bali's top 5+1 eco-luxury resorts - delmango villa estate
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Bali's Top 5+1 Eco-Luxury Resorts, delMango Villa Estate, Bali's first & foremost Urban Couture RetreatTRANSCRIPT
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Bali’s beautiful homes and decor
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“i know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.”
george w. bush
Top 5+1 Eco ResortsThe best of Bali’s eco-friendly holiday options
Threads of lifeNatural & sustainable textiles
from the archipelagoAntique housesFrom Gede Kresna architect
Green up your act10 easy steps for making
your villa greener
10 Bali Style TipsGet the Bali Style look in your home with these hot design tips from Cempaka
bali angels Designer Dining Room Settings water by biosave
Inspiration for your bali style home...
Little Treebali’s biggest little source of Green building supplies
the green issueP r o t e c t t h e p l a n e t – g o g r e e n t o d a y . . . s e e i n s i d e f o r d e t a i l s !
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5 1The Bali Style
eco resorts
Top
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From the Bali Style Editorial Team
Just because you want to minimize your carbon footprint and be kind to the earth doesn’t mean you can’t have a fantastic holiday...having fun on vacation and being kind to mother earth don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Here is our pick of Bali’s Top 5 (plus one coming soon) eco-resorts that are trying to make a difference. It is near impossible to have absolutely no impact on the environment, but at least taking some steps to minimize your carbon footprint is a step in the right direction. And what could be more relaxing than reclining in your bamboo deck
chair next to a non-chemical swimming pool, with solar-powered water pumps, and knowing that you’re doing your bit to save the environment! So go green on your next holiday, read on...
cosy, Eco friendly lodgings at Fivelements Wellness Retreat.
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110 BALI STYLE Vol.6 No.5 2010
On the road north to Ubud you turn left, just
15 minutes south of that place. Left again
between the lush green of the rice field and
simple dwellings of stone the narrow road narrows
again, and yet again to a final path just wide enough to
allow passage. It is a road which nature will not quite
release, tufted with grass in the center, throwing out
climbing ivy on one side, fistfuls of marigolds on the
other. You have come to find a quiet place, a serene
embrace, and the lane seems to whisper that you’ve
indeed arrived.
Bambu Indah--or beautiful bamboo--is the
beautiful brain child of John Hardy. Consisting
of seven unique dwellings brought from Java to
the island of Bali in 2007, each structure is made
wholly from bamboo and teak--perhaps the most
eco-sustainable materials on the planet--and each
has been lovingly reconstructed and restored to
preserve the tradition and the functionality of the
original, as well as modernized within with air
conditioning, internet access, modern plumbing and
running water to accommodate the expectations of
the contemporary seeker after comfort and leisure
amidst rustic settings.
The houses, which once served as residences
for tribal noblemen, were originally built over 100
years ago, and retain a majesty of tradition and
history, folded like a unique perfume into the sweep
of oriental lines, hand carved teak wood, ancient
etchings, and thatched grass roofs.
Each of the seven villa houses--Afrika, Padi,
Kuning, Kuno, Elora, Jawa Lama, and Kolam--has a
distinctive character and ambience its own, from the
African furnishings and handmade copper bathtub
in Afrika House, to the rustic Burmese laquerware
in Kuno, to the red Moroccan carpets in Padi House.
Moreover, each house has its own personal patch of
surrounding landscape, be it the fresh water pool, the
babbling brook, the vegetable garden, or the winding
stone path.
Beautiful Bamboo – Bambu Indah Complimenting communal structures include the Minang
House, a spacious central meeting place fashioned from
luxuriant black bamboo, a small igloo-like library, complete
with books left by former residents, and a massage house.
A handmade fresh water swimming pool is available to
all residents--including the colourful fish therein. Dug into the
earth and lined with high density polyethylene [a black rubber
substance, recyclable after 60 years], the pool floor is of assorted
stone from the nearby mountain and offers a clean, natural
appearance as well as a refreshing dip at any time of the day.
