design & excellence 8 of the best bali 2014
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Cocotraie Magazine Issue 10 featuring 8 of the best designed resorts in Bali. Feature sample.TRANSCRIPT
Be inspired to live the dream
ISLAND LIFE RESORTS VILLAS HOMES ARCHITECTURE DESIgN CULTURE
o
cocotraieLUxURy TROpICAL LIVINg & INTERIOR DESIgN
Bali
8Of the Best
Design & excellence ResoRts anD Hotels 2014
BaliDesign & excellence ResoRts anD Hotels
2014
When it comes to combining the very finest in Luxury, Service Excellence & Design together with breathtaking locations,
very few of Bali’s many Resorts and Hotels do it better than the eight finalists we have selected here.
Whilst they may reflect different aspects of Bali’s unique design heritage, each retain a close link with the island’s culture, craft, and traditions.
Simple yet exotic, minimalist yet organic, cosmopolitan yet local, the common denominator in all of these properties is their
embodiment of Bali at its most luxurious.
Of the Best8
DestinatiOn GuiDeDestination Bali
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sourcing traditional materials, utilising existing resources and adapting indigenous ideas. The hotel’s foundations were dug deep into the landscape ensuring stability against the tropical rainstorms.This is in line with the design mission statement, to preserve the characteristics of the site and to optimally maintain the pristine natural condition of its locality. Each of Hanging Gardens 38 villas has been construct-ed in contemporary Balinese style on gravity-defying wooden pillars with thatched Alang-Alang roofs.
Conceived in 2003 and completed in 2005, the con-cept for this remarkable hotel was to create something magical and authentic in the heart of the Balinese jun-gle, a place to escape the frenetic beach resorts and party lifestyle and literally kick back and relax within this most beautiful and natural idyllic location.
erched adjacent to layered rice terraces with sweeping views across the Ayung River gorge and enveloped in lush vegetation of a once barren
45-degree angled hillside near Payangan, a village North of Ubud, is the breath-taking Hanging Gardens Ubud. A luxury boutique hotel surrounded by ancient trees, steep terraced gardens and jungle forest, Hanging Gardens is famed not only for its multi award winning double staked infinity pool, its ingen-ious twin funicular cable cars, used to shuttle guests throughout the hotel, but also for its uninterrupted views of the ancient Pura Penataran Dalem Segara temple sitting majestically across the river. Designed by one of Bali’s prominent and highly acclaimed architects Pope Danes, over 700 local craftsmen were employed to build Hanging Gardens,
location
Payangan-UbUD, bali PRoPeRty
Hanging gaRDens
bUilt
2003aRcHitect PoPo Danes
lanDscaPe aRcHitect William WaRRen &
JoHn PettigReW
inteRioR DesigneR
goRDon sHaW
PHotogRaPHscoURtesy of
Hanging gaRDens
P
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8Hanging gardens UbUd
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We Love
* The precise 88 steps from reception to the restau-rant, built with Feng Shui principles in mind.
* The use of locally sourced volcanic ash from Mount Batur that was used as a natural resource for construction.
* The way the surround-ing treetops serve as an umbrella for the open walkways.
* The way the Hotel follows the contours of the land and works as much within the natural habitat as possible.
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the island’s rich heritage. Exquisite furnishings, intri-cately adorned carved wooden doors with living rooms featuring brilliant splashes of colour and hand-embroidered throw pillows, complete the tropical effect. Sofas are upholstered in soft, rich cotton fabric, the coffee tables in rich brown leather while smooth wood and travertino marble floors lying underfoot complete the luxurious look and feel. The Lagoon Villas surround an expansive 3668 sqm lagoon, while the 580 sqm Strand Villas front the Ocean.
An outstanding feature of St. Regis Bali is the Remede Spa, where each of the 8 luxury private treatment rooms, have been designed by renowned designer Bill Bensley. Add panoramic sea views with tranquil, colourful and lush tropical gardens, also created by the talented Bill Bensley, St. Regis Bali has ensured its pride of place amongst the very best in Bali.
et within the exclusive enclave of Nusa Dua, on the Southern tip of Bali, this Beach-front resort, opening in 2008, offers magnificent views of the
Indian Ocean. Elegantly designed St. Regis Bali Resort is the first St. Regis Resort in Asia. Designed by Grounds Kent Architects (GKA), an award-winning company formed by Jack Kent and Martin Grounds, after the completion of the iconic Four Seasons Jimbaran, along with innovative examples of island-inspired artistry, this resort has been infused with indigenous materials both structurally and aesthetically.
