Villa The Beji

The word ‘Beji’ signifies water, specifically purification with holy water. It is the perfect name for this spectacular villa, which is reached via a moss-covered bridge over a small stream (heard but out of sight behind a bank of towering trees bordering the estate). The sound of water pervades the gardens, with its myriad koi ponds and water features. And occasionally the percussive sound of the gamelan drifts across from the Pura Beji temple in the night air.

The generosity of space is evident the moment you step through the monumental three-metre-high entrance door and into the living pavilion. From there, beyond a water-wall cascading down to the lower terrace, the manicured lawn unfurls towards the fabulous 21-metre pool. The six bedroom suites each occupy individual ironwood pavilions in a contemporary take on traditional Balinese architecture that accords the luxury of space and privacy for two or three families holidaying together. This is indoor-outdoor living at its best, with many quiet, casual chill-out zones and yet lots of space for socialising too.

Days are as lazy or action-filled as you like when you can sunbathe on the deck, smash a few balls on the tennis court, work out in the gym, lose yourself in a movie, book or PS4 game. Kids can wallow in the pool’s twin shallow sections, or work off energy bouncing on the trampoline and running around on the lawn while parents keep an eye from the comfort of their private terrace.

Do take full advantage of the accomplished villa chef and gather in the huge living pavilion for a convivial lunch, followed by sunset cocktails on the alfresco terrace lounge and a seafood barbecue among a sea of candles as dusk falls and fairy lights twinkle. Then retreat to the sanctuary of your glamorous suite for a romantic twosome bath and a restorative night’s sleep.

If you can bear to leave this paradise, the wide expanse of black-sand beach and Canggu’s hipster restaurant scene are moments away. Or make full use of the villa’s complimentary Finns Platinum membership, which gives up to six guests a day free access to the world-class facilities of Finns Recreation Club a five-minute walk away, as well as VIP access to uber-cool Finns Beach Club.

VILLA LAYOUT

In a contemporary interpretation of traditional Balinese living, Villa The Beji comprises a dozen living and sleeping pavilions loosely arranged in a U-shape within the 6,500-metre gardens, fanning out from the lawn and 21-metre swimming pool. From the entrance, a path leads to the open-sided living pavilion and, beyond an alfresco decked sitting area, the dining pavilion, with a western kitchen behind, a guest washroom, and steps to the media room above. Mirrored on either side of the lawn are two guest bedroom pavilions with open-sided lounges in between, and the two master bedroom pavilions facing each other across the length of the pool. In the recreation area bordered by rice fields is a tennis court and bale, mini football field, and a gym.

LIVING AREAS

The sheer amount of living space is one of the pleasures of staying at Villa The Beji. It is easy to enjoy each other’s company in the main living and dining pavilions, but there’s plenty of lounging space and quiet corners for those who seek a break from the crowd.

LIVING PAVILION

The breezy fan-cooled living pavilion on the upper terrace presides over sweeping view towards the pool beyond a water-wall cascading to the lawn. Supremely comfortable sofas invite conversation and repose in equal measure here in The Beji’s social heart.

DINING PAVILION

A four-metre-long dining table commands centre-stage in the villa’s open-sided dining pavilion. Hand crafted from a single piece of teak, it rests on a stone floor under a vaulted ironwood roof, flanked by a river-stone pond and gallery of antique statuary from the owner’s private collection. It’s a handsome space for leisurely fan-cooled lunches or breezy candlelit dinners surrounded by birdsong and the soothing tinkle of water in the background.

Behind a wall of Palimanan stone lies the professionally equipped western-style kitchen — the domain of the villa chef, but of course guests are welcome to use it too.

MEDIA ROOM

The only upper-level room at the villa, and a sure-fire hit with the kids, the media room offers an air-conditioned sanctuary under a vaulted roof. A comfortable L-shaped sofa, two ottomans and a pair of squishy beanbags are set before a 60-inch TV with sound system, DVD player and Playstation 4. There’s a digital movie library, shelves of fiction and children’s books, and lots of toys. And those with a little homework to do while on holiday will find the desk handy.

LOUNGE PAVILIONS

Sandwiched between the guest bedroom suites, two open-sided lounges face each other across the lawn — perfect shaded spots for watching over the kids as they play on the lawn, or for some quiet ‘time out’ from the family. One of the pavilions has a Japanese tatami-style platform rising above a koi pond, where guests may enjoy a massage soothed by the sound of fountains.

