Villa Taman Ahimsa

From the moment you cross the traditional wooden bridge and walk through the boat-inspired bamboo entrance you are transported to a magical oasis at Taman Ahimsa, the 'Garden of Peace'.

The use of organic materials such as alang-alang roofing, coconut husks, bamboo, rattan and recycled wood allows the pavilions to meld into the landscape, enhancing, rather than imposing on, the stunning natural setting. The sprawling, lush gardens, abundant with swaying coconut palms, alive with effervescent splashes of colour from the hibiscus and bougainvillea, and vibrant with birdsong, cascade all the way down to the black-sand beach. Inside, a wonderful selection of Indonesian artefacts, including ornate handmade Balinese fabrics sourced from the hillsides of Ubud, give unique charm and character to every space.

Luxuriate under a sunshade by the Java-stone pool and gaze towards Uluwatu, one of Bali's most sacred temples. Enjoy a massage in a thatched garden balé, or still your thoughts as you gaze over the jade-green ocean. Borrow one of the resort's bikes and follow the road through the sculpted rice paddies surrounding the charming seaside village of Cemagi. This is unchanged Bali, a land steeped in tradition and the spiritual, where, at any moment, you might stumble upon a colourful ceremony and find yourself in the midst of the exotic and ancient.

Step from the poolside decking directly onto the beach, and enjoy cocktails as you watch the sunset. Congregate for meals at the elegant teak dining table and let your taste buds be dazzled by the stunning cuisine prepared by the highly skilled chef and his team. And after dinner, use the villa's telescope to gaze at the blanket of stars adorning the Balinese night sky.

Taman Ahimsa will soothe your senses, invigorate your soul, and provide you with a renewed sense of oneness. At the end of your stay you will literally have to tear yourself away - Taman Ahimsa does not relinquish its guests easily.

ACCOMMODATION

Entry to Taman Ahimsa is via an intriguing two-storey bamboo-lined structure in the shape of a boat, the lower floor of which houses two open-plan living areas, a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen and a dining area. Upstairs is the TV room and two bedrooms connected by a wooden bridge which provide ideal accommodation for families.

Stone pathways meander through the lush gardens, past the many lily ponds, connecting the remaining five room pavilions, each of which has an ensuite bathroom and private balcony. Adjacent to the beach is the idyllic pool area, boasting an organically shaped18 metre pool and thatched poolside pavilion. A series of stone steps lead onto the beach which apart from the occasional fisher manor village ceremony, is all yours!

BEDROOMS

Each of the seven colour-themed bedrooms at Taman Ahimsa is named after a Hindu chakra and boasts a rich array of ornate artisanal fabrics,a hand-selected crystal and a unique gamelan instrument symbolizing charm and balance.

All bedrooms are air-conditioned and furnished with a canopied king size bed, a dressing area with fitted wardrobes, a writing desk, a safe deposit box and a private terrace. Ensuite bathrooms provide a delightful mixture of indoor and outdoor areas with huge hollowed out river-rock tubs, river-rock basins, rain showers, slate paved floors and bamboo ceilings.

The two upstairs bedrooms, Sahasrana and Vissudha, lie adjacent to the TV room and are linked by a bamboo bridge to make an ideal family retreat. Both of these rooms have bamboo balconies at the front with views taking in coconut palms and beyond to the ocean giving them a Robinson Crusoe feel.

The other five bedrooms are privately laid out within Taman Ahimsa’s beautiful beachside gardens, including the pride of the fleet, master bedroom Manipura, with its high vaulted ceilings and luxuriously draped 2.3-metre-wide bed.

- Manipura ( Master Bedrooms)
Colour: Gold/yellow. Meaning: centre of power; identity, experience.

- Muladhara ( Beachfront Guest room)
Colour: Red. Meaning: energy; earth; security.

- Sahasrana ( Upstair Bedroom)
Colour: Purple. Meaning: awareness and perception.

- Vissudha ( Upstairs Guest room)
Colour: Light blue. Meaning: spiritual centre.

- Svadhisthana ( Garden Guest room)
Colour: Orange. Meaning: the utilization of creative forces in all aspects of being.

