Villa Kelusa

VILLA KELUSA is an enchanting, four-building compound on an isolated 3.1 hectares (8 acres) in the true, vibrant, beating heart of Bali.

The lovely and ultra-private Villa Kelusa is nestled in the Balinese foothills beneath the very small, traditional village of Kelusa.  At jungle's edge, atop a vast amphitheater of rice paddies cascading down into the deep gorge of the holy Pakuseba River, Villa Kelusa commands a panoramic view of a distant ridge of nine ancient volcanoes.  Sitting high on top of the ridge, Villa Kelusa creates a soothing grandstand from which to watch local farmers harvest rice; and the gorge is so vast that on most mornings, clouds and birds drift by below.

While practically untouched by the modern world, Kelusa is also a surprisingly short drive up the hill from Ubud, a very large, bustling village which, with its world-renowned restaurants, dance performances, art galleries and nearby 5-star hotels, is considered the cultural center of Bali.

Villa Kelusa blends together two properties, PONDOK SAPI (the Shed of the Cow) and PONDOK SURYA (Sunset House), which can be rented separately or together.  All bedrooms, as well as living and dining areas, have breathtaking views.

PONDOK SAPI

Pondok Sapi, which means "pavilion of the cow" is named after the ubiquitous Balinese thatched sheds which dot the jungles and also shelter the farmers in their rice terraces.  Pondok Sapi was designed as the private residence of a retired American writer and television journalist. Three separate buildings make up Pondok Sapi.

Immediately to the North of Villa Kelusa's entry gate rests the Main Pavilion, an open-air entertainment structure with breathtaking views of the Pakuseba Canyon.  The Main Pavilion contains a gourmet kitchen, dining and living areas, full bathroom and an enclosed, air-conditioned media room that can be converted into a luxury bedroom.

The next building is the air conditioned Glass House, a two-story glass-walled studio with a library and two spacious in-suite master bedrooms with king beds.  The bottom suite can also be configured with two single beds.  The doors and windows open completely to bring the surroundings inside.

The Northernmost building is an open air Pool Cabana with a private infinity pool and lounge area, with access to a large, landscaped lawn and rock garden.

All buildings are perched atop a ridge, above tiled rice paddies that cascade down an enormous, steep ravine to the Pakuseba River and face west to maximize stunning sunset views over nine ancient volcanoes.

PONDOK SURYA

Pondok Surya, or Sunset House, rests to the South of the main entrance to Villa Kelusa.  It was also designed with open, panoramic views of the rice paddies, jungle and mountains.

The main floor is designed around a 20-meter infinity lap pool which runs through the center of the house.  An interior bridge carved from a single piece of ironwood connects the living and entertainment areas.

Also on the main floor is an enclosed kitchen and beautifully-landscaped outdoor (but private) bathroom.  In addition, there is an air-conditioned guest room that can be configured with a king bed or two single beds.