Ubud, Bali
IMPORTANT NOTE: The description in this listing refers to BOTH the "estate home" (main villa - this listing) AND "Annex" (guest villa - VRBO.com/702772), which are available separately or together. While the main home can sleep up six persons comfortably, it is originally a ONE BEDROOM; it has recently been redesigned with, in addition to the bedroom level, the living level as a studio apartment.
If your party is large, and you desire more accommodation or privacy than the main villa can provide, please see our adjacent, and completely separate and private, 2-bedroom described below and on VRBO.com/702772.
This is the PERFECT venue for a honeymoon, a couple desiring elegant and luxurious accommodation, or a family with young or grown children. Consequently, we set our rates for TWO PERSONS, and there is an additional charge for each person over two,. Parties of 7 persons and more must then include the guest quarters at the additional rate, up to a maximum of 10, and must reserve it separately.
Due to the popularity of the commission-based property rental sites (e.g. AirBnB), vacation rentals are appearing everywhere in Bali. Even local families are sacrificing a portion of their iconic rice fields to build small accommodations to rent to tourists for added income. They refer to these "backyard bungalows" as "Villas" ; the vast majority of them would fit in the bedroom of our magnificent 5200 square foot estate home!
This elegant and luxurious property, built as the eventual retirement home of an American artist, offers the visitor to Bali a unique and very special experience. It is a "custom" home in every way: design and construction, materials, layout, decor, furnishings, and amenities. It occupies a huge lot of 1400 sq. meters - more than five times the size of most local rental properties.
From across the rice fields as you approach, it lies impressively expansive against the tall palms of the river valley, stretching across behind the rice fields and into the palm trees beyond. By night, the house glows at the end of its pathway, the lighted traditional shrine in the northeastern corner indicating the unusual size of this very special property.
Built on a bend of a small river valley and situated at the END of the 'Path to the Sacred Spring' this truly astonishing villa is without question one of the most beautiful and tasteful accommodations in Bali, and likely the largest available for (occasional) rental. Featuring a majestic, remote, very private and peaceful setting, it contains two full (partially outdoor) baths, two king-sized beds (one of which is "super-king", 200cm x 200cm), one queen, and an additional double and single to accommodate larger families or groups; a two-story interior atrium (designed with a waterfall, which is currently under repair); and a fully-equipped modern kitchen. You will find Egyptian cotton towels, high-thread count bed linens, hair dryers in each bathroom, bedside reading lamps, a tower office with panoramic view, a fine collection of local art, and a great many more amenities that are not offered or all too often overlooked in other offerings.
One example of the thought and care that has gone into the preparation of this home is the mosquito netting (largely decorative, as the house is quite mosquito-fee) surrounding the "master" king-size bed. Having become tangled in such netting after many trips to the tropics, the owner designed and built a hardwood frame, suspended from the ceiling, that allows the netting to hang to the floor approximately two feet from the bed on three sides. One can walk around the bed entirely within the curtain of the netting!.
Marble, granite, and natural stone are used throughout, and over 25,000. man-hours have gone into to the hand-carved stone accents and intricately carved wooden doorways. Examples of many of Bali’s finest artistic endeavors are displayed: painting, wood-carving, batik, ikat weaving, stone-carving, etc. Most of the furnishings, including bathroom and kitchen cabinets, are custom make of teak, locally made and most with hand-carved accents.
Outside, the landscaped grounds boast over 3000 square feet of landscaping, pool and lounge area (the two-level swimming pool is comparable in size to those of most local hotels, the lower level a shallow pool for the safety of children and in which they can play under the waterfall from the main pool above); intricately carved traditioal Balinese shrine; stone statuary, fountains, tropical landscaping, and an uninterrupted view of the river valley. Surrounded by a high wall, a feature of traditional Balinese architecture, the house and grounds are completely private and blissfully peaceful, yet are open to the near-180 degree view of the rain-forested river valley below.
Our staff consists of our young and enthusiastic house manager who spent two years aboard a cruise ship to polish his language and tourist-relations skills - a rare feat for a young Balinese; our housekeeper/cook, who arrives each morning to clean the house and, if desired, to prepare a delicious breakfast; and our groundskeeper and security watchman who tends the rice fields behind the villa. They will attend to your every need, but they do NOT remain full-time at the villa. Unless you specify otherwise, they are requested to vacate the property by 11:00AM so that you might fully enjoy the tranquility and complete privacy of the site.
Additionally, our manager who, along with his vehicel, is "licensed for tourist transport", will make the service of our guests a priority; his rates are competitive, and if you are in need of a driver or guide while in residence (he has an extensive knowledge of the offerings of our local area as well as the entire island), you need only call him. Also, if one of Bali's frequent ceremonies or processions is occurring during your stay, he can advise you on the required attire and arrange for you to attend, as we all consider our guests to be "extended family."
