Tucked away amongst the picturesque rice fields and rural villages of Canggu in south west Bali, the five-bedroom, fully staffed East Residence and Spa is a palatial yet welcoming property, offering western comforts and contemporary Indonesian style, infused with traditional Balinese touches. Centre-stage within two acres of exquisitely landscaped grounds is a 20m infinity-edge pool, which seemingly drops away to a riverbank of rainforest foliage and waterfall.
With its lovely outdoor relaxation areas, Zen-infused gardens and own private spa, this residence offers guests a rejuvenating sanctuary, yet is a only short drive away from some of the island’s finest surfing beaches and most cosmopolitan enclave, Seminyak.
About
Passion, care and meticulous attention to detail have all been poured into the five-bedroom East Residence and Spa.
Within the solid western architectural design, interiors are of the highest quality and abundant use is made of natural materials such as mahogany and granite. But with an eye for traditional culture, the villa is tastefully adorned with exquisite Indonesian artworks, décor and antique pieces: framed antique Sulawesi warrior jackets line the corridors and carved Balinese chaise langue are thoughtfully provided on porches.
Frangipani flower greetings on arrival and a traditional floral and bamboo welcome piece placed on each bed are some of the Balinese rituals respectfully observed. But the owner’s love of global travel is also evident, with a vintage Italian Vespa Scooter provided for countryside forays, Buddhist statues dotting the gardens and antique carved African chairs.
The two acre property offers a great sense of spaciousness and sanctuary. Reflecting the tropical lifestyle, la piece de la resistance is a variety of outdoor areas to peacefully reflect and relax.
All five ensuite bedrooms feature generous-sized balconies to savour Canggu’s rice fields and villa gardens, while the detached Rainforest Cottage boasts a jungle-style, outdoor bathroom. The strikingly designed infinity-edge pool offers another glorious spot for leisurely distractions.
Beyond the pool, the beautifully landscaped gardens, dissected by a small river, slope down to a second river and waterfall. Step by step, through manicured lawns, trees and exotic blooms, the terraced gardens reveal a Balinese open-air lounge pavilion, three thatched balés (traditional gazebos) and a private spa – for the exclusive use of guests – tucked away beside a rainforested riverbank.
Built in 2008 and now available for rental, this cherished family home extends a heartfelt Balinese welcome through a team of local staff. Ever-friendly but discreetly present, they are the icing on the cake of this truly magnificent property.
Rooms
East Residence and Spa comprises a main, two-storey building and a one-bedroom Rainforest Cottage resting among the gardens. Completed 2008, the property is in immaculate condition; its facilities and appliances gleamingly new. With whitewashed walls, natural breezes and plenty of sunlight streaming in, a light and airy ambience prevails.
The heart of this home from home is the open-plan living-dining room which leads off to two adjoining kitchens, a TV room, office and two guest washrooms. From here, a solid wood staircase rises to the first floor and four of the villa’s five ensuite bedrooms.
The living-dining room extends out to the infinity-edge pool and deck area, where stone steps cut through three terraces of exquisite gardens, leading down to the Balinese open-air lounge pavilion (Open Living), the spa and four thatched balés.
The villa compound is reached by a driveway with garage (maximum parking four cars) and staff quarters on the right-hand side. On arrival, guests are led through a side-entrance of wood doors, stone statues and an alang alang (Balinese thatch) roof, to a delightful koi-filled water feature and porch reception area.
Bedrooms
The four bedrooms in the main building, including the master bedroom, are equally spaced off the first floor landing, affording some privacy. A fifth bedroom rests separately in Rainforest Cottage. All five bedrooms feature air conditioning (no ceiling fans), king-sized beds and fine white cotton bedding. Bathrooms are contemporary and stylish, with glass cubicle showers, while furniture is high quality, modern Indonesian. Delightful traditional touches include high bamboo- and grass-roofed ceilings, bathroom amenities stored in Balinese offerings boxes and Indonesian art works adorning the walls. In total, the villa sleeps ten adult guests, but provides a baby cot (foldable) and extra rollaway bed.
First-floor master bedroom
The largest of the first floor bedrooms, the master bedroom boasts a generous-sized bathroom with sunken bathtub and his and hers sinks. Additionally, the expansive floor space allows room for couches and an ottoman. A 52-inch plasma TV is provided for DVD viewing.
First-floor guest bedrooms
The three bedrooms on the first floor are relatively similar in size and décor and all have spacious balconies with outdoor furniture. On clear days you can see Mount Agung, an active volcano and Bali’s highest peak, from bedrooms one and two. Arguably, bedroom three (the room furthest from the stairs) offers the best rice-field, sunset and sunrise views, which can be enjoyed from an antique Indonesian chaise langue.
Rainforest Cottage
This lovely one-bedroom lodge, resting below the pool and beside the diminutive River Subak, makes for a wonderfully romantic bolt-hole. Surrounded by natural foliage, the entrance porch features an antique African chaise langue, while a second porch, facing the rainforest, supplies table and chairs. A 39-inch plasma TV is available for DVD viewing (with DVDs provided).
