Remote but perfectly formed, this villa is a great recipe for a pure getaway; just for you and the people you have chosen to spend your holiday with – as it should be. Depending on how far you have travelled to get here, Bali may feel like the end of the Earth so, having

The chef prepared a lunch for us of fish cooked with turmeric and coconut, prawns grilled on the BBQ with garlic and lime, and some traditional Balinese salads, which was all superb. And at dinner time, he massaged a leg of New Zealand lamb to perfection over the barbecue’s naked flames. Sitting down to eat, we felt like characters out of a Goldilocks story because the oversized chairs were large enough to seat the largest of bears. Everything in this villa was brand spanking new and of the highest quality, and all the soft furnishings were super-comfy – we slept like angels.

For the traveller who loves water sports and the boundless facilities offered by the Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa area then this villa is a real steal. We found the garden and pool area to be more than adequate for our needs and in fact it was just far enough away from the sounds of

It was so nice to stay at a villa in this forgotten corner of Bali. Everywhere else in Nusa Dua and Benoa you’ll find hotels or resorts with hordes of people, jet skis and speed boats. But tucked away in a corner on the harbour side of the peninsula looking east with

Villa Selamanya is a beautifully serene place and we enjoyed a real mix of (gentle) adventure and relaxation during our stay. After watching the sunset over the horizon from the waterfront pool we enjoyed trying out the local restaurants (Japanese and Italian - both pretty damn

For a change of pace, just head a kilometre up the road in the villa car and you are in watersports heaven. Ask the villa manager about the discount deal Selamanya has with one of the local companies – he can also arrange anything from island tours to deep sea fishing trips.

But it wasn’t all ‘busy, busy’. Truth be told, for most of the day we simply sprawled out on the sun loungers or in the shade of the balé bengong and swam in the pool, it just couldn’t have been any better.

All in all, versatility is key here.

We know that the Nusa Dua/Tanjung Benoa area has a reputation as a holiday destination that suits all tastes: from sun-worshippers whose aim is to remain as horizontal as possible for as long as possible, to adrenaline freaks who care only for the thrill of a jet ski engine

We kind of fit into both groups but we don’t like spending too much time surrounded by hordes of others who do the same and that’s why it was beyond good to find Villa Sunset on the sleepy side of Benoa Harbour. We felt like we had the whole of Bali to ourselves (apart from at high tide when the jet skis came calling for an hour or so) but on a low tide the silence is deafening.

We loved it. For a couple of hours we could jump on said jet skis and get our adrenaline fix but afterwards it was straight back to the pool for some serious atrophy time. So little to do and so much time within which to do it!

One thing not to miss is a kayak trip around the bay and the mangroves (the villa has four for guest use) and, at least once, rent the resident speedboat for a spin around the harbour – early morning is best when all the birds are waking up and the sun is not yet hot. Also, go for a wander along the sand on low tide and visit one of the turtle hatcheries just up the beach. If you have kids they will love it – especially having a photo taken with a nine-foot python draped around their necks.

Safe environment, spacious garden and loads of different living spaces make Villa Waru an absolute dream for large family groups, especially as kids are so well catered for here. The garden is truly enchanting; full of little artistic touches; secreted statues, brightly painted

With such a generous scattering of living and dining space, everyone will be able to find their own favourite corner. We loved the Gekko Suite’s intimate living space tucked far to the back of the property. Waru’s two residences are joined by a pathway through the garden making it ideal for two families (or even three) holidaying together, and an excellent location for hosting special events.

We thought that the villa staff did a great job; Wayan was certainly a good cook, 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 staff of seven, but more are brought in when the villa is fully occupied.

Safe environment, spacious garden and loads of different living spaces make the Garden Residence at Villa Waru an absolute dream for family groups, especially as kids are so well catered for here. The garden is truly enchanting; full of little artistic touches; secreted statues,

With such a generous scattering of living and dining space, everyone will be able to find their own favourite corner. We loved the Gecko Suite’s intimate living area tucked far to the back of the property. The Garden and Pond Residences are joined by a pathway through the garden making it ideal for two families (or even three) holidaying together, and an excellent location for hosting special events.

We thought that the villa staff, headed by helpful and competent villa supervisor, Parti, who speaks good English, did a great job. And Wayan was certainly a good cook, preparing meals from an extensive menu of Indonesian and western dishes. Waru has a permanent staff of seven, but more are brought in when both residences are fully occupied.

The Pond Residence at Villa Waru is an absolute dream for a family group. Adventurous kids will love exploring the ponds and gardens, and there’s plenty to keep them amused inside too: TVs, DVDs, pool table, board games, etc – not to mention an atmospheric underground

We thought that the villa staff, headed by the very helpful and competent villa supervisor, Parti, who speaks good English, did a great job. And Wayan was certainly a good cook, preparing meals from an extensive menu of Indonesian and western dishes. Waru has a permanent staff of seven, but more are brought in when both residences are fully occupied.

The Garden and Pond Residences are joined by a pathway through the garden making it ideal for two families (or even three) holidaying together, and an excellent location for hosting special events.