Completed at the end of 2008, Villa Batavia in popular Seminyak is quite different from any other luxury villa that you will see in Bali, and one that - even at such an early stage of its operation - is destined to become a Bali classic. Forget the popular minimalist design, which has dominated Bali’s villa scene for the last few years, because at Villa Batavia post-minimalism roars into eclecticism and revels in romance.
At Villa Batavia, everything possible has been considered for the comfort and entertainment of the guests. Not only is the property a handcrafted masterpiece of design, elegance and luxury, but it also seamlessly and sensitively combines hi-tech amenities with its historical theme.
The majestic four-bedroom Villa Batavia, complete with its freeform swimming pool and children’s pool, is set upon 1,100 square metres of land, within the luxurious Laksmana Villas private estate, just footsteps away from the Indian Ocean at Seminyak Beach on Bali’s southwest coast. Designed by the acclaimed Balinese architect, Putu Edi Semara, and influenced by various legendary colonial-style hotels, the property captures the architectural heritage of Asia's crossroads, following a colonial theme with high ceilings and art deco furniture. This is complemented by a crisp white exterior, a breezy colonnaded walkway with arched glassless windows, fish ponds, terracotta tiled roofs, louvre shutters, and colonial-style verandahs. Oozing with visual texture and lush fabrics, the sensual interiors reflect the travels and passions of the owners, who invite guests to share and celebrate the rich heritage of Asia. Guests can enjoy an eclectic collection of objets trouvés and artwork including old postcards, maps, silver pots, colonial prints, Tiffany lamps, stained glass, rich textiles and rattan furnishings.
The villa is comprised of three buildings linked by a covered pergola and a cloister-style walkway hung with custom made colonial-style glass lanterns. The first building is the guest wing, complete with the living and dining room. The second building houses the reception hall and cocktail lounge, and the third building is the master wing. The staff service area, together with laundry and back-up generator set, is unobtrusively tucked out of the way at the back of the property.
Each of the four suites at Villa Batavia is equipped with a mini-bar fridge, a safe deposit box, an independently controlled cable TV and DVD player, and a Bose iPod dock. WiFi high speed Internet is accessible throughout the property. There is also a remote Bose music system featuring a huge, comprehensive music library. No expense was spared in the creation of this remarkable residence, the owners’ priority was to be gracious to the environment and the villa has therefore been designed to be as efficient and as environmentally-friendly as possible. No chemicals are used in the pool; instead it employs a salt water system that is soft on the earth and gentle on the skin, while the gin-clear fishponds employ bio-technology.
Guests will enter the villa through a magnificent reception hall, located on the ground floor of the central building. Furnished with rattan planter chairs and sofas and complemented by parlour palms, this regal room opens straight onto the swimming pool. The splendid floor is composed of black and white granite tiles laid to form a traditional diagonal chequerboard pattern.
Villa Batavia is set within a beautiful walled garden complete with an 18-metre freeform swimming pool that is reminiscent of a river pool. There is also a separate children’s pool complete with a bridge across to an island. This lovely area is planted with fruit trees, fragrant frangipanis and ferns, complemented by two waterfalls and a large rock wall with a water cascade. Every need has been considered and a guest washroom is available for pool users, accessible from the garden. A secure parking area provides space for motorbikes and two cars.
On the ground floor of the Master Wing is an ornate Moroccan-style steam room with colourful mosaic tiles, a domed roof, built-in bench seating, and an enticing, two-tiered, coldwater fountain in the centre. Traditionally, Moroccan baths are places to meet and enjoy conversation, so the temperature is therefore not too hot. The aromatic steam opens the pores, cleanses the skin and helps to relax aching muscles. Next to the steam room is an air-conditioned massage room with a massage couch and amenities.
