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The spectacular Simone Oasis is a 5-bedroom destination
villa and spa, resting upon a venerated spur of land fed by a
holy spring at the confluence of two rivers. The single storey
accommodation comprises seven self-contained thatched
pavilions, and is located close to the beach at Canggu, a
traditional fishing village on Bali’s southwest coast.
The property is heralded by a dramatic Balinese gateway of
carved stone and double doors, leading into an entrance garden
bordered on one side by a Palimanan stone wall showcasing a
magnificent carving in the design of tropical leaves.
Living & Dining Pavilion
Entering the main open air living and dining pavilion,
guests will step over ornamental ponds fed by gin-clear
natural spring water. With a large dining table at one end and
a bar at the other, this raised pavilion presides over the
garden and is furnished with comfy daybeds and sofas, a big
coffee table and Buddha lamp stands. The coffee and cream
décor, together with the reddish-hued bengkirai wood floor,
sets the theme throughout the property, while natural breezes
enhanced by paddle ceiling fans keep the area cool.
Garden and Swimming Pool
Wide lava stone steps lead down onto a grass and paving
stone chequerboard terrace, ideal for dance performances and
cocktail parties. Two ancient frangipani trees, together with
a Buddha head set within an alcove in one corner, create a
peaceful ambience. More steps wind down onto another lawn
towards the swimming pool.
The swimming pool is elevated above the garden, and flanked
by a delightful gazebo known as a ‘bale bengong’, meaning “a
place to relax, dream and do nothing”. Complete with a large
wooden cowbell, which guests can ring whenever they need to be
served with drinks, refreshments or lunch, the gazebo is made
comfortable with soft cushions.
The raised timber pool deck is furnished with ten
sunloungers and four umbrellas. The pool measures 13 x 5.6
metres and is 1.6 metres in depth. It is bordered on one side
by towering mature trees alongside one of the rivers against a
backdrop of rice terraces. Three more Buddha statues rest
serenely in alcoves watching over the garden and pool. The
pool area is perfect for barbeques dinners, and looks very
romantic at night when it is lit by candles.
Pathways meander through the multi-leveled gardens, which
roll down the rivers and feature relaxing riverside bale
pavilions, furnished with coffee-coloured cushions and soft
cream drapes.
Bedrooms 1, 2, 3 & 4
The bedrooms and their adjoining garden bathrooms are all
located in self contained thatched pavilions. Bedrooms 1 & 2
are linked by an open corridor sheltered by a roof. A living
tree has been preserved and grows straight through the roof of
the corridor, in front of which is a wooden balcony-style
deck, complete with a built-in daybed overlooking the river
and the beautiful temple on the opposite side.
Each air-conditioned bedroom is entered by double doors
showcasing engraved brass handles, and each is characterized
by dark reddish brown bengkirai wood floors under soaring
roofs. Every bedroom boasts an LCD flat screen individually
controlled satellite TV, enabling guests to watch satellite
channels independently of each other. Each is complemented by
a DVD player, quality sound system and iPod dock. Bedrooms 1,
3 & 4 are furnished with built-in canopied double beds made up
with crisp white bed linen.
Bedroom 2 features two single beds. Picture windows capture
the riverside views, and opulent open-air bathrooms boast
cream terrazzo floors, twin washbasins, daybeds for lounging,
and large terrazzo bathtubs. The tubs are sheltered from the
elements yet positioned within private walled gardens enhanced
by soft lawns, frangipani trees, and stone carved ornaments.
Each bathroom also features a toilet with an intercom, and
a shower in a cubicle that is open on one side to the garden.
Furthermore, every guest need is considered with the provision
of storage space, wardrobes and mini bars in each room.
Sliding wooden shutters behind the beds can be opened so that
guests can look out into the bathroom and garden if they wish.
Master Bedroom
The Master Bedroom features a deck-style balcony on two
sides, with steps that lead down to a riverside bale
relaxation pavilion. The bedroom is notable for the Buddha
head and soft panels behind the double bed, flanked by two
polished solid wood tree trunks, lit with discreet lighting.
