Ondy Sweeting luxuriates at The Edge, where there’s more going on than Insta-friendly cliff views.
There is something unique about arriving at a five star villa resort when rain falls and the sky is not its usual dazzling Bali blue. It requires thought and creativity.
The Edge in Uluwatu is very stylish. It’s also rather exclusive with only eight villas and a public exclusion zone on its jaw dropping mega-Insta friendly swimming pool that has a clear five-metre long lip that oversteps the cliff face. It’s simply dazzling.
The public flow in from the stroke of 11am, which marks the end of the time sanctioned for guests only. However, guests do have a VIP section separated from the day-rate cliff club goers and Insta-obsessed travellers that descend daily at 180 °.
When it’s cloudy and raining the crowds do not swoop. It’s free reign for the villa guests which leads to a whole lot more than meets the eye. The Edge also has a two lane bowling alley and a cinema room in the club house. There is a natural underground cave that is earmarked to be turned into elegant underground dining, two restaurants, a tennis court and unique spa where the floor is ankle deep in water that seamlessly meets the big ocean view.
Given the rains, we double down inside The Breeze villa with a private butler on hand to produce fruit skewers and stonkingly good coffees. The view over the immense lawn was a white out. All we could see was the stone doorway of the second entrance, the super glam pool and the wooden deck dance floor and that was not seeing any action. An enormous flat screen TV beckoned as the impressive pool copped a drubbing.
The Breeze is beautifully designed with clear lines and comfort as key. Traditional glass-candle style chandeliers have been used as stretchers for white fabrics in a nod to a Miss Haversham aesthetic in the open plan dining area while in the living space the lights are like flipped ballet tutu’s that have abandoned tulle to embrace an elegant white shade that captures the eye and imagination.
Settling down in to a very comfortable ‘L’ shaped sofa it was time to explore the settings of the TV. Netflix. Banzai! After a couple of hours lost in a mini-binge, it was time for dinner while the rain had held off.
A fresh stroll to Seas, which is The Edge’s signature restaurant, passes through tropical gardens and walkways that overlooks a stream the leads to the famous pool. The restaurant, which is now open for lunch with a two packages, had an evening menu that explores classic Indonesian cuisine.
The degustation menu features betel leaf stuffed full of smoky salmon, coriander and salty roe while the beef cheek rendang was outstanding. An appetiser of fried lotus chips and Thai coriander shoots in tempura delivered a lush earthy flavour with added crunch began the dining experience, which ended in delicate little pandan pancakes topped with gold leaf, sweet jackfruit, mango and banana with coconut.
Back in The Breeze for a night cap before hitting the silky smooth bed, I note a sitting area and big flat screen TV in the bedroom.
A dressing room separates the bedroom from the bathroom and delivers privacy, which is ideal given that The Breeze’s only bedroom has three direct entrances to the pool, which means three ceiling-to-floor glass walls. One discreet entrance to the pool is bounded by a soaring wall and the bedroom. The depth of the pool is shallow, creating a sultry space for sipping champagne and star gazing.
Blue tooth speakers tune in to any smart phone and a single tap controls blackout curtains remotely. Bathroom lighting is automatic and has movement sensors. The bathroom is fresh and modern with glass walls separating the tub and double washstands from the shower, wc, and an outside garden shower creating an infinite mirror effect. Toiletries are the posh French brand Hermès and the bathrobes are lined with soft faux lambs wool and are spread on the bed at night by the butler.
Privacy is a hot issue at The Edge. The Breeze villa has two entrances – one to the villa and another to the garden which is an outstanding wedding or party venue and in front of every villa doorway is a stand-alone sign announcing that the villa is ‘private property’ and must not be entered. The Edge is a grand resort, despite having only eight exclusive villas, and staff zip about in golf buggies.
There are also two bars that are unequalled on the island. One has clear panels on the floor so guests can spot passing sea turtles and gentle dugongs that often reside in the ocean below. There is also a Sky Bar, where guests can lounge around for sundowners after a heavy day in the perfect pool.
