We often spoil by choice when comes to make up our mind for
the right decision on accommodation, especially in Bali. The sky is the limit
and there are endless options on different category to fit in to all kind of
request. When a hotel or resort is built in a remote location and not even the
locals nor our driver knows the exact geographical location, mylifestylenews travels to the off
beaten track in west Bali unseen passing through seven different villages, picturesque padi fields after padi fields riding on the
exact rice terraces one way traffic off the main thoroughfare. With the help by
calling the hotel manager to pick us up at one of the villages and led us to
this secluded paradise – Ketapang Estate, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels group
with exceptional scenery giving you a 360 degree visual feet to the
powerful Indian Ocean.
The Main Pavilion
Bali’s heritage, culture and its unique charm has it all in Ketapang Estate. From the edges of a beautiful dream, this 2.2 hectare magical place surrounded by knolls of coconut palms and the sounds of the ocean as well as the 50 metre Olympic size centre-stage infinity swimming pool lapped by the Indian Ocean for a true experience to embrace that last for a life time.
Pool side lounges
A View from the main pavilion
This estate comprises of only 7 villas – PANTAI, AIR,
KARANG, WARU, MANIS, PANDAN and BAMBU are designed in different themes and
sited on the magnificient corners of the estate to keep a fair distance from
each other for privacy. The villas outdo the other in a luxury with a sense of
traditional Balinese style whilst in a modern comfort. No two villas are the same
and all facing the Indian Ocean amidst lush lawns and coconut palm trees.
Our Villa AIR entrance
Each villa ranges from quite spacious to extremely large. Our villa – AIR is one of the largest in the estate and has a capacious veranda for that much needed shade surrounded by a soothing water feature and steps away from the long swimming pool. The walk-in wardrobe is enormous in itself as everything is on a large scale, the main open bedroom/living area having soaring ceilings, providing a cooling feeling with some good air-con for back-up. You need that especially in this climate.
The 50 metres Olympic size swimming pool
That is not it, while the outdoor covered bathroom is equally spacious and the flagstone floored area leads to a grassy private courtyard, the main feature is a very large free standing bath tub that has been hewn from a large boulder stone. The toiletries supplied are by Naturasie, which is a brand created in Bali by Dr. Damien Bernard-Laufer, a French pharmacist specialized in skincare. The philosophy behind the brand is to use all natural ingredients and essential oils, thus being gentle care for the skin and the environment.
Despite the finest polished grains of soft black sand beach has strong currents and undertows that is not suitable for swimming, but it is perfect for casual walks and rock pooling at low tide to enjoy some pretty spectacular sunsets.
Another all natural approach are the meals, which must be
selected the day before, which is at first a bit strange. When you consider
such a remote location, it makes perfect sense. The Chef and the two assistant cooks
preside over the private kitchen, and hence, you meal is made-to-order as the
chef will do the marketing in the morning to bring the freshest of ingredients
to the estate daily with organic produce is procured where ever possible.
Amber plush cushion sofa to look out at the Indian Ocean sunset
The
meals are delicious, taken the traditional by giving
the dishes more flair with a fusion twist with the quality of produce
and seasoning during preparation more than meeting our expectations as well as the
haute-cuisine presentation. When you finish your dessert, do head on to the
private cinema down below the main pavilion to end your evening.
<Avocado & Grilled Prawns Salad>
&
<Pumpkin
Ginger Lemongrass Soup>
made of fresh pumpkin & ginger, lemongrass with
extra almond oil & slice of lighting toasted bread.
<Balinese
Bebek Betutu>
Balinese
Spice marinated braised duck served with sate lilit, salted egg, spring salad,
Belinjo crackers, coconut yellow rice & sambal chili paste
<Beef Ribs Rendang>
This is the Chef's creation from popular dish of Sumatra. This makes a perfect combination of braised beef ribs in coconut with organic steam rice
The rock dining interior
A Bicycle ride on the rice terrace to find your balance is a must
To embrace the nature at its best, we did
bicycle route trip to the stepped paddy fields terrace for a superb view looking
back to the Indian Ocean before sunset.
Spectacular sunset on rice terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean
We booked ourselves a spa at the outdoor bale spanning with a shimmering water lily pond while the warm ocean breeze drifting around to rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.
If you are looking for more active pursuits, there are a number to be had, but not that close by, so the attraction for us was to not leave the estate and enjoy some leisurely pursuits by the pool, on the beach, or in the environs of our villa.
Beautiful sunset at Ketapang Estate
Mesmerizing dusk at Ketapang Estate
The service and hospitality overall was great at times, and wanting at other times, but did not detract from our enjoyment. With such a small number of guests at any one time, there is an opportunity to ‘wow’ you, but sometimes such an opportunity is missed, although their key objective seems to be to deliver what has been requested and then discreetly stay behind the scenes.
When time and space give in to serenity and soaring senses
while breezes send greeting from a faraway ocean and you are hankering for a
break where staff are not hovering over you waiting for requests and you are
given space to be yourselves and not feel bothered by other guests, have an
encounter with this Bali unseen hideaway private estate.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Food & Beverage: 4.5/5
Room Amenities: 4.5/5
Housekeeping: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Highlights:
Privacy
Made To Order Meals
Flaws:
Isolation
Banjar Dnas Kelecung Kelod
Selemadeg
Bali Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 885 4056
*Ketapang Estate is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World
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