The design of Amori would suit groups booking the whole property; or couples wanting their own special holiday – romantic, relaxing, healthy, adventurous or whatever we can provide.

Each of the four double (or twin) bedrooms has it own spacious bathroom. There is also a one-bedroom suite which can sleep 4, with a separate lounge area and balcony day bed.

Amori is designed for those who enjoy sitting and reading cooled by the mountain breezes of Ubud; getting tanned and healthy swimming in the 14 metre infinity pool; or going for a morning walk through the village and along the rice paddies, followed by a relaxing fresh fruit juice and cooked breakfast. At night, our chef will prepare dinner by pre-order, or we will drive you to one of the excellent Ubud restaurants, and then pick you up afterwards.

At Amori you will enjoy the combination of in-villa privacy but with the benefit of the fabulous shared facilities and services of a deluxe resort.

Amori has 5 private residential suites, each with its own distinct architectural characteristics and furnishings. There are four double/twin suites and a one-bedroom villa (which can sleep 4). There is also the living and dining pavilion, kitchen, pool and spa. You can reserve either individual suites or the entire complex.

Whether you are on your own or in a group, you will enjoy 5-star facilities and service:

• King size double (or twin king-single) beds
• Totally luxurious bathrooms (most are indoor/outdoor)
• Air-conditioning and fans in all guest rooms
• Tea/Coffee making and mini-bar facilities in all rooms
• Personal butler service
• Hairdryers in all bathrooms
• Satellite TV
• Personal IDD telephone
• Laundry and dry cleaning service
• In-room safe deposit boxes
• Room servicing twice daily including turn-down each evening
• Unlimited bottled spring water provided
• Staff (many from the neighbouring village) who are committed to making you happy

Choose Your Suite:

• Suite 1 (Poolside)
• Suite 2 (Valleyview)
• Suite 3 (Garden Villa)
• Suite 4 (Hilltop)
• 1-Bedroom Villa (Treehouse)

The property is only a few minutes walk from a wide choice of internationally acclaimed restaurants, together with a varied collection of chic designer boutiques. It is also just footsteps away from the sweeping Seminyak Beach, renowned for its world-class surf breaks, panoramic coastline views and legendary sunsets. Easily accessible sporting amenities include a choice of spectacular championship golf courses, tennis, horseback riding, dive schools, sailing cruises and much more.

Our 24 pool villas are gracefully arranged on either side of a tree-lined pathway. The style is classy, modern and minimalist with geometric lines and artistic flair, cleverly blending chic sophistication with the traditions of Bali. Each villa, with its fresh contemporary decor, is designed to provide peace and privacy, while being equipped with everything that you will need for yout comfort and convenience.

Facilities at The Kayana include the tranquil Ayur Spa, where you can relax your mind, body and soul. Choose from a menu of traditional massage and indulgent body treatments, and be pampered into a state of lingering bliss by our skilled spa therapists. You can also enjoy leisurely lunches and romantic dinners at The Restaurant, with a fine selection of international and local cuisine. Positioned beside The Restaurant and Lounge is the main Swimming Pool; this large and enticing lap pool melts into the ambience and overflows into infinity. Furthermore, we have the expertise and the facilities to co-ordinate small private meetings, receptions and weddings. Our multi-purpose Function Room is centrally located for your convenience. Considerable care

Accommodation
Each of our 24 villas is set within a private walled garden, complete with its own private pool or alternatively a plunge pool with a hot water facility. Furthermore, each villa presents an outdoor living and dining pavilion, a stylish bathroom with bathtub and shower. Air-conditioned bedrooms complete the picture. Each is equipped with a plasma satellite television, iPod and sound dock, safe deposit box, and a thoughtful array of amenities for your comfort and convenience.

