Going For Golf Villas in Indonesia

Villa Kailasha

Guests booking Villa Kailasha will hopefully have spotted that it’s in a remote location so there should be no surprise on arrival: we certainly thought the villa’s setting was sublime. Long stretches of black sand and marauding surf with hardly another tourist in sight. We spent most of our time stretched out by the pool enjoying the ministrations of the staff and soaking up the ocean views, but while we were there we were privileged to witness a village ceremony when the procession passed right by the villa’s front gate. We followed the merriment and colour down to the beach and experienced a Balinese event that, for us, was priceless.

For a change of scenery, take a stroll along the small roads and into the local villages for a slice of rural life. And for something a little more sophisticated, stop by the Alila Villas Soori Resort for dinner, or at least a sunset drink. The classy surroundings are pretty special and being so remote not many people drop in, so don’t miss the opportunity while you’re in the neighbourhood. We went for the said sunset drink but ended up staying for dinner – and really rated their kitchen. While their spa would probably welcome visitors as well, it’s perhaps more tempting to ask the villa staff to organise a therapist to come and give you a treatment at ‘home’.

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From $1,155 Special 8br Rate

Bedrooms 9

Sleeps 16

Our
Rating 8.0 Guest Rating 8.8

Villa Kailasha

Indonesia » Bali » Tabanan

Guests booking Villa Kailasha will hopefully have spotted that it’s in a remote location so there should be no surprise on arrival: we certainly thought the villa’s setting was sublime. Long stretches of black sand and marauding surf with hardly another tourist in sight. We spent most of our time stretched out by the pool enjoying the ministrations of the staff and soaking up the ocean views, but while we were there we were privileged to witness a village ceremony when the procession passed right by the villa’s front gate. We followed the merriment and colour down to the beach and experienced a Balinese event that, for us, was priceless.

For a change of scenery, take a stroll along the small roads and into the local villages for a slice of rural life. And for something a little more sophisticated, stop by the Alila Villas Soori Resort for dinner, or at least a sunset drink. The classy surroundings are pretty special and being so remote not many people drop in, so don’t miss the opportunity while you’re in the neighbourhood. We went for the said sunset drink but ended up staying for dinner – and really rated their kitchen. While their spa would probably welcome visitors as well, it’s perhaps more tempting to ask the villa staff to organise a therapist to come and give you a treatment at ‘home’.

more...

From $1,224

Bedrooms 9

Sleeps 18

Our
Rating 8.0 Guest Rating 8.8

Villa Kalyani

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Canggu

Relaxing comes almost too easy at Villa Kalyani and you never get bored of doing it. From swing bed to bar stool, from poolside to pool table; if one space becomes tedious you can just decamp to the next inviting chill-out zone. The home theatre is one of the best that we have seen. With movies running through a digital projector onto a 130-inch screen, the room has surround-sound and two sofa beds wide enough to lie perpendicularly horizontal. We chose Jurassic Park to do our surroundings justice: nothing quite like a life-sized, saliva-filled set of T-Rex jaws coming at you to make you appreciate the wonders of modern technology. And there’s an even bigger screen out in the garden for special occasions!

The staff are smart and have been trained to anticipate your every need; the timing of the bite-size fried bananas and ice cream brought to us poolside at sunset was impeccable. The main 22 x 6m pool has a shallow area for children at the top end and a gas fire bowl providing dramatic night-time reflections. Guest comfort has been carefully thought through, with lots of underwater pool seating so you can enjoy your G&T without having to tread water at the same time. The Pioneer Pro DJ equipment can be rented for parties at the villa.

On returning to Kalyani for the first time in three years, we were very happy to note that the villa has been impeccably maintained, it has even been featured in a coffee table book called ‘The New Indonesian House’.

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From $1,143

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.5 Guest Rating 8.8

Villa Luwih

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Canggu

With a double-pool cascade among its many splendours, Villa LuWih is one of the most welcoming and beautiful villas we’ve escaped to in a long while. Arriving late at night in a slightly dishevelled state, we were quickly restored to a relaxed frame of mind after being met by LuWih’s fresh-faced, smiling team who had prepared our airport transfer service, rooms and snacks exactly as we’d arranged in advance. The sights and sounds of the night also provide a restorative ambiance, with the villa’s top-floor pool trickling into the big pool below, its soothing lighting and the whooshing symphony of the sea beyond.

After a peaceful sleep in our canopied beds, we awoke and stepped out into a bedazzling scene. The sparkling green landscape Bali is famous for was in full view all around us, and if we looked further in the distance we could see a serpent’s tail of movement in the sea – a group of surfers riding the waves.