For each room of this all-suite and villa resort, com-prised of 81 suites, 41 villas and 1 residence, interior designer Manny Samson has created a vibrant residential feel using rich imported fabrics with indig-enous materials and Indonesian artefacts that reflect
location
nUsa DUa, bali PRoPeRty
st. Regis bali oPeneD
sePtembeR 2008aRcHitect gRoUnDs Kent aRcHitects
lanDscaPe aRcHitect bill bensley
bensley Design stUDios
inteRioR DesigneR
manny samson
PHotogRaPHscoURtesy of st. Regis bali
S
o
7st. regis bali
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We Love
* The beach-front Cloud Nine Chapel located directly on the resort’s private beach. An intimate location, where the inside is ornamented with fine Balinese art and traditional wedding hues of white and silver.
* Practically anything that renowned Bangkok based designer Bill Bensley adds his “magic touch” to is going to be loved by us.
* The signature restaurant, Kayuputi,
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W Retreat & Spa Bali, combining a festive colour pal-ette with distinctive architectural shapes, and a very relaxed attitude to the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The starting point for the design was therefore the concept of ‘Indigenous Utopia’, some-thing local and layered, but hedonistic enough to suit the brand and the resort’s dynamic social neighbour-hood. Guests travelling through the hotel’s different zones meet a series of energetic shades, from the deep pinks and purples of the lobby and living room to the aquatic greens of guest-rooms, all inspired by the colours of Bali’s sunsets and seascapes. The major-ity of the retreats and suites, some of the largest on the Island, offering views of the Indian Ocean, exude high-energy interiors and vivid design. Yes perhaps this W hotel is a tad overindulgent, but the bold juxtaposition of its design is unique and should to be applauded.
ocated in the funky beach enclave of Seminyak, the W Hotel brand, syn-onymous with modern and whimsical design, has once again brought its
vibrant, distinctive and contemporary signature twist to the more traditional concept of Balinese hotel Design. As with all of their Hotels its all about pushing the boundaries in design. Reflecting the exuberance of its locale, full of designer boutiques, diverse galler-ies, lively restaurants, and modern cocktail bars and clubs, this beach front Hotel has quickly become the hottest place to be seen in town. Showcasing distinctive architecture by SCDA Archi-tects and interior design by AB Concept and Poole Associates Private Limited, is festooned with playful twists of bold designs and textures. AB Concept has crafted a radically new Balinese narrative for
llocation
seminyaK, bali PRoPeRty
W RetReat & sPa bUilt
DecembeR 15tH, 2011aRcHitect scDa aRcHitects
inteRioR Design
ab concePt & Poole associates Pl
PHotogRaPHscoURtesy of W RetReat & sPa
o
6W retreat & spa
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We Love
* The juxtaposition of ancient Balinese culture and design within the W brand’s chic exuberance.
* Its eclectic assortment of signature restaurants and lounges.
* The vibrant colour and distinctive architectural motifs throughout.
* The expansive WOW and EWOW suites.
* The quirky lounge chairs and day beds which create a relaxed and laid back vibe.
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for thatched roofing and rattan furniture all sourced in Indonesia. Unique to this retreat most rooms are equipped with ‘Sycamore’ ceiling fans for low energy cooling, achieved through a dynamically balanced single blade. To fully experience Fivelements, a stay in one of the nine exclusive suites is a must. Here each room flanks the hypnotising rhythms of the sacred Ayung River as it carves its way through the valley. The Asian style teakwood beds and sofa lounge areas are designed with traditional hand-woven songket and ikat, commonly used for Balinese weddings and royal ceremonies. The adjoining indoor/outdoor bathroom features a tropical lush garden with a rich masonry stone wall and a large open sky shower area furnished with Fivelements’ signature botanical essence amenities sourced directly from local farmers. With so many resorts and hotels eagerly searching for the next Eco and Wellness trends, Fivelements remains head and shoulders in front of the chasing pack.
unching above its weight amongst this star studded cast of some of Bali’s most uber-luxurious villa resorts and hotels is the remarkable “form-follows-function”
Fivelements, a holistic health retreat that combines traditional Balinese healing rituals and spa treatments with stunning architecture. Fivelements Puri Ahimsa, located in a graceful and quiet setting far removed from the hustle and bustle of tourism, alongside the banks of Bali’s sacred Ayung River near Mambal, is a wellness retreat unlike any other. The innovative, unobtrusive design which blends effortlessly within its natural surroundings is the work of Ketut Arthana of Arte Architects. To ensure Fivele-ments has a as low as possible carbon footprint the sustainable design building materials used include reclaimed ironwood floors from boats and piers, recycled materials such as teakwood timbers, local stone, bamboo, coconut wood, Alang-Alang grass
Plocation
mambal UbUD, bali PRoPeRty
fivelements PURi aHimsa,oWneRs
cHicco & laHRa tatRiele
oPeneD
JUly 2010aRcHitect
KetUt aRtHana
aRte aRcHitects
PHotogRaPHscoURtesy of
fivelements
o
5Fivelements pUri aHimsa
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We Love
* The architectural master-piece of the bamboo clad restaurant with its sweeping thatched roof fashioned in the shape of a banana leaf.
