The Samaya Ubud was designed as an extension of the Samaya Seminyak and is the latest addition to the expanding The Royal Collection network. Known throughout the world as Bali’s cultural and artistic capital, Ubud has been a magnet for travelers and tourists for almost a century.
Spectacularly located amid the rice fields and verdant hillsides of Bali’s lush interior, The Samaya Ubud features 19 spacious villas that boast a range of accommodation options, including one-bedroom deluxe villas, or two- and three-bedroom royal villas, the height of luxury and indulgence.
The restaurant and lobby are located on the uppermost level of the complex, commanding expansive views of the entire valley. The villas, each with its own private swimming pool, are built into the hillside, designed to minimize environmental impact while optimizing the closeness to the natural surroundings.
For those seeking true relaxation and rejuvenation, a state-of-the-art spa and wellness centre is located directly overlooking Bali’s famous Ayung River.
All rooms have king-size beds and generously appointed bathrooms complete with double vanities, separate bathtub and shower. All villas are equipped with LCD television, iPod docking stations, and Wi-Fi internet connections.
With a modern minimalist interior giving a heightened sense of luxury and spacious living, each villa is surrounded by a high wall, with a garden and traditional gazebo beside the swimming pool for comfort, privacy and the “home from home” feel that is uniquely The Royal Collection.
Having already designed The Samaya Villas at Seminyak, the architects and designers Bali Anugrah Dewata were appointed to create the Samaya Ubud.
“The design brief was simple – to build villas just like the ones in Seminyak and to use the existing natural contour of the land,” said Andreas A. Papadimitriou, Bali Anugrah Dewata’s chief designer for the project. “The style is not too Balinese but more contemporary. We did not do too much to the land letting the whole design blend in with the surrounding nature.”
The site consists of two areas: one upper level overlooking the rice fields and the lower level next to the Ayung river.
“Most hotels and villas along the river cannot enjoy the river as close as we can as they are mostly on a hillside looking down to the river,” said Andreas. “I used as much space that the land/contour could give, although sometimes the space was not enough and we had to use retaining walls.”
The materials used are all sourced locally which helped in meeting the budget.
“We’ve used a lot of wood that creates warmth and a welcoming feeling,” added Andreas. “Lighting also helps a lot in creating the mood for the resort however, in my opinion, we still need more especially along the riverside and the rice field. It would be very beautiful if one could enjoy the rice field view at night.”
The colour schemes and textural qualities are as simple as possible with splashes of colour coming from accessories such as cushions and lamp shades.
The client must have been happy with the result as Andreas has been asked to design the renovations of the beach front villas at Samaya Seminyak.