Sira Beach House

A simple wooden door in a river-rock wall opens into a courtyard leading to a splendid open-air living pavilion, its towering alang-alang grass roof supported by white stone pillars. This elegant space (furnished with antiques and art collected by Lord McAlpine of World of Interiors magazine) is outfitted with Indonesian daybeds oriented towards the garden and beach. To the left, a lotus pond stretches across to the regal open-sided dining hall, complete with 14-seater table and 39 tribal dancing masks, which stare down from one of the walls with a mix of mirth and mischief. ‘Floating’ on the waters of the pond between these two pavilions is the exotic dining bale (gazebo) where meals can be enjoyed ‘Moroccan style’ on low, cushioned seating. The chill-out room, neighbouring the dining pavilion, functions as both a relaxing open-air daytime space and an air conditioned movie theatre with projector and screen. The modern, fully-equipped kitchen acknowledges its location with long shelves displaying Lombok pottery.

The six air conditioned bedrooms are spread across the estate in pairs, enhanced with bamboo shutters, traditional antique furniture, and hand-woven Lombok textiles. The two garden pavilions, each furnished with king-size beds, are entered through a sandy courtyard to a private sitting area that can accommodate an extra single bed (there are four extra beds in total). The two beach pavilions, also king-bedded, are blessed with fabulous views from their private timber decks and have bathrooms with freestanding hand-carved stone baths and grand indoor and outdoor showers. The master pavilion enjoys magnificent views from both the huge bed and the bath; it has a walk-in dressing room, a separate office area and a courtyard garden. Adjoining the same courtyard is a twin-bedded pavilion, making this a private family compound.

The 19x12m saltwater swimming pool is set in the middle of the estate; a wonderful place to relax – on sunbeds, in the hammock, or on vast comfortable built-in sofas in the pool pavilion. This shady outdoor lounge catches the sea breeze and has a small drinks fridge, as well as a washroom and shower.