Villa Zoubi: outside and surrounding area
As you explore Villa Zoubi’s gardens and local surroundings, you start to realise that peace doesn’t come from isolation. It comes from an appreciation and acceptance of your environment. From balance and simplicity. And in North Bali’s Umeanyar region, it’s hard not to appreciate the special confluence of nature, culture and human activity that abounds here.
Time is relative in Bali
The honest traditions of the hard-working local people are visible all around: you will see how local farmers plough and maintain the local rice paddies as they have always done, with oxen and a great deal of care and patience. Temples and ceremonies hint at this area’s vast cultural heritage. The common sight of cows, chickens and pigs signals that we are in the authentic Bali, far removed the hectic south where mass tourism disturbs the island’s vital balance.
The design and location of Villa Zoubi are such that much of the surrounding nature and traditions are not excluded, but warmly welcomed as part of the experience. No matter where you sit or stand in the garden or terrace, you will see beautiful, constantly- evolving views of paddy fields and the local flora and fauna. Sitting in the bale benong (gazebo), drinking the whole scene in, hours seem to slip by in minutes. The gentle breeze that soothes your skin is the same that softly rustles the leaves of the palms and gives lift to the colourful indigenous butterflies.
Explore North Bali from Villa Zoubi
But you needn’t only sit and stare. Why not go on an uplifting walk through the vineyards or rice fields? Occasionally you will hear Hindu songs drift across the fields or the sound of a scooter puttering by. Leaving the rice fields, you pass by a sea temple that is said to guard the rice crop. Finally you end up on the exotic black beaches, where crabs trace their patterns in the sand and local fishing vessels make the scene complete. Upon returning from your walk, Villa Zoubi’s staff will be there to welcome you back with a refreshing smoothie or a freshly-prepared meal.
