7 bedroom villa located in Seseh-Tanah Lot, Bali. Ideal for Beachfront, Body and soul, Bring the relatives, Eco aware, Gastronomic delights, Going for golf, Perfect for weddings, Room with a view, Sensible for seniors, The great outdoors.
Taman Ahimsa is a magical, fully-staffed, 7-bedroom sanctuary, located absolutely beachfront in a tiny fishing village. Built in a rustic style, which blends with the environment and supports eco-friendly principals, this secluded property is ideal for yoga and spiritual retreats promoting healthy eating and healing therapies.
Rustic chic, seven-bedroom, holistic sanctuary right on the beach
If you’re looking for nightlife and shopping, Taman Ahimsa is probably not the villa for you, but if you want to retreat from the world, awaken your soul, practice yoga and meditation, eat healthy food and experience therapeutic massages, this transformative place will inspire you more than you ever imagined possible. Even if you’re not really into the spiritual concept, and you don’t understand much about chakras, mandala thankas, crystals and healing circles, you will still appreciate the beautiful close-to-nature setting, the sight and sound of the sea, the romantic architecture and the peaceful ambiance.
Although the villa promotes the holistic concept, you don’t have to be on a spiritual retreat to come here; but who knows, you might just be inspired to experience something new. The gardens and interiors are fun to explore too, in every room we found a traditional Balinese instrument, an extraordinary crystal or an antique, or a funky lamp or table. Floors and doors are made from old teak, ironwood and two-toned tamarind wood, which has been recycled from boats and old buildings. Please note the villa has a no smoking policy.
Taman Ahimsa is managed by Fivelements, a company that specialises in holistic healing retreats, centred at Puri Ahimsa, 20km away. For a truly amazing experience arrange for the villa’s driver to take you to Fivelements Puri Ahimsa for a holistic treatment performed by an authentic Balinese healer.
Individual Scores:
Character/Charm:
10
Location:
9
Oustide Area:
9
Living Area:
9
Bedrooms:
10
Bathrooms:
9
Kitchen:
8
Facilities:
7
Staff:
7
Value:
8
Highlights
The beautiful deserted beachside location; the rustic architecture and use of natural materials; the gorgeous gardens and the serenity, all combined to make our stay at Taman Ahimsa a very special and unique experience. Also of note are the staff, who were very sweet, and the healthy juices, which were superb.
Surprises
The TV room is cosy, but it adjoins one of the bedrooms, so is not the most practical. On the other hand, Taman Ahimsa is not really a TV-watching kind of place. We could have done with some books, games and DVDs though, so remember to bring some with you.
PROs
Extraordinary indigenous architecture
Raw foods on the menu
Yoga and natural healing centre
Step straight onto the sand
Eco-friendly and holistic
CONs
Smokers and party folk may feel a bit uncomfortable
Teong Siew Meng, Zambia checked out on 28-Feb-2013
Overall Rating:
8.0
Reviewed:
04-Mar-2013
This place is good and in a good quite location. The swimming pool is very big and the open layout nice. Service was very good and the staffs were very helpful. My mother and I love Balinese open style design, so The Ahimsa Villa is perfect. The Ahimsa provides a transfer service, which we used were really helps us to solve all the traveling problems.
Taman Ahimsa (which translates to ‘garden of peace’ in Indonesian) is a magical hideaway on a windblown beach in the traditional village of Cemagi on Bali’s south-west coast. The design of the villa is timeless, in keeping with the natural surroundings, and aesthetically beautiful. A series of thatched pavilions, inspired by the curvilinear forms of boat hulls, seashells and sacred spirals, is woven together by pathways, yet separated by lotus ponds, coconut palms and hibiscus hedges. These gorgeous tropical gardens tumble down to the freeform 15m swimming pool and the beach; the melodious sound of the waves is constant, while – unbroken by walls or fences – the view of the ocean and coastline is truly breathtaking.
Taman Ahimsa is a special place to unite and nurture mind, body and soul through the practice of yoga, meditation, and holistic therapies administered with ancient wisdom by traditional Balinese healers who will visit the villa at guests’ request. The seven chakras can be observed in the naming of each bedroom and the chosen colours of the soft furnishings within, while a significant touch is the placement of a crystal in each room to magnetise and balance the energy.
The construction incorporates natural and recycled materials, including alang alang grass, bamboo and old timbers, yet the rustic innovation of the architecture is blended with Western comfort and quality. Other eco-friendly initiatives include an ozone swimming pool, the use of photovoltaic energy, on-site composting, waste management, and bio-technology, which treats and recycles water for irrigation. This holistic sanctuary employs a full-time chef skilled in the preparation of fresh, wholesome, healthy cuisine, including raw foods and organically-grown produce. Guests’ groceries (including children’s choices) are purchased by the staff at market price plus 15%. The chef is supported by a team of Balinese staff who look after guests with genuine service, sincerity and grace. Although principally aimed at those seeking a spiritual or yoga retreat, Taman Ahimsa is suitable for anyone who wishes to escape and relax, fully living up to its claim of being a peaceful sanctuary beside the sea.
