Bayad Villa Reviews

Our Review

Overall Rating:: 7.8
Reviewed:: 20-Jun-2011

Bayad Villa’s garden is amazing and it felt so tropical. It was like a woodland overflowing with plants which, although carefully landscaped, were growing abundantly as if untamed. The villa felt spacious as such, and is perfectly set up for two families since each pair of suites is connected across the garden but self-contained, having their own entrances, swimming pools, kitchens and dining space. The main pool with its gorgeous curved infinity ledge creeping around the valley was a real focus of the property, however there really were lots of other options for relaxing and dining, including the verandas of each suite. That said, most were not fan-cooled and the main living pavilion, especially, got a little hot during the day.

The staff were efficient and because the property is so large we hardly saw them apart from at mealtimes when they tended to gather around the main kitchen to chat, which was a little off-putting. We were informed by the management company, however, that they have plans to change the kitchen design which would resolve this problem. As if to compensate for any disturbance, the house manager really went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed at all times.

There’s quite an extensive priced menu at the villa – the cook’s excellent Balinese dishes come highly recommended and you receive a complimentary Balinese meal if staying more than seven nights. Self-catering is also an option but only for stays of seven days or more; in this instance, a 30% charge is added onto the total cost of your grocery bill if the staff do your shopping for you.

Individual Scores:

Character/Charm:	8	Location:	8	Outside Area:	9
Living Area:	8	Bedrooms:	8	Bathrooms:	8
Kitchen:	7	Facilities:	7	Staff:	7
Value:	8

Highlights

We loved the main swimming pool and the view from the terrace of the valley beyond; if you look over its infinity edge it’s a long way down to the rice paddies and woodland below which puts your location completely into perspective! Having a second sunbathing zone next to the plunge pool was another plus. We thought the intricate detailing in the decor of the suites stood out and demonstrated a great amount of care and attention, and that the garden’s tropical flowers (the smell of the night jasmine was divine) were especially gorgeous.

Surprises

There was a football game going on in the valley below during the late afternoon which spoiled the peaceful atmosphere a little, although when we asked the staff about it we were told that they only play occasionally. The garden is a wonderland for children but since it slopes down the hill, and comprises ponds and walkways you’ll need to keep an eye on little ones. The enormous long-legged bees beneath the pergola are a bit alarming, but they are only trying to get to the pollen! The many steps and sloping landscaping mean that it is not an ideal property for the elderly or less mobile.