The Bukit villas in Bali, Indonesia

We gasped with delight when we first clapped eyes on the views at Bayuh Sabbha – they really are jaw dropping. And the pool, or should I say pools, are magnificently placed for soaking in the splendour that lies beyond. There’s no quibbling the ‘infinity’ tag attached to these pools! Although the views are spectacular at any time of the day or night, we particularly enjoyed waking up early to catch a glimpse of magical Mount Agung before it became shrouded in cloud. Swimming in the pools at sunset, watching the clouds turn red, the stars illuminating the inky sky, and the lights twinkling along the coastline was also very special. And as you fall asleep each night, it is to the rhythmic sound of the omnipresent waves thudding at the rocks below.

The two residences could be booked separately (with shared staff), but there’s no doubt that the villa suits big gatherings best, and the staff are used to hosting weddings and other special events. The huge amount of space means that everyone can always find their own little corner. We particularly liked the two-bedroom residence; it was very private and the rooms had the best sea views.

Whilst the villa staff responded to our requests and were friendly, they didn’t show the initiative or finesse that we would expect from a villa of this size, presentation and price range. There were plenty of butlers (and other staff members) around, but it seemed the cook did most of the work, including waiting on our table! Sunshades were only put up when we went out to use the pool, and there seemed to be a lot of cleaning and maintenance work going on during our stay. Despite this, we loved the villa and, for the views alone, would certainly go back.

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From $2,200 ++ Special 3br Rate

Our
Rating 8.0 Guest Rating 9.5

Sleeps 6

Villa Bayuh Sabbha

We gasped with delight when we first clapped eyes on the views at Bayuh Sabbha – they really are jaw dropping. And the pool, or should I say pools, are magnificently placed for soaking in the splendour that lies beyond. There’s no quibbling the ‘infinity’ tag attached to these pools! Although the views are spectacular at any time of the day or night, we particularly enjoyed waking up early to catch a glimpse of magical Mount Agung before it became shrouded in cloud. Swimming in the pools at sunset, watching the clouds turn red, the stars illuminating the inky sky, and the lights twinkling along the coastline was also very special. And as you fall asleep each night, it is to the rhythmic sound of the omnipresent waves thudding at the rocks below.

The two residences could be booked separately (with shared staff), but there’s no doubt that the villa suits big gatherings best, and the staff are used to hosting weddings and other special events. The huge amount of space means that everyone can always find their own little corner. We particularly liked the two-bedroom residence; it was very private and the rooms had the best sea views.

Whilst the villa staff responded to our requests and were friendly, they didn’t show the initiative or finesse that we would expect from a villa of this size, presentation and price range. There were plenty of butlers (and other staff members) around, but it seemed the cook did most of the work, including waiting on our table! Sunshades were only put up when we went out to use the pool, and there seemed to be a lot of cleaning and maintenance work going on during our stay. Despite this, we loved the villa and, for the views alone, would certainly go back.

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From $2,200 ++

Our
Rating 8.0 Guest Rating 9.5

Sleeps 10

Villa Cantik Pandawa

We were looking for somewhere to get away from it all, and Villa Cantik was the perfect choice. Waking up to those brilliant sunrises over the ocean was a wonderful start to each day. Coastal breezes carried the heady scent of frangipani and the early morning birdsong was yet another pleasant reminder of the distance between over-crowded Kuta and us.

Although there’s plenty to do in south Bali, we opted to spend our days at the villa, swimming in the two pools, lounging in the sun, playing billiards and visiting the gym when guilt set in. The staff were incredibly accommodating. We would climb out of bed to enjoy a coffee by the pool and return to see our room freshly cleaned and tidied. Since Villa Cantik is far removed from any major grocery stores, we would put in our food order around mid-day, then relax with a private spa treatment followed by a couple of cocktails poolside, while the kitchen team worked their magic and dinner was served. Before bed, we enjoyed an evening swim under the stars, and then drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

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From $1,350 ++

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 12

Villa Indah Manis

We really enjoyed our stay at Villa Indah Manis which means “beautiful” and “sweet”. It is a very pretty villa, nicely laid out, with exceptional facilities, boldly coloured bedrooms and well-furnished living and dining spaces. The setting is tremendous for views and privacy (not so great for those seeking exciting night-life or retail therapy) and the staff were absolutely delightful, they could not have been more helpful. The food we had was beautifully presented. The villa has a more homely intimate feel than many we have seen in Bali, clearly targeting families - for which it is well suited.