Deluxe Villa
Twelve one bedroom villas with a hot water plunge pool. Total area of 200 meter square, including private dining area.
Features: Double canopy king size bed, Air-conditioning, IDD telephone, Hair dryer, Indoor & Outdoor Slippers, Tea and coffee making facility, Internet Connection, Personal bar, DVD & selection of movies, 24 hours butler service, In room electronic safety deposit box, Sound dock, Spacious bathroom, Plasma TV, In villa dining, Direct access to swimming pool ( pool villa only), Loaded IPOD

Pool Villa
A total of eleven one bedroom villa with private pool with an area of 200 meter square, including outdoor dining area.
Features: Double canopy king size bed, Air-conditioning, IDD telephone, Hair dryer, Indoor & Outdoor Slippers, Tea and coffee making facility, Internet Connection, Personal bar, DVD & selection of movies, 24 hours butler service, In room electronic safety deposit box, Sound dock, Spacious bathroom, Plasma TV, In villa dining, Direct access to swimming pool ( pool villa only), Loaded IPOD.

2 Bedroom Pool Villa
A two bedrooms villa with a large swimming pool and living area, providing extra space with a total area 400 meter square.
Features: Double canopy king size bed, Air-conditioning, IDD telephone, Hair dryer, Indoor & Outdoor Slippers, Tea and coffee making facility, Internet Connection, Personal bar, DVD & selection of movies, 24 hours butler service, In room electronic safety deposit box, Sound dock, Spacious bathroom, Plasma TV, In villa dining, Direct access to swimming pool ( pool villa only), Loaded IPOD.

Villa Services & Facilities

• Restaurant & Lounge with library
• Main swimming pool adjacent to The Restaurant
• Free shuttle service to Legian & Seminyak area
• Laundry & dry cleaning service
• Exclusive small meeting facilities
• Handicap traveler facilities
• Ayur Spa
• Doctor on call
• Tour arrangements
• Buggy service
• Car rental / Limousine / Taxi
• Internet facilities
• Airport transfer
• In room electronic safe deposit box
• Currency exchange
• In villa dining
• 24 hours butler service
• Plasma Television
• Loaded Ipod
• Sound dock

Dining
Hearty breakfasts, leisurely lunches and romantic dinners, in addition to sandwiches and snacks, are served in the privacy of your villa or within the relaxed ambience of our poolside restaurant. Our tempting à la carte menu bursts with a wide range of international and Asian dishes together with local specialties. These beautifully presented creations utilise the freshest fish from Jimbaran Bay, premium cuts of imported meats, and Bali’s bountiful harvest of top quality vegetables and fruits, complemented by fresh tropical fruit juices and a selection of fine wines. Afternoon teas and innovative cocktails are served in the social environs of our comfortable lounge, and we also cater for meetings, functions and weddings.

The Restaurant
The Restaurant adjacent to the main pool serves international cuisine and local specialities. Open daily from 7.00am to 11.00pm

The Lounge
The Lounge presents a selection of imported wines, cocktails and afternoon tea. A relaxing day bed is your other place to relieve the whole entire hard day alone or together with partner

In Villa Dining
Enjoy our extensive International cuisine and local specialities from your villa dining area.

[source: Bali Villas]

History

Although there are no artifacts or records dating back to the Stone Age, it is believed that the first settlers on Bali migrated from China around 2500 BC. By the Bronze era, around 300 B.C. quite an evolved culture existed in Bali. The complex system of irrigation and rice production, still in use today, was established around this time.

History is vague for the first few centuries. A number of Hindu artifacts have been found dating back to the 1st century, yet it appears that the main religion, around 500 AD was predominantly Buddhist in influence. A Chinese scholar, Yi-Tsing, in 670 AD reported on a trip to India, that he had visited a Buddhist country called Bali.

It wasn’t until the 11th century that Bali received the first strong influx of Hindu and Javanese cultures. With the death of his father around AD 1011, the Balinese Prince, Airlanggha, moved to East Java and set about uniting it under one principality. Having succeeded, he then appointed his brother, Anak Wungsu, as ruler of Bali. During the ensuing period there was a reciprocation of political and artistic ideas. The old Javanese language, Kawi, became the language used by the aristocracy, one of the many Javanese traits and customs adopted by the cause.

