Villa Banteng Bawah makes a lovely tropical outdoor-living holiday home. We found ourselves spending most of our time in the pool – which was really just an extension of the living room and the master bedroom. The setting was so relaxed – nothing overstated or pretentious – that we felt at home straight away.

At first glance the villa seemed a little sparse, but the lack of clutter quickly made sense as it left nothing to distract us from the charming pool setting or the rice paddy views beyond the villa walls. The constant play of light added rich texture and dimension; from bright sunlight on the timber decks, to dappled rays filtering through the latticed ceiling over the sunken lounge, and the contrast of light and shade in the garden. Night times were particularly alluring with evocative cut stone lamps, dangling lanterns and spotlights on the shimmering pool. The main garden isn’t huge, but the space is well utilised with soft velvety grass, hanging pot plants dangling from the frangipani trees and views extending to the rice fields. The master bedroom was very comfortable, a cool and cosy space with the curtains shut at night time, and in the mornings we could swing back the doors and dive straight into the pool. Perfect! The wonderful ensuite bathroom with its vibrant courtyard garden also deserves a mention.

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 come this far, why not drive the extra few kilometres to be right on the edge of it all at Bidadari. We welcomed the isolation and lack of modern distractions like boutiques and bars. Staying ‘at home’ all day and all night was a delight as we chilled out, looked after by a tremendous staff, who were always on hand to top up an empty glass or empty tummy. The home theatre has a lovely large telly and a decent DVD collection, but as good as it was it couldn’t compete with the heavenly views. We highly recommend waking early for sunrise; not only a spectacular show of nature but also an inspiring way to start another beautiful Bali day.

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.

Villa Bougainvillea truly is an escape from the world at large. From the discreet driveway to the lush river banks surrounding the villa, we had a sense of being hidden away in a very private home, and this feeling continued once we were settled in, with each bedroom being screened from the rest of the villa by the tropical gardens. Whilst we appreciated this sense of escape we also quickly realised that the villa’s spacious living pavilion overlooking the pool was a great social hub and enjoyed lazing on the daybeds or sitting for leisurely meals at the solid wood dining table, being looked after by the friendly villa staff. The pool was definitely the focal point of our stay: its setting, between the steep stairs to the living pavilion and the river below the pool’s own infinity edge, under a canopy of colourful local trees, gave a wonderful sense of drama. It was easy to spend hours literally soaking in the calm tranquillity of Bougainvillea.

Any feeling of isolation is, however, only a clever illusion as the villa is a mere two to three kilometres from the increasingly popular beaches of Berawa and Pererenan where there is also a growing number of restaurants. Bougainvillea is also one of eight private villas which make up the Pangi River Village complex so multi-villa rentals would make this an ideal location for larger groups (see location section for links to the other villas). The Staff were very efficient and helpful and happy to arrange anything from shopping for groceries to massages or tours. If you require a car and driver, however, this is charged extra and you need to plan ahead.

For simple three- and four-bedroom properties, Villa Bugis at Green Gardens are a true delight. In fact they are probably some of the nicest and most private villas we have stayed in within this price range. The best bit is that you get all this space and privacy, including a private swimming pool at each villa, for less than what you’d pay for the equivalent three or four bedrooms at your average hotel.

There’s plenty of room for families to spread themselves out and for the kids to let off steam. Although we didn’t have any toddlers with us, we did note that pool safety fences (not easy to find in Bali) were available for those that need them. We also thought that big groups holidaying together would find renting two or more of the neighbouring villas very convenient and convivial.

These are essentially self-catering villas, with staff on hand to take care of housekeeping and pool duties as well as preparing and serving daily breakfast. For the rest of the time we were left to languish in complete privacy (yet the team were always on call if we needed anything). We checked in for a lazy weekend and were delighted with our choice. Enjoying the pool and the lovely garden, and with music and movies for entertainment (there’s also complimentary WiFi at the villa), we didn’t feel much of a need to go out; although we did amble slowly down the lane for a few sunset drinks on the beanbags spread out along Seminyak Beach – highly recommended! If we had chosen to self-cater, the staff would have willingly taken care of our grocery shopping at no extra cost.

For simple three- and four-bedroom properties, Villa Bugis at Green Gardens are a true delight. In fact they are probably some of the nicest and most private villas we have stayed in within this price range. The best bit is that you get all this space and privacy, including a private swimming pool at each villa, for less than what you’d pay for the equivalent three or four bedrooms at your average hotel.

There’s plenty of room for families to spread themselves out and for the kids to let off steam. Although we didn’t have any toddlers with us, we did note that pool safety fences (not easy to find in Bali) were available for those that need them. We also thought that big groups holidaying together would find renting two or more of the neighbouring villas very convenient and convivial.

These are essentially self-catering villas, with staff on hand to take care of housekeeping and pool duties as well as preparing and serving daily breakfast. For the rest of the time we were left to languish in complete privacy (yet the team were always on call if we needed anything). We checked in for a lazy weekend and were delighted with our choice. Enjoying the pool and the lovely garden, and with music and movies for entertainment (there’s also complimentary WiFi at the villa), we didn’t feel much of a need to go out; although we did amble slowly down the lane for a few sunset drinks on the beanbags spread out along Seminyak Beach – highly recommended! If we had chosen to self-cater, the staff would have willingly taken care of our grocery shopping at no extra cost. 

