VILLA OMBAK PUTIH

There’s a cool theatricality about Villa Ombak Putih, a sensory experience that begins the moment you step through the teakwood doors into the sun-drenched courtyard. A reclining Ganesha (Hindu elephant god) guides guests over an expanse of water lapping aquamarine pebbles, past a phalanx of six goddess Saraswati statues through antique Balinese doors into the light-infused mezzanine of the main house. And the drama continues with first sight of the stunning 30m swimming pool stretching to infinity! The villa is aptly named after the white-crested waves that crash onto the volcanic sand metres beyond the perimeter walls. There are striking views of this wild surfers’ sea from the upper floor of the main villa (devoted entirely to the two master bedroom suites and shared living space), while the pounding surf lulls to sleep occupants of the three pavilions cocooned in the gardens uncoiling seawards. This spirited ocean setting is reflected throughout the villa in splashes of aqua on walls, plump cushions, and large photo canvases that stand out from the otherwise white palette. And the theme continues in decorative details like driftwood sculptures, antique oars, cowrie shell objets d’art and lampshades of pearlised shell.