With bedrooms spread evenly over the three levels and a mix of king- and twin-bedded rooms, a group of couples or extended families will find it easy to organise themselves. Those wanting more seclusion may find the two main-floor bedrooms a bit lacking in privacy, with the doors opening out to the dining and living areas. But this is a minor quibble, since with their own ensuite bathrooms complete with double bathtubs it’s easy enough to leave the world behind once the doors are slid shut and the curtains drawn. And they’re both just a quick hop from the big pool.

Now, about these pools … Staying at a hotel with two pools is always impressive, but staying at a private villa with two pools is truly an indulgent delight. It was a first for us, and we had no excuses for not doing our daily laps. The shallow section for kids in the larger pool is a thoughtful touch, too.

With so many staff here, our only concern before arrival was having too many people around! We were well taken care of, certainly, but never felt overwhelmed or over-serviced during our stay – they seem to have the balance of attention and discretion just right. Being pampered to the hilt is easy to get accustomed to. LuWih, by the way, means “big” and “luxurious”. Leaving the villa was traumatic.

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From $820 Special 5br Rate

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.4 Guest Rating 8.8

Villa Luwih

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Canggu

With a double-pool cascade among its many splendours, Villa LuWih is one of the most welcoming and beautiful villas we’ve escaped to in a long while. Arriving late at night in a slightly dishevelled state, we were quickly restored to a relaxed frame of mind after being met by LuWih’s fresh-faced, smiling team who had prepared our airport transfer service, rooms and snacks exactly as we’d arranged in advance. The sights and sounds of the night also provide a restorative ambiance, with the villa’s top-floor pool trickling into the big pool below, its soothing lighting and the whooshing symphony of the sea beyond.

After a peaceful sleep in our canopied beds, we awoke and stepped out into a bedazzling scene. The sparkling green landscape Bali is famous for was in full view all around us, and if we looked further in the distance we could see a serpent’s tail of movement in the sea – a group of surfers riding the waves.

With bedrooms spread evenly over the three levels and a mix of king- and twin-bedded rooms, a group of couples or extended families will find it easy to organise themselves. Those wanting more seclusion may find the two main-floor bedrooms a bit lacking in privacy, with the doors opening out to the dining and living areas. But this is a minor quibble, since with their own ensuite bathrooms complete with double bathtubs it’s easy enough to leave the world behind once the doors are slid shut and the curtains drawn. And they’re both just a quick hop from the big pool.

Now, about these pools … Staying at a hotel with two pools is always impressive, but staying at a private villa with two pools is truly an indulgent delight. It was a first for us, and we had no excuses for not doing our daily laps. The shallow section for kids in the larger pool is a thoughtful touch, too.

With so many staff here, our only concern before arrival was having too many people around! We were well taken care of, certainly, but never felt overwhelmed or over-serviced during our stay – they seem to have the balance of attention and discretion just right. Being pampered to the hilt is easy to get accustomed to. LuWih, by the way, means “big” and “luxurious”. Leaving the villa was traumatic.

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From $936

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 12

Our
Rating 8.4 Guest Rating 8.8

Villa Mana

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Canggu

We absolutely loved Villa Mana. Not only were the views amazing, its openness liberating and the design super-chic – an architectural dream – but it was also very comfortable, with so many places to lie back and relax, even when the villa is full. Sofas and loungers seemed supersized, and were the perfect accompaniments to sleeping and reading or languidly watching the farmers hard at work in their paddy fields.

We enjoyed bathing in the master bathroom with its glass roof, river-stone walls and smooth circular tub that’s big enough for two. We felt the villa was excellently set up for the extended family, large groups or even a couple of families (but do note that using the showers in the ground floor ensuites involves climbing into the tubs, which might not be ideal for some elderly guests).

The twin bedroom and bunk bedroom are both conveniently located opposite the entertainment room, which is a big self-contained space with comfortable sofas that could be used as much as a playroom (there’s a box full of toys plus a pool table) as a home cinema room (plenty of DVDs supplied). Sliding doors open from here and lead onto the enclosed rear garden, where there’s a meandering 2-feet deep pool that can be enjoyed by little paddlers.

The lawn at the bottom of the garden is encircled by paddy fields and felt like the stage of a Shakespearean theatre. The garden is enclosed (parents sigh of relief), and kids will just love it here. Villa Mana's staff aim to please, and they succeed. The chef is excellent and the manager is efficient and knowledgeable. With the kitchen being at the centre of the villa, we were always aware of the staff and felt that total privacy was slightly compromised (at least on the ground floor).

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From $1,097 Special 5br Rate

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.5 Guest Rating 8.8

Villa Mana

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Canggu

We absolutely loved Villa Mana. Not only were the views amazing, its openness liberating and the design super-chic – an architectural dream – but it was also very comfortable, with so many places to lie back and relax, even when the villa is full. Sofas and loungers seemed supersized, and were the perfect accompaniments to sleeping and reading or languidly watching the farmers hard at work in their paddy fields.

