vicki2201

Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced staying in a villa instead of a hotel in Bali? I've seen some wonderful-looking ones online--the ones with complete staff (balivillas.com). Is this a good idea for a family trip, instead of regular hotels?

Which one would you recommend?

thanks lots!

Craig

The problem with villas in Bali is they require you to stay for a week. The island is big enough that it is worth moving around and staying at 2 or 3 locations. You did not say how long you intend to stay but to really experience Bali you have to spend time in central Bali (Ubud) and in one of the coastal resort areas. Most of the villas are in the coastal resort areas. If you have lots of time, maybe do a week in a villa and the rest of the time on the interior plus another coastal destination.

vicki2201

The family is staying for a week. We may be a big group with children so we don't want to move around so much. To explore, the adults would use the transport (with driver) that comes with the villa. Balivillas can do a few days instead of a week too. If we stayed at a villa, then moved to an inland resort--what would think be a good combination?

Craig

Yes 3-4 days coastal villa, 3-4 days Ubud area resort would be a good combination.

NoFlyZone

Thanks to the suggestion of balivillas.com above contacted them and am "this close" to booking one of theirs for 5 or 6 nights (they do permit less than 7 days rental). So far they seem to be meeting tests for reliability, service and price.

vicki2201

On the frommers board, I gathered that they don't allow the posting of the word "balivillas.com'. (or was it the Baliforum board?). There were some inquiries, and then some cryptic replies saying "check out the search and look for 'bali villas dot com', many reviews about them.

I searched and couldn't find any. Could they have been deleted by the moderator? would you know why they would do such a thing?

Kathie

vicki, the only reason I can think of is that they may have thought someone was posting advertising. Most of these boards don't allow any kind of advertising masquerading as posts from travelers.

vicki2201

Oh my, you must be right..I didn't think of that! Continuing this thread..I've come across numerous webpages for Villas now and am so confused. Maybe I should choose a villa based on location. Any suggestions? thanks a lot!

Craig

Vicki - are you aware that balivillas is the sponsor of balitravelforum.com? They do seem to have a good reputation for that type of property. I think location is important.

In the south the most popular locations are Legion/Seminyak, Nusa Dua and Sanur. Each has its positives and negatives. I prefer Legion/Seminyak. When we stayed in Bali, we were just north of Seminyak. All three locations are convenient for getting around to see the sites.

In central Bali, you can stay right in Ubud or on the outskirts. If you can find a place on the outskirts you will likely enjoy fantastic views of the rice fields which surround the city.

cruisinred

Hello
I was considering renting a villa for my upcoming trip to Bali, but opted instead to stay in 3 hotels/inns as I will be there a rather short time. However, I did do a fair amount of research about villa rentals. It sounds like a great option for a family, esp. with kids. The prices really run the gamut. On the lower priced end, I did find a place in Jimbaran that looked very nice, villa baha.
www.dewataproperty.com/villarent.htm

Another place I found which looks great, and is off the beaten track is Agung Bali Nirwana. (already dreaming about a family trip here in 2006 or 07!)
www.agung-bali-nirwana.com

Good luck. Would love to hear a report if you do decide on a villa rental.

vicki2201

I will definitely post my trip report when I get back. I am now in touch with 3-4 different brokers and other independent agents in Bali who are looking for a suitable property for us. SO far, the ones I've chosen from the websites are all booked up during New Year's but there are a few "off the beaten track" which are not widely advertised.

I am now looking for 2 big villas since my inlaws all decided to join the fun.

If anyone has any other leads, or first hand experience, do tell! Thanks!

Baliphile

I took my family to Bali again just over a month ago and stayed in a delightful traditional Balinese villa in the heart of Seminyak called Villa Poppy.

It had just been rejuvinated and it was fabulous. Wonderful gardens, lovely pool with a 'bale' right beside so you can stay there all day.

The house has 3 bedrooms (all a/c) and the bathrooms were great. The indoor/outdoor style which was unique
for us westerners.

It's very private, has its own staff, but only a few steps from the main street of Jl Raya Seminyak. There's even a supermarket close-by.

We'll be going back. You can book on-line (we did) - very reputable company called Bali Holiday Villas - no hesitation in recommending them. Have a look at the website : www.villapoppybali.com. Do yourself a favour!

vicki2201

Sorry I never got back and posted what happened to this trip of ours last year! Our big family ended up staying at the Sukhavati Retreat, which is past Canggu and about 20 minutes from Tanah Lot. It was very upscale and beautiful and service was impeccable. Since we booked all 6 villas in the property, we could ask for virtually anything.

We had 2 vehicles at our service (one came with the villa, we had to pay for the other one) at all times. There is a spa in the property and they bring in the therapists whenever you book them.

We were in our own little private resort--our wole family, and it was great. It's quite a distance from everything but very peaceful. It's in the middle of ricefields so those who want to see rural asian scenes will LOVE it.

Food was good--but when my mom and sisters (they are all good cooks) got into the act and started planning the menus for dinner, together with the chef, then the meals became even more wonderful.

I'm not sure if the manager is still there because he was one of the reasons our stay was so great. His name is Eka.

I think I'll post a separate thread and see what else I can remember.