Living in Bali (Taschen's Lifestyle) [Hardcover]

Anita Lococo (Author), Angelika TASCHEN (Editor), Reto Guntli (Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Loved by travelers for its lush, tropical scenery, and charming people, Bali is considered to be one of the most magnificent places on earth. Spirituality and nature are integral parts of everyday life for the Balinese, so one can easily see why the island’s traditional architecture has a peaceful presence to it, mimicking its surroundings and sometimes blending in with them. When it comes to Balinese houses, walls are not compulsory, wood is everywhere, earth tones are dominant, and thatched roofs abound. Opening onto gorgeous green landscapes, majestic mountains, or beautiful coastlines, the homes herein ooze relaxing, contemplative vibes. Gazing at these opulent examples of simple and elegant living, one wonders why more people aren’t rushing to move to Bali….

About the Author

The photographer: Swiss photographer Reto Guntli, based in Zurich, regularly travels the world taking photos for international magazines. He has published numerous books and contributed to TASCHEN publications such as Great Escapes Asia, Great Escapes Europe, and Inside Asia.

The author: After a decade of working between Asia and America as a fashion designer and art dealer, Anita Lococo decided to make Bali her home 15 years ago. She has worked as a scout for Architectural Digest magazine and written articles about lifestyle, villas and interiors in Bali for British, American and German Vogue magazines, Gente Viaggi Italy, Elle Deco Spain, Maisons- Cote Sud, and local tourist In-style magazine. British Traveler magazine named her as the expert for travel in Bali.

The editor: Angelika Taschen studied art history and German literature in Heidelberg, gaining her doctorate in 1986. Working for TASCHEN since 1987, she has published numerous titles on the themes of architecture, photography, design, and contemporary art.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 193 pages
• Publisher: Taschen; Bilingual edition (December 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3822846007
• ISBN-13: 978-3822846001
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 10.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #684,721 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

  #84 in

  Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > International > Asian

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous and Succulant!, March 9, 2006

By	Padmalaya "peace begins within" (nyc, ny, usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Living in Bali (Taschen's Lifestyle) (Hardcover)

As most Taschen design books, Living in Bali does not pretend to be a literary read, in fact the blurbs are positively sparse! It is unapologetic in its display of huge and fantastic images of the types of homes which typify the tropical asian paradise abode, and makes a point that the space and atmospheres of the designs and ambience tranfer all that is necessary. It would have been refreshing if they could have stuck to just the amazing residences, but one can't complain when the hotels, such as Begawan Giri are literally breathtaking and dreamy. I found myself gasping continuously and just gazing for an embarrassing length of time at each layout.There is enough juice in this book to inspire you to create you own personal paradise. Even if you live in nyc, as I do! Well, even if it is only in your dreams! While there is some overlapping with other asian style publications from Taschen, they are mostly all very refreshing, as they include new shots and more indepth voyeurism. The quality of the beautiful, simply stunning photographs are commendable, and the layout manages but to be expansive and detailed. In my mind, there is no book which better exemplifies what defines and justifies Bali as the jewel in the crown of tropical asian style. Owning this book, is like owning your personal ticket to a journey which shows you what is possible in life, that reality and heaven can meet! um, yes - I recommend this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Paradise Available!, March 27, 2006

By	Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Living in Bali (Taschen's Lifestyle) (Hardcover)

LIVING IN BALI is more than just a pretty picture book, though the lush photography by Reto Guntli is superb. This is a romance with a place few have had the pleasure of experiencing - the tropical paradise still very much in place in Bali.

Author Anita Lococo wisely leaves most of the journey to the level of serenity encountered by the way of life, the state of mind, the natural beauty of the landscape, and the plethora of flowers and exotic foliage to the images that flood the pages of this very beautiful book edited by the always sensitive Angelika Taschen. Here is a mood, a spirit and a place that indeed does exist and the book allows us to enter the secrets of the contemplative life that results from the communal life with nature that rules the homes of Bali.

The writing is informative and gentle and the many full color photographs manage to transport the viewer in time and sensation to a Paradise Available. This is yet another in Taschen's fine collections of books intent on making us open our eyes and minds to the levels we all can achieve - with a little help from books like this. Grady Harp, March 06

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Living in Bali will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, November 19, 2007

By	Robert Hurley (Boerne, Texas USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Living in Bali (Taschen's Lifestyle) (Hardcover)

Having visited Bali many times over a period of 35 years and being very familiar with life and housing there, it is important to mention that this book is not about living in Bali for the Balinese. The homes in this book are exceptional for Bali and for the most part would be special almost anywhere.

The book covers some breathtakingly beautiful houses and the photography is excellent. Whether one is interested in Bali or not, architects, decorators, and those who appreciate creative design will thoroughly enjoy this collection of gorgeous photos of stunning architectural creativity. Those who do not know Bali will likely be blown away by its natural tropical beauty. For those who know and care about Bali, this work artfully ties all of the above together in a most satisfying volume.