There is also a desk, and a dressing area with a huge
mirror and a padded ottoman. The bathroom and outdoor Jacuzzi
is accessed by a covered walkway with wooden pillars and
spring water ponds on either side. The Jacuzzi rests within a
thatched pavilion, surrounded by flowering shrubs and
overlooking the river. The bathroom features arched open
doorways, comfortable furnishings, twin washbasins, a toilet,
and a shower big enough for two.
Guest Washrooms
The Guest Washrooms are situated in a thatched pavilion
with orange walls and painted wooden fretwork screens, adding
a bold splash of colour to the decor.
Kitchen
The Kitchen is a chef’s dream. Spacious, immaculate and
professionally equipped, it features cream terrazzo surfaces,
cabinets and adjacent store rooms. There is also a laundry and
a service area hidden away at the back.
Spa
The spa sits on the triangular piece of land at the point
where the two rivers meet. A sacred underground spring was
recently discovered on this enchanted spot, making it the
perfect setting for a spa. On the opposite side of the river
is Batur Sari Temple, where the local Balinese people make
offerings of flowers and fruit to the gods.
The spa area is accessed via a little bridge under a
pergola dripping in cascading thunbergia, bounded by torch
ginger, giant taro leaves and frangipani trees. Guests will be
greeted by a pair of open-air, raised, stone bathtubs
exquisitely hand carved, each in the shape of a 2-headed
elephant with water spouting from the trunks. The tubs,
complete with ornate floral patterns on the sides, are set
within a spring water pool and accessed by a wooden deck. This
is a magical place for a splash or a soak after a spa
treatment.
The spa is comprised of five open-sided roundhouses
complete with conical thatched roofs following the
architectural style of Irian Jaya. There are two raised
massage pavilions, one with a single treatment bed and the
other designed for couples, with two treatment beds. Rustic
and very romantic, the pavilions are furnished with chunky
hand carved furniture and diaphanous drapes that can be drawn
for privacy.
Set right beside the river, guests will be massaged to the
constant gurgle of the water. Two more pavilions house a pair
of hot and a cold Jacuzzis fashioned from dark grey lava
stone; each circular Jacuzzi is big enough for six people, and
looks directly across the river to the temple and the holy
spring.
The final building is the main spa reception, where guests
can enjoy a ginger tea or healthy juice drink and canapés
after their treatment. Behind the Palimanan carved fretwork
screen is a small timber deck facing a gentle water cascade,
designed specifically for yoga and meditation. There are also
two rainshowers, toilets, a sauna, and an outdoor shower.
Location
Simone Oasis is hidden away in the traditional Balinese
fishing village of Canggu, yet the magical riverside and rice
field location with numerous mature trees is more reminiscent
of the central hinterlands of Bali.
This is a true destination villa and spa that guests will
probably never want to leave. Nevertheless, the trendy
Seminyak area, with its wide choice of international
restaurants – including the famous ‘Ku Dé Ta’, ‘Kafe Warisan’,
‘Living Room’, ‘Hu’u’ and ‘La Lucciola’ – together with a
plethora of chic cocktail bars, exciting nightclubs and
elegant boutiques, is a mere twenty minutes’ drive away.
The nearby Canggu Beach is renowned for its panoramic
coastline views, legendary sunsets and world-class surf
breaks. Neighboring sporting facilities include the Canggu
Club, offering sports, social and leisure facilities,
including a state-of-the art gym, a 25-metre swimming pool and
a tennis & squash centre.
For horse lovers, the Umalas Equestrian Centre is just a
few kilometers away, and Nirwana Golf Course – designed by
Greg Norman and renowned as one of the best golf courses in
Asia – is a twenty minute drive. The villa is thirty minutes’
from the international airport, and convenient for all of the
island’s main shopping malls and tourist attractions,
including Tanah Lot, Bali’s most dramatic and venerated sea
temple.
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