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The splendid four-bedroom property known as The Arsana
rests in two-and-a-half hectares of blissful seclusion in the
rural hinterland of southwest Bali. It is comprised of a large
U-shaped building and four separate pavilions, which house the
four bedroom-suites. There is also a 20 x 8 meter
swimming pool. The Arsana takes its name from the flow of the
meandering Sungi River that borders its expansive terraced
gardens; the property is carved into the hillside, surrounded
by nature and blessed with beautiful views.
The Arsana has been designed for the 21st century. Its
sleek, modern structures, ironwood shingle roofs, and an
abundance of folding glass walls, reflect the ambience of the
location and the purity of the natural surroundings. The
sophisticated contemporary Balinese architecture utilizes
indigenous stones, native wood finishes and refined craft-made
fabrics.
Taking an inspirational approach to modern lifestyle, The
Arsana blends its exceptional location with outstanding
facilities, service and privacy. Embracing the trend of
‘Destination’ villas, the property has been designed to
contain as many features and amenities as possible,
complemented by top levels of service, intended to ensure that
guests feel no need to go out for top quality dining and
entertainment.
Entrance
The Arsana is approached via a spacious car park with a
security post and a Balinese gateway heralded by a pair of
welcome statues. Passing through this gateway is like entering
another world. An avenue of feathery palms leads to a serene
lotus pond, guarded by two Ganesha statues. From here a
dramatic entrance, styled after a traditional Balinese
Wantilan or meeting pavilion, brings guests into the villa
down a wide flight of Batu Yogya creamy-white stone steps
flanked by twin fountains and Serai stone walls.
Main Building
The main building is the social hub of the villa, this
symmetrical U-shaped edifice, presides over the gardens and
swimming pool, and incorporates a grand entrance hall with a
polished black terrazzo floor. One wing comprises a fan-cooled
living area, a bar and an air-conditioned TV room. The other
wing comprises a fan-cooled dining room, an open-plan kitchen,
and an air-conditioned billiard room. The fan-cooled spaces
feature glass walls that can be opened up completely to create
a truly tropical open-living experience or an alfresco dining
experience. The bold colour theme in each room is the hallmark
of The Arsana’s interior design.
Living Room
This large living space overlooks the swimming pool below, and
its folding glass doors open onto a sunny terrace. The room
features a teakwood floor and is furnished with a huge, deeply
cushioned red sofa, an arching chrome standard lamp and a
coffee table.
Bar
The semi-circular black terrazzo bar is located next to the
living room, and is equipped with six red bar stools, red
lamps and well-positioned music speakers. This well-stocked
bar is a great place for sitting and chatting with family and
friends; it also presents the perfect reception facility for
parties and events.
TV Room
The air-conditioned TV room is located to one side of the bar.
It is equipped with a 39-inch, LCD, flat screen, satellite TV,
together with a DVD player and a quality sound system with
surround sound speakers positioned on the ceiling. The colour
scheme is olive green, and this cosy room is furnished with a
large sofa complemented by corner units and ottomans, bean
bags, floor rugs, shelves of books, storage space and
paintings by a local artist.
Dining Room
The large dining room is a mirror version of the living room,
situated on the opposite side of the open-air terrace. The
colour scheme is royal blue, and the room is furnished with an
impressive glass-topped dining table that seats twelve people
in comfortable cushioned dining chairs. Like the living room,
it boasts glass walls on three sides, which fold open onto the
terrace.
Kitchen
The stylish open-plan kitchen is a designer-dream in white
terrazzo and stainless steel. Fully equipped, it features wall
units in a chic shade of French navy and a four-burner hob.
Pendulous woven-aluminum lanterns hang over the worktop, which
doubles as an eating area due to the provision of eight white
‘satellite dish’ stools. Behind the kitchen is a ‘wet
kitchen’, and it is in these two facilities that the staff
will prepare delicious meals.
Billiard Room
The air-conditioned billiard room is located beside the
kitchen; it presents a blue décor, a billiard table, a chess
set, a large mirror, two big blue armchairs and some bar
stools positioned next to a bar-shelf, where guests can sit
and rest their drinks while watching their opponents potting
the balls. A washroom is situated to one side.
Breakfast Pergola
The open-air breakfast room is a pergola with a terracotta
tiled floor. It is furnished with a wood and chrome table and
matching chairs and is decorated with beautiful potted
orchids.
Terrace
The sunny, open-air terrace is located between the living room
and the dining room, resting upon the same level, several
metres above the pool. Guests can relax here on rattan-look,
cushioned chairs. The terrace is bordered at the front by a
shallow reflective pond with an infinity edge that appears to
overflow into the jungle. In actual fact, the gin-clear water
flows over the edge into a water cascade that, in turn, flows
into the swimming pool below.
