Villa Jembar Lawang

The impressive Villa Jembar Lawang is completely encompassed by emerald rice fields and is situated just a few minutes walk from the rugged beach at the ancient fishing village of Canggu on Bali's west coast. Built on 3,200 square metres of land, the property can sleep up to five couples, with five bedrooms. The villa was designed by the acclaimed Balinese architect Popo Danes, who was recently honoured with the ‘Indonesian Institute of Architect' award for his efforts in promoting contemporary Balinese architecture in its proper way.

The style of the villa is contemporary and elegant; a group of eight or ten people can stay at the house, very comfortably, without encroaching on each others' space. It was specifically designed to maximise the wonderful panoramic views, and offers the ultimate in private luxury for those who seek tranquillity combined with a high standard of service. Jembar Lawang means "large open door or gate" in the Javanese language. It is an indirect expression for "warm welcome", which is substantiated by the antique statues of a Javanese wedding couple, waiting to welcome the guests as they step over the threshold.

Indeed, guests entering the property for the first time, as they cross over a small ornamental pond, will have no idea what to expect behind the large front door. They will be surprised when they find that the doorway leads into a magnificent, semi-circular, open living area supported by towering Romanesque columns and harmonised by a cool terracotta tiled floor. Looking out over the flat green lawn and furnished with antique daybeds, a large dining table, and low antique retro tables, this is an ideal place for relaxing or socialising; perfect for a party, a reception or a lazy lunch. This imposing living area is the main focus of the property and is flanked on either side by corresponding two-storey wings, which accommodate the bedroom suites, the library, the entertainment room, two additional ground floor shower rooms, the kitchen and the laundry.

There are four double bedrooms and a twin single bedroom, boasting spacious en-suite terrazzo bathrooms. The light and airy bedrooms also feature built-in wardrobes, chunky antique furniture, timber floors, picture windows and large sliding glass doors. One of the bedrooms has a romantic four-poster bed. The downstairs bedrooms are each complemented by a terrace overlooking the garden, and two of the three upstairs bedrooms each feature a large stone balcony with an attractive balustrade, furnished with daybeds and enhanced by pots of bougainvillea and stunning views of the rice fields. Each of the en-suite bathrooms with its terrazzo fixtures, has its own distinct characteristics; some of the bathrooms are entered by stepping through beautiful old wooden doors and feature slate paved floors, bathtubs, and ‘his and hers' washbasins; others feature open-air garden showers surrounded by pebbles and plants, another displays a carved white Palimanan stone frieze on the exterior wall.

The entertainment room, downstairs in the opposite wing of the villa, is a cosy snug where guests can relax in air-conditioned comfort with a satellite TV, DVD player, and a ‘Bose' surround sound system.

Bulrush ponds border the villa, and the flat lawns of the walled garden are dotted with coconut trees, but the attractive grounds of the property are deliberately not crowded with plants and shrubs, therefore ensuring that it retains the feeling of space. An 18 x 4 metre infinity edge lap pool runs the width of the garden at the top end, sheltered by a grassy terrace. A thatched ‘bale', a traditional Balinese relaxation pavilion, is situated on one side of the pool.

The spacious kitchen, where the staff will prepare a wide range of delicious meals from an innovative menu, is fully equipped with wooden fitted cupboards and a modern stainless steel hob and oven. A laundry is situated at the back of the kitchen, and other practicalities, such as the staff quarters and the garage are taken care of in the service area beside the ample car park, leaving the remainder of the house free for the guests to enjoy.

The peaceful, coastal village of Canggu is set within a beautiful agricultural region located between Kuta and Tanah Lot. The area is home to some of the most luxurious private villas on the island, and is situated forty minutes from Bali's International Airport and fifteen minutes from one of the best golf courses in Asia. Remarkably laidback and undeveloped, this out of town setting offers the double attraction of being relatively close to everything that guests might need, while also offering visitors a privileged insight into the traditions of rural Bali. The local population make their living from fishing and farming; ducks are herded through the rice fields, the sound of gamelan music is carried on the breeze, and religious ceremonies are an integral part of daily life. The sweeping beach is renowned for its panoramic coastline views and legendary sunsets. It has some world-class surf breaks but the currents are strong and it is dangerous for swimming. The trendy Seminyak area, a mere twenty minutes drive away, offers wide choice of international restaurants, chic cocktail bars, exciting nightclubs, lavish spas and elegant shops. The nearby Nirwana Golf Course, designed by Greg Norman, is close to the famous Tanah Lot sea temple - one of the island's most dramatic and venerated temples, perched on a craggy wave-lashed rock just at the edge of the frothing white surf and glistening black shoreline. Guests staying at Villa Jembar Lawang will also enjoy Hotel Tugu, situated a few minutes walk away, beside the beach at Canggu. The hotel is a living museum of priceless antiques and rare cultural artefacts, and it also offers the attractions of fine dining together with the facilities of a delightful spa.

The extensive open space within the secluded garden, combined with the grandiose of the living area, makes Villa Jembar Lawang the ideal tropical setting for parties, weddings, reunion celebrations, barbeques and other functions. The sizeable modern kitchen provides the staff with the equipment and facilities to cater for a wide variety of events and a large number of guests. Special events can also be coordinated by professional outside caterers who have the world-class expertise to prepare a sumptuous feast at the villa, in addition to the coordination of decorations, flowers, lighting, sound systems and entertainment. A small family group can be indulged with a sizzling barbeque beside the pool at sunset. The poolside bale can be set up as an alfresco dining pavilion, guests can spill out onto the patio, and the elevated terrace behind the pool can be utilized as a stage for Balinese dance performances. The open-air living area is perfect for a cocktail reception, and the garden is large enough to comfortably accommodate up to one hundred guests.

Staff

Villa Jembar Lawang is fully serviced by:

A full-time house manager - Oversees and coordinates the staff and property and is available to assist guests during their stay.
Cook - Trained in the preparation of both local and international cuisine. A menu is provided, and the cook will do all the market shopping.
Maids - Responsible for housekeeping duties, taking care of daily laundry and providing waitress service around the grounds and buildings of the property
Security Guard - Duties are to patrol the grounds and guard the entrance of the villa from dusk to dawn ensuring the security of the guests.
Gardener - Tending the garden and the grounds of the villa, and cleaning and maintaining the swimming pool