Batujimbar is one of Bali's most extraordinary residences, with a rich and colourful history, a grand 'Bali style' design pedigree, and a celebrity house-guest list that includes ruling monarchs and rock legends. Within its enchanting one-hectare gardens – situated right by the beach in Sanur's exclusive Batujimbar estate – are eight bedrooms, multiple living and dining pavilions, a 25-metre pool, gym and tennis court. There's direct access onto the beach from the gardens, and Sanur's many restaurants and boutiques are a five-minute walk away. It's the perfect choice for multiple families and groups of friends, and a captivating setting for weddings.

If any place epitomizes the authentic 'Bali style' that has enraptured so many over the past decades, it is Villa Batujimbar – a treasure-filled travel destination in itself. This one-hectare residence was originally the home of longtime Bali resident and Australian artist Donald Friend, who in 1970 invited Sri Lankan 'tropical modernism' architect Geoffrey Bawa – celebrated for breaking down barriers and creating harmonious relationships between buildings and landscape – to collaborate in developing the beachfront estate. The Balinese palaces at Amplapura and Klungkung plus the famed water gardens of Tirta Ganga influenced his ideas – clearly expressed in the two-storey moat-encircled Lembuh Bale that commands centre-stage within the meticulously designed gardens.

 
Today, the lower gallery of the Lembuh Bale houses the current Australian owner's astonishing collection of Balinese art – among them the Donald Friend painting he bought from the artist himself on first visiting Batu Jimbar in 1972. (It would be another twenty years before he took over the villa from luxury hotel maven Adrien Zecha who had stepped in after Donald left Bali; since then he has made many improvements). This art museum rivals the island's finest galleries and museums and is a unique feature of Villa Batu Jimbar.  Yet art is not confined to this space alone; throughout the living and sleeping pavilions you'll come across architectural treasures, rare artefacts, painted antique doors and windows, and heirloom paintings that reveal the owner's passion for Balinese art and craftsmanship. And within the meticulously designed gardens are myriad moss-encrusted statuary and intricately carved stone reliefs. Bali's beauty shines in the! materials used too – vaulted alang-alang thatched roofs, lavastone steps, coral walls, terrazzo and teakwood floors.

 
With such a fascinating history, no wonder Villa Batujimbar has attracted celebrity guests over the years. Today's guests are following the footsteps of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall (who got married here), Sting (who gave an impromptu concert), Yoko Ono, Princess Diana, the king of Malaysia and the Crown Prince of Thailand. In such splendid surroundings, and pampered by a staff of 11, you can look forward to royal treatment too.

www.villabatujimbar.com

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