The Istana

Five years post its inception and redefining private luxury villas on the island, the Istana is undergoing some alterations. Gfab Architects, one of Asia's leading design firms has conceived of, and is implementing the changes to the villas interior and structure.

The aim of the works is to update and freshen the villa; there will be an entirely new look, while still maintaining the essence of the Istana. The focus was that this would be a modern approach yet still being firmly rooted in Balinese traditions and creativity. An emphasis on comfort and privacy for guests has been forefront on the mind of the architects and the owners. The villa will afford more varied and comfortable places to gather and the bedrooms have been reworked so that when guest want to get away from it all they comfortably can read or sunbathe, watch TV in their rooms.

Previously the single line vehicle entrance that led to the walk way and then to the view was lacking in any expectation. Changes have been made to prolonging the journey and un-wrapping the entrance experience more slowly. This is achieved by amending the position of the entrance gate, a change also strongly advised by Balinese priests as guests will now enter on the 7th bay which is far more auspicious in local traditions. A new covered parking bay has been created so that vehicles will have shade and be cooler on entrance.

Snapshots

Living Room
The entrance walkway steps up slowly through the lotus ponds at the front and allows a framed view on approach, this is more in keeping with a traditional Balinese entrance as it is believed that evil spirits cannot turn corners. Only upon entering the living room, will then the view take away one's breath. The furniture will be amended and enlarged so you have a large modular system which can be arranged to suit any occasion. There continues to be a bar in the living space. Large stone designs have been amended within the walls to include a combination of carving and niches to house traditional antiquities.

The Dining Room
The dining room has been enlarged so can comfortably seat twelve on normal occasions and up to eighteen people when required, all new furniture, timber paneled ceilings and fabric paneled walls compliments the scene. A large folding glazed wall to the ocean view and a slot window to the entrance elevation afford privacy from staff areas. The new wall paneling is composed of hand printed fabrics in silver grays and blues.

The AV Room
The AV room now boasts a state-of-the-art projector systems that throws images onto a massive screen; the room will fully black out and have cinema quality viewing with Bose surround sound home theatre. As a backdrop, the walls are paneled in blues and grays in handmade traditionally inspired fabrics. The huge lounging sofa and footstools will make viewing a pleasure.

The Bale
The bale is being replaced with a larger and deeper structure, closer to the cliff edge with a seating area at the front, Horigatsu dining and a bar and built-in BBQ to the rear. The planting to the front has been reduced to afford views of breaking waves.

Master Bedroom
The master bedroom has been remodeled, the bathroom space has been enlarged and as well as an oversized bed there is a large day bed with a swiveling and concealable TV, to permit easy viewing from bed and lounger. A large sunken bath is now the central feature in the air-conditioned bathroom, which also hosts a separate shower, toilet and dressing areas. Complimenting this outside is a new and larger additional shower in the private garden. The bedroom walls are paneled in grays and blues fabric panels and the space has a more personal scale which also allows for more efficient airconditioning.

The Ocean and Garden Bedrooms
All the bedrooms have an ornate carved headboard while still in keeping with the cleaner look of the new Istana along with boasting a totally revamped larger dressing and bathing area, external shower and internal pedestal bath. For the Ocean rooms day beds and desks along with comfortable lounge chairs have been included as well as some external garden furniture that will allow clients far more comfort in their rooms than previously. The large windows into the living area have been replaced with a slot window to allow more privacy to these suites. In the Garden bedrooms, the entrances in those rooms have been given large private gardens with sunloungers; they also now possess 42" TV screens in each and additional walls to ensure privacy.

The Kids Room
The staff wing has an additional floor added which house a 'children's wing', there is children's sleeping split level beds and a play room, that features games and TV systems with latest play station and Wii games. There is also an adjacent maids room. A pool room has also been added.

The Kitchens and Staff Flow
The kitchens have been totally revamped and enlarged, while providing new equipment to deal more efficiently with catered events and weddings. Staff thoroughfares have been planned to keep all as concealed and unintrusive from guests as possible.

Regular Daily Rates
validity: Year-round

Last Minute Deals
Valid for booking made less than 10 days prior to arrival date

Long Stay Discount
Valid for minimum 14 nights stay

New rates will apply for stays starting from 01 January 2011.

1. Rates
   All rates are subject to 15% government tax & service charge, inclusive of refreshing welcome drinks upon arrival, daily breakfast, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages such as: fruit juices, soft drinks, mineral water, Indonesian tea and Bali coffee, personal car & driver for 10 consecutive hours per day, and return airport transfers.
2. High & Peak Season Periods
   High season period: July 1 - 31, September 1 - 15, Chinese New Year, and Easter Week.
   Peak season period: August 1 - 31 and December 20 - January 8.
   Minimum stay: LOW season: 5 nights; HIGH season: 5 nights; PEAK season: 10 nights.
3. Promotional Offer
   A promotional offer cannot be combined with any other promotion unless otherwise specified. Please see validity of each promotional offer stated in red. All promotional offers are valid for new booking only.