Open to the elements, the tropical-style bathroom features a stand-alone bathtub, glass cubicle shower, sink and toilet and takes in rainforest views and waterfall sounds. Modesty prevails with a curtain of banana plants and concertina-style, opaque panelling.
Living, Dining and Kitchens
Through the villa’s main entrance, comprising traditional-style, hand crafted wood doors, the living-dining room is an expansive, oblong-shaped area offering contemporary style yet informality and comfort. Encircled by glass doors and sheer white curtains, this open-plan room lets in plenty of natural light, while the central sofa section is the perfect vantage point for the infinity-edge pool just outside. Ceiling fans and breezes through open doors allow a pleasant airiness. Like elsewhere, furniture and furnishings are contemporary Indonesian, with high-quality finishing, while traditional local touches include charming hand-carved Balinese statuettes.
On the right-hand side is a large antique wooden dining table (protected by a glass top) seating ten. The generous-sized open-plan guest (dry) kitchen, just behind, is bordered by a raised counter of solid Borneo wood and within, features granite counter tops. Well-equipped and well-stocked, the kitchen boasts an Italian oven, five-ring cooker (electricity and gas) and large refrigerator. Behind a partition is the staff (wet) kitchen and walk-in pantry, plus a discreetly positioned guest washroom.
To the right of the gardens, almost submerged in a rainforest setting and near a scenic waterfall, rests ‘Open Living’ – the Balinese open-air lounge pavilion. Traditional touches include a rustic-style high ceiling, with bamboo blinds offering protection from the elements. This makes a gloriously peaceful spot for afternoon teas and sundowners as daylight fades through the trees. Seating includes sofas and a dining table accommodating eight. Adjoining here is a small kitchen plus an attached guest washroom; open-air, it comes discreetly framed by bamboo blinds.
‘Open Living’ is ideal for informal gatherings, lunches and receptions; a simple barbecue is on-hand and a sound system runs to here and next-door neighbour, the spa.
TV Room and Office
On the opposite side of the living-dining room, a TV Room features comfy sofas and a 58-inch, high density plasma TV, transmitting 89 international and 10 local TV channels plus 17 radio stations. If that’s not of interest, a stack of DVDs are provided.
The Office features iPod dock and iPod (another set is stored in the kitchen), desktop computer with Broadband ADSL, fax, printer and CD player/stereo system. There’s a small selection of novels, a CCTV security monitor available for guest use, and an adjoining guest washroom. You can access WiFi Internet in the living-dining room and beside the pool.
Pool, Garden and Bales
Leading out from the living-dining room, is a stunning infinity-edge pool (20 x 6m, 1.2m depth). Maintained daily, the pool has a separate, shallow kid’s area, sunken bar section with submerged bar stools, and ornamental islands. Materials used include black volcanic stone and Italian ceramic tiles. The expansive deck provides four comfy sunbeds plus tables and chairs, perfect for outdoor snacking.
Once jungle and now defined by terraced landscaping, the exquisite gardens fall naturally into three distinct levels, dissected by the River Subak and bordered by a second (unnamed) river. Accessed by large-sized stone steps, the gardens feature sloping manicured lawns and tropical blooms and plants, water features and Buddhist stone statues.
At the bottom, edged by a burst of rainforest, three balés rest peacefully on a ledge beside the shaded riverbank, making an idyllic setting for yoga, massage and meditation (another balé is located to the right of the pool).
The river is fenced off and marks the property border. Should you wish to explore the riverbank and steep rainforest embankment opposite, ask the gardener to open the gate. The gardens, pool-deck and stone steps are all prettily lit-up at nighttime.
SPA
Set below the main building, next door to ‘Open Living’ and beside a rainforested riverbank and waterfall, the villa’s private spa comprises a detached pavilion with alang alang roofing. Within, a modern-style treatment room is furnished with two massage beds, while outside is a charming open-air bathroom with traditional stone bath, edged by tropical foliage, bamboo blinds and concertina-style, opaque panelling. A river deck, or porch, directly faces the rainforest and features two vintage leather recliner chairs. Treatments – and yoga – can also be enjoyed in four thatched balés, located within the grounds.
Staff
The villa has 10 full-time local staff with their own on-site staff quarters located just outside the main compound.
Transport
A driver and seven-seater car are available for up to eight hours a day (excluding petrol).
East Residence and Spa also boasts a vintage 1960s Vespa scooter for local runs and touring (additional cost).
LOCATION
Canggu District
Surrounded by rice fields and charming agricultural scenery, East Residence and Spa rests in Tumbak Bayuh, one of several villages in the district of Canggu – a sleepy, but increasingly awakening, coastal locale. The immediate vicinity comprises mainly local community schools, temples, small restaurants and shops, yet Bali’s premier sports and social club, the Canggu Club, is just five kilometres away, with international-standard dining and leisure amenities. A string of wildly beautiful beaches renowned for their surf are within a ten to 15-minute drive of the villa, including the legendary Echo Beach. Drive eight kilometers south of Tumbak Bayuh and you’ll reach Seminyak, Bali’s most fashionable and cosmopolitan destination, crammed with chic boutiques and hip and happening bars and restaurants.
