Villa Sapi

Canadian architect David Lombardi’s concept of ‘Function over Form’ leaves Villa Sapi’s guests with a sense of discovery and surprise at every turn, from the traditionally styled, grass-roofed building that houses the main kitchen to a futuristic home theatre. Furnishings carry a signature colour theme of black, red and lime green, while the walls are adorned with flair – bamboo, water cascades and conceptual artwork. The first clue to the quirky nature of the artwork is a white sculpture in the coconut grove garden which, in huge black letters, suggests that we should ‘Stop Making Sense’. The view over the 2,500sqm estate from the villa’s open-sided living and dining room, bedrooms and bathrooms is unrivalled; here guests can look forward to a vista that is ever-changing with the moods of the sea, sky, neighbouring islands, distant mountains, forests and colourful fishing boats. At night, after a magnificent sunset, the scene becomes even more magical as the moon’s reflection twinkles on the water, presenting a picture of tranquillity and unforgettable beauty.

Villa Sapi rests within an expansive coconut-grove garden and comprises a main single-storey residence with a 25m swimming pool and a children’s pool, plus a stand-alone guest pavilion with two more swimming pools, set well away from the main house. Also within the villa’s grounds are a floodlit tennis court and a lumbung (traditional rice barn) massage pavilion. The main building is entered via a timber pathway, lined with fire torches. This leads past a feature wall of bamboo and a cascading wall of water. Running parallel to the beachfront, the main building incorporates the living and dining areas, kitchens, three of the five bedrooms, the study and the home theatre. The guest pavilion is built into a manmade hill capped with grass, and presents an open-sided sitting area and two bedrooms, one of which is semi-subterranean. Both bedrooms are complemented by a deck and a private swimming pool.

Guests at Villa Sapi have the option to avail of the special full board meals (at a special rate). Villa Sapi’s chef discusses food and meal schedules with guests at the start of their stay. He then produces three gourmet meals per day: a full and hearty breakfast, a three-course lunch and a three-course dinner, plus afternoon tea and snacks. He is happy to accommodate likes and dislikes, special requests and special diets, including children’s meals and low calorie options. The chef only uses the freshest vegetables and fruits, mostly harvested from Villa Sapi’s own organic garden or from the local market. Fish comes directly from the local fishermen. Poultry is raised locally and organically. Fresh beef and lamb are imported from Australia and New Zealand. Guests can expect stunningly presented delicious servings of fresh fish, steaks or lamb chops with a colourful array of fresh vegetables; gazpacho soup; gourmet pasta dishes; local dishes such as pepes ikan (fish baked in banana leaf packages); Lombok prawn curry; Sate Ikan Tanjung, which originates from the neighbouring village of Tanjung and features a satay of spiced tuna or snapper fish with an infusion of coconut milk and garlic, pressed onto a lemongrass skewer and grilled. Desserts include a wonderful chocolate fondant and the villa’s pastry chef bakes delicious cakes and other sweet treats. Freshly squeezed fruit juices are always available at Villa Sapi, as well as other soft drinks, beers and a good range of imported spirits (served at cost price) – Mojitos are a specialty. Barbecues or pool balé dinners can be arranged with traditional dance entertainment.

Family-friendly advantages of villa stays include having access to your own private facilities, such as swimming pool, living space and gardens and having the freedom to use them whenever you want. Knowing that the kids can run around happily, independently and safely, without you having to worry about other guests, is a real plus – and one that means parents are certain to have a more relaxed holiday too. Villa Sapi has an enormous open garden, a tennis court, table tennis, bikes, kayaks, a 20m kids’ pool, a funky TV room with beanbags, DVDs, board games and toys. The villa’s friendly staff will go out of their way to make children feel as welcome as adults – whether it’s cooking in the kitchen or playing table tennis or football in the garden. Having these willing helpers on hand also gives you plenty of flexibility and freedom to do your own exploring beyond the villa grounds (full-time babysitting incurs a small extra cost).