A NOTE ABOUT ACCESS:
This villa is heaven on earth! As stated, the property is situated on the bend of a river, in a completely natural setting, and which many visitors have remarked is the quietest, most natural setting for a home they've seen here. It is so peaceful that guests are gently awakened in the morning by the songs and calls of the birds in the river valley, and the evenings are so still, the only sound being that of the breeze in the palms and the almost-constant flow of water from the rice fields to the river, that one feels quite alone in the natural world.
It is accessed ONLY by motorbike or walking path (no automobiles), and the motorbike access ends at the property's gate. Thus, there is no sound of passing motor vehicles - so common a disturbance in Bali - to detract from the peaceful ambiance. There are two pathways to the house: a motorbike access path of about 300 meters runs along the small river valley from the local village, past a number of villas and homes and ending at our front gate. From the back gate, we have built a cement walkway 100 meters through the rice fields to the community path on the opposite side (see photos). This pathway makes the short 5-minute walk to the local market and main road into Ubud very quick and convenient.
The walk to the house from the nearest automobile access is five minutes from the back gate and about seven or eight from the front, but there is no problem with the transportation of your belongings. Upon arrival you'll be met by our house manager (if he wasn't booked to drive you there) who will take care of the transportation of your luggage to and from the house.
In 2015 we added the guest villa (the 'Annex') to the property. It is connected to the main compound by a lockable double gate, yet it is located outside the main perimeter walls (it has it's own walls and separate entrance gate) to allow complete privacy in both the villa and the annex. This addition is an intimate two-bedroom, two-bath unit with living area, kitchen, and small pool. (see VRBO.com/702772). As in the villa, it is equipped with the finest in accouterments including hand-carved teak furniture, quality linens and towels, top-end appliances, imported cookware, etc. Both of its bedrooms are air-conditioned.
Either the villa or annex can be booked separately, or you can reserve the entire property to accommodate as many as 10 persons.
In short, you may find small rental accommodations plentiful in Bali, but a trip to this enchanting island destination deserves the finest experience you can imagine. This magnificent home and its friendly and dedicated staff will provide you with a unique and incomparable experience!
(please see the reviews!)
Keywords: Bali, villa, vacation, quiet, secluded, rain-forest, rice-field, hideaway, peaceful, luxurious, rental, family, natural, clothing-optional, swimming, Ubud, yoga, retreat, wedding, honeymoon.
1
We had an amazing stay here! The house is very unique and beautiful. It feels remote but is walking distance from several great amenities. The house manager and housekeeper took great care of us. We would absolutely come back.
We ended up renting this property after a last minute cancellation from another place. The cost and location were appealing but it wasn't until we got to the house that we realized how lucky we were. The house is situated alongside a river and jungle valley with rice fields on the other side. The area is absolutely beautiful - so much so that the Campuhan Ridge Walk felt underwhelming in comparison. The house itself has no air conditioning but the vernacular design meant that it was very comfortable. The host was a little rough with his correspondence but once we arrived we understood why he was so protective of the place. The house itself is stunningly beautiful and it is clear it was made and maintained with care. Juli the house manager was very friendly and helpful and so too were the other staff. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who wants a more quiet and relaxed experience in Ubud. Easily the best place I have stayed in Ubud after 7 visits.
Our stay at Rumah Cahaya was everything we hoped for and more. We were picked up by house manager Juli at the designated pick up spot. Juli is friendly and welcoming. Juli then took our 87 year old dad/ grandfather on a scooter, with some luggage also, to our villa. It is a short walk from pick up spot but a lovely entry to the stunning property. Rumah Cahaya is really breath taking. It’s a very grand and spacious property. There were plenty of spaces for our group of five to get privacy. The facilities are clean and Mayaa the house keeper is a wonderful presence. Mayaa comes around 8.30 every day to make breakfasts if you need or to keep the villa clean and beds made etc. The pool at Rumah Cahaya is magnificent. Very big and wonderful to spend the day sitting around. Out the back gate is a short walk through rice fields to cafes, warungs, the main road and shops. It’s a unique part of Ubud. I will definitely be staying at rumah Cahaya again. Loved it!!
We loved our stay in this unique property. The description says it all. Returning to Bali after 12 years we were very surprised by the increase in traffic, cars, noise and pollution. This made the property all the more special as it was surrounded by nature and well away from any traffic - while connected to the best restaurants, yoga studios and the outside by beautiful pathways. Support staff were also excellent and obviously hand picked.