In as far as we are showcasing the all natural setting in this
issue of Bali Style, Bambu Indah is about as natural as you can
get. The focus is on appreciation of the natural environment,
and on responsible coexistence with the same. Industrial
cements and chemicals have been strictly avoided, as has any
other system that would insult or damage the land, the water,
or the surrounding forest. Vegetables in the organic garden are
shaded not with plastic sheeting but by umbrellas made from
natural materials. An anti-insect lotion made of crushed leaves
of a medicinal sort is provided by the resort. In this way, the true
appreciation of the visitor is also integrated--of the atmosphere,
the ecosphere, and the resounding beauty of central Bali. M a g a z i n e
[PF] www.bambuindah.com
Bambu Indah--or beautiful bamboo--is the beautiful brain child of John Hardy. Consisting of seven unique dwellings brought from Java to the island of Bali in 2007, each structure is made wholly from bamboo and teak
WWW.SEACOLLECTION.BIZ | WWW.SELECTEDHOTELS.BIZ | WWW.HOTELIERSGUILD.ORG 5
Selected Estates of Asia, Pte. Ltd.
is creating awe-inspiring properties with distinguished Balinese and international architects and designers. From eco-friendly holistic spa retreats, five-star mixed-use hotel developments, to signature villa estates, or your own exclusive residence, Selected Estates of Asia puts superior and highly personalized service, a proven hospitality management and associated specialists at your fingertips.
With over 20 years of 'on the ground' experience attained around the globe, Selected Estates of Asia's core business is green hotels, spa and health retreats along with other tourism based property developments. We offer our client's first hand experience and provide a unique,
specialized advisory service tailored to meet their individual requirements. We can provide conceptual development, market research, economic feasibility reports, strategic business planning, project
development, through to product sourcing, sales and marketing, pre-
opening and on-going operations in hotel, spa and health retreats.
Whether you are looking to develop a new brand or concept,
revive an existing project or simply require the assistance of a qualified
and experienced specialist, our team of professional consultants are always on hand to assist.
Frank M. Pfaller, CEO
Ronny Tome, Managing Director
2009
Green
WWW.SEACOLLECTION.BIZ | WWW.SELECTEDHOTELS.BIZ | WWW.HOTELIERSGUILD.ORG 2
cosmopolitan avant-garde sophisticated
ON SALE NOW – ONLY 5 VILLAS REMAINING
SALES OFFICE: SQUARE 9 building Jalan Raya Seminyak 504 Seminyak Bali 80361
Office: +62 361 734 078 Mobile: +62 813 5302 6213 [email protected] www.seacollection.biz
delMango Villa Estate, Seminyak Gardens– an “Urban Eco Couture Retreat”
delMango is our “plus 1” eco resort, as it’s not operational yet,
although it is in the advanced stages of construction and
plans to be open by May 2011. The only “urban retreat” in
our collection, delMango combines ecological consciousness with
luxurious city sophistication, and boasts an enviable location in
cosmopolitan Seminyak. This limited edition of 14 ultra-luxurious
villas were designed by internationally-renowned Balinese architect
Yoka Sara, who paid homage to the typical Balinese village layout
in his now-iconic initial design sketches. The interior design was the
work of Nobuyuki Narabayashi, former design guru at trail-blazing
Japanese interior design firm “Super Potato”. Blending “ethic with
ethnic” Narabayashi’s brief from CEO Frank M Pfaller was “simple
sophistication” – which Norabayashi achieved through the use of a
rare form of Japanese artfully recycled and woven fabric for cushions,
bed covers and upholstery, natural volcanic stones, sleek granite and
custom designed furniture, all made from recycled teak. As an “eco-
luxe couture retreat” delMango’s eco credentials are pretty impressive
with the use of bamboo and recycled teak in the construction and
116 BALI STYLE Vol.6 No.5 2010
architectural design features and pool decking constructed from “Koga”
wood – a kind of compressed bamboo. The pools will use an ultra violet
filtration system which uses no harmful chlorine. Solar cells provide hot
water to the luxury villas, and a Biosystems water treatment processes
the black water while grey water is recycled and used for the gardens.
