Villa Bodhi Bali embraces tradition, artistry and the sacredness of all living things. Every moment here stimulates renewal. Enter this private residence retreat through the Passage of Eight Blessings and your journey to bliss begins.
Cross the threshold into Villa Bodhi Bali and you’re met by the serene stone visage of Dewi Sri, Bali’s beloved goddess of rice, fertility and prosperity. She is often adorned with vibrant orange marigolds and scented with sweet incense.
Follow the walkways that connect the cottages, reflecting ponds, and gardens of blooming frangipani, ginger, heliconia, and orchids. Stone altars honoring Balinese Hindu tradition are refreshed twice daily by local villagers with canang sari offerings thanking the Divine for peace and balance in the world. There’s an ease in the air that is quietly reassuring.
The Grand Bale and Dining Bale pavilions are located at the center of the Villa grounds. Splendid settings for celebrations, they can be tranquil sanctuaries for quiet moments, too. Immerse yourself amid Balinese art and antiques accented with hand-crafted furniture and large floral displays, all curated by Hawaii-born owner and designer Amos Kotomori. Guests often ask to purchase items of decor and it is not unusual that they leave with the object of their admiration.
The open-sided Grand Bale’s distinguishing feature is a dramatic Javanese joglo roofline. Its characteristic terraced ceiling chiseled from local teak over a century ago is truly noble. Savor this view by sinking into sumptuous silk cushions scattered on Balinese day beds.
The adjoining Dining Bale hosts a handsome family-style table that seats ten guests, a lovely place to gather at sunset. Fashioned from polished suar wood, it is a showpiece of nature’s elegance. Villa Bodhi Bali’s culinary artists are experts at creating amazing dinners with ingredients sourced daily from the Payangan village farmers market. Freshly made house sambal is sublime!
The Villa’s four individual sleeping cottages combine classic Balinese or Javanese decor with the conveniences of a contemporary hotel suite. The cottages celebrate local artists whose works of pottery, painting, batik, stone carving, and weaving are displayed. Each cottage has a distinctive name and ambience that bestows a special blessing upon its guests.
The view from the Villa’s infinity pool faces west, an unobstructed panorama of lush greenery and mountain scenery. The salt-treated pool is refreshed with pure artesian spring water. An early morning swim and evening dip under the stars are recommended daily rituals.
Villa Bodhi Bali’s organic garden grows mint, lemongrass and tapioca, fresh ingredients for invigorating juices, soothing teas, and Balinese desserts. Coconut, jackfruit and hibiscus are also found on site and incorporated into the delicious dishes prepared by the Villa’s culinary team.
One of the marvelous experiences at Villa Bodhi Bali is the sound of nature harmonizing: humming cicadas, crowing roosters, warbling forest birds, and comical burping frogs lazing in the garden ponds. Occasionally, rhythms of the neighborhood gamelan orchestra waft through the evening calm to join nature’s symphony.
Bodhi means “awakening”, inspired by the sacred Bodhi tree where the Buddha realized enlightenment. Villa Bodhi Bali awakens your senses softly, unexpectedly. An experience divinely designed.