- Ajna ( Garden Guest Room)
Colour: Indigo Meaning: language.

- Anahata (garden guest room)
Colour: Green. Meaning: expressions of love.

LIVING AND DINING AREAS

- Indoor Living
Taman Ahimsa has two living areas where guests can choose to relax completely alfresco or sheltered by an alang-alang thatch roof. Decorated with recycled wood furniture and a sumptuous array of Indonesian batik fabrics, these spaces are personalized with beautiful antiques and musical instruments spread tastefully throughout. Antique daybeds make the upper living area a wonderful space to congregate with friends. Timber stairs lead to the lower level where two long built-in couches and a magnificent antique table, created from an old wooden boat, are framed by a a frangipani tree growing through the floor, effortlessly melding nature and design.

Guests feel immediately at one with the environment as they relax in the enoromous open living spaces, with the bamboo lined walls, timber floor and sweeping views of the bountiful garden straight through to the sea.

- Dining and kitchen
The dining area features a rustic teak dining table that seats 16. During day light hoursdiners will enjoy views over the lush tropical garden as they are refreshed by the rufflingsea breezes. At night the room, lit by a pair of exquisitely designed copper lanterns, takes on a magical glow as diners are serenaded by the gentle croaking of the garden’s resident frogs.
The enormous state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen is located directly behind the dining area and guests can marvel at the delicious creations being whipped up by the chefs through antique hand-carved window frames.

- TV room
The spacious TV room lies between the Sahasrana bedroom and its terrace. It has a recycled ironwood floor and is furnished with oversized rattan sofas scattered with an abundance of cushions decorated with ornate batik fabrics. The walls are adorned with a marvelous array of Balinese shadow puppets, or wayang kulit, which traditionally provide much loved entertainment across the island of Bali. The room is equipped with a 32-inchTV and a DVD player and a selection of DVDsavailable for guests.

- Outdoor Living
The organically shaped, ocean-front swimming pool is lined with green Java stone lending its water a wonderful translucent quality. The surrounding ironwood deck, furnished with oversized rattan sun beds and umbrellas, is the ideal place to relax after a dip or from which to watch the kids.

The thatched poolside pavilionwith its outdoor dining for 16 is the perfect place for leisurely breakfasts, an alfresco lunch, afternoon tea and sunset drinks. A barbecue can be set up down here too, eitherunder the shade of a coconut palmor close to the waterfront to take full advantage of Bali’s famously spectacular sunsets.The deck area also doubles as a yoga or martial arts studio.

Nestled in the garden andoverlooking the ocean,charming thatched balés provide the ideal placesforreading, meditation, private reflection or just somewhere to lay your head and unwind. Let the staff arrange for a traditional Balinese masseur to ease away your tensions while youare lulledby the sound of the rolling waves.

STAFF

One of the greatest advantages of staying in a villa is the personal service provided by a dedicated team of professional staff.

At Taman Ahimsa, warm and radiant Balinese smiles are the signature of the staff teamwho hail predominantly from the local village of Cemagi and are always delighted to share their insights into Balinese culture and the surrounding area, looking after every guest to ensure a perfect holiday.Taman Ahimsa staff are attentive yet discreet, able to second guess the needs of even the most discerning guests.

- Villa Manager
Fluent in English, Pramawathi is on hand to ensure that you get the most out of your stay and can arrangefor yoga or martial arts teachers andtraditionalBalinese healers to visit the villa.Pramawathican also organise restaurant bookings, cultural tours or even horseriding on the beachfront.

- Full Time Chef
Mr Nyoman Sutama can prepare extraordinary cuisines from around the world as well as local Indonesian dishes. He is suppported by expert cook Mrs Wayan Sri and waitress Mrs Wayan Suci.

- Housekeeping
Two supervisors and five butlers will take care of all the villa’s housekeeping requirements and serve guests throughout the day until 11pm.

- Gardener
The garden is lovingly tended each day by two gardeners.

- Security
Security staff are on site to take care of your safety needs 24 hours a day.

DINING

Guests will be treated to a sumptuous array of culinary treats at Taman Ahimsa, where chef Nyoman and his team will tantalistastebuds withfresh, wholesome and healthy food.

