Villa Shambala

Villa Shambala is a 5-bedroom estate charmingly nestled off a secluded laneway in the heart of Seminyak. Villa Shambala is a uniquely spacious property boasting an eclectic fusion of old and new, borrowed largely from the traditional wooden joglo houses of Java, but with a stylish blend of contemporary comforts.

Set on a large estate, the single-story building comprises a main pavilion and a separate guesthouse, set at opposite ends of the dramatic 19m swimming pool. Villa Shambala boasts the distinctive trapezium-shaped roofs of the antique joglo style, but does away with the enclosed, dark walls of this conventional design in favour of floor-to-ceiling windows and folding glass doors blurring the lines of indoor-outdoor space and offering guests a choice of alfresco or enclosed living. The open-plan design of the main building allows beautiful natural light into the central living and dining areas and accentuates the honey-coloured detail of both recycled teak and ornate carvings that are the signature features of Shambala. An ornate chandelier decorates the main living area sitting poised above a plush U-shaped lounge for the ultimate in relaxation. The living area spills onto a large alfresco dining area which can be fully enclosed and air-conditioned, or open to the breeze. The expansive full-service kitchen is a key feature of Villa Shambala giving guests the option of cooking for themselves, or utilising the villa’s private chef and service staff. The modern, communal kitchen is integrated into the main living area – perfect for dinner parties, socialising and private events. The master bedroom features a hand-carved teak joglo-style canopy, with huge outdoor ensuite, open-air stone tub, separate shower and double vanity. The master and second bedroom sit beyond the living areas, to the rear of the villa, and both overlook a peaceful water feature complete with large stone Buddha and tranquil lily pond. Villa Shambala features a fully equipped media room complete with large screen projector, surround sound system, DVD and satellite TV with an extensive library of DVDs, CDs and books for guests’ enjoyment. Wifi is also available throughout the villa.

The living room incorporates the hand-carved teakwood core of an antique joglo, while timeworn statues from the eastern isles have been fondly placed in well-lit settings along with various beautiful pieces from all over the world – a testament to the owner’s travels. Leading away from the main building, and past a circular, shaded outdoor lounge, sits a private double spa room where guests can enjoy massage and Ayurvedic treatments administered by skilled therapists. Beyond the pool sits the second pavilion, which houses three queen-sized rooms, surrounding a common living area which is fully equipped with an entertainment centre – perfect for children. Each of these queen bedroom features its own outdoor ensuite bathroom and the beds can be configured as queen or twins for guest flexibility.

Villa Shambala has a wonderful team of staff including house manager, private chef, housekeepers, butler, gardeners, security guards and trained therapists on-call.

Accommodation

Entering past a double private parking area, guests are greeted by the sweeping tropical vegetation flanking Villa Shambala’s stunning 19m pool. The three separate pavilions of Villa Shambala face the pool, which is bordered by lush palm trees and a flat, manicured lawn. The main pavilion sits at the far end comprising living/dining areas, two main bedrooms, media room, open-plan kitchen and peaceful lily pond set between the two bedrooms. Generous outdoor living and dining areas flow off the main building featuring a twenty-seat table, outdoor lounge and BBQ, two cabanas and sun loungers. The second pavilion is situated in complete privacy at the opposite end of the pool and house three ensuited bedrooms and a second media room. Alongside the pool sits a private air-conditioned spa room with double massage tables.

