Paradise is subjective - each of us defines it differently, it’s more a state of mind than a place. Sungai Jungle Villas might turn out to be yours.
The word paradise springs to mind instantly when you arrive at Sungai Jungle Villas, descending into the lush jungle overlooking a flowing river is a visual feast. Greeted by the warm staff who tend to everything, you’re immediately welcomed into a private world of luxurious escape.
Sungai Jungle Villas is two stand-alone villas. Each offers three spacious guest rooms and outdoor entertaining spaces with stunning private pools. The design follows the course of the river, shaded by giant bamboo and flowering plants. Built side by side, the two villas can be rented separately or combined to offer six bedrooms for friends or families travelling together.
Located in Tabanan, Sungai is close to both Canggu and its hip neighbour, Pereranan, making this an ideal location for exploring Bali, if you can bring yourself to leave the beautiful villa and the attentive staff. You reach the villa via a picturesque village road. A Balinese procession held us up on our approach, but we didn’t mind a bit, it was so charming and uniquely Balinese that it could well have been staged just for us.
The feeling of being ensconsed in a Balinese village is pervasive. The nearby temple ceremonies, the graceful Balinese touches, the zen-like spa treatments offered in the villa, the art, the flowers, it all speaks volumes about Bali.
There are thousands of villas in Bali, yet this one stands out in many ways. The architecture is classical Bali style yet updated so beautifully that the finish is crisp and clean. In Villa One a long sparkling blue pool wraps around the living room, following the flow of the river, and ends at the the sunken bar gazebo.
Three beautiful guest rooms overlook the jungle views with sparkling designer ensuite bathrooms, wide-screen TVs, tribal art and deep sofas. Mirrors throughout the living spaces reflect the vivid green jungle and expand the spaces. Our villa has a new Anang-along roof and a mix of classic teak sofas, luscious soft lounges and built-in benches that tread lightly on creamy stone floors and white walls. The effect is deeply relaxing.
A team of staff are take care of everything. From spa therapists who provide massages in the cocoon-like private spa room to freshly baked cakes served for afternoon tea. A beautiful dinner menu is inspired by local flavours and organic ingredients that sing with 5-star professionalism yet still feel homemade.
While we met with the owners for pre-dinner drinks, we returned to our villa to discover the pool had been filled with white blossoms. candles were lit throughout the villa, the table was laid and soft music whispered through the white bougainvillea that is in full bloom.
The bedrooms are a sanctuary, with deeply comfortable beds, wide screen televisions with lounging areas, striking original art and antiques. The ensuite bathrooms are a fantasy – with indoor/outdoor showers, aromatic oils floating on the breeze and fresh flowers throughout.
Designed by an Australian family, both villas are so inviting that we took so many photos as inspiration for our own homes. The personal touches throughout make this feel like the stylish home you wish you owned.
The proximity to amazing restaurants, many just minutes away would have tempted us out if we had stayed longer with time to explore, but our stay was short and we soaked up every minute of the experience.
For those staying longer, there is so much to see and do within a 20-minute drive, including some of Bali’s best restaurants, beautiful temples, dramatic surf beaches and nature drives. Sungai Jungle Villas is a very hard place to leave and many guests extend if they can. Based on our experience, you will want to.
