Uluwatu is a powerful and awe-inspiring place, thus the elements of The Istana have been assembled so as to match the heritage of the site.  The house blends modern and antique, with a European influence on an Oriental focus of style and detail.  The natural materials and abundant usage of rich teakwood and ironwood throughout the house compliment this mix, and help the building merge well with the landscape, lush gardens, and incredible view.  Combined with an extensive staff who provide a level of service unrivaled outside a luxury hotel, there is no parallel. A villa whose name means palace and fulfills every dimension of that description; The Istana is for those who deserve a truly regal experience.

This one and a half acre property perched high atop dramatic cliffs, is more a palace than a villa, with cathedral ceilings, rich teakwood interiors, Thai silk bedding, Lotus water gardens and two swimming pools.  Located in Uluwatu, featuring five bedroom suites and a thirty meter swimming pool facing west onto the pacific ocean, The Istana sets new standards for private luxury villas in Bali.  The staffing is of luxury hotel level with restaurant-standard food, a full time manager, butler and chauffeur, all devoted to facilitating intimate service among private splendor.

Set back forty meters from the cliff face, The Istana sits within a tremendous gated property and is composed of two swimming pools, a relaxation bale, a private guest house (containing the master bedroom), and a main house.  Within the main house is a living room, dining room, entertainment room (known as the Dotcom room), and four identical bedroom suites.  Both of the buildings are single-story and open-air with rich teakwood floors, inspiring a natural ambiance, while maintaining and accentuating the spectacular view.  The overall style is a medley between understated modern architecture and traditional Indonesian detailing, with features that blend Indonesian materials and workmanship. The artwork represents a mixture of primitive art and antiques originating from Indonesia, keeping with the aura of tradition and style.

Five years post its inception and redefining private luxury villas on the island, the Istana is undergoing some alterations.   Gfab Architects, one of Asia’s leading design firms has conceived of, and is implementing the changes to the villas interior and structure.

The aim of the works is to update and freshen the villa; there will be an entirely new look, while still maintaining the essence of the Istana. The focus was that this would be a modern approach yet still being firmly rooted in Balinese traditions and creativity. An emphasis on comfort and privacy for guests has been forefront on the mind of the architects and the owners.  The villa will afford more varied and comfortable places to gather and the bedrooms have been reworked so that when guest want to get away from it all they comfortably can read or sunbathe, watch TV in their rooms.