The Magic Of Zazen
Windows down, I enjoy the warm sun and breeze on my drive down the rugged East Coast road in search of my destination. As I get to Cattlewash, I notice a structure of a different scale relative to the regular beach houses that populate this renown surf break and staycation neighbourhood. I have indeed found my target, the luxurious villa Zazen.
Sheer size may be what captures the initial gaze of passers by but as you enter curiosity builds and it is hard to look away for all the right reasons. Built in 2018 and designed by Barbadian architect Doug Luke, the property was designed as a spot to marry tranquility, modernity and comfort. The owners desired a place reminiscent of a sanctuary of the Far East but with an industrial look and simple finishes common in Scandinavian design.
The word zazen literally means ‘seated meditation’ which is typically the primary practice of the Zen Buddhist tradition. While the meaning and method of zazen varies from school to school, in general it can be regarded as a means of insight into the nature of existence. I couldn’t think of a name more apt for this tranquil and contemplative setting. There is something very spiritual about the property from the time you enter the main door – very much like entering a place of worship. The cool grey tones of polished cement walls add to the feeling of calm and reverence.
Cattlewash is the perfect location for this cathedral. The long serene stretch of beach and magical jagged limestone hills are perfect if you want to unplug and unwind away from the crowds. The location is as remote as you can be on our beautiful island as it is hardly populated, yet offers a myriad of activities close by. Hikes in the hills afford you with excellent bird’s eye views of the East Coast that would be equally rewarding to the seasoned hiker or photography enthusiast. Exploratory walks along the beach in the morning are a refreshing meander before breakfast. When the ebbing tide is out, small pools along the rocky ocean floor unveil sea dwellers like small fish, moray eels, sea urchins and starfish left behind. These are all delightful finds for young eco-explorers and adults alike.
Out of comfortable walking distance but around the corner by car is Bathsheba. Sunset drinks at the famous Atlantis Hotel or authentic Bajan food at Uncle Joe’s Bar are a must to fully absorb the essence of the island. Adventures including horseback riding on the beach, surf lessons or hiring a Michelin Star chef to create an unforgettable meal can be arranged simply by contacting the dedicated Zazen concierge team. They also offer skippered trips on their luxury motor yacht ‘Vesper’ and gourmet barbecues by the pool.
A large inviting pool is just steps from the living room. Even in hot temperatures, the breeze keeps guests comfortably cool for hours a day. Most the East Coast is not recommended for swimming due to strong currents. Luckily on our small island you are never too far from picture-perfect white sand beaches and calm turquoise waters.
Zazen is 6,000 sq ft with five generous sleeping quarters set on two floors. Two of the four ground floor suites spill out onto the large seaside garden. A spacious open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining area round out the main floor. The expansive top floor suite provides elevated views of magical sunrises over the rumbling Atlantic Ocean. Along with a wet bar, walk-in closet, office space, a mini home theatre and a round soaking bath, the suite features an inviting day bed on a private outdoor terrace.
The modern industrial feel of the villa is accentuated by oversized operable louvres and large sliding doors made of Sipo Mahogany. The open space living and modernity of cement, steel beams and colourful semi-precious stones subtly battle with Buddhist sculptures and the calming sound of the ocean. Like many successful marriages all of these materials may appear incongruous on paper, especially when placing them in the rural simplicity of Cattlewash, however the combination works harmoniously.
The property comes with a full staff of two housekeepers to pamper you during your stay and a cook to create meals from 6 am until dinner if you wish. An on-site gardener/handyman looks after any maintenance needs. Peace of mind is of paramount importance and Zazen has been designed to ensure that guests can relax in a private and secure environment. The two 24/7 security staff are expertly trained and accustomed to working with the guests’ own security professionals.
Feel free to indulge in the many amenities during your stay or simply ignore them in favour of lounging in the hammock as the true beauty of the location will suffice. For technology, Zazen has high speed WiFi in all areas, TVs in the lounge and main bedroom and B+W Zeppelin audio systems. For a LoFi experience, grab a yoga mat and enjoy a morning routine of sun salutations on the lawn timing your breathe to the soundtrack of crashing waves. That is the true luxury of Zazen, it offers as much or as little as you need to bring about your vision of the perfect stay.
Zazen has now become a landmark on the East Coast. For the casual onlooker it’s size and modernity amidst the rustic terrain turn heads. To the lucky few who wake up here it stands out for its opulence, comfort and attention to every detail. The property and location enlighten and calm the soul as its Zen energy and casual luxury combine harmoniously.
