Weddings at Villa Semarapura, planned by Bali Love. Villa Semarapura comprises a series of attractive pavilions spread over 5,000 square metres of…
Villa Semarapura comprises a series of attractive pavilions spread over 5,000 square metres of gardens. From the villa’s Balinese entrance, a covered walkway leads to the upper level of the spectacular ocean-view living pavilion at the heart of the estate. To its side lies the dining pavilion, kitchen and a double-storey building housing two of the villa’s five bedroom suites. Below the living room, a large media room opens onto a sun deck bordering the 20-metre swimming pool, with a pool pavilion and bar lounge on the side. With its own private garden, the master bedroom suite sits directly in front of two guest bedroom pavilions. Within the gardens are a massage balé and, at the highest point of the estate, a sunset balé overlooking the ocean. Set upon 5,000 square metres of glorious gardens next to Cemagi Beach, Villa Semarapura is a sprawling haven that seems to reach for the skies and the horizon beyond the ocean. Beyond the villa’s rolling lawns of Japanese grass, the sacred sea temple Pura Gede Luhur Batungaus rises above the Indian Ocean, an iconic silhouette against the coast’s famed crimson sunsets.Villa Semarapura was originally designed by long-term Asia-based expats as a spacious family home in classic Balinese compound style. After a no-expenses-spared, architect-led transformation, it is now available to guests as a stunning contemporary-meets-traditional sanctuary with an abundance of both social and private living spaces, and charming staff with strong attachments to the villa and total focus on making their guests happy.Start the day with a gentle stroll along the near-deserted, black sand beach, followed by a hearty breakfast on the living room’s breezy ocean-view deck. After an energising game of volleyball, laze by the 20-metre pool and let the butler mix you a ‘Semarapura Breeze’ at the poolside bar and lounge. A leisurely lunch prepared by the villa chef and served in the air-conditioned dining pavilion might be followed by a little siesta or a reviving dip in the master suite’s jacuzzi, then a visit to the spa balé for a restorative massage. Evenings at Villa Semarapura are equally enchanting: sundowners at the sunset balé; a welcome dance performed by local villagers; a seafood barbecue on the pool terrace to the hum of the bamboo rindik played under a canopy of stars.Venturing beyond Semarapura's grounds, the villa’s insightful attendant leads fascinating tours of the neighbourhood. The evolving landscape around the villa has some interesting roadside clifftop cocktail and food stalls if you wish to indulge in some local revelry. Or why not head to Echo Beach for a surf lesson, or a pilgrimage at the sacred Tanah Lot Sea Temple? Exploring further afield for a day's sightseeing is easy too, courtesy of Villa Semarapura's 16-seater minibus and driver (extra charge). Those seeking boutiques, bars, restaurants and bright lights can head to Seminyak 15km away.