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Deep in rural Bali, yet only a ten minute
drive from Ubud, the Island's cultural centre, Villa Sati
appears to float upon its surrounding rice fields. This one
bedroom plus hideaway, complete with plunge pool, takes its
name from the Buddhist concept of "mindfulness". It can be
rented independently or in conjunction with Villa Vajra.
An arch of giant bamboo and an elaborate,
traditional Balinese gateway marks the entrance to Villa Sati.
This private, walled enclave on the grounds of Vajra Villas is
comprised of two thatched-roof pavilions bordering a
courtyard, a small garden and a pool.
The main two-storey pavilion is a jewel-like
marriage of wood and glass offering stunning panoramic views
of the rice fields, allows for an appreciation of the
complexity and beauty of time-honoured practices of rice
farming. The area is also a birdwatchers’ paradise, and in
every direction lies an invitation to leisurely exploration.
The caring staff provide a glimpse into the gentle Balinese
spirit, fulfilling their duties with enthusiasm and ready
smiles.
The villa has been appealingly appointed by
the owners who custom-designed the furnishings.
Living & Dining Room
The air-conditioned downstairs living-dining room has merbau
wood floors with stone borders, and contemporary upholstered
furniture of teak wood and rattan. Small bronze statues and
artifacts reflect the serene ambience of the villa. The desk
overlooks the rice fields as does the dining table, which is
set in its own bay window; the cushioned bench seat invites
lounging, reading, bird-watching or daydreaming. A teak unit
houses a multi-channel satellite flat screen TV, DVD player
and quality sound system. The DVD library offers a wide
selection for movie viewing.
Kitchen & Food
Smoked glass doors slide open to reveal a small,
fully-equipped kitchen where guests are free to practice their
own culinary skills. The in-house cook will prepare your
complimentary breakfast. A special treat is fresh fruit, much
of which is picked from the villa gardens, which will appear
as a coconut covered array or in the form of freshly blended
nectar. On request, Villa Sati’s talented chef can prepare a
wide selection of exquisite Balinese specialties and delicious
Western dishes. A separate staff entrance ensures privacy when
guests wish not to be disturbed.
Upstairs Convertible Loft
A merbau wooden staircase rises from the living room to a cosy
air-conditioned loft room that serves as a sitting/study room.
Two deeply cushioned sofas can also serve as twin beds or
converted into a queen-sized bed when needed. Three walls of
screened glass windows offer expansive views of the
surrounding rice fields. A telescope is positioned to magnify
the panorama and the tropical vegetation of the adjacent river
valley. Midway down the staircase, the guest bathroom has the
requisite shower, wash basin and toilet – all with a view!
Bedroom & En-Suite Bathroom
Across the courtyard is the northern pavilion with a soaring
intricately thatched roof. Sliding glass doors lead directly
from the pool deck into the spacious air-conditioned bedroom
furnished with a canopied queen-sized bed. A custom-made teak
fitted wardrobe houses a personal safe deposit box.
The inviting décor, with its merbau floor
bordered by black stone has a luminous deep purple wall which
is interrupted by recessed lighting niches. It is enlivened by
five shimmering golden paintings by a local Ubud artist. The
elegant furnishings also include cushioned water-hyacinth
chairs and a table where your breakfast can be served. Stereo
speakers bring music from the sound system in the living room.
The en-suite open-air bathroom is a thrilling
counterpoint. It is dominated by an over-sized Jacuzzi bathtub
under a flowered pergola of cascading thunbergia, bordered by
thriving yellow bamboo, orchids, ferns and elephant ears. The
washbasin is hand-sculpted from natural river stone, and the
shower is contained within a spacious glass cubicle. As
throughout the villa, colourful original artwork enhances the
experience.
Plunge Pool & Courtyard
Sheltered within the textured stone walls is a small garden of
tropical flowering trees and plants, together with a
cornflower blue tiled plunge pool – 6.2 X 3.3 metres in size
and 1.5 metres deep. The pool is fed by water cascading down a
rock wall. Beneath it a sitting ledge invites a refreshing
water massage after a busy day of visiting the island.
The surrounding timber deck and courtyard is
furnished with sunbeds. A dining area is shaded by its own
flower-draped pergola which is ideal for barbecues and al
fresco dining. In the centre of the garden stands a tall
Neolithic stone ‘guardian’ pillar from the Indonesian island
of Flores.
Location
Villa Sati is located in the quiet village of Sebali in the
district of Kaliki, an area of traditional rice fields and
tree-filled ravines which have been carved by rivers racing
through fertile volcanic soil.
The Villa is one hour and 15 minutes’ drive
from Ngurah Rai International Airport, a 50-minute drive from
several of Bali’s famed beaches, and about ten minutes from
the town of Ubud. Its central location makes it convenient for
touring the island.
Situated 300 meters above sea level in the
foothills of the central mountain range, the region boasts a
fresher, more pleasant climate than the southern coastal
regions. Ubud is Bali’s cultural centre; each surrounding
village features a different art form, with skills handed down
through the generations: painters, wood and stone carvers,
weavers, silver and goldsmiths, mask makers and dancers.
Ubud’s numerous art galleries and museums
display works both modern and traditional which reflect the
Island's rich history. Shops and market stalls sell
handicrafts, jewellery, woodcarvings, textiles, paintings and
antiques. Visitors flock to the frequent cultural dance
performances, which are often performed in historic temples
and palaces.
Many of the dances are based on the Hindu
epic, The Ramayana. Most popular are the Kecak, Fire and the
Legong Dances. Each village has its own Gamelan orchestra.
Wherever you are the hypnotic rhythms of this
staccato metallic and bamboo music is rarely out of earshot
The Balinese practice a unique form of Hinduism. It is
everywhere in evidence, a highly aesthetic sensibility that
pervades every aspect of daily life. Frequent religious
ceremonies, attended by beautifully costumed men and women,
are often open to visitors.
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