The three-storied Longhouse, positioned high on Jimbaran Hill, offers the kind of views that captivate and inspire inner reflection. Dappled by the light of both sunrise and sunset, the six-bedroom Longhouse overlooks a verdant jungle of tropical vegetation, dotted with village homes, all the way down to the bays of Benoa and Jimbaran. The villa’s décor features elements from across the Indonesia archipelago and an extensive staff provides top service in a luxury environment.
The best place to take advantage of the remarkable vistas is on the top floor with its outdoor lounge area, infinity swimming pool and a dining room clad in wraparound windows. Should you tire of the views from there, bales (Balinese gazebos) and daybeds abound on all three levels of the property while all six enormous, fully air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms also offer views worth contemplating before sliding into blue sky dreams.
Built over three levels and decorated using a combination of modern and traditional, sleek steel and antique teak, cool stone and warm wood, state of the art technology and plush soft furnishings, The Longhouse comes complete with a gym and spa room, a fully-equipped and staffed kitchen, its own wine cellar and a villa manager to ensure your every need is met. There is also a rather convenient, beautiful wood-paneled in-house elevator and a fully equipped mini-home theatre/media room, with couches begging to be sunk into and the biggest TV screen ever seen outside of a movie theatre.
The architecture of the property is striking and the villa contains a collection of art, crafts and artifacts lovingly collected by the owners; while in the open living area, with its traditional alang-alang (thatched) roof, a series of murals tell part of the famous Ramayana story. Each of the six spacious bedroom suites is themed after a different Indonesian island and contains art, crafts and motifs from that island. For those who wish to learn more, guides have been created for each room and the main living area, giving more information. Activities such as Balinese dance, cooking lessons, lectures and even fighting kite competitions can be organized by the staff.
The Longhouse is definitely worth a long stay. In fact, the only thing the Longhouse is short on is the number of hours in the day in which to revel in the amazing surroundings and incredible people.
BEDROOMS
The Longhouse has six large bedrooms in total, four of which boast king size beds, the other two offering extra sleeping options with two single beds each.
Sliding glass doors bring the balmy Bali outdoors indoors throughout, but for some respite from the tropical heat, all the bedrooms are fully air-conditioned.
All bedrooms also come equipped with satellite-channel TV and DVD player, safe deposit boxes, and broadband Internet access and en-suite bathrooms. Most noteworthy, however, is the culturally themed décor unique to each room, which results in each bedroom visually introducing a different unique culture from within the great cultural breadth of Indonesia.
Each room has been conceived and interpreted as one of the islands in the Indonesian archipelago: Bali, West Java, East Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sumba. The colors schemes, furnishings and indigenous arts and crafts in each room reflect its individual theme, the result turning The Longhouse itself into an exotic canvas of riotous colors and intimate style and a place of magic.
EN-SUITE BATHROOMS
In keeping with the themed approach, each en-suite bathroom has its own individual characteristics. In one room, you will find both indoor and outdoor showers; another boasts its own plunge pool seemingly placed on the edge of the world. Bathe with a view over the entire island, or in a Sumatran jungle – both are an option so the choice is yours! Blissful rain showers come standard as do private toilets, beautifully crafted washbasins, wonderfully soft towels and gorgeous pampering products.
LIVING AREA & SWIMMING POOL
The breezy open air living area needs no other commendation than its panoramic view across two sparkling bays and the gentle bustle of Bali village life below. That said, the plush couches and chairs provided to enjoy those views, which practically seduce you into them, have a lot going for them too!
You can tap away using the wireless Internet access as you sit under soaring thatched roof cover. Neither walls nor windows mar the perfect picture beyond, leaving it completely open to the silky Bali air.
Step off the black Indian slate living area terrace straight into the 60 square meter infinity swimming pool immediately in front. You can either swim laps or relax on the underwater bench, cocktail in hand should the fancy strike, to drink in the relaxing 180-degree vista.
DINING ROOM
Just to the left of the living area lies an air-conditioned dining area encased in wraparound windows. Here all doors can be opened if you prefer a more natural climate with fans whirring above. An enormous, unique wooden dining table, with seating for up to 14 people, encourages long, friendly lunches and uproarious evening feasts filled with good food, great wine, fantastic company and rejuvenating laughter. Sit back and let the full complement of staff, including a personal chef, whip up culinary delights and feed your every whim while you create wonderful, lifelong memories.
KITCHEN
An immaculate wooden kitchen, with the very latest in stainless steel appliances, is tucked away next to the dining area, complete with a versatile chef worthy of praise. Should you decide to do your own cooking, you’ll find the views from the kitchen windows rival any to be found in the rest of the house.
HOME THEATRE/MEDIA ROOM
Downstairs from the living area and the tapestry of life playing out in the Balinese villages below, you will find the Home Theatre/Media Room. Justly termed “the best home theatre experience in Bali”, watching movies in The Longhouse’s professionally designed media room on the vast TV screen is quite an experience.
Add to this deliciously comfortable extensive couches designed for curling up in; 7.1 surround sound enhanced by acoustic wall and floor treatments; and a bowl of popcorn, a great night in for two or 20. iPod docks have been conveniently placed at strategic locations throughout The Longhouse, giving you surround sound access to your favorites music.
GYM & SPA
Neatly hidden (just in case you don’t want any reminder of the exercise you should be doing on your holiday) on the lower level of The Longhouse, you will find an air-conditioned gym, equipped with state of the art treadmill, Swiss Pilates balls, yoga mats, iPod dock and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Trained instructors can be arranged to come in for your own personal yoga or Pilate’s session.
Professional spa therapists are also on call to provide you with any number of luxury spa and healing treatments in the tranquility of The Longhouse’s private spa treatment room which features two massage beds and a bath for a wonderful Balinese lulur (Balinese body scrub).
GARDENS
Nature weaves its way in everywhere in The Longhouse, thanks to the many indoor gardens. Fish ponds, waterfalls, ponds and trees wait to be discovered and enjoyed. A walk outside into The Longhouse’s landscaped grounds will lead to even more new discoveries and the chance to enjoy nature in beautifully peaceful surroundings. A pergola in a prime location is a wonderful place to sit and watch the sun come up – or down!
LOCATION
As peaceful as it is, The Longhouse may feel very far away from the madding crowd and crazy tourist hustle that can characterizes a trip to the likes of Kuta and Seminyak. Should you wish to immerse yourself in the various wonders of Bali? However, you will find that nothing is too far away, especially given the access to driver and car that The Longhouse guests are treated to. Jimbaran Beach, with its wonderfully warm, calm waters and romantic beach-bound, sandy-toed seafood restaurants, is just a 10-minute drive away. It will take just 20 minutes to the airport; 20 to the fun-filled bars, markets and restaurants of Kuta; 35 to Uluwatu Temple; and just 30 minutes to the world-renowned shopping and fine dining area of Seminyak – where the rich and gorgeous come out to play. And should you long for the lush green peace of the rice fields or have an artistic yearning, head for Ubud, just one hour away.
A car and driver will be at your disposal daily for 10 hours, excluding petrol and discretionary gratuity. Please advise your villa manager of your starting time the previous evening.
CONCLUSION
The Longhouse’s very name is a habitat of one of Indonesia’s many cultures. With its modern design and amenities juxtaposed by an exquisite collection of artifacts and classical Balinese elements, this is a villa that pays homage to its location and exudes joy in being a Bali luxury villa. It showcases the spirit of the Archipelago while being truly Balinese in character. Last, but definitely not least, its warm and professional local staff presents another of Bali’s many attractions, epitomizing the legendary Balinese hospitality.
