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For
some, this may well be the least interesting page on our web site, but
it is about what makes Villas Agung Bali Nirwana "tick". You
see, when we decided to build Agung Bali Nirwana, we asked a lot of people
in the business what mistakes they made. We also, as travelers, had our
own views on where many other resorts and villas "fell down".
So we also made a big point of asking fellow travelers what common faults
they found too.
From people in the business, the two main replies were "Accepting
the norm" and "buying cheap". So we resolved to do neither
of these. From travelers, we heard "Terrible bathrooms with drips,
not showers", "bedding still sweat wet from the guests before",
"Bali belly", "bad air conditioning", "no mosquito
nets", "terrible TV coverage", "tatty / worn furnishings",
"no air (flow)" and "catching flu / a cold". So we
looked into why some showers were great (constant heat, constant and good
flow), and some so very bad. We researched why some beds were so good,
and others, so, well.... We asked why some people suffered from air conditioning
related colds. And why so many people suffered from Bali belly.
So
we used oversized water pipes to avoid silt build up in the pipes, which
restricts water pressure / flow. We use only "Grohe" brand shower
mixers and taps, because they are better designed, and not so sensitive.
We learned that Rheem of Australia
had the best water heater (consistency, reliability and time to heat)
reputation, and we bought the model up from the one we needed for each
villa. Now, as a result. When you get into our showers, you will absolutely
enjoy the perfect shower!
Electricity cuts / outages are fairly common in Bali, especially
in the remote areas. So we decided to get a back up generator that was
capable of running everything on the site. We looked at various models
and did a lot of research. In the end, we settled for a Perkins generator
with silencer body paneling and automatic start, which was the most expensive
option. We went for a model above what we needed. And now, as a result.
If the power supply fails and your air conditioning stops during a particularly
hot night. Don't worry, just count to six, and the Perkins will start
up and all will be well. And once the mains power comes back on for 20
seconds, the Perkins will automatically hand back over.
Our satellite TV is Indovision, the best, with many channels (HBO, CNN, BBC,
MTV, Discovery, Star Movies, and many more) and clear reception. Many other
satellite forms are available, but this may mean no English channels and
grainy pictures. Too many hotels / villas do this and call it satellite! But not us!
Our water supply comes from the local reservoir, which we
then Ultra Violet units (each villa and the staff kitchen have their own
individual units) to kill any bacteria. We also have well water, which
we normally use for the gardens. And which we can switch to if the main
water supply fails. Although we do not suggest you drink water from the
tap / faucet, at least it should do you no harm.
The water coolers, refrigerators and air conditioners in
the villas are all sterilized at least once a month. Most accommodations
simply instal and then leave air conditioning units alone. Bacteria can
infect these and give guests a nasty "gift" to take back home.
All of the bedrooms have air conditioners, and these are all overrated.
This is so, if you really want to, you can close the doors and windows
in the living area and kitchen. Open up the bedroom doors, and literally
chill out. Although, the sea breezes, considerable daytime shade from
the palm trees, large open up doors and windows, plus our stylish pedestal
fans should more than do the job for you.
The mattresses we use are the finest posture mattresses
from the USA. All bed mattresses are protected by the finest protectors
from "King Koil". The goose down and feather pillows are completely
hand washed. When you sleep in one of our beds, it is like being the first
person to sleep in it.
Keen to make sure fabrics looked and felt good, plus lasted
well. We contracted the services of one of Bali's top interior designers,
who made all of our curtains, mosquito nets, blinds and cushions. In fact,
the sofa mattresses and arm rests, the patio bench mattresses and triangle
cushions, the dining / bale chair cushions and back rests, the sunbrellas
and sun lounge mattresses are all made from "Sunbrella". An
incredible (expensive) fabric imported from the USA. Incredible because
it looks and feels so good, yet lasts for many years and is virtually
stain / weather proof. So you can relax in style / comfort, enjoy that
glass of red wine and not worry.
Finally, our kitchen staff have been made to understand
the importance of impeccable hygiene. Such as avoiding cross-contamination,
proper effective storage, throwing away food that is no longer fresh,
etc. This is backed up with the finest kitchen equipment from around the
world to ensure not just food quality, but reliability of being able to
deliver what guests need. For example, buying the cheapest ice cube making machine
may seem a good idea to some, but not to us. Ours is imported from the
USA.
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