauffeured black Lexus that will keep you in previously unimaginable layers of personal pampering. The Club villas are located across a narrow street from the mothership Legian, behind a security-controlled gate. Absolute peace dominates the compound where just 11 villas are pleasingly spaced around an ornamental pond, tropical gardens and the Club Lounge, with its own bar, restaurant and nearby pool. Behind each wooden front door is a central pool swathed in hibiscus and frangipani, an outdoor

semiNyak dining bale, lawns draped with day beds and a palatial complex of rooms for two: a dreamy four-poster bedroom, fantastical bathroom with his ‘n’ hers wardrobes, a crammed drinks cabinet that is often and magically refilled. Sarongs, sandals and all of the traditional and wired entertainment distractions you could wish for are on tap. Your butler may not iron your newspaper but he or she will pour the Taittinger, adjust your cushions, make the best table reservations and generally make you wonder how you ever survived without their smiling and efficient support. To visit The Legian with its softly lit bars, idyllic restaurant, raked to perfection stretch of seafront beach, two tier infinity pool and spa suites requires a short stroll from the few private villas, but try escaping the Lexus even then.

clockwise from top left the Beach House with private pool; the Club Dining & Pool Bar; a beachfront seafood platter; the Beach House bedroom; the two tier infinity pool.
13

anantara seminyaK resort & sPa

Of sand bars and zoned-in cocktail bars

semiNyak

On a prime stretch of the Seminyak beachfront, in an upmarket district that contains chic restaurants and cafés, trendy nightclubs and great shopping opportunities, is the Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa. It makes no claim to being a 5 star establishment but the large rooms and suites, the fabulous tropical beachfront, service and facilities cannot be faulted. The naturally beautiful setting is the first element in this boutique resort’s large portfolio of winning ways. Anantara is a beachside base to boast about if you want to live comfortably yet still get out to see the island’s inland mountains, rivers and villages. All are just a short drive away and the helpful resort staff can arrange reef diving, white-water rafting on the Ayung River, elephant safaris, hiking, cultural visits in Ubud and excursions to the iconic sea temple of Tanah Lot. You will love coming back home to enjoy a dip, stroll the beach, spa away the drive or toast the sunset. When evening rolls in drinks, can be enjoyed either from your balcony or at the hotel’s rooftop terrace bar, SOS. Its clubby, chillout vibes are famed in Seminyak and its tasty cocktails give sunsets their romantic edge. The resort’s expansive suites, Balinese décor inspired, have big beds, big views, big floor- toceiling glass doors, big terrazzo tubs for two, and some have direct access to a shared pool. The penthouse suite has the biggest and best views, an ah-inspiring infinity plunge pool and butler service that begins with a VIP customs clearance at the airport. The attentive welcome continues with champagne butler service whilst you are in residence. Dining is simply delicious. Buffet breakfasts by the sea are more than enough to carry you through to the treats of afternoon tea and on to a thrilling Thai, seafood or tapas meal to end a satisfying day in bountiful Bali. main pic beachfront infinity pool; left from top the Sea View Suite balcony; Sea View Suite at sunset; dining by design on the beach; drink in the spectacular view sunset lounging at SOS.
14

tHe seminyaK resort

Affable Staff and astonishing sunsets

semiNyak

The Seminyak is a cluster of rooms and villas that take best advantage of a lovely, deep stretch of beachfront plus a well-manicured garden complex just back from the beach. It is a property that still proudly retains all the glamorous lustre of its new newness. It is close to all the action of Seminyak and a drop off and pick up shuttle service ensures that guests have the best of the area’s chi-chi buzz as well as laid back indolence. The heart-soaring inspiration of the resort is the infinity pool that spans the length of the deck outside the beach wing rooms and that literally drops away just onto the beach. No effort is required to while away a day when the pool and beach are literally at your doorstep. Beachfront villas take proximity to the waves to max with private plunge pools outside their sliding bedroom doors plus a thatch roof pavilion in which to seek occasional shade and make gazing out to sea one’s main reason for existence. Tackling an occasional surf break means a hike of at least a few steps. Sunsets are best enjoyed at either in the beachfront restaurant or at the lounge bar for good eating and heady cocktails. As for contented garden villa guests, the approach of sunset usually entices them from their dens of tranquillity to join in the end of the day celebrations, beachside. Spa treatments are available in a modern wellness centre, massages can be enjoyed in an outdoor bale and there is a small but not so very serious gym. But perhaps the hidden gem is a beachfront venue space that can be transformed from opulent to intimate and from Western to Balinese settings to suit the mood any private celebration

