Andaz Bali invites guests for an experiential stay in a village where nature and tradition provide a thoughtful landscape for contemplation.
A sprawling Balinese village beckons in the heart of Sanur, resplendent with landscaped gardens and the lush tree canopies of the jungle providing shade along the winding pathways that connect each separate courtyard, pavilion and villa. The new Andaz Bali reflects the atmosphere and spirit of a Sanurian kampung, a holistic design that harmonises architectural finesse with nature.
“Like in many of the Balinese villages, Andaz is organised around a village square concept. The village square is where most of the resort activities and events will happen and it is surrounded by the lobby, all-day dining restaurant, bar, meeting rooms and even guest rooms above some of these buildings. Guests arriving at the lobby are greeted by a sunken lawn and a bale kul kul (drum pavilion), where local musicians will play traditional music at different times of the day,” says Martin Palleros, founder of Tierra Design.
To facilitate the flow of outdoor activities, the pool area is structured to allow for panoramic views of the sea, areas for socialising and intimate gatherings, with nearby amenities such as a beachside restaurant, an ocean bar, beach pavilions, decked platforms and a beach volleyball section to create nooks of activity within the expansive space.
The landscaping and setting of Andaz were critical factors in creating the desired village experience for guests, and Tierra Design worked around the existing trees on the grounds to enhance the feeling of natural surrounds. Water elements are also featured throughout the village in various forms; cascading, pooled, rippled or reflective, while water gardens, private pools and spas create a thematic flow that links to the pools and the Sanur sea.
Guests will be led along stone and screening walls, pathways and buildings referencing traditional Balinese elements that go through varied landscapes such as courtyards, water gardens, pavilions, pools and gardens to individually crafted ‘garden squares’ each reflecting a different aspect of the Balinese landscape to engage their senses.
A careful juxtaposition of materials have been used in the development to create a sense of harmony between architecture and nature and to reflect the local culture. “The materials used were sourced from Indonesia; for example, the red brick from Bali as well as a lot of the stone sculptures. I personally picked the statues from around the island and some are commissioned to Ubud artist Wayan Witana,” says Palleros.
“The guest buildings have been developed to reflect variations in accommodation requirements and amenities and to provide the project with a variety of scales. This comprises three-level guest wings and two-level guest buildings as well as presidential, beach and garden villas. All the buildings draw from the rich tradition of the Indonesian vernacular and include a modern sensibility,” shares Palleros.
He elaborated that the guest wings provide an impressive backdrop of bamboo-filtered screens upon entering the hotel, whilst providing guests with sea and garden views from their rooms. The guest buildings with groupings of guest rooms have been sited around courtyards and gardens, reflecting a village-scale set within individual garden settings. The villas, on the other hand, are sited as a precinct to create a more private and residential atmosphere within the hotel development.
The 149-key resort includes 18 garden villas and four beach villas, with a beachfront restaurant providing nightlife entertainment for guests. Located within the village square is a variety of dining options; Asian cuisine at Wok Wok, international dishes at Blue Oven, steak and grills at Fire Fox and desserts at Deli & Bakery.
Andaz Bali is due to open early 2021.