Villa Sungai Tinggi

Villa Sungai Tinggi offers a rare taste of traditional Balinese luxury. Meaning `High River`, this blissful four-bedroom villa sits on the banks of a small lagoon, where the river meets the sea, with over 100 metres of private beach frontage overlooking one of Canggu`s infamous surf breaks.

The villa was designed and built by a family of long-term Bali residents, whose love and passion for the island is evident from their choice of local materials and the museum-like collection of handpicked artworks scattered throughout the home. Exotic timber floors, coral-limestone walls and alang-alang thatched roofs mix delightfully with antique artefacts and weavings to give the villa its distinctive style and ambiance.

This admiration for the local environment extends to the villa`s magnificent tropical surroundings. Soft rolling lawns hug the landscape`s natural contours while a free-form 18-metre infinity swimming pool blends seamlessly with the ocean all the way to the horizon. Fragrant frangipanis and swaying coconut palms frame the garden amongst a sea of luscious green foliage to create a stunning and private oasis.

A key ingredient of this oasis is the warm and friendly staff, many of whom reside in the local village. They have a strong attachment to the villa and clearly love taking care of its guests. From folding back your bed at night, preparing your bath with rose petals, manicuring the garden or cooking a delicious home-style meal, they will ensure your stay at Villa Sungai Tinggi is relaxing and truly memorable.

Perfect for families or groups of friends the villa`s abundance of space means there are plenty of places to unwind. Play a match on the tennis court, enjoy a massage in the garden bale, admire the sunset from the balcony or get together in the impressive living pavilion - you`re simply spoilt for choice.

If you do feel like venturing beyond the villa you can take advantage of the beach, right on your doorstep, which offers some of the island`s best surf. Or, if exploration and discovery`s more your thing, grab the villa`s car and driver and head for the majestic Mount Batukaru that beckons in the distance.

Accommodation
Upon entering Villa Sungai Tinggi`s traditional Balinese doors it is immediately apparent that this luxurious home has been designed to optimize its absolute beach frontage with all rooms, living spaces and garden areas facing the ocean. A large open-sided living pavilion fashioned after a traditional Balinese wantilan (village meeting hall) forms the villa`s central hub, either side of which are the bedrooms. All rooms overlook the sloping lawns, lush gardens and 18-metre free-form infinity pool.

Bedrooms
Villa Sungai Tinggi`s four bedrooms are fully air-conditioned with additional ceiling fans and mosquito netting over the beds. Each room has its own individual iPod dock, reading lamps, safe and ensuite bathroom. While the master suite stands alone, the three other guest bedrooms are housed in a two storey building on the opposite side of the main living pavilion.

Master Suite and Study
This stunning master suite with adjoining study, alang-alang thatched roof and parquet floors is fit for a king or queen. Decorated with exquisite antiques, wall hangings, artifacts and paintings, it is obvious the owner has spent countless hours to make this room a special one.

A four-poster king-size bed takes centre stage, with a wooden Buddha statue sitting strategically above the bed head casting its protective eyes over sleeping guests. Wooden framed glass doors open onto a patio to take in the sea breeze and the sound of crashing waves. The sunny ensuite garden bathroom, dotted with white and blue pebbles and enclosed in coral-limestone walls, features an open-air shower, twin wash basins and a circular terrazzo bathtub which looks heavenly when filled with rose petals. A small separate dressing area is hidden behind traditional carved doors.

The adjoining study (which can be converted to an extra bedroom if required) is the perfect den for locking oneself away to read a book from the library, watch a movie on the flat-screen TV or write home to friends and family. The study comes with its own bathroom which can also be accessed by other guests from the main living area.

Downstairs Guest Bedrooms
Two guest bedrooms open out onto the garden, where a life-size model of a cow (a prized family possession acquired at a charity fundraiser), decorated with a scene from a traditional barong dance, peacefully grazes.

Both rooms are light and airy and feature gorgeous whitewashed teak four-poster king-size beds decorated with crisp white linens and batik cushions that contrast nicely against the parquet floors. The two rooms are differentiated by original artworks and different style bathrooms; one features a sunken terrazzo bathtub, while the other has an open-air Palimanan stone shower.

Upstairs Guest Bedroom
Accessed via a wooden staircase and through a second study, the third guest bedroom is a private and romantic space, furnished with a whitewashed teak four poster king-size bed. From the semi-open ensuite bathroom with its Palimanan stone shower guests are treated to sneaky views of the neighbouring rice fields.

The adjoining study (which can also be converted into an additional bedroom) incorporates a small lounge area and a satellite TV and DVD player. This room is dotted with interesting artifacts including two golden carved Thai-style statues and lovely antique furniture. Both rooms offer spectacular views over the ocean from a shared wooden balcony, and it goes without saying that this is one of the best vantage points in the villa for watching the sunset.

Indoor Living
The huge open-sided wantilan living pavilion with its two-tiered thatched roof and polished cream terrazzo floors is the social hub of the villa. Cooled by ceiling fans and with incredible views over the garden and out to sea, guests can sit here to enjoy anything from a Balinese feast to afternoon tea. This pavilion features a magnificent suar wood dining table (seating 14 people), small breakfast table, white synthetic rattan sofas adorned with brown and white batik cushions plus a wooden boat seat. To one side is a bar made from coconut shell with access to a barbecue for a more casual dining experience. Intricate limestone carvings on the outside walls of the neighbouring bedrooms take guests relaxing in the living pavilion on a journey through the ancient Balinese calendar. The kitchen which serves the living pavilion is accessed by an undercover boardwalk to the rear of the property. Traditional in style it has cream terrazzo work tops, teak cupboards and is fitted out with all the necessary appliances.

Outdoor Living
Much love and attention has gone into creating the lush landscaped gardens of Villa Sungai Tinggi; fishponds with bubbling water features, fragrant frangipanis and tropical coconut palms all mix harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment.

From the living pavilion, rolling lawns extend all the way to the beach embracing the 18m infinity swimming pool. Free-form in design, the natural green-stone pool is perfect for swimming laps or sipping sunset cocktails while admiring the incredible view. A poolside deck with sun loungers shaded by white ceremonial umbrellas is just the spot for tanning or chilling out, while the outdoor table provides an idyllic setting for dinner by the pool.

In keeping with the Balinese theme, a gamelan of three stone musicians adorned with red hibiscus flowers sits under a tree, and a traditional thatched bale decorated in black and white check provides an inviting respite from the sun. (The black and white check symbolizes a balance between the opposing forces of good and evil.)