Bali may not be physically large (at least not by Australian or
American standards) but there are a number of clear destinations on the
island. The villa accommodations on the island are largely confined to a
subset of those destinations. In this article, The Insider looks at the
most popular destinations offering villa accommodations.
Villas
in Bali are primarily found in the following locations: Candidasa,
Canggu, Jimbaran, Pemuteran, Sanur, Seseh, Seminyak, Ubud and Uluwatu.
These locations are primarily spread throughout the south-central region
of the island. There are few villa accommodations located in the north,
far west, or far east of the island; the two exceptions being Pemuteran
in the far northwest and Candidasa in the southeast.
Candidasa
Located
in the south eastern portion of the island, Candidasa is the newest
destination to offer villa accommodations. Most accommodations are
actually located between Candidasa and nearby Padangbai. This area first
popped up on to the luxury travellers radar when the Aman group opened
Amankila. The Alila group is also there now and we're starting to see a
few private villas open as well. Note that dining choices in the area
are limited and taxis are few and far between. Look for a villa with a
chef and a driver.
Why stay in Candidasa?
This is a
good jumping off point for exploring the quiet rice terraces of east
Bali and the slopes of Gunung Agung. It is also a good place to catch
your breath either before or after a trip to neighboring Lombok. You can
catch ferries to Lombok from Padangbai, or hire a speed boat if you
prefer. With recent road improvements, Candidasa is now only 45 minutes
drive from Sanur.
Canggu
Canggu is the fastest
growing villa accommodations area. There is a wide number of options in
this area at a variety of price ranges. Many of these accommodations are
new, so finding mature gardens may be a challenge. This is a largely
flat area of gently rolling fields (ex-rice fields). Most villas are
garden view. There are a number of villas on the coast in this area. The
nearby Canggu Club is also a magnet for new villas and if you are
travelling with children, look for villas with a guest club membership;
this provides options to help your kids pass the time in a supervised
environment (while giving parents a much needed break!). Canggu is just a
few minutes drive from Seminyak. Note that the road is crowded with
traffic and taxis are not as easy to find, so you will want to find a
villa with a driver.
Why stay in Canggu?
Wide range of choices, access to the beach, nearby Seminyak and the Canggu Club.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran
Bay provides one of the few pleasant swimming beaches on the island,
and it also gives easy access to a number of dining options. Several
five star resorts are located in this area, including the Four Seasons
and the Inter-Continental. Most villa operations here are villa resorts,
though the nearby Tiara area provides some private luxury rentals
(though these are far from the beach). This area is very popular with
Asian tourists.
Why stay in Jimbaran?
Good walking
and swimming beach. Access to fine dining and the seafood restaurants on
the beach. This location is also just a few minutes from the airport,
so getting in and out is a breeze. Taxis are easy to find here.
Pemuteran
Pemuteran
is a small town located at the far northwest tip of the island. It is
primarily a destination for those who wish to go snorkeling or diving
around Palau Menjangan, or who wish to trek into the Bali Barat National
Park. Facilities here are limited, though there are one or two good
villa resorts. Dining options and transportation are rare commodities,
so plan accordingly.
Why stay in Pemuteran?
The big
reason to be here (OK, perhaps the only reason!) is the access to the
natural features. Snorkeling and diving at Palau Menjangan are superb --
some of the best in Asia. Bali Barat is also an attraction for
trekkers.
Sanur
Sanur is Bali's most gentile
destination. A mecca for tourists since the 1930s, Sanur has a more laid
back and mature feel that the frenetic nightlife and party scene of
Seminyak. The beach here has a boardwalk and the ocean is gentle enough
to allow for safe swimming. There are several villas here, some of them
quite large and elegant -- and quite exclusive.
Why stay in Sanur?
This is a more quiet side of tourist Bali. You have access to everything you could want here but without the party scene.
Seseh
Seseh
is a relative new-comer on the villa scene, at least in terms of name
recognition. There have been villas there for some time, but most people
have simply labelled the area "Canggu." In fact, Seseh is further
northwest of Canggu and on the coast. You might say it is the "next"
up-and-coming villa destination, the natural progression of growth and
development past Canggu. Seseh is quiet and must less hectic than
Seminyak. It has more of a traditional Bali village feel than Canggu
(which is largely rice fields). All in all, it makes for a more relaxed
and intimate feeling. On the downside, it is a fair distance from all
the conveniences: shopping, markets, restaurants, and taxis. Look for a
villa here with full services and make sure you have a car and a driver
included.
Why stay in Seseh?
As a destination, Seseh
is great if you want some place quiet and relaxed with access to an
undeveloped beach. Good for families, and for anyone who plans to spend
time relaxing at the villa.
Seminyak
Welcome to party
central! Seminyak is the destination of choice if you want to be only a
short wallk (or ride) from shopping, restaurant, markets and
nightclubs. This district is urban and frenetic. This is the home of
KuDeTa, La Lucchiola, the Oberoi and much, much, more. Finding an oasis
of peace and quiet is a challenge but not impossible. Prices tend to
reflect popularity as this is currently the destination of choice for
Bali tourists looking for villa accommodations.
Why stay in Seminyak?
Convenience
is Seminyak's hallmark. Everything is here. If you are party people or
you really want a hopping beach scene, this is the spot for you. If you
are willing to settle for a villa hotel or villa resort, there are some
very good options here.
Ubud
Often referred to as the
cultural center of Bali, Ubud is a destination with a difference. The
feature here is culture and increasingly, fine dining; it is not the
spot for nightlife. Many people view Ubud as a day trip destination and
stay on the coast. For those who choose to stay in Ubud, the day time is
busy and a bit hectic, but in the evenings the town slows down and is
very pleasant. Lots of good museums, restaurants, and cultural
attractions. Plenty of shopping here, too, but prices in recent years
have gone up dramatically. Note that proper taxi services are lacking in
Ubud; if you don't have your own car and driver you are at the mercy of
the touts with private taxis.
Why stay in Ubud?
Ubud
is cooler and damper. This is not the coast -- this is the jungle. It
has completely different vibe than the coastal locations. Stay here if
you want to enjoy museums, dance performances, and exploring cultural
attractions.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a rising star in the
luxury accommodations scene. (The arrival of the Bulgari helped cement
that position.) Many five star resorts are under development here and
there are some beautiful, large villas here as well. Some of the
island's most posh accommodations are perched atop the cliffs of
Uluwatu, looking out over the Indian Ocean. Find a fully serviced villa
here, with a car and driver, else you will feel stranded.
Why stay in Uluwatu?
Most
people that stay here fall in two classes: Either luxe travelers, or
surfers. There are accommodations for both. Aside form the surfing and
the views, there is not much else to recommend the area, as development
of infrastructure has yet to keep pace with the arrival of the resorts
and villas.
'Love In Ubud'
