Jakarta. When you're in the mood for a quiet vacation in the Island of the Gods, and want to avoid the busy and ever-so-hip Seminyak or the yoga-obsessed crowd in Ubud, the new Rumah Luwih resort in Gianyar might just give you what you need.

Built as a colonial style resort on the east coast of Bali, Rumah Luwih is a stunning destination for urban escapees and honeymooners in the Gianyar area.

The all-white, beachfront property occupies two hectares of lush greenery that stand in a beautiful contrast with the black sands of Lebih beach.

Located just 40 minutes from the cultural center of Ubud, 30 minutes from Sanur and several minutes' drive from the famous Keramas beach, Rumah Luwih offers a quiet tropical sanctuary and a promise that you will be treated like royals.

Indonesian architect Hadiprana is the brain behind the grand look of the resort, and his attention goes down to exquisite details such as the use of classic Dutch-inspired tiles, teak wood fittings and silk decoration.

He borrowed the look from the historic Taman Ujung water palace in Karangasem, Bali, which combines both Balinese and European architectural styles.

And much like Taman Ujung, Rumah Luwih also boasts a large pond in its luscious garden, complete with its friendly geese.

In addition to their own "water palace," the enormous yard of Rumah Luwih includes an infinity pool with a mini jaccuzi on each side of the pool. The water stays deliciously lukewarm all day and night, making it perfect for those who fancy a quick dip after dark as they listen to the sound of crashing waves. The pool is also available for non-hotel guests at Rp 200,000 per person and Rp 100,000 for a child below 12 years old.

An outdoor chapel takes center stage in the expansive view of the Indian ocean from the hotel's lobby, which makes Rumah Luwih a worthy decision for wedding and honeymoon splurges. The chapel has seen numerous intimate wedding parties, making it an iconic landmark in photographs. And as if this view wasn't good enough, the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan is also visible on sunny days, making it a perfect backdrop for what is already a splendid view.

All of Rumah Luwih's 75 rooms are spacious and elegantly designed. The basic Prabanggana rooms offer 40 square meters of comfort, and the bigger Arnawakanta rooms include a private balcony and a bathtub with an ocean view.

Bathroom amenities include a jar of handmade sea salt, which are harvested from a mix of fresh and sea water in a village nearby.

Each room presents a mix of old-world charming antiques, such as a writing table and a wooden television cupboard, and modern-day convenience. Decorations in the room, from an embroidered bed cover, tassel lamp ornaments to silk cushions, appear in a matching hue of purple that pop against the all-white bedroom in the most classic manner.

Rooms with balcony allow guests to enjoy the pool and ocean view, but for larger groups or wedding parties, the resort's three one-of-a-kind suites — Segara, Giri and Aruna — offer the full experience in a complete privacy. Located on the second floor of the mansion, each suite provide a master bedroom that is separated from the living and dining rooms.

Got the munchies? The resort's Andrawina restaurant offers a range of international and local cuisines to indulge your appetite.

If you arrived in the afternoon and felt the need to unwind, head to the Kirana lounge where you can enjoy your choice of tea with mouth-watering cakes and snacks.

For barbecues and al fresco dinners, the Beach Pavilion in the garden near the ocean offers a variety of fresh salad, grilled meat and seafood.

If you were looking for unusual attractions nearby, Rumah Luwih is only ten minutes away from the Saba turtle conservation, Bali Safari Park, and 45 minutes away from the traditional village of Penglipuran.

The hotel can also arrange an excursion to the Banyumala waterfall in Buleleng or to the holy Besakih temple on the slope of Mount Agung.

A favorite of guests is a two-hour cycling trip around the rice fields in Ubud, which allows you to go down its narrow terraces, away from the busy road.

Rumah Luwih is a good stopover for travelers looking for lavish accommodation and also a chance to enjoy a quiet vacation time away from the typical Bali beach clubs, and most especially, for wedding parties and couples in pursuit of a romantic getaway.

Rates per night start from Rp 1.7 million ($127). And if it's a wedding you want, the resort's iconic chapel and multipurpose ballrooms offer both indoor and outdoor settings for a memory that you will cherish for a long time.

Rumah Luwih
Jalan Prof. Ida Bagus Mantra, Km 19.9
Gianyar, Bali
Phone: +62 361 2005899
Reservation: +62 361 2005888
Website: http://www.rumahluwih.com