5-Bedroom Private Luxury Rental Villas - list view

Villa 1880

Indonesia » Bali » Greater Seminyak » Seminyak

Wow. Wow. WOWWWWWWW. Villa 1880 took my breath away the moment I arrived — no mean feat for a seasoned and perhaps super-critical reviewer of luxury villas. What exquisite taste the owners must possess, to have created such an appealing vacation home … and filled it with such covetable furniture and curios. This is surely a dream villa for anyone who appreciates inspiring design.

We loved the unique blend of old and new — how the 138-year old plantation house sat so comfortably (and seamlessly) between the contemporary buildings. And I admit swooning over the uber-photogenic interiors filled with achingly chic designer furniture sitting on extraordinary brass inlaid flooring. The media room was fabulously flamboyant with sprawl-inducive sofas covered in pink velvet, a cocktail cabinet …and whatever prompted them to think of a stuffed peacock? Magic was in every detail — for example, our welcome drink was served in a hollowed-out pineapple, complete with bamboo straw, and breakfast included home-made strawberry jam, marmalade, and passion fruit preserve. And how sweet that half of the vanity in the kids’ bunkroom bathroom was set lower so little ones could reach the basin! (Though we were kid-free on our visit, we could imagine them cavorting around in the bunk room with glee).

But what made our experience truly special was the staff. On a tropical island awash with villas boasting well-trained staff, Villa 1880’s raises the bar. Gede the manager was so charming and helpful – and the same went for the butlers we met… even the gardener was chatty. And we cannot enthuse enough about Chef Adi — a rare find, passionate about food and with an inventive mind. The meals we had at Villa 1880 were absolutely superb — oh for another of his home-made panacottas! Ria the spa therapist was also excellent, with a decade working at Shiva Som in the Maldives….whatever you do, don’t leave without having at least one massage with her in the villa’s beautiful spa room.

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From $912

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 8-16*

Our
Rating 8.8

Villa Amanzi Kamala

Thailand » Phuket » Kamala

We just had so much fun staying at Villa Amanzi. We were blown away by how beautifully its unusual modern design fits with the tropical setting. On seeing the villa for the first time, we could just imagine this scenario: A man meets his architect at a bar to discuss plans for a new villa. The man orders a drink: "I'd like it on the rocks, please!" The architect dutifully executes this request, et voila! Amanzi is born.

But this was no accident, of course. Amanzi's design takes full advantage of the property's unusual natural features and does not impose – less imaginative people might have simply blasted the rock out to make way for the villa.

We enjoyed trying out all the high-tech bells and whistles such as the touch-screen control panel and were constantly surprised by all the fun little design details such as the two 'windows' on the swimming pool's bottom that formed funky blue 'skylights' to the floor below – one in the family room, the other above the balcony.

Another plus was that all the electronic controls and buttons were clearly labelled and easy to use even for techno-phobes such as ourselves. In the end, however, nature won out as we delighted in listening to the crashing waves and birdsong, and watching in awe as the sunset skies turned the infinity pool into a luminous blaze of gold, pink and red.

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From $2,060 Special 5br Rate

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.2

Arnalaya Beach House

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Canggu

Five minutes after our arrival at Arnalaya Beach House we felt we had found our place in the world! Lovers of light, bright homes will love this villa. Each room has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on two walls, which bathe it in an orgy of natural sunlight.

The staff are very professional and it was the talented chef himself who served our delicious meals, giving us an explanation of the magic he had worked in the kitchen on our behalf.

The bedrooms have a double set of blinds to keep out the morning sun, making it very tempting to sleep with the doors open, listening to the sound of the sea. With a three-man security team on the premises, you can rest perfectly at ease.

Don’t come here expecting to get any work done. A stay at Arnalaya Beach House is all about enjoying yourself – with a bit of tennis, a gym workout and a spa treatment thrown into the mix – while letting the ‘rhythm of the waves’ wash over you.

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From $3,003

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.7 Guest Rating 9.4

The Arsana Estate

Indonesia » Bali » Tabanan

It is difficult to pinpoint what’s best about The Arsana Estate. During our stay the chef cooked an exquisite dinner which was served fabulously by the staff. With the windows open, the sound of the waterfall and distant wildlife and a gentle breeze drifting in it was a delight. The so-cool pool leads off into the jungle, and with the Boss sound system cranked up, a G&T in hand and a masseuse on call, what more could one ask?

The staff were a pleasure – especially the villa manager – always attentive and smiling but nicely discreet. We could hardly believe it when the manager chased us on his motorbike for seven kilometres to return our laptop cable after we checked out. Such care! The bedrooms have superb views, ‘top’ bathrooms and ever-so-comfortable beds: closing the blackout curtains led to a deeply enjoyable but totally unplanned lie in!