* The hypnotic and melodic Fire purification ceremonies.
* The culinary genius of Chef Made Runatha’s inno-vative raw food dishes.
* That remarkable single blade ‘Sycamore’ ceiling fan.
* The “eco-luxurious” bedroom villas, with ensuite outdoor bathrooms and those giant stone bath tubs
* That decisions were made at every stage in the con-struction process to create a sustainable and eco-con-scious property.
* That this is a place deeply rooted in the ancient tradi-tions of Bali, embracing the authenticity of Balinese Heal-ing, with an honesty and true belief in what they are doing.
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Each feature expansive free-flowing living spaces, with Balinese inspired décor, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows. Luxury features also include Indonesian dark wooden floors, whilst intricate lattice woodcarvings span an entire wall with traditional oversized Balinese beds reformed with Italian marble foundations.
Designed by the highly sought after architect Anthony Liu, whose firm TonTon is renowned for its innovative tropical designs and intimate yet often large-scale projects, Anantara Resort Seminyak can claim to having raised the benchmark for luxury accommodation as well as having one of the island’s hottest rooftop chill out lounge bars, ideal for soaking in the famous Balinese sunsets.
leading addition to Bali’s chic hotel scene, Anantara Seminyak is one of the coolest resorts to arrive in the heart of Bali’s vibrant Seminyak trend-setting
coastline. This stylish all-suite Bali resort employs a distinctly contemporary design approach blended with Balinese and Indonesian culture, whilst the almost regal architecture impresses immediately. The four-story design is anchored by stark white pillars and divided by vertical wood slats that shelter expan-sive balconies.Inside, Anantara’s 59 Luxurious pool villas, carved into a hillside, cascading into the sea reflect the familiar Anantara touches of contemporary Asian furniture with every imaginable modern lifestyle trimming to ensure you are cocooned in luxury.
A
o
location
seminyaK, bali PRoPeRty
anantaRa seminyaK
bUilt
aPRil 2008aRcHitect
antHony liU tonton aRcHitects
PHotogRaPHscoURtesy of
anantaRa seminyaK
4anantara seminyak
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footbridge suspended above a valley, that leads directly to the greeting area on the flat roof of the resort which features an enormous circular lily pond and shaded meditation area with 360-degree views of the surrounding Ayung Gorge below. Impeccably maintained over years the design and décor has been enhanced over time. Each of the 42 luxurious freestanding Villas and 18 sumptuous Suites are pre-sented in that wonderful Balinese style using indige-nous stained dark hardwood floors, Indonesian stone, thatched roofing and plunge pools and outdoor living rooms. The one-bedroom Villas, positioned along the crest of the verdant hillside, offering spectacular views of the river terraces, or jungle. With additional design upgrades by Koichi Yasuhiro from Tokyo design studio SPIN, infusing chic and modern touches whilst retain-ing the Villa suites Balinese style, the aesthetic of Four Seasons Sayan remains majestic and stunning.
egarded by many as the world’s leading operator of luxury hotels, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have two resorts in Bali, an ocean front resort
in Jimbaran Bay near Seminyak and this stunning property nestled within Ubud’s rustic landscape right beside the magical Ayung River, surrounded by lush forest greenery, working rice paddies and five sacred temple shrines. Opened back in 1998 the outstand-ing feature of Four Seasons Sayan, is without doubt the futuristic aerial architecture of the circular three storey central tower, the core of the resort. Designed by English architect John Heah, the challenge was to blend a strong contemporary architectural presence deep within an unspoilt tropical valley. A resounding success, the wow factor of this innovative design is not immediately noticeable when you first arrive at the resort. At road level all that is visible is the wooden
Rlocation
sayan UbUD, bali PRoPeRty
foUR seasons ResoRt sayan oPeneD
feb 1998aRcHitect:s
JoHn HeaH / HeaH & co,KoicHi yasUHiRo/ sPin
inteRioR DesigneR:sHeaH & co/ sPin
PHotogRaPHscoURtesy of
foUR seasons ResoRts
o
3FoUr seasons sayan
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We Love
* The dramatic, futuristic aerial architecture of the circular three storey cen-tral tower.
* The additional design up-grades by Koichi Yasuhiro which has added chic and modern touches to the resorts accommodation.
* The Royal Villa, a two storey, three bedroom residence overlooking secluded rice terraces and the Ayung River.
* The wooden footbridge, suspended above the valley that leads directly to the reception area on the roof of the resort.