We enjoyed bathing in the master bathroom with its glass roof, river-stone walls and smooth circular tub that’s big enough for two. We felt the villa was excellently set up for the extended family, large groups or even a couple of families (but do note that using the showers in the ground floor ensuites involves climbing into the tubs, which might not be ideal for some elderly guests).

The twin bedroom and bunk bedroom are both conveniently located opposite the entertainment room, which is a big self-contained space with comfortable sofas that could be used as much as a playroom (there’s a box full of toys plus a pool table) as a home cinema room (plenty of DVDs supplied). Sliding doors open from here and lead onto the enclosed rear garden, where there’s a meandering 2-feet deep pool that can be enjoyed by little paddlers.

The lawn at the bottom of the garden is encircled by paddy fields and felt like the stage of a Shakespearean theatre. The garden is enclosed (parents sigh of relief), and kids will just love it here. Villa Mana's staff aim to please, and they succeed. The chef is excellent and the manager is efficient and knowledgeable. With the kitchen being at the centre of the villa, we were always aware of the staff and felt that total privacy was slightly compromised (at least on the ground floor).

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From $1,213

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 12-16*

Our
Rating 8.5 Guest Rating 8.8

Villa Mandalay

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Seseh-Tanah Lot

We’ve never seen a villa with its own pitch and putt golf range before and thought it was a tremendous addition for family fun or for allowing golfers to iron out glitches before parting with the huge green fees for the 18-hole course New Kuta Golf Club (34km).

We loved the fact that nearly all the rooms in the villa are on one level, making it very social, accessible and appropriate for all ages. And all of the bedrooms (with the exception of the lower studio room - which is slightly smaller - but very private) are very similar and won't be the cause of any group envy.

We lazed away the latter part of the day on comfy couches shaded by the funky bamboo roof of the elevated open-air living and dining deck by the pool. From here we observed the farmers ploughing and flooding the rice terraces in preparation for planting. The staff were diligently on hand with offers of snacks and drink refills to refresh us throughout these exhausting people-watching activities. At sunset we retired for a splendid Indonesian dinner in the main hall.

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From $1,028 Special 6br Rate

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 12

Our
Rating 7.9 Guest Rating 8.5

Villa Mandalay

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Seseh-Tanah Lot

We’ve never seen a villa with its own pitch and putt golf range before and thought it was a tremendous addition for family fun or for allowing golfers to iron out glitches before parting with the huge green fees for the 18-hole course New Kuta Golf Club (34km).

We loved the fact that nearly all the rooms in the villa are on one level, making it very social, accessible and appropriate for all ages. And all of the bedrooms (with the exception of the lower studio room - which is slightly smaller - but very private) are very similar and won't be the cause of any group envy.

We lazed away the latter part of the day on comfy couches shaded by the funky bamboo roof of the elevated open-air living and dining deck by the pool. From here we observed the farmers ploughing and flooding the rice terraces in preparation for planting. The staff were diligently on hand with offers of snacks and drink refills to refresh us throughout these exhausting people-watching activities. At sunset we retired for a splendid Indonesian dinner in the main hall.

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From $1,143

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 14

Our
Rating 7.9 Guest Rating 8.5

Villa Maridadi

Indonesia » Bali » Canggu area » Seseh-Tanah Lot

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect villa for families with older children, groups of friends or business partners, plenty of space and opportunity to enjoy meals and shared social times whilst being able to retreat to a terrace or garden daybed to read a book or enjoy a massage. You won’t be falling over each other on this manicured estate. Maridadi is also a spectacular backdrop for weddings, dinner parties, barbecues or sunset cocktails. Highly recommended is an evening cultural dance and music performance arranged by the villa staff, who can also prepare the famous Balinese Babi Guling (roast suckling pig) to make it an authentic Bali evening.

We particularly enjoyed long beach walks with ever-changing views – from wonderful villages with traditional outrigger fishing boats to stunning rice terraces, surfers and ceremonies. There is nothing nicer than returning from a long walk or bike ride to a pre-arranged massage or treatment selected from a menu at the villa (extra charge). Children of all ages invariably end up turning the front lawn into a football, rugby or cricket pitch and will find a variety of picnic spots, like the wooden rice barn, to add to their holiday fun.

The villa is a little off the beaten track with the nearest restaurants and shops 12 -14km away however with such a varied and expertly executed menu, and staff who will venture forth to purchase anything you wish for, we found this was of little consequence. If you do want to get out and about, the villa comes with a car and driver (petrol is charged).

When you have morning views over rice terraces and volcanoes, sunsets over sea temples and breaking surf, sublime comfort, superb cuisine and pampering staff there’s not much else to wish for.

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From $716 Special 3br Rate

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 7.7 Guest Rating 9.5