PELANGI ESTATE
A HIDDEN GEM IN THE JUNGLE.
Have you ever dreamed of stepping back in time, to the world of legendary European painter, Walter Spies, and the untouched Bali depicted in his landscapes? Your wish will be granted at Ubud’s Pelangi Estate, a luscious, luxury villa compound offering holiday travelers a rare glimpse through the filter of one of Spies’ idyllic paintings. Credited with introducing the Western world to Balinese culture and art in the 1920s, Spies’ Bali is complemented by clear, meandering river valleys, lush, tropical forests flourishing with a rainbow of heliconia, and the genuine hospitality of nurturing Balinese who specialize in magnificent smiles and unwavering assistance.
The realized dream of renowned American jeweler, Carolyn Tyler, Pelangi Estate is the manifestation of a preserved Balinese utopia, enhanced with fully appointed luxury residences and amenities. Built upon a sprawling riverfront estate, just 10-minutes outside of Ubud’s city center, the private compound fulfills every fantasy you’ve ever had about getting to know the real Bali. As soon as Tyler visited Bali in 1988, she knew she had found her calling. “The airport in Denpasar was just a funky, little Third World airport then, but the minute my foot hit the tarmac, it was as if every cell in my body woke up,” she recalls. “This voice in my head said ‘You’re home.’”
Several years later, an impressive career in advertising morphed into a passion for exquisite jewelry design, with shimmering, 22-karat gold and precious gemstones as her muse. With some of the world’s most skilled goldsmiths inhabiting Bali, she decided to make the island a creative, part-time residence, and Pelangi Estate was completed in 2011.
From the moment you enter the elegant, bamboo-lined driveway, it is obvious that Pelangi Estate is not just another stunning luxury villa. Designed as a flexible holiday oasis, there are three fully appointed residences from which to choose. If you’re celebrating with a large group of family and friends, leasing the entire estate makes the most sense. With three separate residences providing a total of 7 equally enchanting bedrooms, two saltwater swimming pools, and several living, dining and lounge areas from which to choose, the magic of Ubud shines throughout each minute of the day. Whether it’s a cool morning dip in the calm river below, a beautifully prepared meal utilizing fresh organic meats, vegetables and herbs, or a toast to the full moon with a glass of Champagne, Pelangi Estate will help transform your perception of the Bali experience.
The main four-bedroom residence glimmers like one of Tyler’s bejeweled masterpieces. Featuring 800-square-meters of Asian-Modern and Italian design elements, every space showcases the breathtaking views and provides a perfect backdrop for a relaxing family holiday, holistic wellness retreat and all around creative inspiration.
For smaller groups, choose the Villa Java Guest House & Studio or Bhutan Cottage, available to be leased separately. With a private entrance through a handcrafted stone archway, the traditionally built Java houses are designed around a delightful joglo structure – the distinctive style of Javanese homes normally reserved for nobles. Surrounded by stunning river valley views, upstairs you’ll find ornately carved hardwoods from top to bottom, complemented by two air-conditioned sleeping suites and a comfortable living area with flat screen television. Exquisitely detailed with Southeast Asian antiques, the perfectly positioned skylights create a freshly lit ambience. Through yet another private entrance marked by hand carved Balinese doors, the downstairs studio is a cool mélange of soft green and yellow hues. With king size bed as well as a twin, charming kitchen and ample seating for living and dining, the generous patio features a lovely wooden trellis overflowing with passion fruit. The garden bathroom features two showerheads – one traditional stone, the other contemporary stainless – and cleverly carved images peeking out at you from the surrounding stone walls.
Bhutan Cottage is the honeymoon suite, aptly decorated with authentic Bhutanese prayer flags and cheerful, traditional fabrics. Featuring the most stunning views on the property, there’s no better place to enjoy a steaming cup of Balinese coffee than the outdoor veranda in the cool morning air. With a romantic, king size Chinese opium bed, thoughtfully hand picked antique furnishings and a generous garden en suite featuring hardwood flooring and deluxe rain shower with breathtaking views, you might just end up staying awhile.
