The island of the God’s may have earned international renown for its sublime natural scenery - but with decadent, deliciously modern design villas popping up all over the island - Bali’s architectural masterpieces now provide just the spot to sojourn among its spiritual wonders. Take in the beauty of emerald tiered rice terraces from your super-chic treehouse, retreat to a modern beachfront bolthole overlooking the surf-strewn sands or hole up close to the heart of the action in one of Seminyak’s stylish hideaways. For the aesthetically inclined, here’s our pick of Bali’s best design villas...
1.The Istana, Uluwatu
Designed by french architect Fredo Taffin, this super-slick clifftop villa offers guests privacy and luxury in a stunning setting - set high on the coveted Bukit coast. With spectacular ocean views, zen-inducing neutral interiors and a show-stopping 32-metre cliff-edge pool, this is one of the best Balinese retreats on the island.
2.The Soori Estate
Fusing contemporary Asian architecture and interiors designed to inspire tranquillity, The Soori Estate seamlessly blends coastline and rice fields in signature lavish style. Designed around lush gardens, water features and windows play with volume and light, creating an intimate yet relaxed atmosphere. 10 elevated bedrooms all boast uninterrupted views of the peninsula out to the Indian Ocean while the beachfront location features soothing sights and sounds of your natural surroundings.
3.The Layar
Set in a coveted residential area in the heart of super-chic Seminyak, guests at the Layar can bask in architectural beauty just moments from some of Bali's best restaurants, boutiques and sunset beach bars. Each villa offers generous living space, tapering sail-like roofs and al fresco gardens opening onto the pool deck.
4. Alila Uluwatu Cliffside Villa
Covering an expansive 3000 square metres of space, Alila Uluwatu’s spectacular three-bedroom pool villas sit perched atop a cliff-edge on Bali’s southern coast. Specifically designed and constructed to follow an environmentally sustainable framework, the villas showcase contemporary interiors, enhanced with touches of traditional Balinese styling in rich wood and stone.
5.Alila Ubud Terrace Tree Villa
From their lofty hillside perch on the sunrise side of the resort, the 120 sqm Terrace Tree Villas invite you to enjoy serenity and relaxation high above the valley. Soothe body and mind on the spacious wood-decked terrace surrounded by lush plantations and rice paddies offering glimpses of Ubud’s wildlife.
6.Luna 2 Private Hotel
60s-inspired custom-designed furnishings meet classic design in this innovative private hotel. Located in fashionable Seminyak, this five bedroom property is just a short walk from neighbouring restaurants and bars. The ‘private hotel’ concept offers all the privacy of home with no less than 24 staff on hand to cater to your every whim.
7.Villa Joglovina
Blending old with new, Villa Joglovina showcases traditional antique Balinese 'Joglos' - unique to Indonesian cultural heritage - re-modeled into the 21st century using high-end western design concepts. Unobtrusive interiors showcase the beauty of the build, with neutral materials, open air living room highlighting the expansive 360 ocean views.
8.Canopy Villa
Conceived and decorated by Pascal Morabito, this suite is a work of architectural artistry both inside and out. Inside, neutral interiors, sumptuous sofas and exotic artworks overlook a terrace perfectly framed by two symmetrical private swimming pools. Located on the island’s west coast directly facing the Indian Ocean, this villa provides an oasis of pure relaxation alongside sleek, stylish design.