Anandita is exactly what a ‘destination villa’ should be.  It was lovely to be surrounded by calm seas, very comfortable lodgings and a team of staff who really know what they are doing.  Everything is laid on and we really had no desire go out, feeling so relaxed and content that all we did was swim, eat and sleep in the sun, with a little bit of volleyball and billiards thrown in for good measure.  The beach is ultra safe making it a great place for children to paddle and play; we felt that families would love this place given the choice of activities, and the room layout and bed configuration.  That said, the rooms would work equally well for four couples.

Something that really impressed us was the way the staff stopped what they were doing when we invited them to make up the numbers for a game of volleyball. It is rare to find a villa where the owner has encouraged his staff to go the extra mile to please guests in this way.  To quote from the visitors’ book, “The staff are truly the heart of Anandita”.  The kitchen produces some fine meals, with the emphasis on fresh fish and local produce - but remember that (if you wish to order from the suggestion menu) you need to give a bit of notice when ordering your meals or making your grocery list as the villa is a long way from the nearest shops.  An easy alternative is to opt for the all inclusive meal package offered at the villa which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea.

Nothing changes very much in Lombok, so when we returned to Villa Anandita for our three-year-update we were delighted to find that everything was very much as it had been, including most of the staff who remembered us from our first visit.  Gusti the manager/activities manager delighted us with his energy and enthusiasm, taking us out for a long bicycle ride across the golf course and along rough tracks through the fields to the traditional market at Tanjung.  Since our last visit, the complement of bicycles has gone up to 13 and the owners have added a spa pavilion with two massage beds (professional therapists will come to the villa to deliver soothing treatments).  We were also pleased to find that the villa now has a WiFi internet connection, so it doesn’t feel quite so detached from the world.  The property has been well maintained but the beach bordering the garden has suffered from a bit of erosion so it has got narrower, but it is still beautiful to look at and you only have to walk a short distance to reach a wider section of sand.  Oh yes, there’s a new international airport in Lombok now, which is further away from the villa, so the journey is longer but you’ll see some gorgeous rural countryside en route.

Anandita is exactly what a ‘destination villa’ should be.  It was lovely to be surrounded by calm seas, very comfortable lodgings and a team of staff who really know what they are doing.  Everything is laid on and we really had no desire go out, feeling so relaxed and content that all we did was swim, eat and sleep in the sun, with a little bit of volleyball and billiards thrown in for good measure.  The beach is ultra safe making it a great place for children to paddle and play; we felt that families would love this place given the choice of activities, and the room layout and bed configuration.  That said, the rooms would work equally well for four couples.

Something that really impressed us was the way the staff stopped what they were doing when we invited them to make up the numbers for a game of volleyball. It is rare to find a villa where the owner has encouraged his staff to go the extra mile to please guests in this way.  To quote from the visitors’ book, “The staff are truly the heart of Anandita”.  The kitchen produces some fine meals, with the emphasis on fresh fish and local produce - but remember that (if you wish to order from the suggestion menu) you need to give a bit of notice when ordering your meals or making your grocery list as the villa is a long way from the nearest shops.  An easy alternative is to opt for the all inclusive meal package offered at the villa which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea.

Nothing changes very much in Lombok, so when we returned to Villa Anandita for our three-year-update we were delighted to find that everything was very much as it had been, including most of the staff who remembered us from our first visit.  Gusti the manager/activities manager delighted us with his energy and enthusiasm, taking us out for a long bicycle ride across the golf course and along rough tracks through the fields to the traditional market at Tanjung.  Since our last visit, the complement of bicycles has gone up to 13 and the owners have added a spa pavilion with two massage beds (professional therapists will come to the villa to deliver soothing treatments).  We were also pleased to find that the villa now has a WiFi internet connection, so it doesn’t feel quite so detached from the world.  The property has been well maintained but the beach bordering the garden has suffered from a bit of erosion so it has got narrower, but it is still beautiful to look at and you only have to walk a short distance to reach a wider section of sand.  Oh yes, there’s a new international airport in Lombok now, which is further away from the villa, so the journey is longer but you’ll see some gorgeous rural countryside en route.

How relaxed is it possible for a human being to get? Our stay at Villa Sapi gave us some idea. It was so peaceful and quiet; the only constants being the sun, the breeze and the gentle splashing of the waves on the sand. Otherwise, it was a new experience at every turn, from the extraordinary architectural design to the random acts of artwork around the villa and gardens. The TV room – curvilinear, boxed-in with glass and filled with assorted beanbags – looks and feels like an annex of George Jetson’s cartoon space house.

The ebbing tide occupies a big part of your day because it takes up such a big part of your view. We sat on the beach one evening watching a brilliant sunset over a low, low tide with the dusk light reflecting off the rock pools and silhouetting the fishermen stalking the shallow waters. Yet, while nature’s sea views are pretty special, be sure to take the time to turn the sun loungers around so you can stare back at the equally impressive artistic achievements of man.

