THE ARTS HOUSE
The birth of Sanchaya’s arts tradition
Get your cameras ready as this is one of the most Instagrammable properties we’ve ever set foot in. From the driveaway where a magnificent installation piece of a pineapple by contemporary artist Kumari Nahappan called “The Guardian Angel”, to the elegant receiving area, which looked more like a luxurious sitting room than that of a hotel, you know that you’re in for a treat in this resort, design-wise.
There’s a feeling of the personal in the hotel’s décor, and why not, considering that many of the pieces reportedly came from owner Natalya Pavchinskaya’s personal collection of artwork. Design-wise, the hotel takes its cue from the magnificent black-and-white colonial mansions that dot Singapore. Artwork, furniture and décor pieces are sourced from all over Southeast Asia and reportedly, the furniture was by a local artisan in Indonesia. All the staff (the resort refers to them as “artisans”) is local and many come from a training facility that the resort sponsors. According to Magnus, the affable general manager, the resort management makes an effort to recruit and train locals as part of giving back to the local communities and to help out. The resort also runs various charitable organisations that are lead by “Mr Morris” its mascot.
We were booked in a Junior Suite, which is on the second floor of the Great House, the main building in the property. There are only 33 rooms and villas in the property, split across several categories.
Nine of the Junior Suites and Sanchaya Suites, are located on the second floor of the Great House. Eight other additional Sanchaya Suites are located in buildings scattered across the property. They all have a private entrance and are located either on the ground or upper floors. All the rooms and villas hew to a theme of dark wood, black trim and white walls, which are perfect for the proliferation of artwork and design touches that pepper the rooms and public spaces, with deep leather furniture or rattan pieces that could withstand tropical weather. Our bathroom is done up in black and white and holds a decadent clawfoot freestanding tub from Lefroy Brooks. We have a verandah that is perfect to relax in with a drink and a book at three in the afternoon, if there’s nothing to do.
Our suite overlooks the magnificent pool, beach and Lagoi Bay. Looking at the view, it’s easy to see why Pavchinskaya was inspired to build a resort here. During the high season, when the winds are calm, the beach must have been magnificent, with its white sand and blue waters. We were in the wrong season for lounging at the beach though, as the winds were too strong. Indeed, walking along the beachfront later revealed tourists and locals engaging in paragliding and parasailing.
A country weekend
But one really doesn’t go to The Sanchaya for the swimming or snorkeling. The resort’s setting reminds us very much of
a weekend at the country mansion, where well-connected friends gather for great food, imbibing great amounts of alcohol, all accompanied with juicy gossip or musical performances. The resort’s vibe is a throwback to the moneyed in the 19th and early 20th centuries who would invite a houseful of guests for a weekend away in the country.
And indeed, The Sanchaya does have the feel of a great country estate, even down to the entertainment it offers. The resort has been developing its artist residency programme and wants to serve as a platform for emerging creatives in Southeast Asia.
For instance, last year, the resort held an exclusive film investment summit, introducing I Am Woman, a film about Helen Reddy. The event was attended by Academy Award nominee Dev Patel, who also debuted his first film, which he collaborated on with Pavchinskaya called Home Shopper. A more permanent reminder of The Sanchaya’s involvement in the arts are the striking red Saga Seeds, which were floating on the water feature between the Dining Room and Bar when we were there. The 30 giant red fiberglass seeds were also by Nahappan and were last seen at the Venice Biennale’s Anima Mundi International Arts Festival. The seeds represent the potential to grow and strengthen, while resembling the beauty of nature.
The weekend we were there, we were treated to an evening performance at the Salon by renowned violinist Igor Yuzefovich, who performed a selection of classical favourites alongside renowned cellist Ng Pei-Sian of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. It was a magical evening of great music, accompanied by fine wine and camaraderie of the hotel guests who were united by a love of music and the good life.
THE VISIONARY
The driving force for all this, of course, is Pavchinskaya, whose creativity and influence are felt throughout the property. We had a chance for a short chat with her about her love of art, and how this has influenced her all her life. When did you start collecting art and what was your first piece? I’m not a great believe in collecting art – rather, I believe art should be available to the public. I believe art should be shared and talked about, in order for ideas and conversations to be sparked. Most of my personal collection is photography. My first piece was shot by Robert Mapplethorpe, and I have gone on to collect works by the likes of Anton Corbijn, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Helmut Newton. I also have an Andy Warhol piece. What draws you in to a particular work of art? The pieces of art that bring me the most pleasure are those that need no explanation – you simply look at it and it speaks to your heart and soul. What was the thinking behind combining both your passion of owning a hotel and art in Sanchaya? One of my main passions in terms of art is to make it available in a public domain, to be enjoyed by all. By doing this at The Sanchaya, we have created a platform for new and emerging talent – likeminded people are drawn to the space, and inspiration and creativity surrounds the estate. All of the pieces of art within the property were carefully curated over a three-year period from around Southeast Asia. The Sanchaya is a natural fit for the creative world, and as time goes on, this synergy only becoming stronger, as more and more fresh ideas are sparked from time spent at the estate. How do you choose which artists to host in your residency programme? Do you have criteria for the art you want to feature in the resort? I’m very open-minded when it comes to selecting talent to spend time at The Sanchaya. I am particularly focused on giving new and emerging artists a platform and a space to spend time and be inspired – I think it’s important to support upcoming artists who really have something to bring to the world. We’d also like to mix up the genres of artistic talent, and I am in talks with a couple of people who we may line up for later this year. Which artists would you love to feature or host in The Sanchaya? Jeff Koons – I can just imagine one of his vibrant pieces against the monochrome background of the estate and the white sandy beach.