Game of billards? DVD on the big screen? Walk in the village? There’s so much to do and yet it’s so easy to chill. To be honest there was no one thing that makes this villa shine, it all works really well and we could not recommend it enough.

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From $1,040

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10-16*

Our
Rating 8.0 Guest Rating 8.7

Villa Asta

Indonesia » Bali » Greater Seminyak » Seminyak

Of all the villas we’ve reviewed in Bali, Villa Asta is tops for families and kids. Never have we seen a villa so well set up for children’s entertainment, and with separate zones so that the adults (and kids) can escape from one another. It is no surprise that it's often booked for months in advance and guests return each year. The Guy Morgan-designed villa is full of common sense but without skimping on the luxury. In the three-bedroom pavilion, many guests will appreciate the flexibility of the bed configurations. Do note that whilst we rave about Villa Asta for families – these bedrooms are excellent for adults too, so the villa would work well for groups. The private plunge pools beside the master bedrooms’ pavilion are a gorgeous plus. Overall we found the villa to be a very bubbly and happy place, from the excellent staff who served us a wonderful barbecue during our inspection, down to the super friendly (and very fat!) koi fish, which are a great source of entertainment and fun to feed. What is also special about Villa Asta is the lovely stonework and thatch, which left us in no doubt that we were in Bali. When we revisited the property recently, we found that it has been immaculately maintained, with some new upholstered furnishings, a new marble floor, and upgraded facilities such as flat-screen TVs, computer and printer for guest use, and the addition of four bicycles.

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From $1,213

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.4 Guest Rating 9.2

Villa Atas Ombak

Indonesia » Bali » Greater Seminyak » Seminyak

We loved Villa Atas Ombak. It’s big – nay grand – and majestic with a location that just can’t be found for love nor money these days. On arrival, we had to pinch ourselves to make sure we weren’t dreaming. This is the kind of place where you really come to relax and do nothing. And when we say ‘do nothing’ we mean just that, especially with the beach being on the front doorstep.

In the competitive world of luxury rental villas, it is often the staff that really makes a difference, and at Villa Atas Ombak they are definitely ‘on the ball’. Before we even knew we were thirsty, the housekeeper was strolling out to the lawn to see what we wanted to drink.

Should you feel like exploring beyond the villa grounds (and believe us, you may not!) there is a handful of local restaurants just a few hundred metres up the beach which make for an unpretentious, casual lunch or sunset drinks – so casual you don’t even need to change out of your swimmers. We didn’t! For guests who like to jog or amble along the sand, the distance to Kuta is a good challenge (with a taxi back of course).

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From $2,553

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.3 Guest Rating 9.2

Baan Puri

Thailand » Koh Samui » Lipa Noi

Our visit to Baan Puri involved two families and the kids had an absolute ball, which meant we did too. Water plays a major role at the villa, with ponds, waterfalls - that huge 30m pool - and the waters of the Gulf of Thailand a constant influence. A particular joy is that, despite the villa's opulence, it remains refreshingly simple and focuses on what matters most during a beach holiday: comfort, privacy and the opportunity to enjoy the location to the full.

The staff were an absolute delight with the villa manager taking the kids under her wing as only the Thai’s know how and a superb chef who could cater for all tastes.Every room is designed to keep you all but physically attached to the view and the options for outdoor enjoyment are countless. A particular pleasure was the large circular daybed on the terrace in front of the beachfront bedroom, reclining with a chilled drink, breathing in the breeze with the pool and ocean before you can only be described as sublime. Versatility is another advantage.

The sheer size of the property, combined with its sensitive design, mean Baan Puri can happily host several families. There's even a table tennis table, beach toys, a Kayak, bikes and DVDs to keep the kids entertained when not in the pool or on the beach. But the villa would also be perfect for a large gathering of friends or a special celebration. Who could resist a party on the lush beachside lawn? Of course, not even high-end residences escape the odd architectural over-indulgence, but at Baan Puri, the few there are add character rather than inconvenience. A cliché I know but the only real disappointment was leaving.

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From $2,060 Special 5br Rate

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.4

Ban Suriya

Thailand » Koh Samui » Lipa Noi

Ban Suriya is one of those villas where, as reviewers, you find yourself looking for something negative just to tick the ‘Surprises’ box. We failed.

Our time passed far too quickly at Ban Suriya. In fact, a month would probably be needed to enjoy the villa to the full. It's not only the salubrious surroundings that stand out, it's the way everything seems to go that extra mile to please. There's not just a computer, there's an iMac packed with tunes that you can play through Bose speakers in the lounge and poolside sala (gazebo). The gym is not only well-equipped, it has a fridge, and a plunge pool bigger than some other villas' main pool. Even the DVD collection includes films you wish you'd remembered to buy at the airport.

