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29 March 2024

An ultimate palace of refuge

Published
By Reena Amos Dyes

(FILE)   

 

How would you like to get a facial with diamond dust in a spa suspended thousands of feet above the shimmering Indian Ocean?


Well, that is exactly what you will get if you book yourself into the Ayana Villa at the Ritz-Carlton Bali resort.


The three-bedroom ultra-luxurious Ayana Villa, meaning “place of refuge” in Sanskrit, occupies 3,000 square metres of landscaped gardens in a quiet corner of the Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort and Spa, affording the most stunning cliff-top views on the island.


The private driveway leading to the 420 sq m villa brings you to an illuminated, terraced water feature reminiscent of Bali’s famed rice fields, with fountains that gently flow towards the carved Balinese doors leading into the property.


With guaranteed privacy and seclusion, state-of-the-art facilities and chic design, Ayana Villa is set up as a private sanctuary.  Speaking to Emirates Business, Prami Pratiwi Radcliffe, director of public relations at the resort, said: “This villa was designed and developed specifically in response to our guests’ requests for such a facility.


“Celebrities, royalty, heads-of-state and various other guests who require a high level of security appreciate the villa’s unique location among the Jimbaran cliffs, overseeing not only spectacular views

but also offering maximum privacy and security.


“In fact, now we have a host of VVIP guests on our booking list.”

The impressive contemporary design and majestic views across the lush gardens to the infinity-edged pool and ocean beyond greet you as soon as you enter the central living room.


A comfortable lounge area with a 60-inch plasma television and an Ironwood bar featuring an impressive dragon hand-carved by a Balinese artisan opens onto a sun-room, where natural light filters through ornate stone wall panels. The dominant use of the highest-quality local materials and craftsmanship is further evident from the dining table made of a single, 400-year-old piece of jackfruit wood, and from the intricate ceiling and wall panels, sculptures, paintings and timeless artifacts that adorn each room.


The villa itself comprises three bedrooms, each with stunning views to the ocean, traditional carved Indonesian beds, and large adjoining bathrooms featuring twin vanities, rain showers and large bathtubs.

Radcliffe said: “The villa features three bedrooms, a room for the butler and a room for spa therapist. However, if there is an entourage or bodyguards, we recommend them to stay in the nearby villas or in the resort rooms.”


To give you the true taste of Indonesian hospitality you will be welcomed with your favourite bubbly,  favourite flowers, chocolates and magazines, while you will find the cellar fully-stocked with fine grape juice, including private reserve labels and a selection of Cuban cigars.


The state-of-the-art electronics in the villa include Bose home entertainment systems, flat-screen high-definition televisions in each bedroom and bathroom.


In the south-easternmost corner, a separate building houses a double massage room for personalised spa treatments.


Radcliffe said: “The resort features an extraordinary spa facility, Spa on the Rocks, anchored offshore by natural rocks in the midst of the shimmering Indian Ocean. Spa on the Rocks is indigenously created to give an illusion of being suspended above the ocean, while having a diamond dust facial.


“Our jewel of the spa is the Aquatonic pool, Asia’s largest seawater therapy pool, using seawater direct from the ocean, which we filter.”


A steam shower, private gym and private yoga and meditation classes are also available for the health-conscious guests.

Attending to your every whim with personalised yet discreet service, is a dedicated team of staff including a 24-hour on-call butler and a personal chef.


With its spacious grounds and stunning sunset views, Ayana is also a magnificent entertainment area for up to 200 people. A traditional Indonesian gazebo perched above the cliffs makes an enchanting and intimate wedding location for couples to exchange vows.


Ayana Villa is worth every bit of the Dh30,000 per night you will have to shell out, but there is no better place to surrender your senses to the magic and beauty of Bali.