In the midst of a bustling legal career, rushing from one courtroom to another with a stack of paperwork, Sandrine Souimaud found her peace of heart in the dazzling island of Bali, Indonesia. The former criminal lawyer, now a passionate villa owner, shares her journey and her love towards the tropical paradise.
“I was working a lot, and suddenly a friend of mine said that we should take holidays. The first thing that hit my head was going back to Bali. ‘Cause that was the symbol of holiday, leisure, and having time for yourself,” said Sandrine, the owner of Villa Artis with a soft smile through a Zoom teleconference, Saturday (9/3/2024).
In the serene village of Umalas, the nine-bedroom Villa Artis is only a few minutes away from Canggu’s surfing beaches and vibrant nightlife. The main house has four bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. Two of the upper floor bedrooms have their own patio with serene scenery. Meanwhile, each of the three suites offer a private terrace and a bathroom, where they also provide an eye-opening view of the exclusive rice fields, the pool, and the sunset. In addition, there’s a luxurious solitary room with a private bathroom in the garden to add the villa perfection. Upon arrival at Villa Artis, you will be greeted with a complimentary afternoon tea that includes a delectable assortment of crêpes and homemade ice cream, all of which are served in the garden filled with Anggrek and various blooming florals. The villa’s spacious layout and thoughtful design guarantee visitors the utmost comfort and convenience.
Initially, Sandrine and her late husband, Christophe Reveilleau sought to preserve wood materials from the original construction of the property. It was quite a challenge, both from planning the furniture to looking for specialists who could upcycle the materials. This was because they wished to convey a sense of contemporary comfort despite using vintage materials. “We didn’t use any new wood. Everything is reused,” she explained. The villa’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its design. From teak wood windows, doors, and ceiling structures sourced from disassembled Javanese houses to ironwood deck flooring recycled from old bridges and roads originated in Sumatera, Villa Artis embodies eco-conscious living. You can also indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation with a massage table available upon demand, where skilled therapists offer healing treatments amidst the soothing sounds of nature. Moreover, each of the well-decorated rooms are equipped with a sound system and a mini-bar.
The fully furnished kitchens, boasting state-of-the-art appliances including an oven and a six-fire stove. You may choose to express your sense of culinary independently or by indulging in the gastronomic delights prepared by the chef. Villa Artis provides everything you could possibly want, from an uplifting espresso made with the on-site machine to a refreshing cold-press juice. As the day draws to a close, you may unwind by the infinity pool. Enjoy a fulfilling barbecue dinner on the poolside veranda with a 24-hour private security available ensuring your safety. Sandrine’s goal for Villa Artis is to give visitors an exceptional and memorable stay where history and elegance blend together and every detail is well-planned. It is a shelter where visitors may fully immerse themselves in Bali’s natural beauty and tranquillity, and not merely a villa.
The villa also represents her display of art collection and becomes the embodiment of her admiration towards the island. She aims to honour Indonesian artists with a range of items, including handcrafted masks, statues, various trinkets, and paintings. In fact, many of the guests get the impression of travelling to Nusantara when they visit the villa. “It’s still very incredible what they’re (Indonesian artists) capable of doing with their hands. So, all of the house is showing a lot of things from the art of Indonesia,” the mother of four daughters remarked.
But that is not all, as you will enjoy a thorough gourmet experience from the skilled chef at the villa. From fine-dining Indonesian classics to cuisines from around the world, the chef will treat you to a meal worthy of a thousand miles. For example, there are various kinds of fresh sambals, authentic Indonesian hot sauce that blends well with French-Italian cuisine.