LED lighting reduces energy consumption, while the natural air flow
in the open-style living areas minimises the use of airconditioning. The
impressive Lounge/Concierge building [architect: Ketut Arthana, ID:
Nobuyuki Narabayashi] which will undoubtedly form the centrepiece
of this urban retreat is a truly green structure with an all-bamboo
construction, open air flow, compressed bamboo flooring and the aptly
named “Bigass” ceiling fans providing a soothing breeze, for guests who
are checking in and out. While delMango Villa Estate has an impressive
list of eco credentials, it will also be unabashedly luxurious and run
with all the amenities and facilities one would expect from a five-
star+ hotel. An internationally-experienced team of chefs, butlers and
housekeepers will provide tailored services like a pre-arrival grocery
stock up for your villa [what a great idea], in-villa private chef and
dining service [let someone else do the dishes--you’re on holiday after
all], a VIP airport transfer and visa service, event catering, tea ceremony
and even full moon celebrations are all planned. M a g a z i n e
There are still three of the fourteen delMango villas left for sale,
but they are sure to sell fast. For more information or to arrange a
viewing contact delMango Villa Estate on: +62-361-734 078 +62-361-
734 078 [email protected] or go and visit the Sales Office, Square
9 Building Jalan Raya Seminyak 504 Seminyak Bali 80361 and tell
‘em Bali Style Mag sent you!
Delmango Villas, Seminyak’s “Urban Eco
Couture Retreat” is eco-chic at its best , with a
range of eco-friendly design elements.
Every building project has an impact on the environment, says
Chicco Tatriele of Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa – an astonishing
holistic healing centre, located on the banks of the Ayung River
near Mambal, and dedicated to Balinese healing, living foods and sacred
arts. “So we just tried to be as gentle as possible. Decisions had to be
made at every step of the process, and we
went with what we felt comfortable with
in order to create a sustainable and eco-
conscious property.”
After finding 8800m2 of land in a
stunningly beautiful setting far removed
from the hustle and bustle of tourism, the
Fivelements Group carefully adapted the site
to its new use with minimum disturbance to
the pre-existing natural systems, ecologies
and aesthetics. Their vision was guided by
‘Tri Hita Karana’, the Balinese Philosophy of
life, which advocates that we should all live
in balance and harmony with God, other
human beings and the environment.
One of the first undertakings was an
ecology study, carried out by a team of local
scientists with the purpose to identify and
conserve notable species of flora and fauna
within the site boundaries. Seventy-three
species of flora was identified on the banks
of the river, and 58 species of animal was
observed in the vicinity. Seven of these – the
Malayan Pangolin, Javan Kingfisher, two
species of Egret, the olive-backed sunbird,
Malayan porcupine and a species of
python, are considered protected by the Indonesian government. The
conclusion of the study was that the river ecology was the most valuable
and this was consequently given priority in design considerations. In
the construction of the property, the buildings were erected on stilts
and set back a minimum of five metres from the river, while 20% of the
site was preserved in natural gardens. Sustainable building materials
included recycled timbers, local stone, bamboo, coconut wood and
alang-alang grass, all sourced in Indonesia.
Completed this year with eight healing rooms, a Watsu pool,
beauty sanctuary, multi-purpose pavilions, restaurant, leisure pool and
five luxurious sleeping suites, Puri Ahimsa offers guests a choice of
day treatments or retreats, plus a gourmet
vegan menu of living and raw foods. It also
endeavours to be a model for responsible
energy consumption. Lighting incorporates
super-efficient LED technology, and all
buildings were designed to take advantage
of passive cooling to reduce the use of air-
conditioning. Most rooms are equipped
with ‘Sycamore’ ceiling fans for low energy
cooling, achieved through a dynamically
balanced single blade.
Furthermore, Fivelements is committed
to the conscious and efficient use of water
resources. Water pressure is kept at a
steady-yet-conservative level to reduce
waste, and a total of 16,500 litres of recycled
storm-water and grey-water is stored on site
for non-potable use. Wastewater is treated
and potable water purified to international
standards.
Finally, Puri Ahimsa positively
contributes to Baturning – the tiny village
in which it operates. This is done through
a continuous dialogue with the inhabitants
towards the goal of implementing
the sustainability policy on the land
surrounding the property. Fivelements has worked with community
leaders to upgrade roads in Baturning, as well as co-ordinating waste
management for the village.
