THE VILLA

Bendega Nui was designed in partnership with internationally renowned architect Glenn Parker to respect the style, proportion and symmetry of traditional Balinese architecture within a modern tropical design.

Set in almost an acre of serene tropical gardens overlooking the rice fields, the villa is a short walk from the beach and a short drive to the chic restaurants and bars of Seminyak; close to the excitement of Bali but far enough away to ensure a traditional Balinese experience.

The villa buildings form an ‘H’, with the main living and sleeping accommodation in the middle, and two of the five bedrooms, the pool pavilion and the staff quarters forming the four prongs of the H. This pleasing symmetry is carried through to many elements within the villa, including the swimming pool, which is bordered by a large sunny garden and overlooks the rice fields.

LIVING ROOM

Two sets of tall sliding doors open to reveal a spectacular open-air, double-height sitting room facing the gardens, pool and rice fields. This fan-cooled space, which seats 12, is simply but stylishly furnished with two oversized black teak sofas and armchairs set around matching coffee tables. The black upholstery is brought to life with vibrant contrasting green and orange patterned scatter cushions.

Along the back wall of the sitting room, an ancient canoe has been topped with glass and transformed into a 6m-long table; a stunning centrepiece for a buffet dinner. Above the canoe, a set of antique carved panels are framed against a wall of golden sandstone. A galleried walkway runs above the sitting area providing another opportunity to enjoy the views.

DINING AND KITCHEN

To the right of the sitting room, glass doors lead into the wooden-floored, dining room, showcasing a massive, five-metre-long solid Merbau dining table that seats up to 20 people. More glass doors open onto the garden at the front, while a large mirror is set in an antique door frame at the far end of the room. A charming glass-fronted cabinet houses glassware and crockery next to a door leading through to the kitchen.

The kitchen at Bendega Nui reflects the owners’ love of cooking. This fully fitted, air-conditioned room has such appeal that it’s almost tempting to give the chef a day off! Dark wood cabinets, cream-colored Corian work tops and glass splash-backs create clean lines, while a large central island ensures plenty of work space.

The chef’s biggest delight is the range of equipment available to him here – including an extra large oven, a Jura Impressa coffee machine, waffle-maker, Cuisinart panini toaster, ice cream maker and dishwasher, to name but a few. The kitchen is also equipped with two large fridges, and a freezer and wine fridge in the pantry. Just outside is a custom-built pizza oven.

LIBRARY AND GAMES ROOM

In the comfortable library and adjoining games room, a set of floor-to-ceiling shelves contains numerous books on Bali and Indonesia as well as more popular holiday reading. The library has a 50-inch flat-screen television with DVD player and more than 50 international satellite channels. An L-shaped sofa and two floral print chairs offer plenty of comfort in front of the TV.

The games room is almost completely surrounded by glass and can be opened up to the gardens on three sides. Bar stools and easy chairs provide seating for spectators around the full-sized pool table and there’s a wide selection of other games available too. Opposite the games room is a delightful guest washroom. Finished in warm Indian Sandstone, and furnished with an antique cabinet, this washroom opens into a pretty walled garden.

BEDROOMS

Four of the bedrooms at Bendega Nui have lovely open views across the luxuriant rice fields of Canggu, while the large and very private fifth bedroom has sliding doors opening onto a private garden area. The villa can accommodate 10 adults in three king-bedded rooms and two twin rooms (which can both convert to king-bedded rooms). There is capacity to add three more foldaway beds for children if required, and a privately enclosed one-bedroom suite between Bendega Nui and neighbouring Bendega Rato creates an optional sixth bedroom. All bedrooms are air conditioned, generously sized, tastefully furnished, and have ensuite bathrooms.

OUTDOOR LIVING

The 11 x 11-metre stone-tiled infinity-edged swimming pool overlooks the rice fields. As well as being large enough for some serious swimming, the pool is perfectly positioned for sunset cocktails, which can be enjoyed from the wide stone shelves set into the pool at just the right depth.

Next to the pool a breezy open-sided pavilion is furnished with a huge built-in daybed and a table for up to 10 people. This is a great place to congregate at the start of the day for a ‘come-as-you-please’ breakfast. A handy kitchenette with a water cooler, bar fridge and sink is concealed neatly behind louvered doors and around the corner is a guest changing room with toilet and shower.

To the far side of the lawn, perched over a koi pond, is a peaceful relaxation balé. furnished with a comfortable daybed, floor cushions and two petrified-wood stools.

STAFF

Villa Bendega Nui is fully staffed by a dedicated team of professionals. Their aim is to look after every guest, from toddler to grandparent, in true Balinese style by understanding individual expectations and preferences.

The staff consist of a full-time manager, two full-time chef and cook, butlers, a driver, a garden and pool manager, a full-time maintenance person and a team of three security staff working roaring shifts 24 hours a day.