main pic Sanje Lounge Dinner; right from top the villa pathway; the spa lobby; the Ocean View Villa; beachfront infinity pool; the sophisticated décor of The Room garden Wing.
15

ametis Villas Bali

Chillout luxury and legendary breaks for surf lovers
For decades Echo Beach near the coastal village of Canggu has been a mecca for surfers. Now the place has assumed a fresh mantle of dignified sophistication and luxury devotees have a compelling reason to seek out its charms. Close to the beach, down a narrow, bamboo-lined laneway, Ametis Villas is the Siren that lures travellers to a completely thrilling fate. Surfers of a generation ago have returned to discover that their favourite haunt now sports a place that offers grown-up, butler-serviced living and gentle serenity. The design of Ametis Villas guarantees seclusion but not isolation. Fourteen breezy and light-filled pavilions built at the edge of sensuous rice paddies are laden with comeliness: cool stone, glass and exposed timbers juxtaposed brilliantly with sumptuous fabrics, elegant décor and the soft glow of candle-lit lanterns. In each villa open-plan living areas are grouped at either end of a courtyard lap pool. A lounge merges into a gourmet kitchen at one end; a spa-style bathroom and seductive crisp linen bedroom at the other.

CaNGGU
Add round-the-clock, discreet butler service, angst-busting spa treatments, in-villa dining and a relaxed restaurant cum bar, Eternal, and you have an irresistible bolt-hole for couples as well as groups of like-minded friends. Your butler is your chauffeur, housekeeper and general factotum. You’ll be devoted to him or her within a heartbeat of your arrival, especially when it comes to shopping trips to Seminyak that will see your luggage groaning with booty in a trice! If you can tear yourself away from all the private and attentive splendour, cycle out to explore the district then come home to a romantic courtyard dinner or BBQ, all organized by your butler of course. With the black sand sparkling like diamonds, sunsets on the beach are spectacular. Otherwise, come sunset, just settle into a couch at Eternal for cocktails and canapés then enjoy a meal there. Surrender is your smartest tactic.

clockwise from top left Crystal Lychee; Premiere Villa Bedroom & Bathroom Pavillion; comfortable open air Premiere Villa living room; staff from Eternal Home Style Dining.
16

alila Villas soori

A kaleidoscope of worshipful design
Close to the much-photographed Tanah Lot Temple, on the wild and less-touristic southwest coast of Bali, Alila Villas Soori is a vision of breathtaking architecture and design that will obliterate what you might have imagined and magnify the reality of its pleasure tenfold. It takes pride of place on a gentle slope, cradled in a landscape of jade-green rice terraces, iridescent black-sand beaches and the magical turquoise of the Indian Ocean. Let’s get straight to the bar: Drift by name and intention, the chic air-conditioned cool of this light filled space with its comfy couches and weathered wood floor is the ideal spot to escape the direct sun by day. Ease back and plan a day or just slip into idyllic reverie. Read the latest style-guru magazines, borrow a IPad, sip tea or nibble on a Balinese spiced duck burger. By night a different kind of cool emerges. There is a sense of arrival wherever you are in the resort, created by the architecture, restful gardens, reflective ponds and the masterful interplay of fire and water. Inside

tabaNaN the slick spa, located below a reflective pond, an aqua ceiling fills the space with a soothing play of watery light. Add several decadent dining options, a spectacular infinity pool on a cliff edge high above the beach, submerged daybeds at its shallow end, plus the essential ingredient of service from personable hosts and you’re in paradise rediscovered! Minimalist open-plan villas are part of an overall design of interconnected spaces that flow from the arrival courtyard down onto the beach. These villas are a sublime celebration of luxury and high-tech functionality whilst capturing the sensual light and sounds of the natural setting. All have private salt-water pools, courtyard terraces for sun worship, ocean-view cabanas and direct access to the beach. Book a second-storey ocean pool villa if only for its sea-view bath tub.

