Begawan Giri Estate

Imagine your own private hideaway. Think unique: a secluded, luxury Resort in Bali set amidst acres of lush tropical greenery. Add in forests and rice-fields wrapped in mountain mists, lovingly landscaped gardens and water gardens. Then picture five Residences, each one special, singular in design, representing different cultures and areas of Indonesia, also seven beautiful private Villas.

Finally, feel yourself embraced, surrounded by a peace so profound that you know you will return often. Now, be still and know that you have discovered Begawan Giri Estate. For centuries, the simple village folk living around have called it "Wise Man's Mountain". Today, the world's most sophisticated travellers are beginning to understand why. Begawan Giri Estate...a vow to return often.

If the land seemed to have a mind of its own, it did not really surprise the Gardners. Begawan Giri is also affectionately known as Wise Man's Mountain". History, myths and a legend all combine to explain why. Centuries before, the forests of the land proved too frightening and formidable for the ordinary village folk to enter, save for three strange "wise men" or Begawantha, as they were called. The wise men made the land their home and in so doing, perhaps invested it with a deep spiritual and mystical energy which makes its significance felt even now.

Today, five unique Residences and seven private Villas designed to meet the most demanding needs of discerning well-travelled guests, nestle within the natural contours of the land. Named after the natural elements of fire, wind, water, forest and earth, each habitation is singular in design, representing different cultures and areas of Indonesia.

To date, guests fortunate enough to fit the bill include several of the rich-and-famous personalities from the United States, Europe and the region. But whoever the guest, Begawan Giri's warm welcome extends and embraces. "A vow to return often" – it is the Gardners' prediction for their guests.

The Begawan Giri is a private estate located amidst the serenity of Bali's stunning landscape, close to Ubud, Bali's creative and cultural centre. Spread out over eight hectares of lush tropical gardens are the estate's five uniquely styled and appointed residences comprising of 22 Suites.

Yet fundamentally, simplicity is at the heart of Begawan Giri. For example, the cuisine that is created by Chef David King is New World with Indonesian accents, prepared simply and authentically, using the freshest ingredients drawn from the land. To ensure that Begawan Giri Estate remains self-contained, poultry, fish and prawn farms have been established on the grounds, as have vegetable gardens, tropical fruit trees and flower nurseries. At Begawan Giri, you can dine anywhere you choose on the estate. In your Suite, at the Residence pavilion, in the gardens... or at the estate's new Restaurant, Biji.

Biji: Simplicity is at the heart of Begawan Giri. Biji achieves new conceptual standards and and will prove a talking-point in Bali and Indonesia. Globally, the Restaurant promises to take its place in the international arena by offering everything the modern world desires in terms of a restaurant. The choice of fare is large, varied and definitely tempting. Accents and influences of food are broad and truly modern in respect to the world becoming one nation

Kudus House: Kudus House represents an era of former glory, and of Indonesian culture at its pinnacle. The "house" itself dates back 150 years with a history of three generations of occupation. Located on the western side of the Estate, between Biji Restaurant and the Amphitheatre/Lounge, Kudus House offers stunning views of the Ayung River meandering through the valley below in all its splendour. Its cuisine is a classical representation of Indonesian food on the whole with its diversification of styles, flavours and influences encompassing an authentic rustic charm.

The Chef: For David King, the kitchen reflects the modern day and simplicity is the key. He feels strongly that food should not be constricted by its origins, but treated simply using fresh and authentic ingredients. Today, this approach serves him well with Biji at Begawan Giri Estate. He promises guests and patrons: "Biji Restaurant moves towards the millennium with a 'tour de force' of New World Food.