Villa San

Less than 300-metres north of Ubud's Royal Palace lies Villa San, a private and serene oasis in central Bali. Designed as a labour of love, the villa is only minutes from sensational shopping, superb spas, classic cultural performances and luxuriant rice fields.

Showcasing an impressive array of artworks and handicrafts originating from China, Africa and Indonesia, Villa San comfortably accommodates 12 people in six large bedrooms (three-king beds and three-twins). These buildings are nestled around a 25-metre lap pool and set within lush gardens which incorporate elegant sculptures and a tranquil meditation terrace.

Friendly professional staff will quickly make guests feel totally relaxed at this spacious villa which is particularly suitable for an extended family or a group of friends.

At the heart of Villa San lies a two-storey living pavilion whose crisp modern lines and eclectic collection of wooden art pieces draw the eye from the moment you step into the villa. The pavilion houses the lounge, dining and entertainment areas as well as a playroom, artist studio, function room and the kitchen. White casual seating, chrome and glass desks and crisp white walls are perfect foil for the exquisite Balinese, Chinese and African handicrafts in bedrooms and living areas.

The six-bedroom suites, all with spacious walk-in wardrobes and luxurious bathrooms, are built in an L-shape around this living pavilion; each a discreet distance from its neighbour.

Villa San's air conditioned entertainment lounge features one of the property's two state of the art home theatre systems, incorporating a large satellite TV, DVD player and stereo system. Guests can sit back and relax on one of the big comfy sofas and look out over the property through floor-to-ceiling windows. Glass doors from the entertainment lounge open directly to the open-sided living area, furnished with more comfortable sofas and an unusual collection of wood and glass sculptures. Just a few steps away from the living area is a professionally equipped gym, while to the right is a casual dining area, the kids’ playroom and finally the green, spacious lawns and sparkling swimming pool area beyond.

While most of the cooking is done behind the scenes in the staff kitchen, no expense has been spared in the open-plan 'front' kitchen, where the Chef makes his final meal preparations and where guests are welcome to indulge in their own culinary creations. You'll be delighted by the bright, chunky Spanish-style crockery, the range of appliances and the sizable wine fridge. Separated from the kitchen area by a timber-topped breakfast bar, the dining area is open on three sides, looking out onto gardens and the swimming pool lawn. Its long wooden table with comfortable seating can accommodate up to 14 dinner guests.

Upstairs, an artist's studio with wide glass windows provides a private, quiet hideaway. An adjacent function room is a perfect place to practice yoga, meditate, have a massage or host a small meeting or presentation.

Pool loungers, hammocks and casual seating shaded by sun umbrellas are comfortably arranged throughout Villa San's well-kept gardens, while a covered gazebo seating 12 to 15 lies at the far end of the pool.

Villa San's sparkling pool is just perfect for swimming laps. For lazier times, there's a lounging ledge at the deep end, while the steps at the shallow end are wide and safe for younger swimmers.

Tucked away in a quiet corner behind the master suite is a tree-shaded terrace for yoga practice, suitable for groups of up to 15 people. Behind it, a traditional stone stupa (a Buddhist meditation building known as the Serene room) offers the perfect place for moments of peaceful reflection.