clockwise from top left Alila Soori Three Bedroom Villa; Spa Relaxation Lounge; Ocean Pool Villa; Mountain Pool Villa; Terrace Pool Villa bedroom; romantic weddings at Soori.
17

KomaneKa at Bisma uBud Villas

Ubud, soulfully for art’s sake

UbUD

When you enter the reception foyer at Komaneka Bisma, your heart will melt! Either that or the staff will wait for your open-mouthed astonishment to abate before you can be checked in. You absolutely and instantly know that this is a special place. The unexpected dazzle is the bird’s eye view over the river, sloping rice paddies and coconut groves of the Campuhan River valley below. Central in the line of sight is an elongated, valley-floor infinity pool and that scene is overlaid with a symphony of water, birdsong and frogs that give this resort a heady ambience. In such proximity to the bustling streets of Ubud, it’s the shock of picturesque tranquillity that strikes the senses in the nicest possible way. The owner is the son of the man who founded the Neka Art Museum in Ubud. The resort, despite its humble beginnings as accommodation for artists, has evolved into a smart and contemporary hideaway that integrates local art into its design and into all its public spaces. Every lavish, high ceilinged room has winning views and the premium villas are complete happiness for those who love a jungle setting, a private plunge pool and terrace plus butler service. The real find at the bottom of this garden is a fabulous three bedroom residence that is perfect for a family celebration or for hosting an intimate party for friends. It’s a touch of scandalous luxury with a long private pool and deck, luggage room, kitchen and sensuous wooden and marble flooring. Eating well is a given. The menu ranges from Balinese dishes to wafer-thin pizzas from the outdoor wood-fire oven. Apart from the fine dining restaurant there is a bar, spa-villa, gym, function rooms and Ubud’s first wedding chapel. Activities include everything you would wish for plus there’s a detailed weekly schedule of Ubud’s dance and gamelan performances.

Main pic the swimming pool nestled in lush rainforest; left from top the One Bedroom Villa; the Two Bedroom Villa with a private pool; the lobby; the Bisma Suite bedroom.
18

alila uBud

Inspired Privacy at its most Elevated

UbUD

A winding mile above a Balinese village, the path leads to a jade green infinity pool. On the ridge of a hillside above the Ayung River Valley, Alila Ubud was created to resemble a peaceful, countryside Balinese village. It’s a resort that blends contemporary design and traditional Balinese architecture in secluded courtyards, luscious terraces and stunning gardens. A series of two-storey wood and stone living quarters are seemingly suspended above the valley in a place of gorgeous isolation and unparalleled intimacy. The resort’s elevated rooms, villas and public spaces are a tapestry of idyllic tableaux that echo the serenity of the surroundings: terraced foothills, mist-laden mountains, deep gorges and volcanoes. To reach Alila, just 5 kilometres from Ubud, you rise through terraced rice paddies and emerge into the light of warm smiles and the greetings of a chorus of geckos. Villa interiors are a celebration of fresh white linens, wood and glass, terrazzo tiles, thatched roofs, sliding terrace doors and outdoor bathrooms: the focus is purposefully centred on the vistas below. Amble to meals through “village” lanes of scented frangipani, orchids and scuttling lizards. A day of pleasure starts with freshly squeezed juices and earthy coffee. In the evenings the open-air restaurant is completely transformed by floating lanterns reflected in the pool. Wind down the day in the poolside bar, settled into the deepest sofas on the island. Diversions include trekking, cycling or mountain biking, a drive to a remote venue to enjoy a delicious picnic or the perfect pressure of a spa treatment. Alila spa offers a raft of insanely relaxing massages such as a heady 90-minute indulgence delivered in a glassfronted room where the birds and geckos outside are the natural stand-ins for ubiquitous musak. Bliss out by the shimmering infinity pool, watching hummingbirds dart around the hibiscus then indulge in an exhilarating dip that dissolves the torpor of the day’s heat. The overall result is a location of photographic joy, perfect for exotic nuptials or just the peace of it all. Main pic the award winning pool; right from top the restaurant, Plantation Dining; Balinese Delights; the expansive pool villa interior; iPod dock; the Spa Alila walkway.
19

