Bali Villas Family Holidays

It is generally understood that in contrast to public accommodation like resort hotels, private villas over much more than just a bedroom and attached shower for your private disposal. Living area, dining area, kitchen, garden, swimming pools, even a squad of well trained staffs are all dedicated you yourself - or to be exact - to your group.

Business travelers or those having holiday alone may not get interested with this option, except writers catching their publication deadline. The main market segments for private villas are either honeymooners or family holidays. In many cases, groups of friends also prefer private villas, but normally their friendships are so close that we can consider them as a family. Honeymooners want absolute solitude whilst families like unobstructed togetherness.

Bali Villas Layout

Most Bali villas are designed following Balinese traditional architectural layout, where each function housed in completely separated pavilions. Ensuring the soothing breeze to travel throughout the house against tropical heat, communal areas like living and dining rooms are fully opens to either the garden or the swimming pool. Actually even the bedrooms are completed with floor-to-ceiling French doors.

Fortunately there is a difference between Bali villas and Balinese traditional architecture, the only thing Westerners do not like, and therefore you will never find in Bali villas, is the bathroom. Whilst Balinese traditional architecture put one or more bathrooms for the whole family in a separated building at the back of the perimeter, Bali villas attach en-suite bathroom to each bedrooms. In addition to swimming pools, most Bali villas have water garden full of beautiful lotus and colorful fish. In addition to soothing the eyes waters are used to soften tropical heat.

Natural Contour

Many of Bali villas are built on a slope to enjoy unobstructed views from every corners of the house. Most Ubud villas are built on a valley or river gorge with picturesque view of tropical nature, whilst most Jimbaran villas perched on slope of rocky hill or atop soaring cliff with amazing ocean views. Consequently they are built following available natural contour with multi levels buildings, stairs, unfenced cliff drop all are really compromising safety to maintain the views.

Children Family Villas

Families spending holidays with small children have the dilemma between the comfort of all-to-yourself against safety for their children. Having children bedroom housed in separated building, having the swimming pool just at the doorsteps of the living room, having narrow path in the middle of lotus pond, having the edge of the infinity swimming pool dropped down to the cliff, having unfenced perimeter dropping down to the valley, having stairs all over the house ... all these concerns are holding them back from spending their holiday in private villas.

Villa Indah in the middle of safe residential neighborhood just off Sanur beach offers the answer to those worries. Initially built as family home of a hotel executive, the villa houses all functions in one building. The front yard with ample lawn suitable as joyful playground is completely separated from the swimming pool in the back yard.

Its three bedrooms are set around the main living area. The master bedrooms offer large French doors opening out to the swimming pool, but also doors opening into the living room. The main building is set the whole perimeter apart into two. Built on flat land with soaring concrete fence, the house does not have even one single stair.

For the adults enjoyment, across the swimming pool is a huge 135sqms open pavilion serving as a second living area with couches, dining table, entertainment equipment, and another lap pool.

25 Things You Did Not Know You Could do in Bali

As they say, ‘one trip to Bali is never enough'. Vast, seemingly endless beaches, beautiful tropical landscapes, the fascinating culture, amazingly hospitable people and shopping for local crafts continue to attract repeat visitors to Bali, time and time again.

However, as I have been discovering in my recent trips, there is more to this tropical paradise than meets the eye.

Today you can also add to my list above, the attraction of a myriad of activities catering to both the action oriented holiday maker and the more staid.

Here is a starter list of 25 new things you may want to try when you are next in Bali:

1) Bird Park You don't need to be a bird watcher to enjoy this colourful park. Take a morning off, and discover the beauty of an array of tropical birds Bali has to offer. Even better, arrive later in the afternoon, and enjoy some amazing sun-set melodies. A great choice for enthusiasts and families. (located at Taman Burung - open 08:00 - 18:00 daily)

2) Cruising Pick a boat of your choice, and head for the high seas! Nowadays Bali has a great selection of safe boats to choose from. Go for a fun filled family outing or go more adventurous with some of the latest cutting edge crafts which deliver the speed. (Bali Hai Cruises, Sea Safari Cruises, Bounty Cruises)

3) Dance Performances Be enthralled by unique Balinese dances! Try to catch one of each of: Kecak, Legong and Fire Dances, at least. There are dozens of different troupes to choose from, each with their own following. Keep in mind, shows in hotels and tourist restaurants offer vanilla flavour, and sometimes mechanical re-creations of the real thing. Head out to some of the villages, and you will be handsomely rewarded with the authentic fare.

