Walk through the hidden backstreets of the traditional village of Tengkulak and you will hear the gentle tapping and cheerful banter of the woodcarvers. Sitting cross-legged on the ground and using a number of small, highly-sharpened tools and mallets, the master-carvers lightly chisel, chip and pick away at the doors they are crafting until all of the delicate details are visible.
In a private courtyard within this same village, a pair of colourful, intricately-carved Balinese doors heralds the entrance to a secret garden. Peer through and be privy to a descent of 17 stone steps to a velvety lawn, a relaxation pavilion and a curved, infinity-edged swimming pool, bordered by jungle upon the ridge of a river valley. Welcome to the peace and serenity of Villa Alamanda.
Resourcefully integrated into the natural contours of a hill, and named after a yellow trumpet flower, Villa Alamanda is a one-of-a-kind property. The architecture is neo-colonial in style, and comprises two thatched pavilions, housing four bedrooms (one of which doubles as an air-conditioned TV lounge). Enter the main door of the villa, where two comical statues stand sentry, and you will find yourself upon a living and dining terrace fringed by a forest of banana trees, giant bamboo and towering coconut palms – just the place to absorb the natural surroundings, the rush of the river, and the songs of the birds and the cicadas.
At this charming hideaway, a treasured collection of hand-picked furniture and artwork invites you to relax, put up your feet and recharge your batteries. Here, you will be looked after by a professional team of staff, including the complimentary services of a car and driver for up to eight hours a day. Breakfast is included in the villa rate and for all other meals a house menu of freshly-made (mainly Indonesian/Asian) dishes will tantalise your taste buds. Groceries are purchased by the staff on guest account, and meals prepared by a trained chef. Villa Alamanda is ideally suited for families or groups of friends and is only five kilometres from the royal town of Ubud, where folks of all ages can enjoy a gamut of holiday activities.