With the death of Airlanggha, in the middle of the 11th century, Bali enjoyed a period of autonomy. However, this proved to be short-lived as in 1284, the East Javanese king Kertanegara, conquered Bali and ruled over it from Java. In 1292, Kertanegara was murdered and Bali took the opportunity to liberate itself once again. However, in 1343, Bali was brought back under Javanese control by its defeat at the hands of Gajah Mada, a general in the last of the great Hindu-Javanese empires, the Majapahit. With the spread of Islam throughout Sumatra and Java during the 16th century, the Majapahit Empire began to collapse and a large exodus of aristocracy, priests, artists and artisans to Bali ensued. For a while Bali flourished and the following centuries were considered the Golden Age of Bali’s cultural history. The principality of Gelgel, near Klungkung, became a major centre for the Arts, and Bali became the major power of the region, taking control of neighboring Lombok and parts of East Java.

The European Influence

The first Dutch seamen set foot on Bali in 1597, yet it wasn’t until the 1800’s that the Dutch showed an interest in colonizing the island. In 1846, having had large areas of Indonesia under their control since the 1700’s, the Dutch government sent the troops into northern Bali. In 1894, Dutch forces sided with the Sasak people of Lombok to defeat their Balinese rulers. By 1911, all the Balinese principalities had either been defeated in battle, or had capitulated, leaving the whole island under Dutch control. After World War I, Indonesian Nationalist sentiment was rising and in 1928, Bahasa Indonesia was declared the official national language. During World War II, the Dutch were expelled by the Japanese, who occupied Indonesia from 1942 to 1945.

After the Japanese defeat, the Dutch tried to regain control of their former colonies, but on August 17, 1945, Indonesia was declared independent by its first President, Sukarno. After four years of fighting and strong criticism from the international community, the Dutch government finally ceded and, in 1949, Indonesia was recognized as an independent country.

The People

Life in Bali is very communal with the organization of villages, farming and even the creative arts being decided by the community. The local government is responsible for schools, clinics, hospitals and roads, but all other aspects of life are placed in the hands of two traditional committees, whose roots in Balinese culture stretch back centuries. The first, Subak, concerns the production of rice and organizes the complex irrigation system. Everyone who owns a sawah, or padi field, must join their local Subak, which then ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of irrigation water. Traditionally, the head of the Subak has his sawah at the very bottom of the hill, so that the water has to pass through every other sawah before reaching his own. The other community organization is the Banjar, which arranges all village festivals, marriage ceremonies and cremations, as well as a form of community service known as Gotong Royong. Most villages have at least one Banjar and all males have to join one when they marry. Banjars, on average, have a membership of between 50 to 100 families and each Banjar has its own meeting place called the Bale Banjar. As well as being used for regular meetings, the Bale (pavilion) is where the local gamelan orchestras and drama groups practice.

Each stage of Balinese life is marked by a series of ceremonies and rituals known as Manusa Yadnya. They contribute to the rich, varied and active life the average Balinese leads.

Birth
The first ceremony of Balinese life takes place even before birth. Another ceremony takes place soon after the birth, during which the afterbirth is buried with appropriate offerings. The first major ceremony takes place halfway through the baby’s first Balinese year of 210 days.
Names
Basically the Balinese only have four first names. The first child is Wayan or Putu, the second child is Made or Kadek, the third is Nyoman or Komang and the fourth is Ketut. The fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth will be another Wayan, Made, Nyoman, Ketut and Wayan again.

Childhood
The Balinese certainly love children and they have plenty of them to prove it. Coping with a large family is made much easier by the policy of putting younger children in the care of older ones. After the ceremonies of babyhood come ceremonies marking the stages of childhood and puberty, including the important tooth-filing ceremony.

