CONRAD BALI
Ola Bednarczuk heads to Bali and discovers a holiday resort that’s as much about design as it is about relaxation and wellbeing.
Situated on the south coast of Bali on the island’s very
eastern tip, just outside the Nusa Dua enclave of resorts, the Conrad Bali
feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of one of the region’s most
popular tourist destinations.
beach, the resort is a sprawling network of buildings surrounded by tropical
gardens and lagoons.
The stylised ‘rice terrace’ landscape is the work of landscape
architects Belt Collins.
Javanese vegetation – coconut, frangipani and forest trees – break up stretches
of open lawn. Beachside cabanas, made of the grass alang alang in the
traditional Balinese style, dot the smooth yellow sand of the beach.
contemporary, incorporating subtle touches that remind visitors where they are
rather than being overtly ‘exotic’ or ‘Bali’.
The interiors – including the guest rooms, suites, villas,
restaurants and spa – were designed by Singapore-based firm LTW Designworks. In
the public areas, dark stone floors are juxtaposed with timber and lighter
shades for a contemporary but earthy, natural effect.
element of the interiors. Furniture, sculptures and artworks by local artisans
feature heavily in the resort’s public spaces. In the guest rooms and suites,
Balinese art and hand-crafted objects – such as soap dishes, or woven
head-boards – create a lovely element of surprise.
exhibition showcasing the work of Balinese artists, or international artists
who have a special connection with the island and are inspired by the beauty of
its landscape and culture.
Design is so important to the Conrad Bali experience that
visitors often ask for their favourite elements to be sourced or replicated.
seeking out the best of Balinese art and craft and making it available to
designers and visitors, to help guests take a piece of their Conrad experience
home. Among the items that guests have been inspired to seek out and ship home
are the beachside cabanas, and even the dark timber lobby floor – by all
accounts a very special example of flooring which has been replicated a number
of times!
about more than pools, beaches and massages (although they do all that very
well, too). The Conrad is also about
getting in touch with your surroundings, experiencing the culture through the
art of its local craftsmen – and maybe even taking a piece of it home with you.