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From $650 ++ Special 4br Rate

Our
Rating 8.1 Guest Rating 8.3

Sleeps 8

Villa Indah Manis

We really enjoyed our stay at Villa Indah Manis which means “beautiful” and “sweet”. It is a very pretty villa, nicely laid out, with exceptional facilities, boldly coloured bedrooms and well-furnished living and dining spaces. The setting is tremendous for views and privacy (not so great for those seeking exciting night-life or retail therapy) and the staff were absolutely delightful, they could not have been more helpful. The food we had was beautifully presented. The villa has a more homely intimate feel than many we have seen in Bali, clearly targeting families - for which it is well suited.

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From $730 ++

Our
Rating 8.1 Guest Rating 8.3

Sleeps 10

Villa Bulan Madu

Our
Rating 7.7 Guest Rating 8.7

Villa Bulan Madu is a wonderfully romantic little villa. The setting is very pleasant and, given how open the rooms are, very private. The villa shares the same owner, staff and kitchens as its neighbour, the five-bedroomed Villa Indah Manis, so has the benefit of a large staff who discreetly disappear next door until summoned. For us, the staff could not have been more helpful and the food we had was beautifully presented.

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From $240 ++

Bedrooms 1

Sleeps 2

Pandawa Cliff Estate - Villa Marie

What a lovely villa for families with kids! This struck us as soon as we stepped onto Villa Marie’s ironwood sundeck framing the large swimming pool. Small kids will love the huge shallow section conveniently located alongside the living pavilion, and parents will appreciate being able to keep an eye on them from practically every room while blissing out on the ocean vistas and the privacy of two separate master bedroom pavilions on either side of the pool.

We think this would be a great villa for six couples too. In addition to the two master suites, the four equally large bedrooms in the two-storey sleeping block each enjoy privacy as well as a small deck or balcony and fabulous bathroom, and the two twin rooms can also be configured as kings; so no short straw to be drawn here! We did notice that neither of the two dining tables had enough room for 12 guests, but have a feeling the highly efficient management team will be onto that pretty speedily. The fabulous facilities of the adjoining Pandawa Cliff Estate sports centre and spa provides an alternative source of entertainment at your doorstep. Air-conditioned squash, anyone? Doubles tennis? (There’s even an umpire’s chair to keep the competitive spirit in check). And a five-minute drive in your complimentary car will take you to Pandawa Beach where you can swim, snorkel and kayak in the shallow, reef-protected waters.

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From $2,205 ++

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 12

Our
Rating 8.2

Pandawa Cliff Estate - Villa Markisa

We felt on top of the world staying at Villa Markisa – the view is sensational and the sheer amount of space a luxury. The master suite is just magnificent – even the bathtub commands a killer view! And with its private garden and pool – the villa has three in total – we could cheerfully have holed up here and never enjoyed the rest of the villa. No wonder this is dubbed the Bridal Suite for those getting hitched here!

The cliff-edge pavilion was another favourite spot; in the early morning we could see as far as Nusa Penida on the horizon, and we had a bird’s eye view of the activities on Pandawa Beach far below.

We’ve never come across a villa that gives guests such privacy and space for all five bedrooms. The layout perhaps takes some getting used to, as living areas are divided individually. But that makes it perfect for those who like to holiday together while also enjoying their own personal space (and there’s always the option to open up the living and dining areas in the guest pavilion for a shared experience). And of course Villa Markisa is an outstanding wedding venue. With its multiple living spaces and three pools, a crowd could easily get lost here… and then there’s the estate’s sports centre and spa too!