Ironically, even with so many options we found ourselves drawn to the simplest – the tree house by the beach. The staff is clearly proud to be part of the Ban Suriya experience and the live-in manager was knowledgeable and keen to help us appreciate the villa's pleasures. Although each bedroom is noticeably different, with no one losing out, the master is clearly the most extravagant with its terrazzo bath tub and ensuite lounge. Clever design touches in the guest rooms like direct pool and jacuzzi access, indulgent semi-outdoor bathrooms and hand-picked, stylish furnishings ensure everyone is content, while those staying the twin bedroom by the games room and gym or cosseted in the beachfront pavilion also enjoy complete privacy and independence.

Eight people is probably the minimum number you would need to fully appreciate this villa (there's an option to rent four bedrooms outside peak season), otherwise you might struggle to appreciate its exuberance.

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From $2,295 Special 5br Rate

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 10-14*

Our
Rating 9.2 Guest Rating 8.2

Bendega Nui

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Canggu

Staying at Bendega Nui is a wonderful way to experience Bali. The neighbouring paddy fields scattered with colourful flags and tinkling bells to scare the birds away from the ripening rice; the crowing cockerels; clear blue skies and amazing sunsets were a delight in themselves, but to enjoy all of this from the luxurious surroundings of this stunning new villa (completed end 2009) was a real privilege.

The super-comfortable beds (I felt like Alice in Wonderland climbing up onto the deep mattress of the canopied four-poster in our bedroom!), bold colourful fabrics, tasteful pieces of art, impressive sound system and blissful swimming pool were just some of the features that made a very clear statement about how much care and thought Bendega Nui's owners (who regularly stay there themselves) have put into the design and finish of their tropical holiday home.

In recent years, the Canggu area has sprouted some exciting new venues for drinks and/or dinner – several of which you can walk to from the villa. That said, we felt no desire to eat out after sampling the chef's culinary creations: From roasted vegetable salads, to steak and chips, to chicken curry, cheesecakes and crème brulée – everything was beautifully presented, absolutely delicious, and served with a smile.

Bendega Nui is a peaceful retreat; breezes from the nearby coast kept things cool wherever we chose to relax – and there was no shortage of options, from the hidden deck beyond the pool, to the shady reading pavilion next to one of the pretty ponds, to the bedroom balconies with their lovely views. And what better way to round off the day than with a glass of wine and a good movie on the big-screen plasma TV, or a social game of pool over a couple of beers – listening to whatever takes your fancy from the vast selection on the Sonos sound system (or bring your own – iPod docks in every bedroom). We felt that Bendega has something to please everyone in the family and would also make a great place for a group of friends to get together for a holiday, as well as (especially if you rent the one-bedroom suite and three-bedroom Bendega Rato next door) an exceptional and truly memorable wedding venue.

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From $1,351

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.7 Guest Rating 8.9

Villa Cemara

Indonesia » Bali » East Coast » Sanur

Wow…from private pool to shallow sea in five paces? We’ve been lucky enough to stay in quite a few beachfront villas, but none have been as close as Villa Cemara! We were amazed when we first walked through its unassuming entrance and into the enormous living pavilion; the view was so attention-grabbing that we hardly noticed the cold towel and freshly squeezed orange juice that were pressed into our hands in welcome. When we eventually dragged our eyes away from the vista, Pande showed us around the place. We loved that the bedroom suites were all named after tropical flowers found in the garden. And the Australian owner’s taste was evident in the exquisite Indonesian furnishings, artefacts and art; gosh, is that really an original Arie Smit painting? Surely that can’t be a real Hoffker? And I felt an acquisitive flash for that fabulously gilded door framing a mythical garuda. The first question was where to relax. The pond bale? The living pavilion daybed? The poolside sun-lounger? The pool was just too inviting, and after a refreshing dip, we slipped through the gate onto the golden sand for a leisurely sunset walk, returning to find a tasty dinner waiting for us. (We found the staff to be very friendly and obliging, and appreciated that they knew when to disappear. Two of them share cooking duties, and there’s an extensive suggestion menu of Balinese, Indonesian and western dishes … plus one of the cooks is dab hand at Mexican cuisine.) This is a fantastic fair-share villa for couples or a group of friends; it’s very family-friendly too. Though the master pavilion is gorgeous, we don’t think anyone would be upset not to get it; in fact we chose to stay in the guest bedrooms instead, preferring their scale and light. The villa is great for those who want to relax and recharge their batteries, but the more energetic can go jogging or cycling along the promenade, or head to the water-sports centre for a spot of kite-surfing or sailing. We thoroughly enjoyed our it-can’t-possibly-be-a-once-in-a-lifetime Cemara experience, and were not at all surprised to learn from the villa manager that well over 90% of guests return. That’s now sure to include us too.

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From $1,340

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.5