VILLA SATI

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 artefacts 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.