Villa Moira

Villa Moira

Stand at the top of the sweeping stairway and drink in a scene that has stunned even long-time Bali residents who come to Villa Moira for the first time. Down the regal sweep of the steps—modelled after temple stairways—past the soaring roofs of two elegant, octagonal pavilions, over the 14 meter pool and into the terraced rice fields that almost completely surround the villa.

This isn’t a still life, though: it’s a living breathing world of its own, a study in contrast and change, from the intimacy of watching farmers bring in the harvest in the rice fields just a few score meters away to the distant majesty of the triple row of volcanic peaks to the north; from the glory of a blazing sunset over the pool to the sight of a phalanx of black thunderheads sweeping in from the sea. Villa Moira is much more than just spectacular scenery, though. It is a house solely dedicated to one object—the serenity of its guests.

Everything is designed to ensure that the cares of the mundane world beyond Villa Moira’s walls swiftly fade.

The emerald infinity pool is 14 meters long, complete with a separate half meter-deep child section. The four bedrooms are individual villas, each with its own spacious (and private) garden, huge bath, outdoor shower set in a miniature rock garden that echoes the island’s many rivers, oversized (2 meter by two meter) bed, a safe for valuables and a stereo system with a selection of classics from jazz to rock and classical.

Then there are the numerous nooks and corners where guests can retreat: the bale begong, a traditional pavilion next to the pool built that’s perfect for curling up with a good novel, a relaxing massage or simply a snooze. The spacious living pavilion where friends can gather for drinks lulled by the trickle of the miniature waterfall behind them that feeds the fish pond; the small dining table for two perched right above the rice fields for that romantic dinner under the stars; the 3-meter table in the main pavilion for a more boisterous gathering of up to 12 diners; the private verandas overlooking the gardens in each bedroom for a peaceful breakfast amidst birdsong.

For those who still want to connect to the outside world there’s high speed internet available by wi-fi throughout the property. And of course, the study, complete with a 34- inch TV, a six speaker surround sound system, 22 cable channels and a library of DVDs and board games. (The study also has its own bathroom and shower, along with a large day bed and can easily double as a fifth bedroom for large parties or privacy-preoccupied teenagers).

A staff of eight works to ensure privacy, security (two guards are always on duty patrolling the grounds from dusk to dawn) and well-being. Guests can either choose from the house menu that ranges from salads and classic pastas (Carbonara, Bolognese, fresh tomato) to fresh fish caught that day or steaks – either simply grilled or in a ginger and soy sauce stolen from New York’s Vong restaurant. There is also a range of Balinese and Indonesian dishes including everything from fried rice to the more elaborate ayam bedugul, a mouth-watering roast chicken stuffed with local lemon grass, ginger and other spices. Or, if they prefer, guests can simply ask the staff to visit the local market and pick up whatever they wish. The staff or the villa manager (reachable 24 hours a day and contactable by the house handphone that is available for guests use while they are staying) will also do their best to help with other problems or requests, massages in the privacy of the bedrooms, facials, manicures and the like. The staff can also arrange taxis or a rental car for the 10-15 minute drive to Seminyak, site of Bali’s best restaurants, Kuta’s boutiques and crashing waves or—a bit further afield—the 40 minute journey to Bali’s art center, Ubud.

Serenity and seclusion or a short drive to restaurants and shops, Villa Moira has it all.