Villa Markisa’s staff is drawn from the 45+ team that serves Pandawa Cliff Estate under the direction of hospitality supremo Diego Pons. Bayu and Cita, our assigned butlers, looked after us well while never being intrusive. And we became huge fans of Chef Wayan who served us some wonderful meals – make sure you try his tom yum soup and prawn curry! (Though there are three kitchenettes, the main kitchen isn’t set up for guest use so this isn’t for people who like to pitch in and cook together on vacation. But with such an accomplished chef, and a varied and reasonably priced menu to choose from, that’s hardly a problem.)

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From $850 ++ Special 1br Rate

Sleeps 2

Pandawa Cliff Estate - Villa Markisa

We felt on top of the world staying at Villa Markisa – the view is sensational and the sheer amount of space a luxury. The master suite is just magnificent – even the bathtub commands a killer view! And with its private garden and pool – the villa has three in total – we could cheerfully have holed up here and never enjoyed the rest of the villa. No wonder this is dubbed the Bridal Suite for those getting hitched here!

The cliff-edge pavilion was another favourite spot; in the early morning we could see as far as Nusa Penida on the horizon, and we had a bird’s eye view of the activities on Pandawa Beach far below.

We’ve never come across a villa that gives guests such privacy and space for all five bedrooms. The layout perhaps takes some getting used to, as living areas are divided individually. But that makes it perfect for those who like to holiday together while also enjoying their own personal space (and there’s always the option to open up the living and dining areas in the guest pavilion for a shared experience). And of course Villa Markisa is an outstanding wedding venue. With its multiple living spaces and three pools, a crowd could easily get lost here… and then there’s the estate’s sports centre and spa too!

Villa Markisa’s staff is drawn from the 45+ team that serves Pandawa Cliff Estate under the direction of hospitality supremo Diego Pons. Bayu and Cita, our assigned butlers, looked after us well while never being intrusive. And we became huge fans of Chef Wayan who served us some wonderful meals – make sure you try his tom yum soup and prawn curry! (Though there are three kitchenettes, the main kitchen isn’t set up for guest use so this isn’t for people who like to pitch in and cook together on vacation. But with such an accomplished chef, and a varied and reasonably priced menu to choose from, that’s hardly a problem.)

more...

From $715 ++ Special 2br Rate

Sleeps 4

Pandawa Cliff Estate - Villa Markisa

We felt on top of the world staying at Villa Markisa – the view is sensational and the sheer amount of space a luxury. The master suite is just magnificent – even the bathtub commands a killer view! And with its private garden and pool – the villa has three in total – we could cheerfully have holed up here and never enjoyed the rest of the villa. No wonder this is dubbed the Bridal Suite for those getting hitched here!

The cliff-edge pavilion was another favourite spot; in the early morning we could see as far as Nusa Penida on the horizon, and we had a bird’s eye view of the activities on Pandawa Beach far below.

We’ve never come across a villa that gives guests such privacy and space for all five bedrooms. The layout perhaps takes some getting used to, as living areas are divided individually. But that makes it perfect for those who like to holiday together while also enjoying their own personal space (and there’s always the option to open up the living and dining areas in the guest pavilion for a shared experience). And of course Villa Markisa is an outstanding wedding venue. With its multiple living spaces and three pools, a crowd could easily get lost here… and then there’s the estate’s sports centre and spa too!

Villa Markisa’s staff is drawn from the 45+ team that serves Pandawa Cliff Estate under the direction of hospitality supremo Diego Pons. Bayu and Cita, our assigned butlers, looked after us well while never being intrusive. And we became huge fans of Chef Wayan who served us some wonderful meals – make sure you try his tom yum soup and prawn curry! (Though there are three kitchenettes, the main kitchen isn’t set up for guest use so this isn’t for people who like to pitch in and cook together on vacation. But with such an accomplished chef, and a varied and reasonably priced menu to choose from, that’s hardly a problem.)

more...

From $1,425 ++ Special 3br Rate

Sleeps 6