uma uBud By Como

Understated cool on the fringe of an urbanised village
One of Ubud’s most notable urban retreats is a place that capitalizes on pretty and restorative surroundings, plenty of natural light and interiors that blend contemporary simplicity with traditional Balinese materials. COMO’s Uma Ubud radiates with calm and peace even though it is located only a hundred metres back from a busy road that leads into the town. The restaurant, spa centre and principal yoga bale sit below the inviting, central pool, down through the sculptured garden terraces and they all take excellent advantage of gorge and field views. With its uncluttered lines and furnishings this boutique villa hotel is much more than just good looking: the beds are luxurious, the yoga classes are professionally run, the spiritual Shambala spa offers sublime therapies and the restaurant whips up meals to swoon over. There is a stand out menu of raw and cooked fusion dishes that are as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate.

UbUD
The more extravagant villa suites come with private infinity pools and stunning views of the Tjampuhan Valley. The sounds from the forest and the Oos River below are the early morning wake up call. Perhaps the greatest delight of the location is that it affords the opportunity for exploration because along with natural beauty, Ubud has a vibrant arts and restaurant scene and galaxy of enticing shops. Uma also offers hiking, rafting and even volcano climbing and, by contrast, early morning activities can include a gentle hour’s rice field walk with a guide or an equally strenuous but satisfying yoga class. All this comes with fine service thrown in courtesy of genuinely delightful Balinese staff. A perfect choice for guests who want town and country, peace and pampering. Uma Ubud is an entrée into the practices and philosophy of luxury that comfortably work hand-in-hand with well-being.

clockwise from top left view of the pool; the Terrace Villa bathroom; the Pool Bar; a morning walk through the beautiful surrounding rice fields; the Terrace Room view.
20

Como sHamBHala estate

Degustation plus meditation have never felt naturally better.
A gentle talent for hospitality is one of the sweetest aspects of Ubud. Nowhere is that tenet better showcased than at COMO Shambhala Estate, a short drive out of town on a dramatic and staggeringly large estate above the Ayung River gorge. The very private and uber luxurious suites, villas and residences jut out over valleys, cling to hillsides or sit snugly onto the plateau rim with views of emerald rice terraces and an imposing, extinct volcano. Nothing is signposted but there is a silent army of mindful “hosts” who make everything run smoothly for you, even down to collecting and delivering your shopping, doing your laundry, topping up your drink, refreshing your orchids, and pressing your clothes. Around the grounds, infinity-edged pools stare into sheer drops of jungle, waterfall gardens abound with pools and streams of sacred spring water; fire pits blaze after dark and the extensive grounds induce the impression of heavenly isolation. With your body clock adjusted to the natural progression of the day, sleep is easy.

UbUD

This is a wellness retreat. However, Christina Ong secured the talents of ex Rockpool chef Amanda gale some years ago and Amanda had developed the menus of all COMO properties. For lucky Estate guests, Amanda is now the executive chef in residence. The flavours explode, the textures surprise the palate and the colours delight the eye. Imaginative juices and copious quantities of cool water compliment every meal. You dictate your cocktail hour (yes - you can even drink!), your massages and your mealtimes. An all-day dining restaurant serves organic cuisine with dishes ranging from Italian and South Indian to regional Balinese. All of the holistic, well-being opportunities here can sensibly be translated into daily life but at The Estate, the daily schedule of activities and the extensive spa facilities make the absolute most of its beautiful location.

clockwise from top left the gorgeous relaxation area at Ojas; an apple centre piece; the Tirta Ening Terrace Suite; Sleep in; be enveloped in green at the Kedara (Water garden).
21

