Jiva Puri set to become ultimate destination in Bali
January 2012 sees the launch of Jiva Puri, a private home available to rent on the authentic and undeveloped south west coast of Bali.
Set on two acres of ocean-front land with extensive lawns and tropical gardens the villa is the result of the owner’s 20-year love affair with the island.
The location is truly exceptional - set on a small cliff, about thirty feet above the water, with a black sand beach surrounded by rice paddy fields.
The architecture and interiors are designed by Ernesto Bedmar - a Singapore-based Argentine architect - and it is a contemporary Geoffrey Bawa inspired take on Balinese living.
The concept, like Bawa’s own, is to take the Balinese design precepts of organised living spaces around a courtyard and open views of verdant green living spaces and the sea and update them for the 21st century.
The property consists of five spacious bedroom pavilions, each with their own private outdoor spaces of ponds and gardens.
They feel like independent villas with a tennis court-sized lawn punctuated by wooden tribal art leading to the common living areas.
There is a large living and dining pavilion with wraparound views of the sea and a dining table that can seat 20 – plus a library, gym and spa.
There is also a 30 metre swimming pool with a separate pavilion with a large dining area plus a professional kitchen with a private herb and vegetable garden.
In addition, there is separate accommodation for any staff that a guest may choose to bring with them.
The owner, a former Indian banker based between Hong Kong and India has had a 20 year love affair with Bali, finding it to be the one of the only vacation destinations in Asia that had retained a character and culture independent of the tourism industry. They did not want to be part of an enclave built for tourism.
Jiva Puri is perfectly located for side trips to Ubud and Seminyak and the nearby village of Cemagi is one of the prettiest villages in the area.
Jiva Puri costs from $5,000 per night. Minimum three night stay. More information on the website.