Arsana means ‘flow’ in Sanskrit, and not only does the villa’s name aptly describe the Sungi River that meanders past its lower boundary, but also the way The Arsana’s individual bedroom and living pavilions cascade down the hillside into a valley of birdsong. Scores of eye-catching butterfly and bird species, including kingfishers, flit through the expansive terraced gardens and trees throughout the day, while the cicadas and frogs take over the nightshift with their chirping melodies and bass notes. Indeed, water features large at The Arsana, where ponds, water walls, waterfalls, and an 18 x 8-metre swimming pool with a separate children’s section will refresh, relax and delight villa guests.

The villa’s sleek modern structures, with their ironwood shingle roofs and abundance of glass, reflect the ambiance of the location and the purity of the natural surroundings, while the interiors are characterised with a bold use of colour and super-comfortable furnishings. A fully stocked bar with red lanterns and matching cushioned bar stools is an obvious focal point, as is the home theatre and games room complete with a pool table. Valuable and renowned artworks line much of what solid wall space there is, while the front facade of the living pavilion is an abstract notion of floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows that remain open to the elements. The villa’s four double bedroom suites (two of which also contain annexes suitable for children), each housed in its own private stand-alone pavilion, are spread leisurely across the terraces of the estate.

Fully outfitted for families, with a profusion of kids’ (and adults’) toys, games and activities, this stunning sanctuary with its team of personal butlers, housekeepers and chefs, offers guests nothing but pleasure and relaxation.

Accommodation

The contemporary Bali style architecture at The Arsana incorporates Feng Shui, spiritual, symbolic and Western spacial elements, as well as bold-colour-themed interior design aesthetics, surrounded by the ever-present embrace of the jungle and river. Approached via an enchanting courtyard, an avenue of palms, and a dramatic, four-metre-wide stairway, the main U-shaped pavilion presides over the gardens and swimming pool. Here, a grand entrance hall is flanked by two wings with an open-air terrace in-between. One wing comprises a living area, bar and TV room, and the other presents a dining room, feature kitchen and a games room. The living and dining spaces are wrapped in glass doors and windows that can be opened up for a semi-alfresco experience. The swimming pool, pool lounge and massage rooms are positioned on a lower level and linked by a waterfall from the open-air terrace. The four bedrooms are leisurely spread throughout the grounds, housed in stand-alone pavilions.

BEDROOMS

Master suite

The yellow-themed, fully air-conditioned master suite is ideal for a family with up to four young children. The suite comprises the master bedroom, with king-size bed, incorporating a dressing area and bathroom, plus a self-contained TV room equipped with a satellite-channel TV/DVD player and furnished with a sofa (which doubles as a bed suitable for two children), and a glass-walled study. An additional room off the master bedroom is furnished with a sofa that also converts to a small double bed, while an open-air sunken lounge at the front provides a great place to relax upon a huge cushioned sofa while enjoying the view of the gardens and river valley.

Bordered by a fish-filled lily pond and guarded by a serene Buddha statue, the master bathroom is fitted with a sunken tub and walk-in monsoon shower. Glass doors fold open to create an alfresco bathing experience.

Guest suites

Two of the guest suites are furnished with queen-size beds and one is furnished with twin beds that convert to a king bed. Each suite is housed within a selfcontained pavilion, with a timber floor, a vaulted roof, windows on two sides that open to the view, and a covered terrace at the front furnished with armchairs. Each suite (including the master) follows a cheery colour theme in yellow, blue, green, or red – with soft furnishings and high quality artwork in coordinating hues. The red suite incorporates a double daybed set within a window recess, which converts to a bed for two children. Positioned between the sleeping area and the bathroom of each suite is a dressing area with twin washbasins, large wall mirrors, storage and hanging space. Each of the cream terrazzo bathrooms is the same as the master bathroom, and each opens to a lily pond.

LIVING, DINING and KITCHEN

Living room

The living area is situated in one wing of the main pavilion overlooking the swimming pool with glass doors that open onto a terrace. The room is furnished with a big red segmented sofa, a coffee table and an arching lamp. Adjacent to this area is a well-stocked cocktail bar, which is ideal for parties and events. This stylish bar is crafted in black terrazzo and complemented by six red bar stools, red lanterns and ceiling-mounted music speakers.

Dining room

The dining area is situated within the corresponding wing to the living area, on the opposite side of the terrace. Here, a glass-topped table for 12 is flanked by royal blue cushioned dining chairs. Adjacent, but outdoors, is a breakfast area with a terracotta tiled floor sheltered by a pergola roof dripping in white-flowering thunbergia. Furnished with a table for ten, this is a great spot to start the day.

Kitchen

Fashioned in white terrazzo and stainless steel, The Arsana’s feature kitchen presents wall units in a chic shade of French navy and a four-burner hob (a fully equipped service kitchen is located behind and out of sight). The L-shaped bar serves as an alternative venue for breakfast and seats eight guests on funky white stools.

Media Room

A self-contained home theatre is situated in the same wing as the living area. This cosy-yetspacious air-conditioned room is wired for surround-sound and fully equipped with a 60-inch satellite-channel TV, a DVD player and a good selection of movies for both adults and children. Presenting an olive green colour scheme, this delightful family room is furnished with a segmented sofa and beanbags.

Games Room

The air-conditioned, self-contained games room is characterised by a blue décor, and equipped with a pool table, a chess set, and a cupboard full of board games. Two big blue armchairs and some high stools are positioned next to a bar-shelf and a large wall mirror. A guest washroom is conveniently situated off this room.

TERRACE, POOL and GARDEN

Terrace

The sunny, open-air terrace is located between the living room and the dining room. Guests can relax here on rattan-look, cushioned chairs. The terrace is bordered at the front by a shallow reflective pond with an infinity edge that appears to overflow into the jungle. In actual fact, the gin-clear water flows over the edge into a water cascade that, in turn, flows into the swimming pool several metres below.

Pool lounge/bar

The pool area is accessed by steps leading down from the living and dining level. The 18 x 8-metre swimming pool is distinguished by two infinity edges and two ironwood decks furnished with sunbeds and umbrellas. The water cascade from the upper terrace is a striking feature; flanked by frangipani trees it flows into a shallow children’s pool at one end of the main pool. Next to the pool deck is a white Palimanan stone pool lounge and bar with a glass and teakwood roof, ceiling fans, bar stools, a table and built-in cushioned daybeds for lounging and enjoying barbecues, tapas and drinks from the bar. There is a washroom to one side. Also beside the pool are two shady massage annexes.

Gardens and balés:

The gardens of The Arsana feature nearly two hectares of terraced lawns, punctuated with beautiful trees and bordered by a jungle-lined river valley. At the highest point of the property, appropriately known as Sunset Point, is a balé relaxation pavilion offering a wonderful setting for sunset cocktails while surveying the glorious rural vista. Additionally, a riverside balé, close to the pool deck is a magical spot for a massage.

Location

The Arsana is located 11km from Tanah Lot sea temple, in the sleepy village of Tohjiwa Nyambu in the Tabanan Regency. This beautiful rural area of rice fields and jungle-clad river valleys, is a nature lovers’ paradise. The enchanting village of Tohjiwa Nyambu is a stunning example of a traditional Balinese community, and is regarded as one of the prettiest villages on the island. The area is great for cycling (bicycles are available at the villa for guest use) and, by taking advantage of this facility, guests can enjoy a privileged insight into the agricultural, religious and daily life of the villagers. ‘Nirwana Bali Golf Course’ (10km) was designed by Greg Norman and voted the number one golf course in Asia. The coastline (11km) is rugged and the beaches more suited to surfing than swimming.