Four seasons sayan uBud

On a Sayan ridge, far, far away…

UbUD

This visual drama of this resort is apparent from the moment you cross a long wooden footbridge over to an enormous, flying saucer shaped lotus pond. Here you are at rooftop level and the pond conceals the fact that the three level main building lies literally beneath your feet. In an instant you are hovering precipitously, high above a quiet bend in a river and surveying a rural kingdom of terraced rice fields and delicious bamboo and forest vistas. Breathtaking can barely describe this contemporary resort: step down from the extraterrestrial pond via a polished wood staircase, into an open-sided and circular threestorey structure. It is not merely a stage for dazzled guests, but wild kites also flit through the building unimpeded. Then catch your breath but the spellbinding, physical beauty of the place will catch you unawares again and again. Within the main building and balanced on the edge of stunning views of the whole resort are the main restaurant and bar. Each is anotherworldly venue to celebrate the end of a day and the romantic hues of evening. The suites, villas and the spa are scattered around the vast grounds to maximize privacy. The villas, with comely Balinese artefacts, hand-crafted fabrics and earthy hues, each have a private pool. Niceties such as luxurious bathrooms, huge tubs, beds that rival the comforts of sleeping on a cloud and plenty of plush towels are the joyous essentials for pleasure seekers. The split-level infinity pool cleverly echoes the contours and sounds of the river and is the resort’s hushed control deck, wired only for soporific indolence. Think high walls, trickling water and sustaining fruit and vegetable gardens: by creating this handsome, seemingly unspoiled tropical setting that blurs the boundaries of modern building formality and nature, Four Seasons has created something ideal for families and escapists seeking exotic solitude.

Main pic the riverside pool; left from top relax by the river; the Ayung Terrace; the One Bedroom Villa; the One Bedroom Suite; the One Bedroom Villa exterior with private pool.

22

amandari

A legend in the panoply of Balinese Gods

UbUD

The imposing moss covered walls that encircle Amandari are a foil to the openness of its ambience and its respectful links to the local community. Locals traverse the grounds and tend the rice paddies that the resort overlooks. guests are encouraged to acknowledge their presence and appreciate the quiet dignity of their industrious lives. The privileged experiences of the resort are also, in this humbling setting, a gentle lesson in what beauty is all about. The scale of the handful of pavilions suites, some with their own decadent pools, is grand. They inspire a deservedly hushed reverence with their temple-like entrances. The clean lines of the spacious, air-conditioned interiors are a combination woven bamboo, marble floors, rattan-furnished living areas, king beds and baths with sunken garden tubs. The happiness quotient for guests rises to synchronise with the comfortable grandeur of the accommodations. The location above the Ayung River gorge allows guests, after an elegant sufficiency of relaxation, to get involved in jungle hikes, river rafting or visit local artisans and galleries. If staying within the confines of the “palace” is preferred, the resort offers a charming veranda restaurant and a well-stocked library, as well as a health and fitness centre and open-air massage pavilions overlooking a soporific lily pond. Yoga classes are alfresco and the spectacular 30 metre, green-tiled infinity pool, the mesmerising focus of this resort, is a nod to the green rice terraces that it faces. Three golf courses are within driving distance and a hard tennis court is floodlit for night matches. Western and Indonesian meals are very graciously served in an open-air teak pavilion and in the evening they are complemented with gamelan and dance performances in the music pavilion. If you fancy a sojourn that would please any privacy-seeking celebrity or royal, this is the exquisite sanctuary you should seek. Main pic the swimming pool and gardens; right from top the swimming pool at dusk; the Spa Massage Bale; the suite Interior; the suite sunken bath; the Pool Music Pavilion.

