Villa Sapi
Five-bedroomed Villa Sapi is a masterpiece of design on the peaceful island of Lombok. Bordered by the almost deserted Sira Beach against a backdrop of soothing seas, soaring peaks and sensational sunsets, it presents funky architecture, three swimming pools plus a children's pool, a stand-alone two-bedroomed guesthouse, a tennis court, exemplary service and gourmet cuisine. This is tropical living and barefoot luxury at its very best; a place where guests can truly escape. Villa Sapi is secluded and lusciously private but by no means isolated; prestigious neighbours include the Sire Beach Golf Club, Hotel Tugu and The Oberoi.
In the meantime, here is a taste of the many and varied activities on offer within reach of the villa.
- Chef Kantun manages a cookery school at Villa Sapi dedicated to training young up-and-coming Indonesian chefs for positions at the forefront of Lombok hospitality. Villa guests can take advantage of these facilities for private cookery lessons, just notify us of your interest when making your reservation.
- If you want to go shopping in Lombok, don’t expect modern malls or designer clothing; instead seek out local products. Sweta’s ‘Bertais Market’ at Mataram (31km) sells everything that is made or produced on the island, including Lombok’s intricate basketware. Pearl sellers occasionally walk along Sira Beach and will offer you their wares, expect to be hassled a bit, and remember to barter. For quality and range of pearls, the best option is to visit the specialist retail outlets in Sekarbele, near Mataram (31km).
- Banyumulek (40km) is one of the three main pottery centres on the island; in the mornings, you can watch the women potters at work. At the traditional weaving village of Sembalun (77km) in the foothills of Mt Rinjani, you can witness the production of the island’s striking hand-woven textiles. The beautiful fabrics are created on manually-operated back strap looms.
- Sire Beach Golf Club, designed by Peter Thompson, lies within Sira Bay. A golf buggy can pick you up to enjoy this uncrowded and serene 18-hole championship course (nine coastal holes and nine tucked in the shade of the majestic Mount Rinjani).
- Eat out for a change of scene. Inspect the history, artefacts and curios of nearby funky Hotel Tugu, a living museum of Indonesian antiques and local artwork, over a beachside lunch or dinner. Or enjoy the gourmet food at the 5-star Oberoi Resort and The Lombok Lodge which is opposite the Oberoi.
- Visit the Gili islands to experience a different side of Lombok. Of the three small coral-fringed islands, Gili Meno and Gili Air are fairly quiet and Gili Trawangan has the nightlife. Cidomos (Horse drawn carts) or bicycles and lazy beachside cafes set the scene with no high rise buildings, no motorised vehicles and not a McDonald’s in sight. The villa manager can arrange a boat transfer.
- Investigate the attractive market village of Tanjung, where stalls overflow with mysterious and exotic produce such as locally grown tobacco, coffee, soya and peanuts.
- For a gentle trek, head to Senaru village, the gateway to Rinjani National Park. Local Sasak guides will show you the park’s two beautiful waterfalls of Sindang Gila and Tiu Kelep.
- Do nothing. Relax, Robinson Crusoe-style, on your own deserted beach in the shade of the palm trees, taking a cooling dip in the blue ocean or the refreshing swimming pool.
- Revitalise and rejuvenate with an in-villa massage treatment. Try a deep pressure Balinese massage, a cleansing facial or a simple manicure from professional therapists from The Oberoi Hotel. Or head off to the neighbouring Hotel Tugu Lombok (sister to Tugu Bali) for a yoga meditation session or spa treatment in the gorgeous spa.