Bedrooms
Two of the guest bedrooms are furnished with queen-size beds,
one is furnished with twin beds and a desk, and the master
bedroom presents a king-size bed. Each air-conditioned bedroom
is housed within a self-contained pavilion, secluded and
private, with a soaring roof and the additional provision of a
ceiling fan. Each enjoys plenty of light, and each boasts its
own verandah at the front, affording wonderful views of the
garden. Each bedroom features a warm teakwood floor, sliding
glass doors at the front, and windows on two sides, making the
most of the spectacular views; when the doors are opened the
interior becomes at one with nature. Furnishings include
built-in beds, a sofa or reclining armchair and bedside lamps.
Located in between the sleeping area and the bathroom of each
pavilion is a spacious dressing area with twin ceramic
washbasins, large wall mirrors, and plenty of storage and
hanging space. Each of the cream terrazzo bathrooms is
bordered by a bulrush pond, and each features a sunken soaking
tub, a toilet within its own frosted glass cubicle, and a
spacious, glass shower cubicle. Glass doors alongside the
tubs, toilets and showers, fold open to create an open-air
experience. Guests’ privacy is protected by the presence of
the peaceful Buddha statues, each one resting in front of the
high walls that girdle each pond. Each bedroom follows a bold
colour theme – blue, green, yellow or red – with coordinating
cushions, lampshades, upholstery, accessories and attractive
local artwork. Each verandah is furnished with a pair of
comfortable cushioned armchairs.
Master Suite
The yellow-themed master suite comprises an air-conditioned
study room, which is almost completely surrounded by glass, an
air-conditioned TV room with a wall-mounted, 29-inch screen
satellite TV, DVD player and quality sound system, a bedroom,
dressing area and bathroom, and an open-air relaxation bale
with a huge cushioned daybed. The bedroom is accessed by a
short flight of black polished concrete steps. The bale is a
great spot for meditating or relaxing with a book or a
cocktail; it enjoys gorgeous views of the garden and the
sunsets.
Swimming Pool, Pool Bar, Massage Rooms, Massage Bale
The pool area is at a lower level than the main living and
dining areas and is accessed by descending one of a pair of
external stairways, located on either side. The 20 x 8 meter
swimming pool features two infinity edges and boasts an
ironwood deck that extends the length of the pool and almost
appears to float upon the surface of the water. An additional
smaller deck is situated on the other side. Both decks are
furnished with sunbeds and umbrellas, and there is also an
outdoor pool-shower. The water cascade from the upper terrace
is a striking feature; flanked by frangipani trees it flows
into a shallow children’s pool at one end of the main pool.
The pool is lined with a stunning slate stone that sparkles
with streaks of gold. Next to it is a white Palimanan stone
pool bar with a glass and teakwood roof, ceiling fans, bar
stools, a table and built-in cushioned daybeds for lounging
and enjoying barbeques, tapas and drinks from the bar. There
is a washroom to one side. Two massage rooms are located
beside the pool, and at the far end of the pool is a riverside
bale, which is also a delightful spot for a massage.
Garden & River
The fast-flowing river is particularly beautiful, it is
accessed by a winding path and steps, and its jungle environs
are restful and cool. Stone benches are positioned in
strategic places, so that guests can relax and enjoy the
tranquility. Trees include majestic breadfruit, jackfruit,
giant bamboo, and towering palms, together with creepers and
ferns. The vast terraced gardens cascade like a giant’s
staircase down to the valley; velvety lawns are planted with
sweet-scented flowering shrubs. Guests will be lulled by the
soothing flow of the river and enjoy the sights and sounds of
nature, butterflies and birds. They can also witness the
traditions of rural Bali, as one part of the garden presents a
small terraced rice field and a vegetable garden.
Party Facilities
The substantial open space within the garden, combined with
the grandiose of the property and its extensive facilities,
makes The Arsana the ideal tropical setting for parties,
weddings, reunion celebrations, barbeques and other functions.
The modern kitchen provides the staff with the equipment and
facilities to cater for a wide variety of events and a large
number of guests. Special events can also be coordinated by
professional outside caterers who have the world-class
expertise to prepare a sumptuous feast at the villa, in
addition to the coordination of decorations, flowers,
lighting, sound systems and entertainment. A family group can
be indulged with a sizzling barbeque beside the pool at
sunset. The poolside bar pavilion can be set up as an alfresco
dining pavilion, guests can spill out onto the pool deck, and
the elevated terrace above the pool can be utilized as a stage
for Balinese dance performances. The entrance hall and bar is
perfect for a cocktail reception, and the garden is large
enough to comfortably accommodate hundreds of guests.
Location
The Arsana is hidden away in the traditional, rural village of
Kaba Kaba, in Bali’s Tabanan regency. Nirwana Golf Course –
designed by Greg Norman and renowned as one of the best golf
courses in Asia – is a ten-minute drive. The villa is fifty
minutes’ drive from the international airport, and convenient
for all of the island’s main tourist attractions, including
the nearby Tanah Lot, Bali’s most dramatic and venerated sea
temple.
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