Its safe environment, spacious garden and loads of different living spaces make Villa Waru an absolute dream for large families. The garden is truly enchanting; full of little artistic touches; secreted statues, brightly painted doorways, timber carvings and stone gargoyles. Adventurous kids will love these surroundings and there’s plenty to keep them amused inside too; big TVs, DVDs, pool table, foosball table, board games etc. For parents’ extra peace of mind, a lifeguard can even attend at the villa (extra charge).

With such a generous scattering of living and dining space, everyone will be able to find their own favourite corner — ours was the Sparkle suite’s veranda floating above the pond, and the second-level open-sided living area looking out over the glorious gardens created by Bali landscaping supremo Made Widjaya. Waru’s two residences are joined by a pathway through the garden making it ideal for two families (or even three) holidaying together. We also think it would be the ideal space for yoga and wellbeing retreats — and a magical venue for weddings and special celebrations.

Visiting seven years after the first review, we were able to appreciate this extraordinary villa from a different perspective. So many newer-build villas sit in small gardens hemmed in by neighbours. In contrast, the multi-pavilion Waru offers the space, privacy and imaginatively furnished interiors of a bygone age — a rare privilege that we can’t wait to repeat.

We thought that the villa staff did a great job under the caring eye of Ibu Rai, the villa supervisor, preparing meals from an extensive menu of Indonesian and western dishes (provisions on guest account at cost plus a 25% service fee). Waru has a permanent team of staff and more are brought in when the villa is fully occupied.