4) Designer Shopping No, I am not talking about the ‘fake originals' that litter the streets of many other Asian locations. In the recent years, Bali has attracted some of the most talented original designers, and artists from around the world (both the East and the West). This coupled with the inherent artistic capabilities of the Balinese, means that Bali today enjoys a large number of original designer shops. You can find anything from post-modern lighting installations, to Imperial Chinese style sideboards, and from original water fountain designs to some of the best jewelry designed and manufactured anywhere in the world.

5) Diving Put your PADI license to use, or if you are a diving newbie, just do it, and get your PADI certificate in Bali! A range of dive organizers for the experienced, and dive schools for the new comers are available to choose from. Some offer PADI ‘Youth Scuba' courses for ages 5+.

6) Dolphin Watching Enjoy these all-time favourites in their natural habitat. They are at their best first thing in the morning. Also, the soft hues of the sun-rise provide amazing colours for the photography enthusiasts. However, you will need to plan ahead for this one, since Lovina is in the North of the island, and you will more than likely be staying in a hotel or a rental villa in the south.

7) Fishing Go after that marlin or try your hand at yellow fin tuna! Most boats provide full tackle, bait and a running commentary, a friendly, giggly banter which makes the day out that much more enjoyable. (fishing boats from Benoa Harbour or Sanur)

8) Elephant Safari Park Arguably, one of the best in South East Asia! Great location and landscaped gardens. Don't forget to do the elephant safari ride.

9) Jet Skiing Re-create those favourite Baywatch moments! Due to their environmental impact, only available at some selected beaches across the island. (available at Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua).

10) Go-Karting Only for those who get withdrawal symptoms from being away from the hustle and bustle of big-city life! All the noise, thrills and danger of the real thing! Choice of single or double carts.

11) Golfing A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautiful than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challenge yourself to one of the more demanding courses designed by professionals. Either way, don't miss the spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one of Bali's great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are to international standards, and many offer clubhouses and recreational facilities for the rest of the family.

12) Helicopter Tours Go on, splash out for that once in a life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali even Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best vantage point, or get up close and personal with a volcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget. (Air Bali)

13) Horse Riding Enjoy one of the equestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of horses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide permitting down the beach. (Umalas or Saba Bay Stables)

14) Kite Boarding Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua beaches. But make sure you have a great story lined up for your insurance company! Keep in mind, this really is an Extreme Sport.

15) Monkey Watching Experience mischievous macaques in full action! Also, some good restaurants and eateries nearby. However, be careful of your cameras, glasses and the like! (The Sacred Monkey Forest - Ubud)

16) Mountain Cycling If you like cycling, why not enjoy a leisurely cycle with views of the Batur volcano! Lots to see, lots to learn, all on two wheels with an experienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours)

17) Paragliding Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces of Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you can enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified professionals with great safety records.

18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee) Defy gravity Bali style, with some spectacular 50m views! (That is, if you remember to open your eyes!) Not for the faint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety standards.

19) Surfing If you've come with your board you'll know where to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many schools to choose from, just head for the beach! Whilst Kuta is a good all rounder, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, and Balangan can provide some great tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer surfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can enjoy surfing all together)

20) Temple Ceremonies Few visitors to Bali realise that in most instances you will be welcomed to attend local ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is, there is a temple ceremony every single day of the year in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one during your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon ceremonies which attract devotees from far a field and are some of the most colourful events on the island. Please remember that a sensible dress code, and polite/respectful behaviour are essential for continued hospitality towards foreign guests. (Also, please note that women are not allowed in the temples during their menstrual period.)

21) Tennis Choose from one of many open or some covered courts! Whilst most better tennis courts are located at major hotels, you can use these facilities on a pay-per-use basis. Many will provide a partner to match your skills.

22) Wake Boarding (or Knee Boarding) Have a go at that double flip, or just learn to stand up! Whilst most beaches are more suitable for surfing, you can enjoy wakeboarding at the Condrad Bali Resort, and surrounds.

23) Waterbom Park Water slides and rides galore, both kids and adults will have a blast! World class park, with well trained staff. Go early to make the most of your day! (open 09:00 - 18:00 daily)

24) Wind Surfing Maximise the almost continuous winds found in Nusa Dua or Sanur. You can rent a board, and head out, or take one of the courses designed for beginners.

