Living it Up in Bali: The Great Estate

Bali Ha’i is not simply the stuff of 1950s musicals (South Pacific… Rodgers & Hammerstein…) but is a vibrant and contemporary haven of art, culture, and luxury retreat. On the outskirts of Ubud, one can immerse oneself in a natural Indonesian forest that plays home to Como Shambhala’s “Estate.” Owned by hotelier Christina Ong (perhaps best known as the Singaporean fashion icon who built the Club 21 group), the Estate is decadently soothing and a revered destination of celebrities, yoga masters, and locals alike.

Whether you seek a getaway that allows the time and space to take guided hikes and bike rides, receive world-class Pilates or salsa dance instruction, partake in cooking demonstrations and cultural excursions, or simply wash a particular man (or woman) right out of your hair, you can do it all at the Estate. Billing itself as “a place of beauty where silence still reigns,” the Balinese Como resort (part of a family of luxury accommodations) is intently attuned to its surroundings; residences are named after the natural elements of fire, wind, water, forest, and earth. An indigenous natural spring provides water for the property, and food is not only organic but also sourced locally — both an environmental — and local economy-friendly move. Raw unprocessed honey replaces sugar, and fresh fruits and vegetables run rampant on the menu. At many of their hotel sites, Mrs. Ong and her husband (Ong Beng Seng, real estate mogul) have taken run-down buildings and converted them into crËme de la crËme establishments; again deftly incorporating earth-friendly principles.

In less than a year’s time, the Ongs have established the Estate as a top-notch spa. Originally established by another family in 1998, the Ongs first took interest in the property as visitors. After the Bali bombings in 2002, however, it became particularly difficult for local hotels to survive — luckily; better times and deluxe offerings have graciously rejuvenated the area.

n to round out the experience? It is bound to be some enchanted evening.

For more information: www.cse.comoshambhala.bz