23

alila manggis & Villa idanna PuCCi

Zen goes down to the sea

CaNDiDasa

Alila Manggis is a modest retreat in the lee of sacred Mount Agung. It sits in a landscape of idyllic palms, gardens and unspoiled oceanfront. The facilities, the staff and the awardwinning cookery school have a legendary reputation. Rooms and suites are unassuming and attention to detail is evident in the artwork and sculptures once collected by a former Italian artist owner. guests never fail to be completely wowed by the vistas from the vast open foyer. Eye-catching views are what the cheerful accommodation is all about: lawns, lily ponds, a cleverly designed pyramidal pool, black sand and the sea. Distractions range from earthy massages to snorkelling as well as a trek through forests and rice fields that culminates in a lunchtime banquet served on the terrace of a private guesthouse. If you choose to stay poolside, it’s all refreshing cold towels, ice tea and afternoon delicacies to endure. A relaxed state of mind is given a nudge with fabulous food served in a thatched balé. The menu at Seasalt consists of Balinese and Western options that include delicious curries and grilled local fish. They are almost always best complemented with a chilled beer and the sound of waves on the shore. If Alila Manggis alone is not enough to sate your appetite for this region, then 45 minutes from the resort there is Villa Idanna at the base of Mt Agung where there is nothing except joyous views of a lush green valley and fields. You are cared for by four staff who themselves hail from the same valley. There are some mod cons to please and a private 20-mtere pool but no television. Alila Manggis is a godsend for those who can’t decide on a holiday by the sea or in the mountains. Romantics, families and budding photographers will find the overall package a fulfilling experience at stress-reducing rates. Main pic the pool surrounded by lush gardens; left from top Spa Alila Treatment Pavilion; Deluxe Room with balcony overlooking the pool and gardens; Seasalt Restaurant; the Villa Idanna’s verandah and tranquil rice fields; enjoy dinner by the sea in the Dining Bale.

24

24

tHe damai loVina

Hard to find - hard to leave

loviNa

Tucked away in the lush hillside and above the Bali Sea, The Damai, brainchild of a Danish traveller, is a boutique and organically minded inn that will take you into an exotic wilderness of mountains, jungle, ocean and fragrant spice plantations. Relaxed in essence and utterly gorgeous in ambience, you will melt into the welcoming embrace of the people and the Balinese charm of this retreat, home-baked biscuits included. Sliding windows in the pool villas create a floating sensation, with infinity pools and daybed salas precipitously poised on the edge of the riotous wilderness. The interiors are a showcase of earthy colours, artworks and richly inviting beds. In the evenings these artistically crafted pavilions are bathed in atmospheric lighting. Whilst the handsome pool villas are nirvana, they are also cradled in the embrace of divine gardens. Their pointed roofs peak out from a backdrop of misty mountain side lusciousness, quiet walkways and plant filled terraces. This hideaway is a sensual mélange of elements that reawaken a human attunement to nature. Birds skim the pools around the cluster of villas in the early morning: the wind in the trees is the background music for bathing; the elevation is perfect for viewing a parade of dolphins joyfully passing by at sea. For an even greater thrill, local boats take early risers out on whale watching expeditions. The appealing restaurant serves organic vegetables and meats from the hotel’s own small farm and guests are treated to appetising food and romantic, candlelit outdoor settings. Vegetarians and carnivores alike, rate the food and setting as a heavenly treat. The indulgent open-air spa in the garden is a close-to-paradise delight that should not be missed, nor should a cocktail at the bar at sunset. The Damai is suitable for anyone who wants to experience a different aspect of Bali and who likes to uncover a destination at a heart-pleasing pace.

Main pic sink into your own private infinity pool in the Master Pool Villa; right from top the Pool Villa interior; an afternoon spent sun lounging around the main pool; indulge with your own private butler service; the plush furnishings in the Umah Raja Master bedroom.