Taman Ahimsa is in the tiny village of Cemagi on Bali’s southwest coast, 11km north of Canggu and 9km south of Tanah Lot sea temple and the famous Nirwana Bali Golf Course. Cemagi is approached through the pretty village of Mengening, along narrow streets surrounded by rice fields and punctuated by holy banyan trees. Although only 14km from the cosmopolitan glamour of Seminyak, these two villages retain the customs and culture of old Bali – there is a daily fruit and vegetable market, cows are herded through the fields and you can watch the rice and other crops being planted and harvested. Vibrant temple ceremonies are also a common sight, and you will often hear the sound of ritual music. The pretty beach in front of Taman Ahimsa offers delightful walks but is unsafe for swimming.
About Seseh-Tanah Lot A few kilometres to the northwest of Canggu, a towering banyan—one of the ‘elders' of the tree kingdom—heralds the turning to Seseh, a traditional beachside village approached via an avenue of coconut palms. Seseh and the tiny neighbouring villages of Sogsogan and Cemagi still retain the customs and culture of old Bali. Here, you will see farmers in conical hats riding rusty old upright bicycles, as well as frequent, colourful processions to Seseh's large beachside temple. There are no international restaurants here, but you might just see a barong (a high-spirited, benevolent beast representing the power of good; danced by two men inside an ornate costume) dancing on the street. The good news, for folks who want to immerse themselves in the customs and culture of old Bali, is that the villagers encourage and welcome congenial visitors. There are now over 30 private rental villas in these three villages, all of which have seamlessly integrated without in any way detracting from the simplicity and charm of the location. This is an ideal destination for those who want to get lost in the beauty of the countryside, and for those who want to engage with the local people and gain privileged insights into the Balinese Hindu lifestyle.
A little further up the coast is the area known as Tanah Lot, famous for its dramatic and venerated sea temple, which is perched on a craggy wave-lashed rock just at the edge of the glistening black shoreline. It is probably the most photographed sight in Bali, especially in the late afternoon when its splendid profile is silhouetted against the setting sun. The Tanah Lot locale is also home to a number of private villas due to presence of the 18-hole, 72-par, championship-standard Nirwana Bali Golf Club, which is frequently voted the number one golf course in Asia. This is still a far-flung area with few shops or restaurants, apart from the many souvenir stalls and simple eateries within the temple grounds, and three international restaurants within Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort.
About Bali Bali is Indonesia's most popular tourist location and is considered one of Asia's premier tropical island destinations. Steeped in history and renowned for its artistic way of life, Bali is a peaceful contrast to some of the more frantic destinations Asia has to offer. The inner peace and creative talents of the Balinese has attracted artists the world over fascinated by local dancers, silversmiths, wood carvers, potters and painters that seem to pervade throughout the island. The abundant verdant fields and surrounding sea have long supplied Bali with an easy surplus of food leaving time for life's more artistic past times. As a result everything in Bali has a creative and religious element centred around the local Banjar (residents association) – little, adorned temples are everywhere, doors are covered in intricate carvings, huge kites ward off evil spirits and colourful roadside ceremonies bring traffic to a standstill. Bali is a popular destination principally from Australia and Asia but also from all over Europe. The island welcomes thousands of visitors each year to a relaxing lifestyle, stunning beaches, world class surf, vibrant villages, and spectacular scenery all with an exquisite tropical climate. Located approximately two hours' flying time from Singapore the island is serviced by an international airport at Denpasar with direct flights to and from many major cities in Asia, Europe and Australia and many more via Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. The island offers an impressive range of leisure and lifestyle amenities including world-class golf courses, wonderful seascapes for surfing, diving and snorkelling as well as luxurious spas, chic boutiques, tropical forests, towering volcanoes and international cuisine.
Guests enter Taman Ahimsa through an intriguing two-storey pavilion, evocative of a boat. This building is open-sided at ground level, facing the garden, with an elevated area furnished with antique daybeds and a lower section presenting a pair of built-in couches and an open-air timber deck with a frangipani tree growing through the floor. An antique window panel frames a service hatch into a fully equipped kitchen, adjacent to which is a huge, 16-seater dining table.
A solid wood staircase leads up to two air-conditioned bedrooms, one of which is a master room complete with an adjoining lounge with comfortable rattan furnishings and a 37-inch TV/DVD player. This is an ideal family area, reminiscent of a tree house, with stunning views from two balconies that are linked by a bridge. Kids love it! Both bedrooms are furnished with king beds, and have ensuite bathrooms fitted with terrazzo bathtubs, river rock washbasins, and walk-in rain showers. There are five more air-conditioned bedrooms dotted throughout the garden; all have dressing areas with fitted wardrobes and a safe; Tibetan hand-painted mandala thankas (Buddhist banners) adorn the walls, and boldly coloured cushions and bedlinens are fashioned in a handmade patchwork of fabrics and stitching. Each garden bedroom is furnished with a king bed, and adjoined by a romantic, semi open-air bathroom with lots of recycled solid wood and stone features, including hollowed-out river rock tubs, washbasins, and rain showers bordered by small walled gardens. The garden master bedroom is another boat-shaped structure, accessed via a wooden bridge over a pond and furnished with a huge (2.3m-wide) bed. No bedroom is overlooked by the other buildings; each has a private terrace, bordered by short hedges and shrubs.
