The essence of Bali starts with a villa experience. The privacy of a villa transcends you from a busy, hectic lifestyle to one of peace, serenity and exclusivity. When you experience a one to one staff ratio, the pampering is beyond words however, pampering by a local Balinese person is gracious, non-intrusive and within a very short time you feel these gentle and loving people are more like friends.
On arrival at the airport I was met by Made, who was to be my personal driver for my one-week stay in Bali. Made and I became instant friends as we chatted all the way to his little village of Cepaka where this magnificent private villa has been built, on the banks of a tributary of the Ayang River.
Villa Sungai is a secret find, tucked away in a small village twenty minutes out of Seminyak. As we passed several large five star chain hotels and negotiated our way through the trendy exclusive streets of Legion and Seminyak, Made and I found common ground in talking about local folk lore, temples ceremonies and beliefs of the fascinating culture of Bali which blends Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism.
On arrival at Villa Sungai I was unprepared for the welcoming party. Eight staff stood beaming with pride as they introduced themselves and I got the feeling this was going to be an experience of cutting edge service, uncompromising attention to detail and luxury undefined … all the services of a hotel, without the sharing.
The immaculately appointed guest rooms surpassed my expectations with loaded iPods, Bose sound system and Bvlgari products complementing the bathroom featuring an open rooftop to the world of stars and the night sky.
Wayang, my chef produced an exquisite meal on arrival and as I sat at my private dinner table, overlooking the river and dense jungle, I dined with the sounds of nature and slipped into Bali mode very comfortably.
My one-week stay included a visit to the mountain and lake region to the North, exploring local traditional artisan villages and indulging in the 90-minute signature spa treatment every evening on arrival back at Villa Sungai.
Most of the Villa Sungai’s staff are from the local village. Pamela Hayes, the owner knows only too well the importance of family to Balinese people, which is why she chooses to employ her staff from the local area. The value of attendance at temple ceremonies and family obligations can only be achieved if staff are near their families.
A personalised walking tour of the local village compliments the experience of staying at Villa Sungai and as the villa is positioned beneath the main temple this means culture is literally at your doorstep. You may even be lucky enough to catch a major ceremony.
We take short breaks and holidays for a myrarid of reasons. With a knowledgeable personal driver you can map out something that will allow you to maximise your time at the villa and explore the essence of Bali at your own pace and in your own way.
Photos by David Metcalf
www.davidmetcalfphotography.com
Fact File
Accommodation:
Villa Sungai Bali, Cepaka, Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia
BEST OVERSEAS BOUTIQUE PROPERTY 2009
1. Huka Lodge, NZ 2. Villa Sungai, Bali , 3. Turtle Island, Fiji 4. Vatulele, Fiji 5. Lion Sands Lodges, South Africa 6. Mollies, NZ 7. Amansara, Cambodia 8. Amanusa, Bali 9. Como Shambala Estate, Begawin Giri, Bali 10. North Island, Seychelle
Airport:
Bali Airport – Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar – DPS) – 40 minute drive to Villa Sungai
Golf:
15 minutes to Le Meridien Nirwana Golf and Spa Resort at Tanah Lot
Ubud:
35 minutes to Ubud
Nearest Beach
15 minute drive
