Bali Villas - Villa Ria Sayan

VILLA RIA SAYAN

From A House In Bali, Colin McPhee, 1944

"The village of Sayan stretched along the top of a narrow ridge that ran up into the mountains. Every three days a crowded bus rattled down from the Chinese coffee plantations to Denpasar, choking and stalling as it climbed back again at night. The land I wanted lay at the end of the village, next to the graveyard, on the edge of a deep ravine.

Far below ran the river; across the valley rice fields rose in terraces and disappeared in the coconut groves. Behind these ran the mountains of Tabanan, and far off to the south a triangle of sea shone between the hills.

The land had once been terraced to grow rice, but now was covered with grass and shaded with coconuts. It descended in several steps to the edge of the cliff, where it dropped four hundred feet. From below came the faint roar of the river as it rushed among the rocks and stones."

Location

Villa Ria can be reached by car in approximately sixty minute from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Just a few miles from the Four Seasons Sayan, and the Amandari hotels and an enchanting five minute drive through the villages of Penestanan and Champuan takes you to the tourist and cultural mecca of Ubud. Ubud is known for its excellent galleries and museums, numerous temples, traditional music and dance performances, excellent restaurants, diverse bars, fine shops, cooking classes, batik classes, tours, trekking, and nearby water rafting.

ABOUT VILLA RIA SAYAN

"A place somewhere beyond civilization, full of peace, serenity and solitude. I could wish for no more--- and didn't."
Guest, Hong Kong, Christmas 2002

Villa Ria Sayan is a privately owned, professionally managed luxury villa retreat that is available for rental when it's Boston based owner is not in Bali. Villa Ria is located down a narrow, private drive in a traditional Balinese village, a few minute drive from Ubud. It's private, walled compound is perched on the edge of the famous Sayan Ridge with spectacular views across the gorge to terraced rice fields and an active Balinese temple nestled in a coconut grove and views to the volcanoes beyond.

As you watch the progress of farmers planting, cultivating, and harvesting the rice and as you listen to the haunting sounds of traditional chant and music from the temple, you will find yourself surrounded by the peace, beauty and magic of traditional Bali.

"Many memorable moments from the spectacular view, fabulous garden, lovely antiques and just the right amount of comfort and local customs. Six rolls of film will help us remember the many plants, garden ornaments, ponds, fish, frogs, rice fields and architecture of the house."
Guest, Bethesda, USA, August 2003

ACCOMMODATION

Villa Ria Sayan is nestled into the natural hillside amongst fruit trees and flowers. You enter the walled compound from the parking area through an antique entrance gate, passing the separate staff building, and following the path through the garden. The main villa entrance is reached by stepping stones over a small fish pond. The entrance path continues down the hillside to the private, stone tile, infinity style pool overlooking the famous Sayan Gorge. The villa is equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.

Valley Level
Stone stairs lead down from the entrance foyer to the spacious, open-air, traditional Balinese style living and dining pavilion. From here you will enjoy one of the most spectacular views in all of Bali - the beautiful Sayan Valley. The villa is furnished with Indonesian antique furniture and artifacts, traditional hand woven textiles and local Balinese crafts . A separate, fully equipped kitchen is located next to the open living/dining area on this level. Stone walls with fountains and ponds boarder the sides of the main pavilion which overlooks the pool. A few more stone steps lead down to the swimming pool patio area with umbrella shaded dining table, pool loungers and poolside bale.

Entrance Level
The entrance foyer leads to two air conditioned guest bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms designed with stone walls and carvings. Each guestroom is furnished with four poster, king size bed with mosquito netting. Hairdryers and personal safe are available.

Upper Level
Timber stairs lead to the upper level with combination study/ guestroom and additional garden style bathroom. Floor to ceiling windows open for cool breezes or close for air conditioned sleeping. It is furnished with a ¾ size antique Javanese bed, oversize desk, armchairs and entertainment center with bar fridge, IDD telephone/fax, satellite TV, VCD and CD players. A growing library includes recent fiction, best sellers, books on culture, architecture, garden design, and guidebooks. An additional single bed is available.

"Glorious mornings, calm afternoons and heavenly starlit nights. The quiet presence of the staff fulfills the picture - a perfect oasis."
Guest,Boston/Singapore, March 2003

"Spectacular place. We loved every detail. Great cooking. Love that sambal!"
Guest, November 2002

SERVICES & FACILITIES

Providing the best of both worlds, Villa Ria offers the privacy, character and personal comfort of a private home, with the amenities, guest services and high standards of a luxury hotel. It is professionally managed and supervised by the highly respected management company, Bali Luxury Villas (www.baliluxuryvillas.com). They will coordinate your airport transfer, transportation needs during your stay, and oversee the staff throughout your visit. They are always available to help with any questions, special requests or in case of an emergency.

They have trained our excellent English speaking staff of five to provide unobtrusive, professional service that is also friendly and personalized to meet the individual needs of our guests. Our 24 hour staff include Nengah, our senior staff member and cook, Nita our housemaid, Wayan our gardener and pool attendant, and Ketut and Putu our two satpams who provide overnight security as is traditional in Bali. Laundry service, babysitting (additional charge) and on call doctor are available.

Private Dining
Villa Ria’s Private Dining Menu has been prepared by a chef of a five star resort who also trained the staff in food handling, preparation and presentation. Daily breakfast, lunch, cocktail snacks, and dinner are available. Guests are charged only for ingredients used in meal preparation. You may choose from numerous delicious selections from banana pancakes, to Iken Pepe and Thai red curry, to rich Chocolate Cake. Our villa menu includes Indonesian, Western, Asian, Vegetarian, as well as special selections for children. Daily continental breakfast is included in your rate.