Design

A special collaboration between Los Angeles–based architect Luc Berne, Atlanta builder Steve Romeyn, Balinese builder I Wayan Suestha, and luxury travel and design writer Kathryn Romeyn, Bali Kali Kubu melds iconic Balinese aesthetics with indigenous materials, clean California contemporary lines, and a bright indoor/outdoor living plan signature to both destinations. It’s brand new: We held a Balinese Hindu blessing ceremony in July, and the finishing touches were completed in September 2018. In April 2019 HGTV aired an episode of House Hunters International featuring Bali Kali Kubu.

Ocean views and impeccable sunset vistas are key to the two-story concept, which is essentially half glass, including a soaring glass arboretum showcasing palm merah. Custom terrazzo floors (and a pink terrazzo bathtub!), vaulted rattan ceilings, hand-carved teak railings and bespoke concrete tile walls are all completely original, designed to evoke a sense of place and create a private paradise for all those who stay. A highlight of the retreat is its 1,000-square-foot T-shaped pool, consisting of a 20-meter (65-foot) section for laps and shallow area separating the living room and yoga shala with stepping stones.

Location, Location, Location

Picture waking up to pink glow of a morning sky illuminating the jungle treetops, watching the sun set over the sapphire Indian Ocean in the distance, and ending the day stargazing—to a gentle pastoral soundtrack of cowbells and birds. Perfectly off the beaten path in a quiet cluster of villas and homestays, but still super accessible, Bali Kali Kubu is less than 5 minutes by scooter to spectacular sandy beaches (Padang Padang, Impossibles and Thomas, as well as Bingin and Uluwatu about 10 minutes away), cafes, restaurants and shops. It’s the perfect base for couples, friends, families or small retreats for those seeking surf, sand and culture with supreme relaxation and wellness. Simply put, this is the nirvana you never knew existed.

Bali Kali Kubu is a handcrafted, bespoke retreat offering 4,650 square feet of sun-drenched indoor/outdoor living space, beautifully landscaped and surrounded by a privacy wall to create an oasis you’ll never want to leave.

Things to Note

Fiber optic WiFi works throughout the house, pool and yoga shala—it’s strong, so you can stream, Skype or work, whatever your preference. The bedrooms all have ceiling fans, and the upstairs rooms (including loft) also have air conditioning. There are ceiling fans and AC in the great room as well.

While staying at Bali Kali Kubu you may see our mascot, Teko. She’s a puppy who began hanging around during construction of the house and was too adorable and sweet to ignore. You’ll recognize her because she’s the one who looks like a little fox: big ears, wagging tail and no bark! Scratch her ears, rub her belly or give her a treat and she’ll love you forever.

You may also notice the temple at the far side of the property. It’s maintained by our gardener, Pak Nyoman Nuada, and his wife, and the offerings they put in it and on the driveway are called canang sari, and are a hallmark of Balinese Hinduism.

Layout

Pool: A glittering 20-meter-long lap pool is central to the retreat: Walk over stepping stones to the yoga shala above the shallow T extension, the perfect place for kids to play or guests to lounge and read, cooled off by the water. Ultimately there are 1,000 square feet of pool space.

Yoga Shala: There is nowhere better to practice than in sight of the ocean, surrounded by banana leaves, palm trees, heliconia and a mural by artist Priscilla Witte. The 20x20 shala boasts a teak floor, and is stocked with 6 Manduka Pro yoga mats, blocks and straps so you can keep up your own practice or book private instructors to come lead personalized sessions.

Living Space: A voluminous open-plan great room has a custom green and white chevron terrazzo floor and dramatic traditional rattan-backed vaulted Balinese ceiling. The kitchen is spacious and airy, with white subway tiles, open coconut wood shelving, and wraparound emerald marble-topped counters and island with stools for three. A natural suar wood–slab dining table seating 10 is in front of the two-story-high glass terrarium revealing red lipstick palms, and a generous living area features custom-made sofa, armchair and peacock chair. The voluminous space’s sliding glass doors open up to the pool on two sides, letting in sunshine and fresh ocean breezes.

Work Space/TV Loft: A hand-carved teak railing leads up the coconut wood stairs to a second-floor balcony and loft, which doubles as an ocean-view work and TV space (the smart TV allows guests to login to their personal entertainment accounts to watch Netflix, etc., and the WiFi-enabled sound bar can be connected to smartphones to play music).

Upstairs Bedrooms (all en-suite): Each of the three second-floor bedrooms has views of the ocean and plenty of light, as well as classic rattan vaulted Balinese ceilings. The large en-suite bathrooms all have private toilets in separate rooms. A wide covered balcony connects all the rooms and extends over one end of the pool for sunset views and stargazing.

West Bedroom: A customized, locally made reclaimed teak frame holds the king bed in this room perched over the yoga shala, with a flawless sunset view. Its bathroom is clad on three sides in bespoke jungle green diamond tiles, and features a pink terrazzo bathtub, poured on site, and roomy rainfall shower. There are double vanities, a tall wardrobe, dresser and suitcase bench.

East Bedroom: The most spacious room has a sitting area with woven-leather chair and ottoman, and custom-made reclaimed teak king-sized bed. There’s a tall wardrobe and suitcase bench, along with double vanities, roomy rainfall shower, and indigo blue made-to-order concrete tiles in the bathroom.

Triple Bedroom: Sleeping three people comfortably, this corner bedroom boasts a queen-size bed and large single, both on teak platform bed frames with drawers underneath. The coral tile bathroom has double vanity sinks.

Powder room and outdoor shower: On the lower level is a powder room with painted mural walls and an outdoor rainfall shower made of natural Balinese stone, convenient for rinsing off after trips to the beach or dips in the pool.

Additional amenities: Strong fiber-optic WiFi throughout the property. French press coffee maker, blender, rice cooker. Cooking oils and spices. Pool towels. Locally sourced artisan body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Covered carport for motorbike parking with artisanal tile mural. Security room at front gate for night watchman (included). Large shaded Balinese daybed and crocheted hammock. Housekeeping provided every morning, or adjustable per guest preferences. Baby crib, high chair, training potty, stool and toys available by request.

Finishings and furnishings—bespoke concrete tiles, hand-dyed blankets and local ceramics—were custom made or sourced in Bali from artisans and woodworkers. I’m happy to share some of my favorites!