Pamela Hayes is the visionary owner behind Sungai Jungle Villas, an exquisite retreat nestled in the lush landscapes of Bali. Her dedication to creating a harmonious blend of luxury and nature has made Sungai Jungle Villas a sought-after destination for travellers worldwide.

What inspired you to create Sungai Jungle Villas in Bali?

It happened by chance when we met a lady in Port Douglas (Far North Queensland, Australia) who had just bought land in Cepaka. We happened to visit Bali soon afterwards and became enthralled by the opportunity, and ultimately purchased land in the same village. We were followed in by several friends and for many years it was referred to as the ‘Australian’ village.

How did you select the location for the villas, and what makes it so special?

We were led there by the Australian acquaintance but won over by the privacy and authenticity of the village which even with massive development since has not lost its original charm. We managed to buy land below the main village temple with a private driveway so that no one drive past our entrance. We are hidden riverside and overlook the jungle across the river. We chose to buy riverside land as it was not of use to the landholders whereas if we had bought rice paddy land it would have removed their ongoing income and spoiled the environment.

Can you describe the design philosophy behind Sungai Jungle Villas?

Our local architect interpreted my design ideas which I wanted to be Balinese but with contemporary elements and to include a ‘great room’. The dining and bar were to be a focal aspect. I am not a fan of the rather dark Balinese hotel/resort rooms so I introduced whitewash to all facets of the SUNGAI’s..and what I did not realise is that the Balinese are masters at it…we didn’t see this unique whitewash finish in Australia.

What are some unique features that set Sungai Jungle Villas apart from other luxury accommodations in Bali?

Our USP are:

Hotel-style service and hospitality in your private villa/s
Unique levels of considered and genuine service offering legendary gracious hospitality
Exposure to the real Bali within a traditional village
Location within a riverside jungle setting just 20 minutes from the beachside hotspot Canggu and even closer to the new Pererenan shopping and dining precinct
The ‘Ubud’ feel without the remoteness

Inclusions: from the VIP airport butler option; being met at the airport by our concierge/personal driver; complimentary wine, beer and snacks en route to the villa
The focus on bar and dining with all-day dining, rather than chefs on call only and no bar facilities
The extensive provisions made available to children incl pre-arrival shopping service

How do you ensure an exceptional guest experience at your villas?

We consider that the guest experience starts from the very minute of their first contact. We spend any amount of time in the lead-in to a guest’s arrival to make the journey/planning as seamless and supported as possible. We consider that the more planning that can be achieved before check-in the smoother the holiday goes for the guest, and yet respect that some just want to make decisions on the run. From the minute my team take over at the airport (or other hotel) I know that they will be focused on making the guest’s experience exceptional. They have the knack of pre-empting guests’ needs and this amazes many.

What challenges did you face during the development of Sungai Jungle Villas, and how did you overcome them?

When we built Villa 1 in 2000 it was rather early days and I had to teach the builders in some areas and bring many of the premium fittings in my luggage from Australia (very stressful but funny afterwards…it couldn’t happen now!), however, with my current refurbishment projects at the villas, it is a very different situation. My relationship with our architect and those supporting me is so pleasurable…and it is so easy to get materials now.

In terms of staffing, we needed to educate the team not only to 5-star hotel standards but also to understand that when guests were in residence they had to be on shift. That their jobs only existed to service guests. This was a new concept back in 2000 particularly in villas. Our team grew up therefore understanding that on special ceremony days (and there are many!) they would be expected to work but could share hours so that they could spend some time at their precious temples.

How do you incorporate Balinese culture into the guest experience at the villas?

We only employ Balinese (occasionally Indonesian) staff and will never involve Westerners (other than ourselves who are only high profile for the guests in the lead-in, never once they arrive, and yet are often hands-on in the background).

We encourage guests to join the staff for a tour of the village including wandering through the beautiful rice fields and visiting the temple in the rice fields our night staff (Yoga) happens to be the priest.

We allow guests to visit temple ceremonies if available in the village. Staff help dress guests with the supplied sarongs and of course, accompany them giving them much background in the process.

We incorporate furniture made of white-washed Indonesian timber some in authentic Balinese style.

Likewise, with our dining accoutrements, we like to use local designs/materials and on an evening our dining staff combine formal (more western) captains’ jackets with Balinese sarongs.

Female guests and children are presented with buddhas to take home as reminders of their stay with us.

We provide a dancing girl and gamelan performance usually on guests’ last night. These are authentic performances by locals.

What sustainability practices have you implemented at Sungai Jungle Villas?

It started when we bought riverside land rather than valuable rice fields.

We were one of the first Westerners in the area to introduce rubbish services. Previously locals threw their rubbish over the cliffs and/or into the river.

Likewise, we embraced the removal of plastics very early on.

Nothing as significant as many of the huge resorts but the team is conscious nowadays so hopefully take the philosophy home.

A:    Jl. Desa Cepaka No.78, Cepaka, Kec. Kediri, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82121, Indonesia
E:   Bookings
T:   +61 400233468
W:  The Jungle Villas

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