Rumah Lotus
Emerging from a blissful night’s sleep in our supremely comfortable four-poster bed the next morning, we were delighted to discover the breathtaking views ... nothing but rice fields and, distant mountains! After an excellent breakfast, we enjoyed lazing by the large pool, glimpsing the occasional farmer tending his crop and trying not to feel guilty as we reclined in the balé, waited on hand and foot. Wayan the villa manager was charming and made sure we were well looked after; he speaks several languages (English, French, Japanese among them), is very knowledgeable about the area, and attentive to small details. We appreciated the Nespresso coffee machine and choice of Twinings teas offered during the day, as well as thoughtful extras like kimonos and slippers in the bedroom.
We felt we were far from the madding crowd and yet, if we wanted the bright(er) lights, we could be in Ubud within 20 minutes! And though it was tempting to try out the many restaurants in Bali’s culture capital – which include Mozaic, voted Asia’s top restaurant – Yanti’s home cooking was enough to keep us from straying far; she prepared a beautiful seafood barbecue in the evening. And it helps that the villa wine list is extensive, courtesy of another notable Ubud restaurant, Bridges.