Amazing property/home! Tastefully crafted and lovingly maintained. Myself and my friends felt very blessed to have found it and fortunate to have recommended driver as our easy and fun guide. Terima Kasih! (Thank you)
The house is amazing and so is the location. Meandering through the narrow pathway and rice fields to the property which is off the beaten track was a daily adventure for us, felt we were in another world. Staff spoilt us daily and so did our wonderful driver, guide and all round do anything for us guy...Juli
Me and my wife came to this lovely villa for our 1-year anniversary. When i say the pictures do a TERRIBLE job of capturing how beautiful the place is. All the incredible attentions to detail. The experience is one we couldn't stop talking about since returning home. Not to mention the incredible service of the staff, We threw our itinerary out the window and just went with whatever Juli the property manager and driver suggested and he did not dissapoint. Communication was prompt and super easy, mainly through WhatsApp, and from the moment we arrived until we left we felt very well taken care of. The lovely women who tended to the home making sure it was clean was also a delight and we will defintely be returning next year the first chance we get, hopefully for a much longer stay. Word of advice, a week is nowhere near enough time! Thank you for opening your home to us. 100/10 Cheers, Omar
We really enjoyed our stay at Rumah Cahaya. Bruce was very responsive to our inquiries, from booking to travel arrangements, and some questions I had after checking in. This is the first property we've rented where a car could not drive up to it. I can only imangine how difficult it was to build it without a road and driveway. To get to the villa from the market, you have to walk along narrow paths/alleys. You definitely don't want to misstep along the path by the rice fields. The place was huge, especially for just the two of us. We felt very safe and the place was well equipped. It even had a massage table, of which I took advantage of ($15 USD for an hour massage). Yes, there are signs and labels just about everywhere. Bruce explains and apologizes for them in the info book. The notices are there for the mega-morons that don't know things that should be common sense. He really, really doesn't want you to touch the screens. You'll see what I mean if you stay there. :-) The place is a bit weathered. I was going to say run down, but given the hot and humid conditions there, everything exposed to the elements takes a beating. The entertainment system is lacking, but at least the TV works. I ended up connecting my Chromebook to the HDMI port and streamed content. It worked well enough, given where we were and the age/condition of the TV. The kitchen needs some help. Most of the drawers/cabinets either don't open or are hard to open/close. The most frustrating thing was that the pantry is located around the bar from the kitchen. So, if you're preparing something, you'll find yourself going back and forth. We ended up placing commonly used items on the bar to save us a trip to the pantry. The cold water dispenser is a lifesaver. It was nice having cool water on tap when returning from a trip. Even though there are some rough edges, we'd stay there again. It was a great value for the money as it's palatial and comfortable. Thanks, Bruce!
Property is phenomenal! We booked almost a year out and had wonderful communication with the owner all along the way leading up to our arrival. Through the owner, we booked our transit from DPS to the property. I highly recommend Juli (driver) for all your transport needs in Ubud and area. Juli met us at the airport and took us to Ubud. We met his wife at the Bintang supermarket and from there we were on foot for about a 400 (or so) yard journey to the house. Juli and his wife helped with our bags and helped get us situated once we arrived at the house. House was wonderful. Very well designed and built. Property is lovely with the landscaping and the pool. Just a real gem. The housekeeper, Mayaa was very sweet. We ordered breakfast from her several times during our stay. Wonderful breakfast served on the front patio, looking into the forest and listening the river below. Checking out Juli had his nephew assist with getting our bags to Bintang Supermarket and then transport us to Sanur for the second week of our stay. We were thrown off at first by how to access the property. But after some quick exploration it really a fascinating area and access is unique and easy to navigate. Almost felt like hidden pathways to various unique areas. Easy walk to shops, restaurants, and attractions. We could also always access a car from Bintang if need be. Some suggestions for your trip; Bintang Supermarket is a wonderful market to provision up for your stay, explore on foot the pathways and trails will give you a greater appreciation of the region, download “Grab”. With Grab you can get a car, order food to be delivered and many other great features. We have used both in Ubud and in Sanur. Wonderful app to have had on our trip. Enjoy your stay at Rumah Cahaya, you will be extremely happy and leave with wonderful memories!
From the first moment we arrived it was amazing. A small retinue of people met us to help transport our luggage to the beautiful private oasis that is Rumah Cahaya! I felt as if I had stepped into a Balinese fairytale. The house with it’s splendid pool and gorgeous grounds exceeded my expectations, but what made it more than beautiful and truly special were the wonderful and delightful staff. I fell in love with each and every one of them. If you are planning a trip to Ubud you couldn’t find a more serene and beautiful villa. Hope to return! Christie
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