Marriage
Every Balinese expects to marry and raise a family, and marriage takes places at a comparatively young age. Marriages are not, in general, arranged as they are in many other Asian communities although strict rules apply to marriages between the castes. There are two basic forms of marriage in Bali – mapadik and ngorod. The respectable form, in which the family of the man visit the family of the woman and politely propose that the marriage take place, is mapadik. The Balinese, however, like their fun and often prefer marriage by elopement (ngorod) as the most exciting option. Of course, the Balinese are also a practical people so nobody is too surprised when the young man spirits away his bride-to-be, even if she loudly protests about being kidnapped. The couple go into hiding and somehow the girl’s parents, no matter how assiduously they search, never manage to find her. Eventually the couple re-emerge, announce that it is too late to stop them now, the marriage is officially recognized and everybody has had a lot of fun and games. Marriage by elopement has another advantage apart from being exciting and mildly heroic it’s cheaper.

The Household
There are many modern Balinese houses, but there are still a great number of traditional Balinese homes. The streets of Ubud; nearly every house will follow the same traditional walled design.

Men & Women
There are certain tasks clearly to be handled by women, and others reserved for men. Social life in Bali is relatively free and easy. In Balinese leisure activities the roles are also sex differentiated. Both men and women dance but only men play the gamelan. Today you do see some women painters, sculptors, and woodcarvers.

Community Life
Balinese have an amazingly active and organized village life. You simply cannot be a faceless nonentity in Bali. You can’t help but get to know your neighbors as your life is so entwined and interrelated with theirs.

Death & Cremation
There are ceremonies for every stage of Balinese life but often the last ceremony-cremation-is the biggest. A Balinese cremation can be an amazing, spectacular, colorful, noisy and exciting event. In fact it often takes so long to organize a cremation that years have passed since the death. During that time the body is temporarily buried. Of course an auspicious day must be chosen for the cremation and since a big cremation can be very expensive business many less wealthy people may take the opportunity of joining in at a larger cremation and sending their own dead on their way at the same time. Brahmans, however, must be cremated immediately. Apart from being yet another occasion for Balinese noise and confusion it’s a fine opportunity to observe the incredible energy the Balinese put into creating real works of art which are totally ephemeral. A lot more than a body gets burnt at the cremation. The body is carried from the burial ground (or from the deceased’s home if it’s an ‘immediate’ cremation) to the cremation ground in a high, multi-tiered tower made of bamboo, paper, string, tinsel, silk, cloth, mirrors, flowers and anything else bright and colorful you can think of. The tower is carried on the shoulders of a group of men, the size of the group depending on the importance of the deceased and hence the size of the tower. The funeral of a former rajah high priest may require hundreds of men to tote the tower.

A long the way to the cremation ground certain precautions must be taken to ensure that the deceased’s spirit does not find its way back home. Loose spirits around the house can be a real nuisance. To ensure this doesn’t happen requires getting the spirits confused as to their whereabouts, which you do by shaking the tower, running it around in circles, spinning it around, throwing water at it, generally making the trip to the cremation ground anything but a stately funeral crawl. Meanwhile, there’s likely to be a priest halfway up to tower, hanging on grimly as it sways back and forth, and doing his best to soak bystanders with holy water. A gamelan sprints along behind, providing a suitably exciting musical accompaniment. Camera-toting tourists get all but run down and once again the Balinese prove that ceremonies and religion are there to be enjoyed. At the cremation ground the body is transferred to a funeral sarcophagus, this should be in the shape of a bull for a Brahmana, a winged lion for a Satria and a sort of elephant-fish for a Sudra. These days, however, almost anybody from the higher castes will use a bull. Finally up it all goes in flames funeral tower, sarcophagus, body, the lot. The eldest son does his duty by poking through the ashes to ensure that there are no bits of body left unburned. And where does your soul go after your cremation? Why, to a heaven which is just like Bali!

RELIGION

The Balinese are Hindu yet their religion is very different from that of the Indian variety. They do have a caste system, but there are no untouchables and occupation is not governed by caste. In fact, the only thing that reflects the caste system is the language which has three tiers; 95% of all the Balinese are Hindu Dharma, and speak Low or Everyday Balinese with each other; Middle Balinese is used for talking to strangers, at formal occasions or to people of the higher Ksatriya caste; High Balinese is used when talking to the highest class, the Brahmana, or to a pedanda (priest). It may sound complicated, but most of the words at the low and medium levels are the same, whereas High Balinese is a mixture of Middle Balinese and Kawi, the ancient Javanese language.