Bedrooms

Each of Villa Shambala’s five bedrooms are luxuriously appointed with outdoor ensuites, air conditioning and fitted with plush interiors and natural finishings of wood, stone and glass. The two master bedrooms in the main pavilion enjoy soaring roofs and peaceful views over Shambala’s lily pond, while the three smaller rooms sit privately in a separate building at the other end of the property making them ideal for children or multiple couples sharing as the beds can be configured as queens or twins. The Master Bedroom

The regal master bedroom features a hand-carved teak joglo-style canopy with a large ottoman at the foot of the four-poster bed. Flowing white net encloses both the bed and ottoman creating the effect of a ‘room within a room’. Large walk-in robes and a storage room with safety deposit box also compliment this beautifully appointed room, while the spacious open-air ensuite features a semi-sunken stone tub, separate rain shower and toilet and double vanity unit. Warmly decorated in natural materials, this luxurious bedroom’s wooden furnishings are complimented by exotic artifacts from around the world and accentuated with rich tones of purple and cream, inviting lazy mornings and romantic nights. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors can be opened onto the lily pond and tranquil water feature for relaxing, breezy afternoons. Second Bedroom

Sitting across the lily pond from the master bedroom is the similarly designed, slightly smaller second bedroom. Fitted with queen-sized bed, bedside tables, an ottoman and walk-in-robe, this lovely bedroom is furnished with plush cushions and linen in creams and purples. The large outdoor ensuite features a double slate-coloured stone bathtub, twin washbasins with ‘Hollywood lighting’ lining the mirror and a tropical rain shower. The second bedroom also features a safety deposit box.

Twin rooms

The three remaining bedrooms are situated at the opposite end of the swimming pool in a separate building. All three bedrooms are furnished with queen-size beds and feature open-air ensuite bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers. These comfortable bedrooms can all be configured as queen or twin rooms for guest flexibility and all three face onto a central media/living room. This comfortable room is equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV, home theatre and entertainment system and comfortable lounges. The set up of this second pavilion is ideal for children, has its own mineral water dispenser and is fully air-conditioned. Living, Dining and Kitchen

Beautiful Villa Shambala is designed centrally around the sweeping swimming pool and gardens with a focus on the luxurious living and dining area in the main building. Facing the pool, this expansive indoor-outdoor lounge area features a huge U-shaped couch built into the four pillars of a century-old joglo with decorative chandelier hanging above. Glass folding doors open the full length of the living area allowing a beautiful tropical breeze to circulate, or can be fully enclosed and air-conditioned to suit the tastes of individual guests. The peaceful sounds of running water can be heard throughout, emanating from the lily pond behind which boasts a large stone Buddha and is plush with greenery and marine life. A large dining room adjoins the living area, which is furnished with a ten-seat table crafted in woven bamboo. This area can be opened up to the outside or fully enclosed giving guests the option of alfresco entertaining. Also integrated into the dining area is an open-plan modern, custom-designed kitchen. This cutting-edge, fully equipped space is highly functional and designed to suit both guests and experienced chefs alike. A large central island bench features four gas hobs a breakfast bar with four high chairs and is feature-lit by a funky assemblage of hanging bulbs.

Media Room

A cosy air-conditioned media room sits adjacent to the master bedroom and is fitted with huge modern sofas, a small desk, and a wall unit filled with books, games, a massive digitally projected screen and DVD player with fantastic surround-sound. The second guest pavilion also features its own centrally shared media room a 42-inch TV and DVD player.

Outdoor Spaces, Garden & Pool

Flanking the 19m rectangular swimming pool is a wide, manicured lawn featuring sun loungers and daybeds and is lined with tropical palms, frangipani trees and beautifully landscaped gardens for the ultimate in relaxation. Opposite, sits Villa Shambala’s private double spa therapy room with two massage beds, air conditioning and folding glass doors for the option of open-air spa treatments. On either side of the main living pavilion are two outdoor entertaining and relaxing spaces. To one side, is a large circular lounge which is shaded by a discrete sail – perfect for afternoon cocktails or curling up with a good book. On the other side, is a beautifully designed outdoor dining area complete with massive twenty-seat table and full stainless steel outdoor cooking facilities including a BBQ. The tranquil water garden sits quietly behind the living area and between the two main bedrooms offering peaceful sounds of trickling water. A large stone Buddha is the central feature and offers yet another area for guests to meditate or relax.