Come mid-afternoon, it’s fun to amble down to the Hotel Tugu for a glass of something cold and a journey into Indonesia’s diverse indigenous past before returning to Sapi for a sunset drink and the anticipation of what chef has in store for dinner. At the time of our visit, the daily charge for food per person was a mere US$40 (US$20 for children). Every meal was a three-course gourmet indulgence, and in our opinion this was some of the best food we have ever had in a villa; the chef is five-star-trained after all. If you’re worried about gaining a few kilos (and you probably will) you can opt for the chef’s low calorie fare. If you’re looking for in-house activities, the manager can arrange tennis with a professional coach, table tennis, volleyball, cooking classes and more.

All in all, this is a villa where you will want to bring your friends so they can see it for themselves. Photos and tall tales just won’t suffice.

Me and my best friend wanted to head out for a weekend trip, and Lombok looked tempting with its pristine beaches. We booked a studio villa, as it was perfect for the both of us, spacious and self-contained. 

The bed was large and plush, facing the glass doors which looked out towards the ocean beyond the plunge pool. Which brings me to my favourite part of the villa - our private pool. Many afternoons were spent just chatting around the pool, cocktail in hand, nature’s beauty laid out in front of us.

We woke up to gorgeous views, and a pleasant breeze that flowed in when we pulled open the glass doors. What to do for the rest of the day was a favourite topic, with so many options to choose from - surfing on the beach below, picnicking under a waterfall and cycling to villages nearby being a few of them.

This was a vacation we both will always remember. A large part of that goes to the stunning villa that we stayed in.

Who would have thought that nestled into an untouched corner of Lombok, would lie such absolute luxury? Selong Selo is a little oasis in an already stunning island. Surrounded by green hills and with sea views that hold your gaze for hours, we couldn’t find a more beautiful spot, even if we tried.

The one-bedroom villa we stayed at was just perfect for me and my partner. A large king-size bed, plush with crisp white sheets looked out through the glass walls, giving a feeling of living in the outdoors.

The villa was luxurious and dreamy, with stylish furnishings and traditional artefacts lending it a certain charm. We woke up to gorgeous views, itching to slide back the glass doors and let the outdoors in. Hands wrapped around a hot cup of tea, brewed in our kitchenette, we could sit for hours on the patio, just staring at the scene unfurling in front of us.

The private pool was a much-loved luxury, inviting us in for a dip morning and night. And yes, also the perfect spot for a photograph to make friends jealous back home.

Though we have never surfed before, we were told a trip to Lombok is incomplete without trying out the waves and one day we did just that. We took the shuttle down to Selong Belanak Beach and enrolled into a beginners’ surfing lesson. What absolute fun, it was. To be honest, we did fall into the water more than once, but to our credit, we were riding the waves upright by the end of the day. So we treated ourselves to cocktails at the beach, watching the sun go down, lighting up the sky on its way.

As we walked through the traditional gateway of our own private villa, we did not know what to expect. But opening the doors, we couldn’t help but gasp in wonder. In front of us, through large glass sliding doors, was a stunning personal infinity pool, seemingly spilling into the blue ocean below. The sight itself was enough to reassure us that this was going to be a unique and memorable holiday.

Waking up to the sound of crickets, we would make tea in the sleek kitchen and carry it outside, to sit on the deck and watch the countryside wake up. It was such a wonderfully relaxed way to start your day, in sharp contrast to alarm bells and hurried mornings back home.

The location allows you to get the best views in the area, because if you’re right on the beach, you won’t be able to appreciate how it sits prettily amongst green jungles. The shuttle would take us down to the beach everyday, for us to get our fill of surf, sand and sunsets.

Though we usually dined at Aura, the estate’s restaurant or ordered from the in-villa dining menu, my partner decided to cook us a meal on one occasion. The butler was kind enough to do market shopping for us and even offered to have a chef assist us in the food preparation within our villa (for an additional charge).

The villa is perfect for a couple with two children, like us, or even two couples. The rooms are spread out and we had our privacy despite being in the villa for most of the day.

All in all, an absolutely wonderful vacation, leaving us recharged and refreshed. A little slice of tranquility, which is not to be found often these days.

Absolutely stunning living spaces greeted us as we stepped into our three-bedroom villa at Selong Selo. We looked around in awe, at the high ceilings, large windows and elegant interiors. The villa was everything we had ever dreamed of, and then some more.

The best part about the three-bedroom villa at Selong Selo is a sense of space. The rooms are all spread out across levels, so all of us had our privacy and found our own favourite spots to retreat to when we craved some me-time.

But the lavish living room beckoned us and we often found ourselves congregating in the stylishly appointed room, with sliding glass doors leading to the deck and the pool. The infinity pool was a rare luxury, and one that we enjoyed thoroughly. It made for some dramatic Instagram-worthy pictures too. Evenings would invariably be spent lounging around on the deck, cocktail in hand, waiting for the sun to set and the sky to become awash with violet hues.