The 15m freeform swimming pool is flanked by an ironwood deck furnished with sun beds and umbrellas. This area is a social hub; the large pool pavilion with raised timber floor and bar, glass-topped tables and bamboo chairs is ideal for casual al fresco dining, and doubles as a yoga studio. Alongside the pool is a conical bale (gazebo) and in a nearby corner of the garden is a raised massage pavilion with antique wooden panelling.
Master Bedroom 1 (Upstairs)King6.8m x 8.9m Master Bedroom 2 (Garden)King4.7m x 5.5m Bedroom 3King5.5m x 6.8m Bedroom 4King5.5m x 6.8m Bedroom 5King5.5m x 6.8m Bedroom 6King5.5m x 6.8m Bedroom 7King4.35m x 5.5m
Rustic chic, seven-bedroom, holistic sanctuary right on the beach
If you’re looking for nightlife and shopping, Taman Ahimsa is probably not the villa for you, but if you want to retreat from the world, awaken your soul, practice yoga and meditation, eat healthy food and experience therapeutic massages, this transformative place will inspire you more than you ever imagined possible. Even if you’re not really into the spiritual concept, and you don’t understand much about chakras, mandala thankas, crystals and healing circles, you will still appreciate the beautiful close-to-nature setting, the sight and sound of the sea, the romantic architecture and the peaceful ambiance.
Although the villa promotes the holistic concept, you don’t have to be on a spiritual retreat to come here; but who knows, you might just be inspired to experience something new. The gardens and interiors are fun to explore too, in every room we found a traditional Balinese instrument, an extraordinary crystal or an antique, or a funky lamp or table. Floors and doors are made from old teak, ironwood and two-toned tamarind wood, which has been recycled from boats and old buildings. Please note the villa has a no smoking policy.
Taman Ahimsa is managed by Fivelements, a company that specialises in holistic healing retreats, centred at Puri Ahimsa, 20km away. For a truly amazing experience arrange for the villa’s driver to take you to Fivelements Puri Ahimsa for a holistic treatment performed by an authentic Balinese healer.
Individual Scores:
Character/Charm:
10
Location:
9
Outside Area:
9
Living Area:
9
Bedrooms:
10
Bathrooms:
9
Kitchen:
8
Facilities:
7
Staff:
7
Value:
8
Highlights
The beautiful deserted beachside location; the rustic architecture and use of natural materials; the gorgeous gardens and the serenity, all combined to make our stay at Taman Ahimsa a very special and unique experience. Also of note are the staff, who were very sweet, and the healthy juices, which were superb.
Surprises
The TV room is cosy, but it adjoins one of the bedrooms, so is not the most practical. On the other hand, Taman Ahimsa is not really a TV-watching kind of place. We could have done with some books, games and DVDs though, so remember to bring some with you.
PROs
Extraordinary indigenous architecture
Raw foods on the menu
Yoga and natural healing centre
Step straight onto the sand
Eco-friendly and holistic
CONs
Smokers and party folk may feel a bit uncomfortable
Teong Siew Meng, Zambia checked out on 28-Feb-2013
Overall Rating:
8.0
Reviewed:
04-Mar-2013
This place is good and in a good quite location. The swimming pool is very big and the open layout nice. Service was very good and the staffs were very helpful. My mother and I love Balinese open style design, so The Ahimsa Villa is perfect. The Ahimsa provides a transfer service, which we used were really helps us to solve all the traveling problems.
In order to have a booking confirmed you must make deposit payment as outlined in The Villa Guide Booking Terms and Conditions unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking. The standard deposits are:
-For rentals beginning more than 60 days after the date of your booking request - a deposit of 50% of the total rental amount is payable.
-For rentals beginning 60 days or less after the date of your booking request - the total rental amount is payable as a deposit.
Standard cancellation policy
In the event of cancellation, penalties as outlined in The Villa Guide Booking Terms and Conditions apply unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking.
It is strongly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation travel insurance.
Rates
Prices may change based on the time of your booking, arrival date and length of stay. For exact rates please click on the Check Availability button and enter your dates.
Whilst every effort is made to keep rates current. They are subject to change from time to time. If there is a rate change you will be informed before a booking is confirmed.
Confirmed booking rates will not change.
Security deposit
Upon arrival at the villa you may be required to pay a security deposit. The security deposit, if applicable, will be returned to you prior to departure less any extra charges or costs for accidental damage to the property.
Check in/out
Check in – 3.00pm, Check out - 10.00am
Late check outs up to 6.00pm may incur a half day charge, after 6.00pm a full day may be charged.
Every effort will be made to accommodate other check in/out times but will depend on availability.
The Villa Guide full Booking Terms and Conditions are available here.