25) White Water Rafting A thrilling experience through 8 kilometers of rapids! (believe it or not, still suitable for ages 5+) Organisers follow international safety standards. (Bali Adventure Tours)

Like me, if you manage to fit in five of these activities into your schedule, every time you visit Bali, you will still want to come back for more. Because, at the end of the day, it is the people of Bali, with their welcoming smiles, and willingness to help, which will make mere adventures into even more precious memories.

One final thought. If you are attempting something new, or slightly dangerous, please make sure to check that you are fit/suitable enough for the adventure ahead, and that the organisers have the necessary experience/safety record so as not to spoil your wonderful Bali adventure.

Many happy returns to the Island of the Gods!

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The Breath of Villas in Bali

A villa is basically a house where a family can spend their time together. In Bali however, a villa is a breath of nature for the family, for first time honeymooners, or individuals who want to re-encounter the self being.

Most Villas in Bali take personal privacy into account, and this is at harmony with nature. The detailed concept of their respective architectures can be various, but privacy and luxury play an important role in the basic concept of many villas.


Luxurious, sometimes superbly luxurious, the architecture of many villas in Bali is breathing in the rhythm of space that plays on the silence of the surrounds and fits effortlessly and discreetly into the small community.

In recent years the island of the Gods has become the site for many villas, or a cluster of villas referred sometimes as a boutique resort. The beginning of the new super luxury trend began at the end of the 1980's, precisely with the opening of the Amandari, perched on the edge of Ubud's Sayan Gorge. The mind behind the resort was renowned Australian architect Peter Muller along with owner Adrian Zecher.

Hotels of that era were built with many rooms. Villas, however, have different approach. It is not simply how many hotel rooms you have, but how wonderful they are. Luxury, too, is not only determined by expensive materials for many of these resorts often use the simplest of local materials.

The detail of concepts of boutique resorts and villas have developed since the days of Muller and Zecher, who has initiated the rejuvenation of the Balinese traditional village living within their architecture design. “Nowadays, modern touches are an important component in the design of villas in Bali,” said Popo Danes, a reputable Balinese architect who has designed a plenty of villas in some of Bali's more remote locations.

As a result, according to Popo, the sense of simplicity is becoming stronger.

Initially, simple village living has been blended with a luxurious urban lifestyle. Nowadays, however, the sensation of simplicity has built the luxurious atmosphere. Details of architecture of many Balinese villas have beautifully combined the traditional and modern elements and features.

There is one feature almost always seen: Balinese traditional gate angkul-angkul , which usually gives access to Balinese compounds in many places of the island, has been utilized to strengthen the traditional senses of the villa building.

The presence of angkul-angkul has given a particular atmosphere of village living in many villa resorts. Almost all villa designers' in Bali, seemingly, consider angkul-angkul as a standard feature for Balinese designed villa. However, the popularity of angkul-angkul has expanded beyond the boundaries of the island. In Jakarta as well as in many places in Java, including in Jogyakarta and in Surabaya, angkul-angkul has gained a particular place in villa design, it is often applied to give access to many private villas even luxurious residences. Perhaps it is to remind them of Bali, to bring about the nuances of Balinese harmony of living.

Once you pass the villa's angkul-angkul , a serene garden awaits you. A garden is apparently another ‘compulsory zone of beauty' for Bali-based villa designers. With lines of colorful flowering plants or decorative leaves, tropical gardens bring nature into the villas, each of which with their own details according to the sense of their respective landscape designer. The garden is not merely decorating the villa; it is so much important for the image that some villas in Bali use it as a marketing tool and promote the property as a ‘garden villa'.

Adjacent to the garden, often under the shadow of a frangipani tree, often lays the swimming pool. Private pools have been another luxurious trend in villa design. Nowadays, it seems that a villa is not a ‘real' villa without a private pool. It can be a small swimming pool or even a plunge pool where you guests spend time relaxing and basking under the sun.

The garden and the pool sometimes (not sometimes, often!) are perfected with a spectacular backdrop of green rice fields, of mountainside, of river flow or beachfront: according to the blessing of the beauty of the villa's location. This is Bali, where the stunning panorama of nature has long become an important element of beauty.

A villa, by this very definition must be small and limited. Above all, it should have its own recognizable flavor and character. The only similarity between many villas in Bali is the level of luxury and excellence.

If you have the money and want to really relax and enjoy yourself while visiting Bali, make sure that you reward yourself by staying in one or more of the world's best resorts.