The Indonesian island of Bali which is also a province, is one that is famous for its picturesque hillside paddy fields, golden beaches, coral reefs and religious sites. It is also home to the active volcano, Mount Agung or Gunung Agung, as it is known among the locals. The island also has a reputation as being the place to go for an indulgent getaway. If you are looking for luxury hotel, Bali has many options. Tucked away on a rural hillside, in the resort town of Ubud is a hotel that offers you all the comforts you would need, delivered as charming traditional Indonesian experience; this is Uma by COMO, Ubud.
Those with an appreciation for history and culture will find the Walter Spies House of great interest. The house is located on the side of a mountain, a mere eight kilometres from the summit of the mighty Mount Agung. It was built in 1937 by Walter Spies, a German artist, who played a significant role in shaping Balinese art. He died as a prisoner of war during the Second World War. He left behind many beautiful paintings that captured the view from what he described as his ‘mountain hut’.
Over the years the house has drawn celebrities like Mick Jagger and David Bowie as well as several novelists, film directors, artists, musicians, politicians and even a prince. Today the house is owned by Marco Boldrini of Switzerland who has restored and furnished it to reflect its original style and era. A swimming pool and deck have been added to allow further admiration of the view. What appears to be a one story villa is in reality a number of individual pavilions linked together in keeping with the Balinese architecture of the time. The present owner has added his own touches of vibrant colour, water features and large windowless frames to make the most of the view.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