Most apparent, is the deep respect that Fivelements holds not only
for the environment but also for the local people, their traditions,
customs and religion. [RG] www.fivelements.org M a g a z i n e
Fivelements – Puri Ahimsa All photos from Fivelements Puri Ahimsa Wellness Retreat - enjoy serene surroundings, living foods and spiritual nourishment.
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fivelements - djuna ivereigh - djunapix.com
106 BALI STYLE Vol.6 No.5 2010
Padang Bai may seem like an unlikely location for
an eco-resort. It is, after all, the largest sea-port
on Bali’s east coast, with ferries from Lombok
continuously docking and departing. However, to get
to Bloo Lagoon you pass straight through the hubbub
of the ferry terminal and the burgeoning seaside
township of Padang Bai, with a smattering of decent
restaurants [the bagels at Topi Cafe were surprisingly
good!] and up a steep hill where you will find Bloo
Lagoon perched atop a soaring ridgeline. Straddling
both sides of the ridge, the rooms at Bloo Lagoon offer
stunning views to both the north to Candi Dasa and
majestic Gunung Agung and to the south and the
hamlet of Padang Bai and the rugged eastern coastline
beyond.
However, the incredible views are just one of the
things that make Bloo Lagoon special. The American
owners and architects Tony and Marita, working
closely with their local staff [80% of whom are from
the immediate surrounding areas] have done an
impressive job of creating a resort that is, in the words
of Balinese General Manager Gus Trisna “ecologically
conscious”. As Gus pointed out, water is a scarce
resource in their location, so while they use a town
water supply, they try to “hold the water in the area
for as long as possible”. This is achieved by creating a
network of lotus and lily ponds which rainwater and
shower water are chanelled into. It’s a natural healthy
biosystem with fish, frogs and plants. The black water
from the toilets goes to regular septic tanks, then the
effluent goes to biological waste water gardens where
plants feed off the nutrients.
The “homes” have been designed to try and
maximise light and air flow and minimise electricity
consumption. Most of the stone walls use the excavated
site stone. Open-plan natural cooling reduces the need
for airconditioning [however A/C is available in some
bedrooms]. All the lights are LEDs and the average
energy load per house for lighting is under 100 watts.
For some of the pumping electricity from photovoltaic
cells is used and it is hoped that this will be extended
when the cost of the cells comes down.
The natural coconut oil soaps used in the rooms,
are made by “Surfer Charly” just down the road in
Jasri. The swimming pool uses ionization with a
minimum of chemicals, and the resort is developing
its own vegetable and herb garden so as much food
as possible can be grown on site. The pesto fettucine
and generous organic salad were simply delicious and
healthy.
Bloo Lagoon doesn’t have the polished, laser-
edge precision of some of Bali’s more glitzy luxury
resorts or villas, but that’s not the point. It is natural,
and friendly, and it merges with its surroundings in an
easy, enviable way. And the end result is refreshing,
energizing and supremely relaxing. All the more for
knowing that it treads just that bit more lightly on the
earth. [AF] M a g a z i n e
Rooms or “homes” at Bloo Lagoon rent from
between $120 - $150++ per night. At the time of writing
two of the homes were for sale [48 year lease] for
$160,000 and $210,000 respectively. www.bloolagoon.
com tel: 0363 41211
Bloo is the New Green – Bloo LagoonSpectacular views from Bloo Lagoon, Padang Bai, south to the harbour and north to Candi Dasa. and Gunung Agung. Opposite page: All photos from Bloo Lagoon Eco Resort - picturesque pool and relaxing accommodations.
112 BALI STYLE Vol.6 No.5 2010
It’s not for everyone, but . . . well, what is? Bali Eco Village, high in the mountains of central
Bali, some 30 minutes south of Kintamani, is a destination for those who are truly seeking
the simple life, as well as an intimate closeness with nature. Five rather spare bungalows
perch above the breathless expanse of jungle in the valley of the Ayung River, each house fitted
with one large bed on the ground floor and a loft above with room for three. The weather does
get chilly at night on the mountaintop, and so each bungalow also has a fireplace for wood
burning.