The Balinese worship the Hindu trinity Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, who are seen as manifestations of the Supreme God Sanghyang Widhi. Other Indian gods like Ganesha (the elephant-headed god) also often appear, but more commonly, one will see shrines to the many gods and spirits that are uniquely Balinese. Balinese believe strongly in magic and the power of spirits and much of their religion is based upon this. They believe that good spirits dwell in the mountains and that the seas are home to demons and ogres. Most villages have at least three main temples; one, the Pura Puseh or ‘temple of origin’, faces the mountains and is dedicated to the village founders, another, the Pura Desa or village temple, is normally found in the centre and is dedicated to the welfare of the village, the last, the Pura Dalem, is aligned with the sea and is dedicated to the spirits of the dead. Aside from these ‘village’ temples, almost every house has its own shrine and you can also find monuments dedicated to the spirits of agriculture, art and all other aspects of life. Some temples, Pura Besakih for example, on the slopes of Mount Agung, are considered especially important and people from all over Bali travel to worship there.

Offerings play a significant role in Balinese life as they appease the spirits and thus bring prosperity and good health to the family. Every day small offering trays (canang sari) containing symbolic food, flowers, cigarettes and money, are placed on shrines, in temples, outside houses and shops, and even at dangerous crossroads.

Festivals are another great occasion for appeasing the gods. The women bear huge, beautifully arranged, pyramids of food, fruit and flowers on their heads while the men might conduct a blood sacrifice through a cockfight. There are traditional dances and music and the gods are invited to come down to join in the festivities. The festivals are usually very exciting occasions and well worth observing, if you are in the area. A crucial thing to remember, if you wish to join in celebrations or enter a temple, is that there are a number of rules that have to be respected. Please see back page “A Word of Advice” for Rules.

A short distance from Bedulu stands the mysterious Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave. A fantastically carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave.

The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics.

Recent excavations carried out in 1954 unearthed bathing places in front of the cave with six female figures, representing. nymphs or goddesses holding water spouts. An energetic clamber down rocks and rice terraces fifty meters behind the cave leads to the fragments of a fallen cliff face with the enshrining two ancient Buddha statues.

An old Javanese chronicle written in 1365, some twenty years after the Majapahit conquest of Bali, says that one of the two Buddhist bishops in Bali at that time had his hermitage at Gwa Gajah, the “elephant river”, which probably alludes to the Petanu River which flows nearby in its deep gorge.

However, Goa Gajah dates back certainly to the 11th century. Whether it was originally a Buddhist or Hindu hermitage cannot be answered with certainty, for there are both Hindu and Buddhist sculptures inside or outside the cave. Perhaps monks of both religions had hermitages close to one another. In pre-Majapahit Java and Bali, the two religions, both influenced by Tantric beliefs and practices, had begun to amalgamate into what is called the Siwa- Buddha cult. Buddhist practices and doctrines survive to this day amongst a small segment of the Brahmana broken bas-reliefs of stupas and a tiny cavern priests who are mostly found in East Bali.

Sanghyang Dedari is a sacred dance which can be found Badung, Gianyar and Bangli regency. This sacred dance is used to ward the pestilence or plague which swept Bali when the fanged demon living on the little island of Nusa Penida comes to Bali. Two dancers are chosen from all the girls of the village for their psychic aptitudes by the temple priest, to receive the spirit of heavenly nymphs, Dedari Supraba and Tunjung Biru (Blue Lotus). At the death temple, the Sanghyang Dedari dancers in white skirts kneel before a brazier of smoking incense in front of the altar.

Bali is truly a unique isle; from its timeless traditions, colourful pageantry to rites of passage. The people possess a genuine sense inner happiness that is perhaps attributed to the strong Hindu faith. There is a fundamental belief in the spiritual world which should always be in balance and harmonize with the physical world to attain peace and prosperity.

