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The villa’s décor features elements from across the
Indonesia archipelago and an extensive staff provides top service in a luxury
environment.
The best place to take advantage of the remarkable vistas is on the top floor with
its outdoor lounge area, infinity swimming pool and a dining room clad in
wraparound windows. Should you tire of the views from there, bales (Balinese
gazebos) and daybeds abound on all three levels of the property while all six
enormous, fully air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms also offer views worth
contemplating before sliding into blue sky dreams.
Built over three levels and decorated using a combination of modern and
traditional, sleek steel and antique teak, cool stone and warm wood, state of the
art technology and plush soft furnishings, The Longhouse comes complete with a
gym and spa room, a fully-equipped and staffed kitchen, its own wine cellar and
a villa manager to ensure your every need is met. There is also a rather
convenient, beautiful wood-panelled in-house elevator and a fully equipped minihome
theatre/media room, with couches begging to be sunk into and the biggest
TV screen ever seen outside of a movie theatre.
The architecture of the property is striking and the villa contains a collection of
art, crafts and artifacts lovingly collected by the owners; while in the open living
area, with its traditional alang-alang (thatched) roof, a series of murals tell part of
the famous Ramayana story. Each of the six spacious bedroom suites is themed
after a different Indonesian island and contains art, crafts and motifs from that
island. For those who wish to learn more, guides have been created for each
room and the main living area, giving more information. Activities such as
Balinese dance, cooking lessons, lectures and even fighting kite competitions
can be organized by the staff.
The Longhouse is definitely worth a long stay. In fact, the only thing The
Longhouse is short on is the number of hours in the day in which to revel in the
amazing surroundings and incredible people.
Bedrooms
The Longhouse has six large bedrooms in total, four of which boast king size
beds, the other two offering extra sleeping options with two single beds each.
Sliding glass doors bring the balmy Bali outdoors indoors throughout, but for
some respite from the tropical heat, all the bedrooms are fully air-conditioned.
All bedrooms also come equipped with satellite-channel TV and DVD player, safe
deposit boxes, broadband Internet access and en-suite bathrooms. Most
noteworthy, however, is the culturally themed décor unique to each room, which
results in each bedroom visually introducing a different unique culture from within
the great cultural breadth of Indonesia.
Each room has been conceived and interpreted as one of the islands in the
Indonesian archipelago: Bali, West Java, East Java, Lombok, Sumatra and
Sumba. The colour schemes, furnishings and indigenous arts and crafts in each
room reflect its individual theme, the result turning The Longhouse itself into an
exotic canvas of riotous colour and intimate style…. and a place of magic.
En-suite Bathrooms
In keeping with the themed approach, each en-suite bathroom has its own
individual characteristics. In one room, you will find both indoor and outdoor
showers; another boasts its own plunge pool seemingly placed on the edge of
the world. Bathe with a view over the entire island, or in a Sumatran jungle – both
are an option so the choice is yours! Blissful rain showers come standard as do
private toilets, beautifully crafted washbasins, wonderfully soft towels and
gorgeous pampering products.
Living Area & Swimming Pool
The breezy open air living area needs no other commendation than its panoramic
view across two sparkling bays and the gentle bustle of Bali village life below.
That said, the plush couches and chairs provided to enjoy those views, which
practically seduce you into them, have a lot going for them too!
You can tap away using the wireless Internet access as you sit under soaring
thatched roof cover. Neither walls nor windows mar the perfect picture beyond,
leaving it completely open to the silky Bali air.
Step off the black Indian slate living area terrace straight into the 60 square
metre infinity swimming pool immediately in front. You can either swim laps or elax on the underwater bench, cocktail in hand should the fancy strike, to drink
in the relaxing 180-degree vista.
Dining Room
Just to the left of the living area lies an air-conditioned dining area encased in
wraparound windows. Here all doors can be opened if you prefer a more natural
climate with fans whirring above. An enormous, unique wooden dining table, with
seating for up to 14 people, encourages long, friendly lunches and uproarious
evening feasts filled with good food, great wine, fantastic company and
rejuvenating laughter. Sit back and let the full complement of staff, including a
personal chef, whip up culinary delights and feed your every whim while you
create wonderful, lifelong memories.
Kitchen
An immaculate wooden kitchen, with the very latest in stainless steel appliances,
is tucked away next to the dining area, complete with a versatile chef worthy of
praise. Should you decide to do your own cooking, you’ll find the views from the
kitchen windows rival any to be found in the rest of the house.
Home Theatre/Media Room
Downstairs from the living area and the tapestry of life playing out in the Balinese
villages below, you will find the Home Theatre/Media Room. Justly termed “the
best home theatre experience in Bali”, watching movies in The Longhouse’s
professionally designed media room on the vast TV screen is quite an
experience.
Add to this deliciously comfortable extensive couches designed for curling up in;
7.1 surround sound enhanced by acoustic wall and floor treatments; and a bowl
of popcorn. A great night in for two or 20.
iPod docks have been conveniently placed at strategic locations throughout The
Longhouse, giving you surround sound access to your favourite music.
Gym & Spa
Neatly hidden (just in case you don’t want any reminder of the exercise you
should be doing on your holiday) on the lower level of The Longhouse, you will
find an air-conditioned gym, equipped with state of the art treadmill, Swiss Pilates alls, yoga mats, iPod dock and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Trained instructors can be
arranged to come in for your own personal yoga or Pilates session.
Professional spa therapists are also on call to provide you with any number of
luxury spa and healing treatments in the tranquillity of The Longhouse’s private
spa treatment room which features two massage beds and a bath for a wonderful
Balinese lulur (Balinese body scrub).
Gardens
Nature weaves its way in everywhere in The Longhouse, thanks to the many
indoor gardens. Fish ponds, waterfalls, ponds and trees wait to be discovered
and enjoyed. A walk outside into The Longhouse’s landscaped grounds will lead
to even more new discoveries and the chance to enjoy nature in beautifully
peaceful surroundings. A pergola in a prime location is a wonderful place to sit
and watch the sun come up – or down!
Location
As peaceful as it is, The Longhouse may feel very far away from the madding
crowd and crazy tourist hustle that can characterise a trip to the likes of Kuta and
Seminyak. Should you wish to immerse yourself in the various wonders of Bali,
however, you will find that nothing is too far away. Especially given the access to
driver and car that The Longhouse guests are treated to.
Jimbaran Beach, with its wonderfully warm, calm waters and romantic beachbound,
sandy-toed seafood restaurants, is just a 10-minute drive away. It will
take just 20 minutes to the airport; 20 to the fun-filled bars, markets and
restaurants of Kuta; 35 to Uluwatu Temple; and just 30 minutes to the worldrenowned
shopping and fine dining area of Seminyak – where the rich and
gorgeous come out to play. And should you long for the lush green peace of the
rice fields or have an artistic yearning, head for Ubud, just one hour away.
A car and driver will be at your disposal daily for 10 hours, excluding petrol and
discretionary gratuity. Please advise your villa manager of your starting time the
previous evening.
Conclusion
The Longhouse’s very name is a habitat of one of Indonesia’s many cultures.
With its modern design and amenities juxtaposed by an exquisite collection of
artifacts and classical Balinese elements, this is a villa that pays homage to its location and exudes joy in being a Bali luxury villa. It showcases the spirit of the
Archipelago while being truly Balinese in character. Last, but definitely not least,
its warm and professional local staff present another of Bali’s many attractions,
epitomising the legendary Balinese hospitality.
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Key Features:
180 degree view of Benoa and Jimbaran bays
Swimming Pool
Elevator
Personal Cook (You only pay for groceries)
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