Villa Bulan Putih is a great place to get hitched! The grounds are the perfect size and the ocean backdrop will live on in photos forever. 

And those views! Since the villa faces north east, the ocean doesn’t turn inky black come night-time but instead takes in the twinkling lights and energy of southern Bali in a broad arc. On clear mornings, the mountains that form Bali’s backbone fill the horizon, while the crashing waves of nearby Bingin Beach can be heard 24/7. The views get even better from the first- and second-floor balconies; a quick glance from here in the early mornings will ascertain whether or not the waves are worth getting out of bed for.

Having seven bedrooms provides a lot of space for family and friends, and there’s even up to four extra beds and a TV room that can be converted to a bedroom for any overflow. Kids will love the size of the villa grounds, where they can run around to their hearts’ content. The staff are a real treat and never missed a beat.

Villa Bulan Putih is a great place to get hitched! The grounds are the perfect size and the ocean backdrop will live on in photos forever. 

And those views! Since the villa faces north east, the ocean doesn’t turn inky black come night-time but instead takes in the twinkling lights and energy of southern Bali in a broad arc. On clear mornings, the mountains that form Bali’s backbone fill the horizon, while the crashing waves of nearby Bingin Beach can be heard 24/7. The views get even better from the first- and second-floor balconies; a quick glance from here in the early mornings will ascertain whether or not the waves are worth getting out of bed for.

Having seven bedrooms provides a lot of space for family and friends, and there’s even up to four extra beds and a TV room that can be converted to a bedroom for any overflow. Kids will love the size of the villa grounds, where they can run around to their hearts’ content. The staff are a real treat and never missed a beat.

To quote Sadi, "A garden is a delight to the eye and a solace for the soul." Here at Bunga Wangi there is inspiration and beauty at every turn; the early morning sunlight glinting on the golden birds of paradise, the fallen frangipani scattered along the stone paths, the late afternoon shadows dancing across palm fronds. The garden is an endless source of wonder, and makes me yearn to do something creative - actually I take hundreds of close-up photos of flowers. We loved the meandering pathways, the constant trickle of running water, the pool fringed with tropical foliage and the intricate detail in everything, from the stone statues to the elaborate floral carvings in the furniture and doors.

We happily made allowances for the dated design, faded furnishings and occasional hints of must – this was part of the rustic charm and authenticated the Balinese experience. But this villa won’t be everyone’s cup of tea: there is nothing sleek or sophisticated here, no contemporary edges or gadgets (apart from iPod docks and satellite TV), this villa is like your favourite old jumper, perhaps a little tatty around the edges but warm, cosy and a perfect fit.

Villa Capung is refreshingly unpretentious, the kind of place where you walk in, promptly collapse on the sofa and immediately feel right at home (if only home had views like this!). While the villa is not huge, the views of pristine hills and the expanse of Indian Ocean that spread before you create a seemingly endless sense of space, and the villa has been cleverly designed to maximise options for privacy. The master suite is gigantic, while the second bedroom has its own private deck as does the garden suite.

The owners spend quite a bit of time here, and have struck a perfect balance between elegance and comfort: this very popular villa feels well loved and lived in. Enjoying the views from the infinity pool was a definite highlight, especially in the soft late-afternoon light, which deepens the colours of the leafy foliage in the garden. However, Capung really comes into its own in the evening when dark amber lamps cast a seductive glow over the living room, accentuating the crimson furnishings.  Spotlights illuminate the palms and lotus pond, and the lights of Bali twinkle like a fairyland far below. There is a wonderful heady sensation of being so high up, and the villa seems remarkably good value considering these million dollar views.

The staff are efficient and kind, immediately on hand if we needed something, but entirely unobtrusive the rest of the time, and we loved that they can mix cocktails!

Villa Capung is refreshingly unpretentious, the kind of place where you walk in, promptly collapse on the sofa and immediately feel right at home (if only home had views like this!). While the villa is not huge, the views of pristine hills and the expanse of Indian Ocean that spread before you create a seemingly endless sense of space, and the villa has been cleverly designed to maximise options for privacy. The master suite is gigantic, while the second bedroom has its own private deck as does the garden suite.

The owners spend quite a bit of time here, and have struck a perfect balance between elegance and comfort: this very popular villa feels well loved and lived in. Enjoying the views from the infinity pool was a definite highlight, especially in the soft late-afternoon light, which deepens the colours of the leafy foliage in the garden. However, Capung really comes into its own in the evening when dark amber lamps cast a seductive glow over the living room, accentuating the crimson furnishings.  Spotlights illuminate the palms and lotus pond, and the lights of Bali twinkle like a fairyland far below. There is a wonderful heady sensation of being so high up, and the villa seems remarkably good value considering these million dollar views.

The staff are efficient and kind, immediately on hand if we needed something, but entirely unobtrusive the rest of the time, and we loved that they can mix cocktails!