SUITE ESCAPE

for the jet-set seeking exclusive stays, hotel branded residences-which are popping pin Asia's most exotic resort destinations might be the answer 

- Andrea Lo

Perched on a cliffside atop Nyang Nyang Beach on the southwestern tip of Bali, Uluwatu Estate stands out among the villas that line the coast of island. An infinity pool, the pièce-de-résistance of the place, is framed by frangipani trees. Glistening in the sun, it looks out to endless views of the Indian Ocean. Next to it is a hanging garden, featuring native plants; and four suites, which surround an open-air living and dining space. There are four more suites, each with their own private garden or koi pond, at the back of the estate; this area is accessed via an outdoor staircase and through lush green gardens. Then there’s a private spa, gym and games room. Plus, naturally, there’s a dedicated team of 20 staff.

The home is the pride and joy of Renee Zecha, an Indonesian financier who stumbled upon the 5,000 sq m site the estate sits on while hiking with her husband in 2003 and later acquired it. This was back when Uluwatu was an undiscovered backwater, says Zecha— today, it has a string of luxury resorts. Ten years in the making, Uluwatu Estate is a sanctuary for Zecha and her family—she and her husband built it in hopes of “leaving a legacy behind” for their son.