NATURE MEETS LUXURY
WANDERING ALONG THE BUZZING STREETS OF BALI’S CHIC PETITENGET TOURIST ENCLAVE, SWANKY BARS, GOURMET RESTAURANTS AND ROWS UPON ROWS OF UNIQUE AND FASHIONABLE BOUTIQUES SATISFY MY HEDONISTIC TEMPTATIONS. BUT A DISTINCT CONTRAST TO THE BUSTLING DISTRICT STOPS ME IN MY TRACKS; IT IS THE PRISTINE GARDEN ENTRANCEWAY TO THE KAYANA, BECKONING WITH THE PROMISE OF A TRANQUIL OASIS BEYOND.
Awinding pathway flanked with frangipani trees and tropical foliage leads me toward the private villas, surrounded by manicured lawns rich in the rewards that fresh, open air brings. A polished wooden door is sheltered beneath hanging vines – the key to a luxurious home away from home.
The designs of the villas are particularly endearing, seamlessly merging natural and organic materials with avant-garde décor and state-of-the-art furnishings, inspiring a playful yet luxurious feel. Take the Balinese-style in-villa dining areas, for example. Rich woods and grey stone meet floor-to-ceiling white drapes that can transform the garden living areas into helplessly romantic dining settings, while giant beds adorned with squishy, silky-smooth duvets neighbour raw and organic bathrooms with their stone accents and dramatic black furnishings.
But what is most surprising about the villas is the embrace of sheer tranquility and peacefulness. Despite boasting an address amidst Bali’s vibrant, hip and happening tourist area that is fringed with famous restaurants and trendy nightlife venues, it is only the sounds of trickling fountains and chirruping swallows that disrupt my attention from the beauty of the villas.
Each villa achieves and maintains the idea of “escaping to a luxurious sanctuary”, with this theme continuing all the way to The Kayana’s Dauh restaurant. Dauh is a cool and laid-back spot to enjoy local specialities and international favourites, located right next to the main pool. It tempts with a peaceful lounge area eqipped with complimentary wifi, and an extensive cocktail list to enjoy in the company of the sounds of nature.
However, if you don’t feel like leaving the comforts of your villa, revel in the privacy and convenience of in-villa dining, arranged and delivered by your personal butler service. Perhaps tomorrow you’ll feel like exploring the island, in which case, the butler will have that covered, too.
