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| As we approached the fascinating villa of Pia and Thomas which fully employs the concept of outdoor living. |
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| Among the many views from the veranda. Wow! |
“Sightings on the Beach in Bali”
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| Does a crab utilize this coconut as an extra form of shelter as well as the hole in the sand? |
When our new friends Pia and Thomas invited us to their home, a 10 minute walk along the beach, we were anxious to get on our way after we uploaded yesterday’s post.
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| Pia found this adorable piece of wood on the beach that resembles an animal head. |
We had no idea as to the beauty were we about to experience as we searched for a path toward the house which is set back a short distance from the beach. Thomas had described the landmarks which would easily steer us in the right direction with several villas scattered along the shore… many umbrellas.
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Crystal-clear infinity pool with large veranda and fully equipped indoor kitchen, the only necessary kitchen on this charming property. More pictures of the open-air kitchen from tomorrow’s post.
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It was easy to locate. Finding the shortest route easily, we avoided maneuvering through dense vegetation. Within moments we’d entered a veritable paradise of beautiful grounds, flowers, trees adorned with traditional Balinese/Hindu décor and religious artifacts as we were warmly greeted with a kiss on each check from our lovely hostess Pia and then Thomas moments later.
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A simple outdoor shower.
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As we made our way toward Thomas, who was on the veranda finishing up a business meeting, Pia gave us the tour of the grounds, including the Balinese hut they’d built for an additional authentic feel, called “lumbung.”
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| Pia and Thomas built this lumbung on their property which can be used for guests as needed. |
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| Ocean view from the lumbung. |
They had designed the exquisite main house on a computer and gave it life several years ago, realizing a dream of a lifetime. As we wandered toward the house from the gardens, we knew we were in for a special visit, not only to engage with their delightful personalities but also with the opportunity to see their unique home.
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View of the sea from the interior of the lumbung.
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When they described their house to us a few days ago during their visit to the villa, we expected a simple Balinese style mansion. How modest they had been in sharing the few details of their estate!
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Tom walks through the Pia and Thomas’ garden.
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From the outdoor-only modern granite kitchen with full stainless steel appliances and local wood handcrafted cabinets to the upper level with expansive views of the sea, nothing was spared in design, décor and accoutrements in creating a supremely comfortable, functional and eye appealing living environment.
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Fresh flower arrangement on the veranda.
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Each room as shown in our photos over the next few days has a unique persona and inviting presence, causing us to swoon with delight. How smart they’d been in their ideas and subsequent execution.
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| View from the second story. |
Often people dream of such a home in a tropical paradise and never are able to bring it to fruition. This determined couple did everything possible to make it happen even with a diligent budget in place.
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| Another ocean view from the veranda area. |
As we slowly perused the house admiring each enticing element, we finally settled in the upper level lounge/living room where cooling ocean breezes dried the moisture on our skin as the result of the humid rainy day. Pia commented on the disappointment of the cloudy day wishing we’d been able to take sunny day photos.
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| A shack in the sea used to repopulate small fish and possibly rebuild some of the coral. |
To our surprise, the clouds didn’t seem to have too much of an impact on the clarity and presentation of our photos. Of course, we always prefer sunshine, but with Pia and Thomas return to Thailand in a few days, yesterday was the only opportunity for us.
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| Additional view from the second level. |
We wished we’d met them sooner, but, they were only here a few weeks this trip when Thomas’ work in Thailand (they’re younger than us and he’s yet to retire) necessitates his return.
Both German citizens, they have a smaller home in a quaint town in Germany where they stay when they visit from time to time.
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| A sunny day would have been all the more beautiful, but we were happy to see their special home. |
They, too, left everyone they love behind to follow a dream. This mutual connection precipitated a considerable conversation that kept the four of us chatting enthusiastically for the hours we spent together.
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| Flowers blooming in their yard. Its hard to grow grass in most of Bali due to the sandy ground, lack of rain at times and the heat. |
Tomorrow’s post will include more photos of Pia and Thomas’ island paradise aptly name uToPia (notice that the Tom and Pia are in the name!) and more on our enjoyable visit, conversation highlights and return walk along the beach as a storm was brewing.
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| The name of Pia and Thomas’ retreat in Bali,” uToPia,” is carved in the stone in the front the home. |
Be well. Be happy.
Photo from one year ago today, September 25, 2015:
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| The views from the second vacation home we rented in Tasmania for six weeks referred to as Anchorage Waterfront (no relation to Alaska). For more photos, please click here. |