Island life, island style and island time is the mantra for Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Day Spa situated on the small island of Nusa Lembongan, a short boat ride from Bali.

Perched on the coral hillside above Jungut Batu village beach, the resort offers a pristine uninterrupted panorama view across the Badung Strait to the east coastline of Bali and the magnificent silhouette of Mount Agung.

Distinctive Balinese architecture and custom Balinese crafted furnishings feature a mixture of natural stone and coral carved work. The resort provides the latest in luxurious style villas and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

The first rule that designer Penny Del Castillo of Noosa-based In Design International adhered to was that nothing should even remotely represent a contemporary penthouse apartment.

Unpolished and flat finishes ruled the entire interior fitout – no polished stainless or chrome, no powder-coated steel, no glossy porcelain tiles or crystal chandeliers. In fact, the only glass you will find in the villas are the mirrors above the bathroom vanities.

Elsewhere you’ll find rough-cut and honed yellow stone floor and wall tiles, solid timber decking for the verandahs and hand-carved teak for the traditional double entry doors. Authentic brass fittings were used wherever possible while the bathrooms feature Java cream marble basins and neutral-coloured terrazzo bath tubs.

In effect, the super-sized bathing areas (see pictured) are another living space. The indoor/outdoor effect is marvellous with all showers carefully positioned to allow views across the bay to the magnificent Mount Agung. Meanwhile, from the bath tub, you can catch glimpses of the ocean and the gardens. The terrazzo egg shaped tubs were framed, poured and polished in situ.