Though there is a barbecue facility on the deck, we chose to cook some small snacks and instant meals in the well-equipped kitchen. This was not often though, as meals were usually enjoyed at Aura, Selong Selo’s restaurant set in a wonderful open pavilion.

Selong Belanak Beach was an absolute delight as we had a few surfing enthusiasts in our group. The waves are tame, and perfect for beginners. You can also take lessons or hire equipment on the beach. The estate’s shuttle service made it convenient for us to visit the beach and get a glimpse of local village life on the way.

A stay here was just what the soul needed - some much required down-time and a chance to slow down and catch up with friends. Of course, being surrounded by luxury was a much-loved plus too!

The short drive from the airport was a precursor to our relaxing vacation. As the car drove along tree-lined hill roads, we could literally feel ourselves leaving our worries behind and giving in to the embrace of nature.

The gated estate is secure and has a lovely restaurant, Aura, where we enjoyed many meals. The common swimming pool also has a lovely deck to view sunsets from, while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.

The villa itself was overwhelmingly beautiful, with jaw-dropping views from every corner. We were a big group and yet, there was plenty of space for everyone. The large rooms all had sliding glass doors with incredible sea views, and ensuite bathrooms that deserve to be featured in world-famous magazines.

We would spend most of the day lounging about the infinity pool, and with views like those, who wouldn’t? The elders in our group preferred the comfort of sun loungers instead, often indulging in a spa treatment while relaxing under the sun-shade. Children would frolic about, running along the deck and then jumping into the pool when it got too hot.

A mobile device is provided in each villa and it is an easy way to communicate with the butler or even the General Manager. We could order in-villa dining through the phone, or even find out about the shuttle timings to the beach. The beach itself is amazing - deserted and clean, with great surf breaks for beginners and a photogenic backdrop during sunset.

We did head to Kuta for a delicious meal and a change of scene. However, our villa, and Selong Selo Estate were so incredible that we spent most of our time there and did not feel the need to venture out.

We’re back home now, but still dreaming of those magical views. They were incredible.

The short drive from the airport was a precursor to our relaxing vacation. As the car drove along tree-lined hill roads, we could literally feel ourselves leaving our worries behind and giving in to the embrace of nature.

The gated estate is secure and has a lovely restaurant, Aura, where we enjoyed many meals. The common swimming pool also has a lovely deck to view sunsets from, while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.

The villa itself was overwhelmingly beautiful, with jaw-dropping views from every corner. We were a big group and yet, there was plenty of space for everyone. The large rooms all had sliding glass doors with incredible sea views, and ensuite bathrooms that deserve to be featured in world-famous magazines.

We would spend most of the day lounging about the infinity pool, and with views like those, who wouldn’t? The elders in our group preferred the comfort of sun loungers instead, often indulging in a spa treatment while relaxing under the sun-shade. Children would frolic about, running along the deck and then jumping into the pool when it got too hot.

A mobile device is provided in each villa and it is an easy way to communicate with the butler or even the General Manager. We could order in-villa dining through the phone, or even find out about the shuttle timings to the beach. The beach itself is amazing - deserted and clean, with great surf breaks for beginners and a photogenic backdrop during sunset.

We did head to Kuta for a delicious meal and a change of scene. However, our villa, and Selong Selo Estate were so incredible that we spent most of our time there and did not feel the need to venture out.

We’re back home now, but still dreaming of those magical views. They were incredible.

The moment we walked into the villa, we were awestruck by the palatial interiors and the unbelievable views through the glass doors. The sunken sofa seating in the middle of the living room was a favourite spot where our group would converge any time of the day, when we weren’t busy playing billiards or working out in the gym, that is.

The rooms are all spectacular, spacious and well appointed. We took the master bedroom which had an enviable outdoor jacuzzi, reached via stone steps. With the sea laid out in front, and a flute of champagne in one hand, this was a picture-perfect moment that I will always remember.

Mornings gathered around the breakfast bar as we took turns cooking for the group, afternoons spent chatting in the air conditioned comfort of the living room, and evenings on the outdoor deck, either in the pool or lounging around it, summed up our entire holiday.

What we loved most was the secluded location of Selong Selo. Perched above Selong Belanak Beach, we were treated to the best views, which you could not even get if you were on the beach itself.

Meals were usually enjoyed at Aura Lounge and Bar, the in-house restaurant of the estate. However, we often cooked breakfast for ourselves (the butler helped arrange for whatever ingredients we required) or light snacks to go with our evening beverages. We even did a wonderful barbecue on the deck one night, wherein a chef expertly cooked a delicious meal for us.

This villa is perfect for large groups or as a venue for retreats and offsites. The terrace on top has stunning views of the valley and the hills, perhaps the best vantage point in the entire estate.