Nyoman prides himself on sourcing garden-fresh local organic produce dailytocreate soups, salads, raw food, seafood and meat dishes in his state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen utilisingAyurvedic principles. The freshest seafood, bought direct fromlocal fishermen, isdeliveredtothe doorstep.

Nyoman’s spin on Indonesian food, from his fresh spring rolls with tamarind and papaya dipping sauce, traditional mixed satays or Bebek Betutu (Balinese roast duck marinated with local ground herb and spices) provide a wonderful introduction to the delights of the region’s cuisine.

The menu is packed full with suggestionsranging from pizzas and pastas to curries and the signature house dish, Taman Ahimsa chicken roulade. Or if you have a special craving and want chef Nyoman to create something from your own repetoire, he will be happy to oblige.And be sure to try one of his amazing desserts, such as the live tiramisu or the strawberry tart that can bepaired with home-made ice creams and sorbets.

- The system
Taman Ahimsa’svast suggestion menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and all-day snacks. We recommend that you discuss your meal choices with manager Pramawathi and chef Nyoman and let them know about any special likes, dislikes or dietary needs.

If you’d like a special celebratory meal we suggest giving Nyoman and his team at least 24 hours notice so that the necessay arangements can be made.

- Food and beverage charges
Groceries and beverages are charged at cost price plus a 20%++surcharge. On arrival, guests are asked toprovide a ‘float’ with which the chef and his team will buy the groceries, keeping all receipts for guest reference.

WEDDINGS & EVENTS

There is no greater setting for a wedding or birthday party than under the swaying coconut palmswith the rolling green waves of the Indian Ocean as a backdrop. With its expansive gardens abutting the beachfront, Taman Ahimsa is the ideal location for guests seeking an event withspectacular natural scenery.

The villa can accommodate 60 guests for a sit down dinner and comfortably fit 100 guests for standing cocktail parties.

Staff will tailor an event to suit your individual needs and desires. Please remember special permission to stage events at Taman Ahimsamust be given by the management in writing. A rental booking does not necessarily mean an event will be accepted. Please check with us for all costs and conditions.

FOR CHILDREN

The family friendly advantages of a villa holiday are many, including access to your own private facilities and the freedom to use them whenever you want. Knowing that the kids can run around happily, independently and safely, without you having to worry about other guests, is a real plus – and one that means parents are certain to have a more relaxed holiday too.

Taman Ahimsa’s rambling garden makes a magical playground for kids, the perfect place to play hide-and-seek, or even just chase the butterflies. There are plenty of grassy areas to kick a ball around or throw a frisbee. The pool is unfenced but there is no shortage of comfortable places for parents to relax while they watch their toddlers frolic, and pool toys are available on request.

If the kids tire of that, the beach is right on your doorstep, lapped by the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean. Here, they can collect shells and build sandcastles, and older kids can venture out in Taman Ahimsa’s two canoes .Parents should be aware that the surf in Bali can be tricky and the beach here is unpatrolled so constant supervision is necessary.

During down time kids can watch one of the many DVDs on the 32-inch plasma screen in the TV room or play with the toys provided.

The team of friendly staff at Taman Ahimsa will make children feel as welcome as adults, and having these willing helpers on hand gives guests plenty of flexibility and freedom to do their own exploring beyond the villa grounds (full-time babysitting incurs a small extra cost).

Although the equipped kitchen allows you to prepare meals for fussy eaters or babies with ease, staff will happily to do this for you – just talk through your requirements and meal schedules with the villa manager or chef and they will take care of the rest. The chef can customise all meals to suit children’s taste buds.

Don’t worry about packing all that cumbersome kids’ equipment for your stay. Just let us know what you need, and anything they don’t have in-house we can hire on your behalf.

SPA

Succumb to the touch of a traditional Balinese healer and book a massge under the covered bale overlooking the ocean, or head to Fivelements, Bidadari Beauty Sanctuary at Puri Ahimsa (Taman Ahimsa’s sister property in Ubud) for a vast array of healing spa treatments using pure, plant-sourced products inspired by traditional Balinese recipes.