The Istana

Description

The Istana resides on a southwestern tip of Bali, Indonesia, in an area named The Bukit. This five suite estate overlooks white sand beaches and a lagoon abundant with sea life and coral, and at night, magical sunsets. When the trade winds blow, a massive swell crashes onto the surrounding reef, crafting waves that attract worldwide surfing attention; the breaks are rated fifth best in the world. Uluwatu beach is only a ten minute walk from the villa.

With the property located nearby the holy Pura Uluwatu, one of Bali’s nine mother temples, the site’s spiritual energy is experienced as a feeling of complete serenity.

The elements of The Istana are uniquely blended to worship the heritage of it’s powerful and awe-inspiring location. The house unifies modern and antique, European influence with an Oriental focus on style, serenity and detail. The abundant use of earthy materials such as rich teak and ironwood compliment this mix and merge the building with the landscape, lush flora and transcendent view. The artwork represents a mixture of Indonesian primitive art and antiques to highlight the tradition and feel of the villa’s aura.

The main house hosts a living space, dining room, entertainment area (the Dotcom room), and four identical bedroom suites. A separate guest house comprises the master suite. Both buildings are single-story and open-air, inspiring a natural ambiance while accentuating the breathtaking view. With an extensive staff providing a level of service unrivaled outside of a luxury hotel, restaurant standard food, a full time manager, butlers and chauffeur – all devoted to facilitating intimate service amongst private splendor – there is no parallel.

Accommodation

Bar
With views over the pool and ocean, the bar is conveniently connected to the dining room. Lined with chic barstools, it is a perfect area for enjoying a cocktail, and is fully stocked with international wines, spirits liqueurs & mixers.

Dining Room
This air-conditioned area is enclosed by four sets of swinging glass doors that can open up if desired, and overlooks the lily water gardens to one side, and the ocean to the other. The solid teakwood feature table comfortably seats ten, and the specially designed lighting ambiance provides an intimate atmosphere.

Dotcom Room
The Dotcom room is an air-conditioned enclosed space, which can be opened to overlook both the front and back of the estate. A massive relaxation couch easily seats the guest capacity. Covered in Thai silk pillows, it faces a wide-screen projection TV and entertainment centre. Alcoves behind house a work space and computer with Broadband high-speed internet access, providing a convenient place to catch up with the outside world. Wireless internet connection is also available should guests wish to connect their own laptop.

Master Suite
The master bedroom is a standalone structure with its own entrance for complete privacy. It features its own sheltered deck, swimming pool, outdoor shower and lounge chairs. Inside there is a kitchenette, living space, bedroom suite, walk-in closet and also an indoor/outdoor Bali-style ensuite bathroom. A large day bed sits on the deck with views over the private pool, relaxation bale and ocean.

Bedroom Suites
The four matching bedrooms are comprised of a suite, capacious walk-in closet, and indoor/outdoor bathrooms, which feature indoor showers that face open-air private courtyards with sunken bathtubs.
The two suites facing the entrance open up to views of the gardens, and the two suites facing the ocean open up to the dramatic outlook.

All suites are fully air-conditioned and feature sliding glass doors to select open-plan living or enclosed for temperature control and privacy

Kitchen
The modern kitchen, fitted with state of the art commercial grade equipment, is set apart from the rest of the structures. While chefs are on hand to prepare an array of restaurant-quality dishes, guests are welcome to treat it as their own kitchen if they wish to prepare meals for themselves.

Outdoor

The grounds of the estate comprise two levels, divided by the main pool. The upper level consists of a large bed of thick, soft grass, water fountain gardens and shaded coconut palm tree areas. The lower level consists of succulent ground cover and a sprawling lawn – ideal for wedding parties or events.
Ensuring privacy and security of guests, The Istana is surrounded by massive white walls and is only accessible through a constantly staffed gate. Within is a large parking area able to accommodate many vehicles.

Pool
Stretching thirty-two meters along the front of the estate, The Istana’s main swimming pool has a breathtaking side to side infinity edge on the ocean side. West Javanese green granite stone lines the pool which, when lit, glows aquamarine and provides one of the estate’s most aesthetic elements.
The Master suite also has its own swimming pool and deck area.

Bale
The relaxation bale is set near the cliff face adjacent to the property’s Hindu shrine. At sunset when Bali’s volcanoes are silhouetted against the north-western sky, it is one of the most spectacular settings anywhere in the world and perfect for dining and relaxation. Nighttime fishing boat lights provide a magical backdrop.

