A Timbered Pagoda with a Pretty Pink Plunge Pool
Within minutes of the crashing waves, this newly constructed two-bedroom house offers a classic, open-air Balinese escape that’s full of art and crafts. Its richly timbered design is the work of its Los Angeles-based owner’s HAM Design Group, and the property is full of unique textures, happy colors, and playful shapes.
Art includes a ceiling mural by LA artist Ryan Tyler Martinez, huge foyer columns supporting a joglo-inspired sculpture, a pink plunge pool off the second floor, an open-air living area/kitchen/dining room, and gleaming handcrafted tiling made in Bali by Philip Lakeman. Balinese contemporary art hangs on the walls alongside more of Martinez’s work, and ceramic dishes by Keval offset the rich wooden structure.
Outside, the pagoda-inspired home is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, with an adjacent yoga shala created to capture the vivid natural energy and sunsets.
Around
Located near Uluwatu, about 45 minutes from the sprawling capital city of Denpasar and some two hours from the inland city of Ubud, this Balinese home offers lush coastal living in the tropics, with a side of high-end shopping, great dining, and buzzy nightlife. A popular surfing destination, the area coastline is known for its great breaks. The community is an active yoga center, and nearby Padang Padang, Uluwatu and Bingin are all also yoga-centric, with classes and guided retreat options abundant.
Surfing lessons and guides are available on area beaches, and SUP rentals are also popular. The stunning Balai Taman National Reserve sits at the farthest western tip where the nearby Pulaki Hindu Temple and its monkey inhabitants make for a fun day trip. The island’s abundant rice terraces are lush and peaceful—a romantic reminder of how life has flourished on the island for centuries.
Location
Nearest airport: Denpasar (20km)
Best time to visit
Surf/dry season runs April/May to September. Rainy season begins in November and continues through March, though at season’s end, rain comes mostly at night.
