Our enchanting Villa Melati is perched upon the Sayan Ridge, high above the sacred River Ayung, in the traditional Balinese village of Kedewatan, just 5 minutes drive from the cultural town of Ubud. It takes its name from one of Indonesia’s national flowers – the fragrant night jasmine, or ‘melati’, and was described as "a one-of-a-kind villa with a one-of-a-kind view" by Elsa Klensch for CNN's 'Style'.
The villa’s 80-metre driveway offers no clue to the exceptional design of the villa or its awesome view. From a spacious private parking area, 82 stone steps lead down to the main entrance, via a wooden bridge over a narrow creek. Alternatively, the press of a button summons a rack-and-pinion funicular lift, which carries 4-5 people and is always available when the steps are too daunting. It is this secluded setting, way back from the road, which makes the house unique. With no traffic noise, the only sounds are those of nature and the rushing river, and there is not a neighbour in sight! Encompassed by raw nature, our 6,000 square metre rainforest retreat is landscaped into the contours of a steep gorge, where it opens onto a hidden enclave of rice fields.
There are two master bedrooms in Villa Melati, each of identical design featuring a king size bed, walk-in dressing room and en-suite bathroom with a private attached tropical garden. Furnished with traditional batik fabrics and antique artefacts, each is air-conditioned with the additional provision of a ceiling fan. Ubud’s relatively cool climate, combined with the soaring roofs, means that ceiling fans are often quite sufficient for guests’ needs. When the large sliding doors at the front of each bedroom are opened, the pool, garden, and rainforest appear, and the interior becomes one with nature.
THE VILLA CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 8 GUESTS, in the following extra sleeping areas:
1) We have converted a genuine antique Balinese rice barn into a cosy snug, reminiscent of a grass-roofed tree-house and accessed by wooden steps. Air-conditioned and also fitted with a ceiling fan, the lower floor is an entertainment room, equipped with a satellite TV, DVD player, kilim floor cushions and a Persian rug, while a wooden ladder leads up to a romantic sleeping loft for two, or for youngsters. Below lies a cave bathroom, with natural rock walls and a marble shower.
2) A fourth fan cooled sleeping area offers guests two twin beds in a gallery above the dining room. Perfect for families with kids or larger groups seeking extra beds.
The living pavilion opens onto the stone deck around the infinity swimming pool. Furnished with comfortable daybeds and lounging chairs, this open-air space serves as the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the view. The indoor dining room seats 8 and is complemented by an outdoor balcony for alfresco dining, at breakfast time or after dark.
Additional: 5 gracious staff to pamper you, all night security, additional guest, over and above 4*, villa-based car and driver*, airport transfers*, Ubud shuttle, private chef service, WiFi, safety box, backup generator, DVD library, iPod music system, hairdryers, baby cot, daily breakfast*, laundry*.
*charges may apply
