Tanju Villa

The rugged beach is just a few metres away and the glorious views take in the distant volcanoes, dramatic coastline and neighbouring Hindu sea temple of Pura Bata Ngandang, perched on a rocky outcrop and lashed by the waves of the Indian Ocean.

The Setting
The property is entered via a traditional Balinese gate, sheltered by a thatched roof and framed in a patchwork of random rocks. A pathway leads past bulrush ponds and water spouts, and a welcome ensemble of five gamelan musicians hand-carved out of local paras stone. Stepping stones weave through the neat garden, past palm trees, dwarf lanterns, tipsy earthenware pots and sweet scented frangipani, between twin lotus ponds stocked with fish, to the 9 x 6 metre stand-alone living pavilion, which is centrally positioned, facing the ocean and bordering the pool deck. This room is completely encompassed by glass to preserve the view through the garden; the clever design allows guests to completely fold back the doors to create an open-air pavilion, cooled by natural breezes and ceiling fans. Bamboo blinds on all four sides can be dropped for privacy and shade. Featuring a cool terrazzo floor, the room is tastefully furnished with deeply-cushioned sofas, a low coffee table and stylish lamps. A selection of games and magazines is provided for the use of the guests, together with a high quality music system with surround sound provided by speakers hidden in the roof.

Positioned on the seaward side, aspected west towards the magnificent sunsets, the angled swimming pool appears to overflow into the beachfront garden. A timber sundeck is located on one side, the raised position ensuring that it catches the cool sea breezes. It is furnished with four sunbeds and two umbrellas and there is also an outdoor shower. A Buddha statue rests at one end overlooking the fresh green coastal lawns, which are dotted with coconut palms. The gardens are perfect for weddings, parties and functions, and also provide a great play area for children.

Dining & Kitchen
Approached by stepping stones, the striking hexagonal dining pavilion is completely open-air, sheltered by a soaring alang-alang grass roof. It features a terrazzo floor and is furnished with a grand dining table and ten chairs; a wonderful place to enjoy a semi-alfresco dining experience within sight and sound of the sea. A guest washroom and toilet is discreetly positioned to one side.

The immaculate, well equipped western-style kitchen adjoins the dining pavilion, and is fully fitted with gas stove, oven, and numerous appliances. Here, the cook will prepare delicious meals from a menu of Indonesian and International dishes.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms
The master bedroom is situated within another self-contained single storey pavilion. It is entered by a pair of solid teak antique doors complemented by a teakwood floor, and is characterised by a king-size four-poster bed draped in white muslin, together with cane planter chairs, ceramic lamps and eye-catching local artwork.

The bedroom is also equipped with a flat screen satellite TV with DVD/music system, together with a split air-conditioning unit and overhead ceiling fan. Large sliding glass doors open on to an outdoor verandah running the length of the bedroom. This sheltered timber deck is furnished with a huge daybed, where guests can relax and enjoy the ocean vista and the rhythmic murmur of the waves. A door leads off the bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe complete with shelves, hanging space and a safe deposit box.

The romantic en-suite garden bathroom is walled for privacy and is characterised by an open-air shower on a Palimanan stand, bordered by frangipani, palms, giant taro leaves and colourful croton. The room is dominated by an oversized sunken bathtub, fashioned out of cream terrazzo. The toilet is hidden behind a half-wall, on top of which reclines a Buddha statue.

Two more air-conditioned bedrooms, each complete with an en-suite bathroom, are located on the ground floor of the main two-storey building. One room is furnished with twin beds, ideal for kids, together with desk, chair, radio/tape player, built in wardrobe, ceiling fan and safe deposit box.

Antique doors open into a lush garden bathroom featuring a sheltered oval bathtub and outdoor shower, toilet and vanity unit with washbasin. Sliding glass doors lead from the bedroom onto a timber deck, which runs the full length of the front of the building and is furnished with a table and four high stools.

A double bedroom is also accessed from the wooden deck, and is a mirror image of the room next door complete with adjoining garden bathroom. It is furnished with a king size bed, together with desk, chair, radio/tape player, built in wardrobe, ceiling fan and safe deposit box.

An external sweeping staircase curves up to a large wooden balcony deck with a comfortable daybed from where guests can enjoy fantastic panoramic views while chilling out with a book or a sunset cocktail. This upstairs area houses the fourth air-conditioned bedroom, complete with sliding glass doors onto the balcony. It is attractively furnished with a four-poster king-size canopied bed and a time-honoured chest of drawers, and is fitted with a ceiling fan and safe deposit box. It also features an antique wooden door that leads onto the balcony. A third door accesses a bathroom with shower cubicle, toilet and shell-veneered washbowl. The top section of the exterior wall is open to allow the fresh air to permeate together with the soothing sound of running water from the fountain in the garden below.

The study room is positioned next door to the upstairs bedroom and shares the adjoining bathroom. This room also doubles as a fifth bedroom, where guests can relax in snug, air-conditioned comfort.

It is well equipped with a desk, Broadband Internet access, computer, 29-inch flat screen plasma TV with satellite reception and DVD/music system. There is also a wall unit with drawers, shelves and cupboards full of books, DVDs, music CDs, and games for the use of the guests. Glass-fronted doors open onto the verandah.

Practicalities, such as the staff quarters and laundry, are taken care of in the service area beside the entrance to the property, leaving the remainder of the villa free to enjoy the garden and ocean view. Guests also have use of a full-size tennis court and mountain bikes.

With its spacious and luxurious atmosphere, Villa Tanju Bali is ideally suited for families and small groups of discerning people who want to experience the best of Bali.