East meets west

In the tropical paradise of Bali lies an exotic place with crystal clear waters and stretches of white sandy beach. This beachfront, called Nusa Dua, is home to a dozen five-star hotels which give a new meaning to refined luxury and privileged hospitality. Heads of state all: kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers have experienced nothing but extraordinary service for an unforgettable stay.

Guests can have a relaxing spa treatment after a day of surfing the waves or diving with the creatures of Bali’s reefs. Avid golfers can tee off at the world-class Bali Golf and Country Club and try to overcome two welcome challenges to their game: the winds and the waves. As one website states, "In Bali, Nusa Dua is the place to stay in style."

This dictum — a place to stay in style — was brought to life in the country’s finest community of resort-inspired residences. The model mansion Nusa Dua at Bali Mansions in South Forbes Golf City is the epitome of luxurious living, according to interior designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario.

"Nusa Dua is Asian Modern. We came up with an East meets West theme that will appeal to everybody, especially those who are well traveled. In effect, we have married the two earlier model mansions of Coralia and Lovina," shares Cynthia.

The living room is the first and prime example of how to carry out the East meets West theme in style. Milanese shaped Italian sofas mix well with the native woven chairs with large rectangular patterns. The theme is carried out as well in the informal breakfast area with its woven benches and in the dining room, with its Chinese panel screens as a design element and ox blood upholstery for the walls. A Coramandel screen keeps affairs private in the dining room, from which the luxurious Bali Mansions Clubhouse can be viewed.

This mansion will surely be on the menu list of chefs and parents who love to cook for their children and guests. Food aficionados will surely love the spacious main kitchen and the all-purpose nook, from which meals can be easily prepared for the informal breakfast area. More intensive cooking chores, meanwhile, can be done in the daily kitchen.

Upstairs, luxurious daily living is redefined for the couple in their master’s suite. More than just a bedroom, the master’s suite even has lounge chairs and an entertainment set for the enjoyment of guests. The terrace adjoining the master’s suite is good for afternoon tea sessions with a view of the South Forbes fairways. The silver-gray theme of the suite, with a hint of celadon, helped the designing duo achieve their objectives of taste, luxury, and elegance. "We wanted to show it can be luxurious and tailored at the same time," Cynthia says.

The sisters wanted something different for the girl’s room, so they used robins egg blue for the linens and drapes to make it more tailored as well. Meanwhile, the fun element was employed in the boy’s room.

To conduct a personal or group tour of the Asian Modern creation that is the Nusa Dua at South Forbes Bali Mansions, call 635-8108 or 636-4647 or visit www.southforbes.com.