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awareness of indigenous traditions, creating satisfying, sensitive volumes for modern living. The materials used in the construction are in keeping with the established aesthetic of the large five-suite residences, which made up the original Begawan Giri Estate, combin-ing local stone, wood and traditional Balinese Alang- Alang roofing to build sophisticated spaces that are at once contemporary and thoroughly traditional.accommodation on the Estate, is made up of 30 rooms and suites scattered among the jungle clearings above the Ayung River. Displaying the COMO trademark aesthetic mix of Asian-meets-European décor, inside each of these expansive Villas, Japanese interior designer Koichiro Ikebuchi has furnished them with colonial style carved teak furniture, many with Victorian antique baths, carved Venetian and Dutch colonial beds, balanced with Indonesian artefacts, Mongolian rugs and Burmese wood carvings to simply stunning effect.
estled deep within a rainforest over-looking the banks of the stunning River Ayung in southern Bali, this luxurious hideaway is simply breath-taking.
Formerly a small private residence called Begawan Giri, created by Bradley and Debbie Gardner in 1998, in 2004 the COMO Group assumed management and majority ownership transforming it into what it is today, a substantial 23 acre full-service residential health retreat. All the COMO properties have spas, but this is the first resort to be wholly dedicated to wellness, employing a team of yoga, Pilates and t’ai chi teachers as well as nutritionists, bodywork and Acupuncturist specialists. the resort’s design and reconstruction, typically Balinese indoor/outdoor tropical, luxurious and sensitive to its environment, was overseen by Area Design’s principle Singapore-born, and Bali-based architect Cheong Yew Kuan. Yew Kuan’s signature style is defined by a keen
Nlocation
UbUD, bali PRoPeRty
como sHambHala estate
oPeneD
DecembeR 2005aRcHitect
cHeong yeW KUan
inteRioR DesigneR KoicHiRo iKebUcHi
PHotogRaPHs
coURtesy of como
o
2Como sHambHala
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We Love
* The design simplicity that combines the lines of Bali-nese tradition with details from colonial Java (Victori-an antique baths, Venetian and Dutch colonial beds).
* The eclectic mix of tribal statues, ethnic wooden bowls and old terracotta pots of Tejasuara residence.
* Also at the Tejasuara resi-dence, the steps that lead down to a huge circle of firethat casts a dramatic dark orange glow over the pool when it is lit at night. * Wanakasa residence’s main living pavilion sup-ported by huge columns fashioned from the wide trunks of Bingkirai trees, the teak floors and the ironwood shingle roofs.
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Balinese pavilion architecture and rural landscapes with modern dynamic treatment of space and form. Comprised of a 50-suite hotel with 35 residential villas, the property has been built on a gradual slope that allows each unit to have unobstructed views of the cliffs and ocean. Nestled against the edge of the steep limestone drop-off, the largest four-bedroom villas support full-time occupation, while the hotel units lay in a sloped cluster higher up the hill.
The three-bedroom villa units are scattered on the highest part of the hillside property, designed as pa-vilions linked by bridges across water gardens, tucked into the hillside as terraces. Alila Villas Uluwatu’s collaboration with WOHA architects has resulted in a spectacular property that reflects a passion for envi-ronmentally conscious bold imaginative architecture.
pened in June 2009 Alila Villas Uluwatu is located on a 35.5 acres develop-ment site on a cliff-top plateau along the southern coastline on the island’s
Bukit Peninsula just 15 minutes from Jimbaran Bay near the renowned Uluwatu Temple. Constructed with ecological sustainability in mind, Alila Villas Uluwatu represents a new generation of exclusive properties by Alila Hotels and Resorts that blends the ultimate in eco-luxury with unique innovative design.
The unique architectural approach taken for the resort, and accompanying villas, was drawn up by award winning design firm WOHA to follow sustainable design principles without compromising on style and innovation. Its design is a fusion of modernist design with the delights of traditional
Olocation
bUKit PeninsUla, bali PRoPeRty
alila villas UlUWatU
oPeneD
JUne 2009aRcHitect
WoHalanDscaPe aRcHitect
cicaDa Pte ltD PHotogRaPHs
coURtesy of alila & PatRicK bingHam-Hall
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1alila villas UlUWatU
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We Love
*That the hotel rooms are designed as inhabited gardens, rather than an interior room, with the gar-den walls forming the walls of the room.
*That each villa forms a landscape foreground for the villa behind it.
*The open plan design and how each of the Villa’s walkways and bridges connect the relaxation pavilions and pools to the spacious living areas.
*That the lobby features a screen of recycled bronze spindles, the Warung restaurant a screen of recycled wood, and the Cire restaurant a screen of recycled batik copper stamps.