Vajra

Description

Deep in the heart of Bali, perched on a venerated spur of land at the confluence of two rivers, is the stunning hideaway known as Villa Vajra. Designed by the internationally acclaimed architect, Guy Morgan, this modern, spacious villa sleeps up to eight guests and offers the ultimate in luxurious accommodation within a totally private and exclusive, close-to-nature setting.

The property and gardens are landscaped into the slopes of the steep valley, and the approach, via a raised wooden walkway through undisturbed rice fields, gives no clue to the remarkable design of the villa, or the breathtaking views of the jungle and river gorge.

Constructed with high quality local materials including ‘alang alang’ thatch, Palimanan stone and teak wood; the property combines the very best of Balinese architectural elements with contemporary flair, elegant finishes and modern amenities. The villa presents a blend of outdoor living and air-conditioned comfort.

Water is a recurring theme in this villa, from the Lotus Pond at the entrance to the waterfall that plummets to the pool below. The house overlooks the river valley and includes wonderful jungle views. Morning greets you with the sound of the river and the birds of the jungle.

Though this villa only opened in January of this year, it is destined to become an Ubud classic.
The adjacent building, across the lotus pond, holds the Study, with a flat screen satellite TV, DVD player and a quality sound system for the entertainment of the guests. This room also doubles as an additional bedroom with an en-suite shower room and a stone terrace that appears to almost float within the gently swaying fields of rice. Cushioned seating is built into the low wall encircling the terrace, thereby creating a comfortable place for relaxing with a book while enjoying a coffee or a cocktail at sunset. A cathedral window in the Study room overlooks the main living and dining area on the lower level, which is accessed by an external cantilevered staircase.

The Villa is named Vajra. The Vajra is a Tibetan Buddhist ceremonial object; it is a symbol for the wisdom that cuts through ignorance, with the ultimate goal of compassion and equanimity. The Villa is designed to create an aura of peace and tranquility.

In the Bali heartland, high above a racing river gorge, is an amazing hideaway. It is the ultimate accommodation for up to eight guests in a totally private and exclusive natural ecosystem. Though approached through a small, traditional village, Villa Vajra stands by itself in a setting of undisturbed rice fields and breathtaking views of the rain forest and river valley. It's striking architectural features are both traditional and modern: 'alang-alang' thatched roofs, Palimanan stone, marble, and teak wood, combine elements of old Bali with the elegance that modern ameneties and air-conditioned comfort provides.

Accommodation

Vajra Villa is comprised of several thatched pavillions joined by stepping stones across a magical lotus pond; a pergola covered by hanging thunbergia flowers; floating stairs that stand beside a cascading waterfall veiling a traditional seated Buddha. A comfortable lounge area rests beside the cooling swimming pool and warming jacuzzi. Stone stairs lead to a 'moon' garden of white flowers and an intimate deck for massage. On the next level is a traditional open-sided pavillion known as a 'bale' for rest, meditation, yoga practice or simply to absorb the exquisite natural beauty. Wide open to the elements is the cathedral sized living/dining area with its marble floor, aviary and orchid garden. Protective blinds are lowered when the weather requires. Each bedroom is equipped with telephone and distinguished by its furnishings, antique and contemporary art objects and unique view. Two of the bathrooms have large terrazzo bathtubs and are set in their own gardens.

Music, which can be heard throughout the grounds, is controlled from the comfortable library which overlooks the living room. It is the entertainment center, offering a growing library, games, music, television, and DVD movies.

The night lighting is particularly breathtaking.

The villa includes 3 full bedrooms, and a lounge which can be converted to sleep two persons (hence our description of the villa as containing "3.5 bedrooms"). Two of the bedrooms face the river valley, one faces the rice fields. To read full descriptions of each room, use the links on the left side of this page.

The total living area of the villa is 8,000 m2, and the total area of the ground is 18,867 m2.
he Master Bedroom, Guest Room, Studio and Study each feature individually controlled air-conditioning units and powerful ceiling fans to keep the rooms pleasantly cool. There are telephone lines for IDD calls and in-house calls in each room, and also safety deposit boxes. At night the villa takes on a different persona, with cleverly concealed lighting. Guests will appreciate the fresh cool air, and will be serenaded by a chorus of frog song to the accompaniment of ritual music from the village temples and the constant murmur of the river.

There is a barbeque terrace at the front of the villa beside the rice fields and parking space for up to six vehicles. Due to the steep hillside elevation, the villa is not recommended for disabled people or young children.

Facilities/services

Activities/attraction

Location

The quiet traditional village of Sebali, home to Villa Vajra, is a one hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. From Sebali new road winding through tiny villages, river valleys and panoramic views of Bali's emblematic rice field leads to the town of Ubud. As Bali is renowned for its arts and culture, Ubud is its artistic hub. Each of the surrounding villages specializes in one of the native arts of traditional or contemporary painting, wood or stone carving, delicately modeled silver and other jewelry, batik textiles, and furniture making. Ubud's museums showcase the island's rich history and the numerous art galleries, shops and market stalls sell handicrafts, paintings, wood carvings &c. It is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Kecak, Fire, Monkey, and Legong dances delicately performed and elaborately costumed in their original temple settings.

Vajra is located 300 metres above sea level in the foothills of the central mountain range; this gives it a fresher, more pleasant climate than the southern coastal regions. The location is also very convenient for tours all over the island and is only a forty-minute drive from the coast.

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