25

tHe Plataran BoroBudur

Teak forests, banana leaf body wraps, a spiritual landscape and your favourite companion
This gorgeous boutique spa resort is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the jaw-dropping scenery and sites of Borobodur without having to dig deep to pay for the privilege. Outdoor yoga and meditation sessions and a lovely spa club in a garden, all of them commonplace facilities in any self-respecting resort, are thoughtfully supplemented with more unusual pursuits that will please adults and children alike: temple tours (chanting included), waterfall hikes, village bike riding, kite flying, rides in an old Dutch steam train, gamelan and dance lessons, batik making lessons, stilt walking and traditional Indonesian children’s games. Their menu of excursions and experiences is a delightful insight into local Javanese culture. On the hillside of of Tanjungan Village and perfectly down to earth in this heavenly location are the welcoming and secluded cabanas, two storey duplex villas and rather grander pool villas of Plataran Borobodur. All of them are sweetly eco in design and there’s a restaurant that serves delicious food sourced, to a large extent, from the resort’s own organic garden and mushroom house. The wine list is not extensive but it perfectly complements the imaginative dishes. The accommodation,

borobUDUr Java

the restaurant and a relaxing terrace are all havens that offer breathtaking views of Borobodur, lush teak forests, rice fields and surrounding volcanoes. To not unwind here would be to sin against the natural order of the world. For the finishing touches, there’ s a team of humble but friendly staff who understand how to step outside the standard parameters of service. Their warm smiles make everything just right. Ten minutes from Borobodur and a galaxy away from the real world, there’s a sweeping sense of place in this landscape where time bends like the curves of the great temple and where simplicity makes absolute sense.

clockwise from top left the Padma Spa with a view; terrace dining at the Colonial Restaurant; the Paddy Cabana; amazing views of Borodudur; grand garden Villa bathroom.
26

amanJiwo BoroBudur

Seductive seclusion within the walls of a soulful masterpiece of architecture
Only a handful of the enlightened know about this regal Javanese retreat that has been designed to show off its famous neighbour, Borobudur - the world’s largest Buddhist monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Borobudur lies in an ancient, natural amphitheatre in the geographic and spiritual heart of Java, in a direct line of sight from the resort and less than three kilometres away from it. Amanjiwo’s own centerpiece is a limestone rotunda topped with a bell-shaped dome - a small but respectful imitation of the circular platforms and stupas of Borobudur. Amanjiwo is built entirely from locally hewn limestone and features high walls, dramatic domes, and, as you’d expect, flawless service. Two of the pool suites are simply to be lusted after, with private pools stretching from the bedroom doors to daybed-plumped pavilions and with jaw-dropping views of Borobudur itself. There are just 35 walled suites filled with tempting Javanese art and textiles, raised platform beds, terrazzo baths, outdoor sunken tubs and garden pavilions. Beyond all this luxury, however, is a wide range of pursuits devoted to uninterrupted

borobaDUr Java

pleasure: walks, excursions and visits to Borobodur. You can also activate the do not disturb sign and indulge in an in-suite spa treatment. The colonnaded, open-air dining room provides incredible views of rice fields and volcanoes. To complement the vistas, classic Javanese as well as Western delicacies are served to the backdrop of achingly beautiful Javanese music. In this exceptional manor-house resort, surely the most magnificent amenity of the resort is the stunning 40-metre horizon pool, a sliver of lapis lazuli, flanked by acres of sun beds and dazzling parasols. Pack a dozen spare memory cards because Amanjiwo is as unforgettable as the temple complex and the panoramas of plains and volcanoes in every direction. So inspiring are the views, that there is a sketching class with the artist in residence to help you create a reverential masterpiece.

clockwise from top left outdoor bathtub; resort at dusk; the 40-metre pool, lined with Yogya limestone; Amanjiwo Suite’s four-pillar bed on a terrazzo platform; the pool club.
27

elegant resorts & Villas
ABN 92 002 144 130 License No. 2TA001389

Level 3, 332 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia T +61 2 8270 4850 E elegant@elegantresorts.com.au

www.elegantresorts.com.au
Front Cover the Ocean Pool Villa exterior at Alila Villas Soori Back Cover splash into the infinity pool at The Damai Lovina
Also in the elegAnt ResoRts & VillAs poRtfolio • elegAnt ResoRts And VillAs of tAhiti & heR islAnds, MAldiVes, MAuRitius, seychelles, thAilAnd And fiji islAnds. elegAnt ResoRts And VillAs Also hAs A collection of VillA foR RentAls in itAly.