Villa Atacaya

Prepare to be mesmerised by the hypnotic sounds of flowing water at this riverside villa, hidden within its own jungle enclave. Be drawn into the secluded surrounds and hide among towering palms of a private tropical paradise, for here is a haven blessed by holy springs and bliss-inducing water gardens. Villa Atacaya harbours a truly spiritual aura, hiding the fact that you are just 13km away from the hedonistic resorts of Seminyak.

The villa places an emphasis on its tropical-surrounds through a contemporary design – stylishly presented bedrooms flow effortlessly into the open courtyard - the centrepiece of the property. An infinity pool offers wonderful views of the Penet River, through a gorge towards the breath-taking valleys beyond. The proximity of nature is palpable as birdsong drifts through airy living spaces and beyond in this rural Balinese retreat.

Set on the banks of the Penet river within dense jungle surrounds, just a stone’s throw from the village of Berberan in the Tabanan regency, this is as close as one could hope to be to traditional Balinese living without stepping into a local’s own abode. Villa Atacaya is enshrined by terraced rice fields on all sides in an area known as Bali’s ‘rice bowl’, yet the region has somehow escaped the thrall of tourism despite its unrivalled beauty. To stay here is to be privileged; to be part of an unadulterated heritage in which local communities pursue lives still dominated by agriculture and religion.

Drift further and you will uncover the splendour that is Tanah Lot Sea Temple – a landmark of the island and of extreme cultural significance to the nations Hindu population. If you need a more active pursuit, the Greg Norman-designed Nirwana golf course is within easy reach and for those looking to escape the greenery and get amongst the waves – Echo beach is just 8km from the villa.

Split across several pavilions, Villa Atacaya offers a selection of formal and informal areas where guests can recline, feeling immediately rehabilitated by the charm of nature. The main building comprises of two floors with dining and seating on both the upstairs and downstairs levels – guests are free to drift between sections and select their perfect location for sipping cocktails or dining on chef’s delightful cuisine. A media room spills out into the central courtyard with an infinity pool sitting towards the edge of the property. A supreme vantage point from which to admire the magnificent valleys below.

Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom, with privacy captured via the pavilion-style accommodation. The master bedroom offers river views to the side and a veil of stars above, with the river-rock bottomed bathtub exposed to the night skies. Three other guest bedrooms in this pavilion are equally blessed with serene pond and river views and intricately-designed rain showers. One further studio bedroom resides on the lowest floor – the ultimate in riverside privacy for those moments of calm.

INDOOR LIVING

- Open-sided living & dining room on top level with a table for 12, and a small sitting area 

- Self-contained, small-yet-fully-equipped kitchen

- Small, air-conditioned TV room on middle level equipped with a 55-inch flatscreen TV, Blu-ray disc player and Bose sound system

OUTDOOR LIVING

- 15-metre infinity pool bordered by a sundeck, furnished with six sunbeds and two umbrellas 

- Open-air sitting space flanked at one end by a bar, and by a small TV room on the other side with doors that can be folded open to extend the room into the alfresco living area

- Sunny courtyard incorporating alfresco dining area for 12 with glass-topped tables and white metal chairs

- Gas-driven firebowl filled with water

- Holy Pond

- Riverside yoga deck

- Riverside balé relaxation and massage pavilion 

MASTER BEDROOM

- King-size bed and a daybed for one child

- 40-inch cable-channel TV

- On middle level with river view

- Ensuite bathroom with indoor rainshower and private watergarden with river-rock bathtub for two open to the sky

GUEST BEDROOM 1

- King-size bed 

- 40-inch cable-channel TV

- Indian slate bathroom with walk-in rainshower 

- On middle level with Holy Pond view

GUEST BEDROOM 2

- King-size bed and a daybed for one child 

- 40-inch cable-channel TV

- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in rainshower 

- On middle level with Holy Pond view

GUEST BEDROOM 3

- King-size bed and a daybed for one child 

- 40-inch cable-channel TV

- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in rainshower 

- Charming window seat with views of the river

- On middle level with balcony overlooking the river

STUDIO BEDROOM 

- King-size bed 

- Walk-in dressing room

- 40-inch cable-channel TV

- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in rainshower 

- On the lowest level with glorious views of the river

Villa Atacaya is set in a regency that few are fortunate enough to experience – this is privileged living for those who have the opportunity. Many love Bali for its beach clubs and resorts but step into its heartland to experience spiritual equilibrium. 

Set within a private estate, Atacaya remains secluded yet also shares a 400m event space with its neighbouring villa. Both can be rented in unison to accommodate larger parties, forming the Nyanyi Riverside Villas when paired, comprising a total of nine beds and creating the ideal entertainment space.

With a dedicated driver on hand – available for up to 8 hours each day –all island amenities are eminently reachable and suddenly this secluded hideaway becomes an idyllic retreat after days spent gallivanting across Bali. But there is no doubt you will want to return each evening; no-one would dare miss the feasts offered by the expert villa chef - to be enjoyed on the riverside decking or terraces that float within the jungle canopy.