Understated Elegance

8/4/2015

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Alila Villas Uluwatu

STORY BY Susan Toby PHOTO BY Alila Villas Uluwatu Doc.

With a total of 84 villas, Alila Villas Uluwatu caters to many different guest needs. There are 52 one-bedroom pool villas; 2 two-bedroom pool villas; 5 three-bedroom cliffside pool villas and 25 private villas.

Driving through the gates of the three-bedroom cliff-side villa, we find ourselves in a parking space surrounded with savannah-like landscape. Sean Brennan, the retreat’s general manager, explained that there are two main types of long grasses in the compound. “Along the driveway we have planted Alang-alang which is used to make most of the roofing of the traditional structures. Around the guest villas we have planted Sweet Lemongrass that is native to the bukit and is also a natural repellant to mosquito. Additionally, in most of our guests’ body care products that are hand made in Bali, the base of each recipe is Lemongrass.”

Upon entering the front door, we find ourselves standing on concrete floor tiles, in a large open space with glass on either side. The space leads to an al-fresco living room located in the centre of the building, where natural ventilation through the use of an overhead sunshade, attached to the roof frame is the order of the day. Comfortable coffee-coloured couches grace this area, inviting guests to lounge around, indulge in a good book or chat with loved ones.

The master bedroom is located at the back of the villa, overlooking the pool, while the other two bedrooms are at the front of the villa. To the right of the open living area is a spa room, wet and dry kitchens and a dining room and lounge that look out to the back grassed area and pool. With an area of between 2000-3000 sqm guests can relax and enjoy the spacious, open ambience glorifying in natural lighting and fresh air.

White bed linen and soft muted latte colours give the bedrooms a sense of warm elegance, not to mention the Batik throw cushions add a local charm to it. Tucked behind a sliding rattan screen are a flat screen TV, DVD player, and an iPod. Play your favourite playlist and make your way past the glass door and into the refreshing pool, or maybe enjoy relaxing by the patio.

The decadent experience continues to the bathroom. Equipped with a bathtub, both rain and jet showers, Poh towels, his and her amenities made from locally sourced products, the bathroom is just as pleasing. In the bathtub box are beautifully handcrafted beeswax candles to enhance the romantic ambience, and bubble bath products to entice the senses. In the wardrobe are his and her gowns and slippers for those considering going to the 26- metre main pool or descending 550 steps to the beach.

If in the unlikely situation you find yourself tired of the beautiful view before your eyes — the stretch of gold-like sand and glistening Indian Ocean, that is — remember your luxurious villa awaits you.

This writing was featured in the 8th Anniversary Edition of Indonesia Design that was published in 2011.

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Barbara Hahijary
Author
Barbara earned her bachelor's degree in architecture from the Interior Architecture Program of the University of Indonesia in 2013. Historical or heritage buildings, as well as utilitarian design, fascinates her as it is the interaction between people and architecture that remains her favourite topic to explore. Besides architecture, her interests include design, handcrafts, literature and social issues.