Wine and dine

The Istana’s in-house menu features a wonderful array of dishes. The standard is restaurant level and includes an extensive breakfast, snack, lunch and dinner menu, and a number of set dinner menu combinations – including an extravagant seafood barbeque! Many Western meals are available, but the chefs recommend guests try some of the Balinese dishes for a unique cultural experience! Dinner parties, functions, unique dietary requirements and special orders can all be catered to.
For fine dining, there are a plethora of international restaurants located on the island – any type of cuisine you can dream of!

The Istana bar is well stocked with a fine selection of international wines, spirits, liqueurs and an extensive cocktail list.

Entertainment

The Istana has an array of recreational facilities:
Satellite televisions are located in both the Dotcom room and in the master suite.
DVD/VCD and CD player are located in both the Dotcom room and in the master suite
A Sony Playstation is located in the Dotcom room
A selection of DVDs and CDs are available for guests’ use.
Kids entertainment including books, CDs, DVDs and pool toys

Beauty and spa

Bali is synonymous with massages on the beach, but the privacy & serenity of this property makes such pleasures a pure indulgence. Massage, body scrubs, body wraps, facials, pedicures, manicures, and hair braiding are just some of the treatments which can be enjoyed in-house.

Kids facilities

The Istana caters for children of all ages. For babies, two sleeping cots are available, as well as a highchair and pool safety toys. The Dotcom room has a number of kid’s DVD’s, CDs and books for entertainment. A number of children’s television programs can also be accessed on the satellite television. A special kids menu is available at The Istana.

Babysitting Service
Balinese are famous for the importance they place on family and their love of children, and The Istana staff are no exception. Arrangements can be made for The Istana staff to baby-sit children, and a professional babysitting service is also offered if extended hours are required. Please mention any special requests in your booking enquiry and we will provide all information for you.

Villa operation

Staff
The Istana staff are trained at luxury hotel level. The group is comprised of a live-in manager, assistant manager, two chefs, three butlers, maids and housekeeping staff, a chauffer and around-the-clock security. All are devoted to facilitating intimate service and to ensure every stay at The Istana is most memorable and enjoyable.

Full time manager
The Istana manager, along with the assistant villa manager, is responsible for the overall operation of The Istana including staffing, special requests and ensuring guest satisfaction. Guests can reach the manager 24 hours a day.

Food & Beverage Staff
The Istana chefs have developed a wonderful in-house menu of restaurant standard cuisine. The chefs are happy to accommodate any special dietary requirements or needs. Dinner parties and events can be catered to.

Housekeeping Staff
Three butlers and several housekeepers are responsible for maintaining a high-standard of cleanliness and tidiness at The Istana. They are also on hand to aid the chefs in the preparation and serving of guest meals.

Security Staff
The Istana is safe and secure 24 hours a day. Rotating shifts of six security staff work at the security post by the front gate. There will always be a senior staff member on duty 24 hours a day.

Communication

Telephone
The Istana has two telephone lines. Phones are situated in the Dotcom room, at the bar, in all of the bedrooms, and by the relaxation bale. An in-house phone system is available to make calls to other areas of the villa, including to the Villa Manager or Butlers.

Facsimile
The Istana staff will provide this service from the administration office on-site.

Internet
Connection to the internet using Broadband is available on-site. A computer is available in the Dotcom room, and wireless facilities are also available should guests wish to use their own laptop.

Functioning

Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is available in every bedroom of The Istana as well as in the Dotcom room and the dining room.

Electricity
All electrical outlets in The Istana operate at 220 volts, 50 hertz. International adapters are available if required.

Water
The water supply at The Istana is well-fed, and water is brought through the aid of electric pumps. In case of a power failure, The Istana is equipped with a one-day backup water supply.

Laundry
The Istana staff will tend to all laundry and dry cleaning needs. Express, four-hour service is also available.

Privacy

The Istana offers a standard of privacy that exceeds hotel levels. Staff are specially trained to be discreet and to provide guests with the utmost in privacy. Staff will never disturb guests while they are in their room, and will always consult before entering rooms to clean. It is not uncommon for guests to prefer complete privacy during the length or a part of their stay, and should this be the case, the villa manager will gladly arrange.

Facilities/services

Activities/attraction

Location

The west facing Istana is located on south western tip of Bali in an area designated the Bukit. This five bedroom estate overlooks white sand beaches and a blue lagoon abundant with fish and living coral, and offers a prime location from which to witness the island’s stunning sunsets.

When the trade winds blow, a massive swell from the Pacific Ocean crashes onto the reefs surrounding the area creating waves that attract surfers from around the world; the breaks are rated to be the fifth best in the world, and Uluwatu beach is only a ten minute walk from the villa.

With the property located so close to the holy Pura Uluwatu, one of island’s nine mother temples, the site is spiritually inspiring and undeniably unique.

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