This relaxation is amplified by the splendour and beauty of the villa itselfNestled down a discreet quiet leafy alley, within walking distance from the highly acclaimed beachside restaurants of Ku de ta and La Lucciola, a recently completed villa complex offers the discerning traveler new levels of privacy, comfort and service. The ten Laksmana Villas are all highly individual, each separately owned and designed in their own unique style, ranging from traditional classic to contemporary price range, depending on size of villa and number of guests, there's something here to suit budgets from US$175 up to US$1,150 per night, depending on season and length of intended stay.
Those looking to envelop themselves in the refined luxury of yesteryear travel should book the fabulous Villa Des Indes, a textbook example of how a combination of good taste, exemplary service and beautiful surrounds can transform a villa stay into something quite extraordinary. Hidden from the rest of the world behind a gorgeous traditional gate and dense tropical foliage, Villa Des Indes is a romantic escape back to the era when the first world travelers discovered the many mysteries and magic of Asia. Once the gates have creaked to a close behind, guest enter the property through the door of an ancient joglo, an antique wooden house from Central Java that sits above a shimmering lotus pond brimming with colorful koi. Stepping through the doors marks the point when you officially leave the modern world behind you and your fantasy holiday begins.
On hand to make sure this happens is a team of waiters/butlers who offer the kind of discreet but first-rate service that makes villa staying such an enjoyable and exclusive experience. Here they've perfected it to a fine art. From the cold towel welcome that punctuates any arrival to the seamless organization of any guest's whimsy, whether a Balinese massage in the bale or cocktails for a party of ten, the staff exude a quiet confidence and genuine warmth that causes instant relaxation.
This relaxation is amplified by the splendour and beauty of the villa itself. The owners are avid antique collectors and the three palatial guest rooms and extensive living areas are adorned with exquisite pieces from their collection. Statues and art pieces from across the archipelago blend with old Dutch wooden fridges, antique telephone sets, old maps and period posters. Magnificent teak plantation chairs dotted around the grounds provide the perfect seat to lay back and enjoy the sea breeze, with the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean nearby and flow of water trickling through stone fountains setting a soothing hypnotic tone.
The traditional Javanese joglo, rescued from demolition and transported to Bali and reassembled, forms the centerpiece of the property. Beyond, a free-form swimming pool and lush garden border the separate guestrooms, where large terraces and a bale provide ample space to lounge and enjoy the tropical environs, hides 21st century technology. Enormous flat screen TVs, cable channels, free wi-fi internet access and ipod ready sound system allow guests to plug into the modern world at will. Should you eschew lazy entertainment in favour of a good book, there's a wide choice of Indonesian-orientated tomes available as well as a healthy supply of magazines. Next to the pool, a book on Bali's birdlife provides a quick reference to the family of swooping color that also call the villa home. At hand, beautiful handmade fans in black linen puches offer a cooling touch. It's this attention to detail and excellent taste throughout the property that defines Villa Des Indes as one of Bali's very best villa experiences.Laksmana Villas
Jalan Laksmana, Seminyak, Bali Tel: +62 361 733 320
