Bali high

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The istana, Bukit, Bali, Indonesia

The istana private villa in Bali was designed by Australian-based French architect Fredo Taffin as a tranquil piece of tropical grandeur. The 5,200-metre estate has two infinity-edge pools and ocean views from all angles. The villa's team features a Western chef, four butlers, two drivers, two masseuse and spa staff, housekeeping and maintenance people and a round-the-clock security team.

“The istana was Bali's first destination villa and was designed to offer world-class amenities and the highest level of service. Architecturally speaking the low elevation keeps the building 'down to earth' with proportions that are discreet and elegant, rather than intimidating,” Taffin says.

In 2007 architect Gary Fell renovated and upgraded the 2002 villa to give it a more contemporary edge.

"Throughout the villa, contemporary furniture finished with high-gloss lacquer and custom-made silk wall panels play against the more rustic teak floors. Modern ceiling treatments channel light into the volumes created by the open, traditional roof structure," Fell says.

The istana, which is a Malay word for palace, has been operated as both a private villa and a commercial resort. It is being sold by Elite Havens' Matthew Georgeson  with an asking price of around $7 million.

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