The goal of the ownership and staff at the Village is for their venture to become as self-
sufficient as possible. To this end, the grounds include a large vegetable garden--green beans,
lettuce, tomatoes, chilies, eggplant, carrots--and even ground fruit such as strawberries--with
which the large restaurant facility on the grounds is supplied. Cows and pigs have their own
place in stables up the road, set for providing meat for the restaurant in the future.
Natural spring water is abundant and is used for both drinking and cooking. In addition there
is a large water collecting facility providing water for showering and grounds keeping purposes.
Moreover, attempts are currently underway to utilize the rushing Ayung for hydroelectricity.
Visitors to Bali Eco Village are encouraged to take part in an ongoing dialogue with nature--
perhaps by getting their fingers dirty in the garden, or by helping tend the livestock in the stable.
But it’s not all work. A smorgasbord of activities is offered, from horse riding on the Village’s five
horses, to excursions through the coffee and cocoa plantations, to river trekking or white water
rafting, or tours of historic Kintamani.
“The best way to be close to nature is to stay out of the way.”
So quipped Ivan, the Village’s general manager. It’s a conundrum of sorts, but his point is
clear; and I reckon staying out of the way is what Bali Eco Village does best. [PF] M a g a z i n e
www.baliecovillage.com
Live And Let Live – Bali Eco Village
bali Eco Village, high in the mountains of central Bali, is a destination for those
who are truly seeking the simple life, as well as an intimate closeness with nature.
114 BALI STYLE Vol.6 No.5 2010
An Eco Lodge, as defined by Norm and
Linda vant Hoff, co-owners of Bali Eco
Lodge, is a vacation housing venture
that is “sustainably integrated with the natural,
built, and social environments.” It should make
responsible use of the land and resources while
maintaining a lively dialogue with the people
and culture of the area.
Given this definition, it is our enthusiastic
assessment that Bali Eco Lodge has succeeded in
every way.
The lodge itself consists of four private
bungalows perched on the slopes of Mt.
Batukaru, commanding breathtaking views
both of southern Bali below and of the mountain
peak above. Each bungalow offers a lush
interior, lovingly decorated with local ceramics,
fine linens, exotic flowers, and more.
In keeping with the ecologically responsible
focus, natural soaps are provided, as well as
natural house and linen cleaning.
From the organic garden, as well as from
the surrounding food forest, fresh products are
gathered and prepared according to a menu
specializing in Balinese cuisine, and then served
in the spacious open air restaurant on the
grounds.
The vision at Bali Eco Lodge is “to create a
space that will place value on the environment
and inspire others to do the same.” The whole
point is immersion in nature--no television,
no loud music, no intrusive distractions to
compromise the peaceful repose. It is a time for
relaxation and reflection, as well as for bonding
with family members and loved ones.
But nature itself involves a play of balance,
and balance is provided here as well with an
impressive array of activities both fun and
instructive. One may hike, for instance, to the
top of Mt. Batukaru, or trek through the largest
protected rain forest in Bali, just ten minutes
from the lodge. Bird watching is another
favorite diversion, as well as monkey watching!
Additionally, the lodge offers a good number
of enjoyable and instructive classes including:
Balinese cooking, calligraphy, wood carving,
traditional medicine, and Indonesian language
skills to name a few.
Internationally recognized for responsible
environmental practice and social responsibility,
the management at Bali Eco Lodge does not
rest on its laurels, but continually seeks, in the
words of Linda vant Hoff, “to move forward
from the basic ‘eco-tourism’ concept,” and “to
embrace Responsible Tourism.” Although there
is “a long way to go,” as Linda says, “the Balinese
are an open people, with incredible talents and
humility, so, given some genuine support from
their leaders and the government, we believe
that the negative trends of today can be turned
around.”
With such commitment and positive energy
in the mix, so believe we at Bali style as well.
[PF] M a g a z i n e
www.baliecolodge.com
Bali Eco Lodge – A Vision for the Future
Winner of the Wild Asia Award for Responsbible Tourism in Asia, Bali Eco Lodge is leading the way in stylish eco-tourism in Bali..