Barong : this mythical creature with its lion type head and shaggy fur made out of a type of grass (prasot) is a delight to watch. Two men dance him, one at the head, who is the front legs and one at the back, who is the hind legs. The costume itself weighs about 70 kilos and takes great skill and strength to handle. The Barong is the protector of the village and with his counterpart, Rangda the witch they make up the worlds of white and black magic, respectively. Their masks are kept in the temple, where they are routinely blessed and given offerings.

The Barong Dance usually seen by visitors in Batubulan depicts an episode from the the ancient Indian tale, the Mahabharata. The Balinese prefer the story of Calonarang which tells the true story of a Balinese prince who married an East Javanese princess who became a witch and tried to destroy the kingdom. In both stories, there is the classic fight between good and evil but here neither side wins, rather a balance is struck between the two to be re-enacted again and again at rituals. At the end of the dance, the villagers often go into a state of trance when they see that their Barong is in danger and they will rush the Rangda and stab her with their kris (dagger). She overpowers them and they stab themselves, only to be brought out of their altered state by holy water which has the Barongs beard dipped in it.

Topeng is a form of mask dance and actually means “pressed against the face”. The full performance of this is danced by five men who are constantly changing masks to portray different characters. This is one form where the story is of Balinese and not Indian origins, depicting the life and rituals of Balinese royalty throughout the ages. What you are most likely to see is the dance of the old prime minister (Topeng Tua) who remembers how he used to dance in his glorious youth or the young prime minister (Topeng Keras) with his red or brown mask, who shows off his prowess as the king’s assistant.

Baris: the warrior dance is the first dance a young boy usually learns. Extremely demanding in its execution, the dancer must raise his shoulders and elbows high up and keep the energy going strong for a full fifteen minutes. This dance is done in three parts, all of which show off the prowess of a young warrior. He scouts out the space, checking for enemies and his quick steps with his out turned legs display his strength and agility. This is a semi-improvised dance and the musicians must follow the dancer’s moves carefully.

Joged Bumbung is the only “social” dance on the island. Named after the bamboo tubes (bumbung) of the orchestra, this lively form is quite popular among Balinese and visitors alike. Four to five dancers will enter the stage space, one at a time, dance with their fan and then go into the audience and then tap one of them on the shoulder. He or she is then obliged to dance with her. The object of the dance is to have fun, and to perhaps grab onto the dancer’s waist sash, although today there are more “erotic” forms.

source: http://tanahlot.net

The luxurious villa with wooden siraf roofs and unique entrance gate is inspired by typical of traditional Balinese courtyard houses. The open air living area pavilion includes an informal dining lounge and kitchenette. Each villa is decorated with Balinese antique pieces of art.

Tucked away in the heart of Seminyak, the home of foreign expatriates dwell, this unique locale is also within close proximity to Bali’s best dining scene and night life entertainment.

Villa Categories:

Deluxe Suite Villa
The interior design is a celebration of colours and textures, incorporating the local elements of Balinese and modern style. This suite features a living area, dining area, kitchenette, the garden shower and pool.

Junior Suite Villa
The luxurious Villa features comfortable furnishing designed for rest and relaxation, romantic romance villa comprise of large living room, dining area, kitchenette, garden shower and pool.

Royal Suite Villa
Two bedrooms villa, exclusive art work and comfortable for the family with pool, a large living area, dining area, kitchenette, and the garden shower.

Executive Suite Villa
Two bedrooms, two stairs, comfortable and relaxation has been created to expose the finest of local design with emphasis on in digenous hardwood floors, hand crafted furniture. A large living area with bar, library, dining area, kitchenette and a private sun deck for relaxation and a private pool.

Padi Restaurant:
The unique lay out with 32 seats which are served breakfast, lunch and dinner. International and local cuisine, two stairs and overlooking the rice fields. A creative kind of cuisine from the Balinese dishes and Indonesian archipelago with selection of International specialities.

Spa:
Each villa is available the massage table and the treatment is inside of the villa. The spa menu is conceived to offer a complete range of Balinese and Asian, provided by an expert staff / therapies.

Click here for booking and villas’ rate information – The Sanyas Suite