Ever wondered about building in Bali?
Husband and wife team David Griffin and Rachael Peedom have done just that – creating the stunning Sea Shanty villa. We dropped by to ask them about this luxe 4-bedroom villa and their love of Jimbaran Bay. Not only did Rachael give us the lowdown – she also offered our readers a sweet deal to book the place too (including a champagne sunset cruise!).
Tell us about building a villa in Bali – what was the hardest thing?
One of the greatest challenges we faced was keeping it simple. It’s easy to run away with indulgent ideas, which end up being impracticable and expensive.
So many villas tout themselves as barefoot luxe but not many deliver. You’ve thought of everything: open air bathrooms, stunning pool, amazing staff and private digs that are still close to the action. What else will guests find?
I worked in the luxury travel industry for almost 10 years and had the fortune to stay in some of the most luxurious properties around the globe. The best experiences for me were those without shoes, without air con, without walls, without rules or dress codes.
Sea Shanty is about bringing nature to your doorstep, and having excellent service and staff in a relaxed environment. You often forget the bed linen or the room décor, but you never forget good staff. So it’s a dream come true for us to be able to build an open-style private home-away-from-home, surrounded by garden, great natural airflow, and great staff.
This is the perfect party pad. What kinds of bedroom configurations are available?
The villa has four bedrooms, each with en-suites. The two master bedrooms (one upstairs, one downstairs) have super king-sized beds. The third bedroom (we call it the Library), can be configured as a bedroom with either a king bed, two single beds, or a day bed. Lastly, the fourth bedroom is specifically designed for children, with two bunk beds plus two additional mattresses if required, sleeping a total of six children.
It’s designed for two or three couples with children. The fourth bedroom works well as an additional daytime chill-out room. This configuration is perfect for mingling when you want to, and retreat into all the extra private spaces when you need time out.
Normally we head to Seminyak, but it’s a bit hectic there now for us. What does Jimbaran Bay have to offer?
We agree! Seminyak’s loud music, bright lights and crazy traffic just don’t appeal to us any more. Jimbaran is low key – there’s no spruikers on the beach hustling you to buy bintang singlets or plait your hair. The boys can catch a boat out to experience world-class surf breaks 10 minutes from the beach in front of the house, and ladies can do yoga or get a massage. The beach is also safe for the kids as the waves are generally small near the shoreline.
Jimbaran is also seeing an emergence of restaurants, bars and shopping boutiques. The choice includes everything from Seafood Warungs in the sand to five-star restaurants fronting the beach; from small shops selling locally-made handicrafts to high-end boutiques selling fashion, art, gifts, home interiors and fabrics.
What do you love about Jimbaran?
There is a very local flavour about the place. As you walk up to Grocer and Grind for a coffee, you’ll pass the kids riding bikes to school. You can stop and have a look at the fighting roosters on display, too, and maybe be invited in to a ceremony at one of the many small temples in the area. It’s fast becoming the new “hip” place to be in Bali. Sunset views are spectacular, and yet a world away from the crazy side of the island. It also remains as working fishing village, with fish markets (“Pasar Ikan”) down one end of the beach, seafood restaurants that emerge along the sandy shores at sunset and the beach painted with colourful fishing Jukungs (outrigger boats).
What is an absolute must-try at Jimbaran?
The seafood restaurants down the southern end of the beach (they’re right on Sea Shanty’s doorstep) are a fun experience. Walk along the back of the restaurants and choose your live seafood from the fish tanks – there are lobsters, clams, fresh prawns, catch of the day – and in 30 minutes, you will have a feast of seafood and complimentary condiments in front of you, with a cold drink and your feet in the sand.
We were very pleased with the price and thanks so much for offering our readers such a great deal too. We’ll let you take the honours…
Sea Shanty Bali is extending a one-time exclusive 30% off published rates for Honeycombers readers! The first person to book will also receive a complimentary sunset boat cruise on a traditional “Jukung” with a bottle of bubbly. Quote “Honeycombers Exclusive November Offer” when you book. Terms and conditions apply. Book here.
Thanks Rachel, we can’t wait to visit again!
Terms and conditions:
Boat cruise is subject to prevailing weather conditions, to be determined by the staff and the boat company during the stay. This exclusive Honeycombers offer is valid only for stays from now to 17 December 2014 (inclusive), and from 9 January to 2 April 2015 (inclusive). Book and pay before 28 February 2015. Min. three-night stay applies. Offer valid for maximum six adults and six children per stay. Any additional persons will be subject to additional charges (see T&C’s in the booking link for details). Only valid for direct bookings through Sea Shanty at [email protected]
Photos taken by the talented Dhita Beechey of Lush Design.
