Situated
on two lush riverside acres in Ubud, the cultural arts center
of Bali, Villa Pelangi is the perfect getaway destination
for discriminating travelers seeking an authentic experience
of "The Island of the Gods". Swaying coconut palms,
the scent of exotic flowers, and the sound of spring-fed waterfalls
will make you feel miles from civilization, though gourmet
restaurants, art galleries, cultural events and world-class
shopping are just 15 minutes away.
Conceived and built by
jewelry designer Carolyn Tyler, the 5,000 square foot multi-level
home (featured in Architectural Digest, and on America's Home
and Garden Channel) has most of the conveniences of five-star
hotel, but offers the extra advantages of greater privacy,
more autonomy, and individualized personal service from three
congenial English speaking staff.
The
Inspiration for Ms. Tyler's innovative pagoda- style
home comes from the Hindu chakra system-a concept of
physical/spiritual energy that infuses the human body
with healing light energy. The colors of the seven primary
charkas are essentially those of a prism or rainbow
(thus the name Villa Pelangi, or "house of rainbows"),
and the interior décor follows this scheme in
its seven levels.
The burgundys and
russets of the lowest level (root chakra) lend a cozy
warmth to the Raja and Rani rooms and the salmon-colored
marble in the foyer and tangerine clamshell-shaped bathtub
impart a distinct sensuality to the "base chakra"
area.
The mid-level living room with its rich mustard golds and
the vivid jewel-tone greens of the kitchen comprise the solar
plexus and heart charka of the home. This is apropos because
the yellow " hara chakra" strengthens personal power
and sociability-the perfect lively color for an entertaining
area. And since kitchens are the heart of the home, soothing
and nurturing green was used in its décor.
Up a flight of stairs
from the kitchen is the Pelangi Suite atelier (Ms. Tyler's
design studio), bathed in serene shades of blue¾the
throat chakra color of creativity and self-expression. The
adjacent Pelangi Suite bedroom is decorated in the lavender
and violet hues of the third eye chakra "meditasi"
area¾a
treetop tower of white marble and golf leaf¾the
perfect retreat for contemplation and yoga.
Off
the Pelangi Suite is an enclosed private backyard with a saltwater
pool (less than 10% as salty as the sea, with no chemicals)
graced by sandstone latticework panels featuring a carved
Buddha seated behind a "sheet of glass" waterfall.
Throughout the home
carved antique furniture, eclectic architectural details,
and embroidered floor pillows add a exotic, "Arabian
Nights" atmosphere, helping to create what most visitors
come to Bali for: complete relaxation and peace.
From
the lounges on a large riverside deck, guests may laze
in the sun or enjoy an alfresco meal under the shade
of an umbrella while kingfishers, butterflies, and herons
fly by.