East Residence and Spa

A villa conceived as a luxurious Balinese home for its New Zealander owners, East Residence and Spa is thankfully now available for private rental. Nestled amongst Canggu’s rice fields in south-west Bali, this magnificent villa features five spacious ensuite bedrooms, including a Rainforest Cottage, plus infinity-edge pool and open-air Balinese lounge. A stand-out feature is the private spa, positioned away from the main building, where two professionally-trained therapists are on-call and facilities include an open-air stone bath.

The passion poured into this villa is astounding, but it’s the magnificent gardens, tended daily by three gardeners, that are the owner’s greatest pride and joy. Defined by terraced landscaping, the grounds fall naturally into three distinct areas dissected by the diminutive River Subak. Stone steps cut through sloping manicured lawns interspersed with banana plants, exotic blooms and water features. At the bottom, three traditional thatched balés (gazebos) stand, bordered by jungle, on a ledge beside another river; an idyllic setting for yoga and meditation.

The property successfully marries modern and traditional Balinese with western comforts. The owners, along with on-site manager, Raka, personally sourced the high-quality, predominantly Balinese furniture and the imported Italian fixtures. Built in 2008, the villa’s ‘newness’ is evident; from the dedicated TV room to the sparkly ensuite bathrooms with contemporary fittings to the pristine pool-deck area. Yet bedrooms and out-buildings feature traditional high ceilings, and exquisite Indonesian artworks and artefacts (such as antique Sulawesi warrior jackets) abound. Although East Residence and Spa evokes a boutique resort feel, the owner’s underlying ‘home away from home’ vision is foremost.

The welcoming staff team of ten, including on-site manager, Raka, are always on-hand but are the height of discretion. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared by chef Made (Mar-day) from a suggestion menu of Indonesian and international favourites. Grocery provisions for all meals are charged at cost price, although first day breakfast is complimentary. And if you can bear to leave the villa, a seven-seater car plus driver is available for up to eight hours per day, with petrol at extra cost.