Balinese Cooking Class
What better way to learn the art of Indonesian cooking than to incorporate it into your stay at Villa Semana. Learn to prepare and cook authentic Indonesian food from our professional chefs at Villa Semana. Here are some images of a recent cooking class with guests Emmanuel and Dany.
Ubud Rice Harvest
Farmers hard at work harvesting rice in the padi fields at the main entrance of Villa Semana. Padi fields in Bali are managed by cooperatives known as “subak”. A weir channels water from the main water supply, usually a spring or large canal, to fields through small canals which repeatedly subdivide. All farmers whose fields are fed by the same water source belong to an individual subak. Planting schedules are staggered to ensure that at least 1 field is ready for harvesting at any one time and supply is always there.
Farmers rear ducks and walk them along the fields to eat pests. Their droppings also make a good fertilizer !
Launch of the Semana Suite
Villa Semana Celebrates the Launch of the Semana Suite
Villa Semana, an enchanting property that embraces a riverbank landscape surrounded by rice terraces on the outskirts of Ubud, is delighted to announce the re-launch of its premier accommodation category.
Following an extensive refurbishment, the newly renamed Semana Suite is a sanctuary to escape the complexities of a modern lifestyle. The suite is ensconced within a spacious garden compound that descends in tiers down to a river tributary. The absence of a boundary fence creates a seamless effect that encourages healthy outdoor living.
The Semana Suite features a private pool with generous lounging areas to relax with a book or just soak up the tranquil ambience. Guests are presented with sweeping views of tropical terrain cocooning the river where local villagers gather daily to bathe and frolic in the cool mountain water.
The suite itself has been designed as a traditionally thatched two-storey dwelling that favours indigenous materials such as stone and hardwoods. Downstairs is a semi-open living cum dining environment with a tasteful décor of timber furnishings, quirky artworks and aesthetic pieces.
There is also an indoor niche with a desk, comfortable bench sofa and en-suite marble bathroom. This space also doubles as a quiet study for those who feel the urge to check up on business affairs back home. A small service kitchen is conveniently tucked away at the back to be used for private entertaining or social occasions such as a wedding celebration.
An elegant master bedroom that lies beneath the intricately thatched roof is located atop a timber stairwell. The room is dominated by an oversized canopied bed fitted with crisp white linen and plump pillows for moments of intimacy followed by restful slumber. Featuring a fully equipped mini bar, tea & coffee making facility and CD sound system with a selection of music genres, this romantic retreat is the perfect love nest for honeymooners.
The luxurious en-suite bathroom has been created for pure indulgence with an enormous sunken bath tub and overhead rain shower positioned to capture mesmerizing views of the river below. A double vanity edged in cool stone tiles ensures ample spa for his and her belongings. The sheer size of this lavish bathroom lends itself to pleasurable bathing rituals taken with a loved one.
Discerning travellers choosing to stay in the privacy of the exclusive Semana Suite will be left entirely to their own devices. The Semana Suite is a precious hideaway blessed with a rare spiritual energy. It is a destination where the gentle beauty of Mother Nature has the power to nurture the senses and restore balance to the lives of those in need.
Balinese Wedding Costume
Here are some photos of Mr and Mrs Kumar who visited us from Singapore. They are dressed in traditional Balinese Wedding Costumes. These may be rented from salons in Ubud. Complete packages with a makeup artist are available and make for fond memories for any romantic trip to Bali.
Click here for more photos
Artist Gede Sudarma
The work of Balinese contemporary artist, Gede Sudarma is now being exhibited at the Villa Semana hotel.
Born in the village of Sudagi in North Bali and the son of farmers, Gede Sudarma has exhibited his works since 1995 in various art galleries in Bali as well as in France. His works, all in oil on canvas, have been included in a published compilation of Balinese art “Painting an Invisible World. The Works of Five Modern Balinese Artists”.
For more information, contact Ayu Nadri at +62 (361) 747-1234
Balinese Cooking Class
We’ve had many cooking classes held at Villa Semana but rarely have we had a guest who would challenge our chef with her deft hands and cooking skills! Here are some photos of our guest Mrs Tan and the impressive meal she and her husband cooked up. I’m feeling hungry already just looking at the photos!
Jeremy Ramsey Art
The colourful and vibrant art of one of Singapore’s best known artists is now being exhibited at the Villa Semana Hotel. Jeremy Ramsey, a full time artist has participated in well over 40 art exhibitions all over the world including Australia, the USA and Britain.
The above paintings may be viewed or purchased at Villa Semana.
Villa Semana Hotel
Banjar Semana
Desa Singakerta, Ubud
Tel: +62 361 747 1234
For other paintings, visit Jeremy Ramsey Fine Art
Odalan - Temple Anniversary
Recently we celebrated our temple anniversary at Villa Semana. The Odalan is a festival in which all staff and family members participate in. Everyone is dressed in their best clothes for the temple odalan as this is an important communal event. The morning begins early with staff members preparing gifts and offerings. During the day are prayers, music, and of course lots of food !
Balinese Cooking Class at Villa Semana
Here are some photos of a recent cooking class attended by Mr. and Mrs Di Mascio.
Cooking Class Menu
Tuna Sambal Matah
Chargrilled Fresh Tuna Salad with cabbage, long beans, chili and lemon basil
Ayam Betutu
Steamed whole chicken with Balinese spices
Sayur Urap
Mixed boiled vegetables with ginger paste and grated coconut
Dadar Gulung
Balinese crepes with grated coconut and palm sugar
Balinese Cooking Class
Here are some photos of Mr & Mrs Hattori taking part in a cooking class at Villa Semana this month.
What’s on the menu?
Tuna Sambal Matah
Char-grilled Fresh Tuna Salad with cabbage, long bean, chili and lemon basil
Ayam Betutu
Steamed whole chicken with Balinese spices
Sayur Urap
Mix boiled vegetables with ginger paste and grated coconut
Dadar Gulung
Balinese crepes with grated coconut and palm sugar