TERRACE LOUNGE

On the upper terrace between the living and dining pavilions, this alfresco lounge offers yet another space for sprawling in cushioned comfort on all-weather seating surrounded by scented frangipanis — at night a romantic spot for cocktails under a canopy of stars.

POOL TERRACE AND SUN DECK

Flanking the 21-metre pool is a sun terrace dotted with sunbeds-for-two, shaded by parasols. Resting on the manicured lawn opposite are more sun-loungers and a statement sculptural loveseat. Shallow zones within the pool accord semi-submerged seating to cool off in the heat of the day.

GYM AND SPORTS AREA

A large area devoted to sports lies to one side of the villa estate, bordered by working rice fields. The floodlit tennis court with its umpire chair and bale invites hearty family tournaments — or use it as a basketball pitch. Alongside is a flat area with soccer nets, and a trampoline for kids to work off their excess energy. Within this space, an air-conditioned pavilion houses the gym, where guests may use the free weights and work out on the treadmill, cross-trainer, and air rower while enjoying pleasing views.

STAFF

One of the delights of staying in a private villa is warm service delivered with a ready smile and respect for privacy. Villa The Beji’s gracious and long-serving staff knows when to be on hand to help, and when to stay behind the scenes. With every interaction, they aim to please with their charming and distinctively Balinese hospitality.

DINING

Effortless in-villa dining is one of the key attractions of a stay at Villa The Beji. The talented chef is on hand to prepare daily family-style breakfast, lunch and dinner plus snacks in between. Select from an extensive suggestion menu of delicious home-style meals featuring Indonesian, Asian and international dishes to cater to all tastes, with a selection of children’s favourites too. The chef loves introducing Balinese dishes to our guests, such as ayam betutu (traditional roasted chicken with special local spices), beef rendang (beef slow-cooked with coconut and fragrant Indonesian spices, and pepes ikan (minced fish in Balinese spices wrapped in a banana leaf).

We encourage you to plan meals a day in advance with the villa manager and chef, to allow time to shop for the freshest ingredients. Groceries and beverages are charged at cost price plus 20%. Guests will be requested to provide grocery money in advance, and the staff will do the shopping and keep the receipts for reference.

FAMILIES

Family facilities at Villa The Beji are outstanding. The villa has been designed to allow children to explore independently and safely, without you having to worry, which means that you can have a relaxed holiday too, as well as the freedom to create your own schedule. Everyone can do or eat what they want, when they want, and where they want — work off excess energy running around on the lawn or bouncing on the trampoline, playing football, badminton or basketball, or learning to swim or play tennis (we can arrange for a private coach).

If that’s not enough to keep them busy, a short walk away are the facilities of Finns Recreation Club, including a Kids Club, 10-pin bowling and an amazing waterpark with slides galore. The beach is a ten-minute walk away, and there’s plenty in the area to keep all the family amused throughout the holiday.

The Balinese are famous worldwide for their kindness towards children and babies and staff at Villa The Beji will make children feel very much at home; children aren't just accepted here, they are treated as valued guests. The staff are happy to befriend your little ones to allow you the flexibility you need to relax and enjoy your holiday, and a full-time babysitter/nanny can be hired through the villa manager for a small additional cost.

The chef will be more than happy to customise meals to suit children’s taste buds, prepare special meals for fussy eaters, whiz up some baby puree, or serve kiddies’ snacks beside the pool – whenever you wish. Just discuss your requirements with the staff and they will take care of the rest. The Beji is so thoughtfully equipped for children, toddlers, and babies, you won’t need to worry about having to bring all that bulky kids’ equipment with you; let us know what you need, and anything we don’t have in-house (villa facilities include a baby cot, highchair and child car seat) we can hire on your behalf.

WEDDINGS & EVENTS

With its stunning living spaces and gorgeous gardens, The Beji is the insta-perfect setting for an enchanting wedding, extended family reunion, or joyful celebration with friends. Enjoy an intimate dinner for 20 or elaborate sit-down feast for a hundred. Exchange vows before loved ones by the water-wall or on the terraced lounge. Gather for a candle-lit banquet by the pool on the manicured lawn.

We can recommend expert event organisers, florists, decorators and caterers for larger gatherings so you can focus on relaxing and celebrating with your guests.

Wedding or special celebration for up to 150 people.