The Best Villas to Book in Seminyak, Bali

This fabulous foxhole lays claim to a honeymoon suite where candlelit dinners, poolside barbecues and homemade sundeck breakfasts are the norm. Start the day with a sing-song and scrub in the outdoor shower, then make a beeline for the hollow rock entrance to Padang Padang’s golden sands, hit the streets of Seminyak to taste traditional klepon – pandan leaf, rice and coconut cake stuffed with liquid palm sugar – or barter with Celuk’s silverware sellers.

When you’ve had your fill of the bustle of Seminyak, this smart Indonesian idyll is the perfect place to relax, with coastal gardens, a 35m (115ft) rock pool and peaceful lotus ponds. Peppers combines villa perks (such as your own kitchen) with hotel luxuries. Recline in generous sunken baths, enjoy cooking lessons, breathing workshops, spa treatments and fine dining at the Laneway Restaurant. Tip: don’t miss the 4pm mojito club at the pool bar.

With a welcome massage on arrival – petition to make this de rigueur at all hotels, anyone? – plus rooftop terrace, waterfall, workout zone and ringside position for the Seminyak action (here’s looking at you, Potato Head), this 10-villa complex is a sound choice. As for the day-trip agenda, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is a must – it houses a gigantic statue of Vishnu riding on the back of a supernatural eagle-like being called Garuda.

Whether you’re with your friends, family, fiancé or flying solo, Sandi Agung is a neat, unassuming coastal retreat that will capably cater to your needs. Villas range from one- to two-bedrooms with kitchens and open-air bathrooms. The beach is a five-minute stroll away, or you can drive out to Uluwatu Temple – believed to protect the island from evil spirits – and Tanah Lot, a spiritual spot and cultural icon for photography, said to be protected by holy sea snakes.

Located in Bali’s fashionable shopping and restaurant district, the toss of a fork from “Eat Street”, but Nunia wouldn’t look too out of place in LA– all clean lines and sleek white surfaces. Cook up a storm in the on-site kitchen or escape to one of the nearby restaurants. While you’re here, be sure to seek out some civet coffee – the sought-after Balinese blends are made from part-digested coffee cherries eaten and defecated (yep) by the furry little Indonesian palm civet.

Flanked with tropical foliage and frangipani trees – most fragrant at night in order to lure moths to pollinate them – 24 uber-chic villas await you at Kayana. Perks here include double-canopy king beds, round-the-clock butler service, sunrise yoga classes and bathtubs infused with lavender or rempah ratus (hundred spices). Oh, and photo and video-shooting services to capture your stay.

Dive into your own private pool, a sliding door away from your bed each morning; dive into said four-poster each night. Awan Villas also have a tropical garden shower and sundecks, with massage beds available if you’re in the mood. Each villa comes with a well-equipped kitchenette with a full-sized fridge for storing cold Bintang beers or any Balinese delicacies you pick up at the market.

Sojourn in one of these 16 Seminyak pads if you’d like your own private swim facilities, al fresco dining area and outdoor lounge for your evening drinks. Massotherapy options include lomi lomi – originally performed as a sacred healing ritual in ancient Hawaii – and rice-farmer remedies involving warm spices, foot rubs and flower baths. For something high-octane, you have white-water rafting, quad biking and snorkelling to choose from, or dolphin-spotting at Lovina Beach.

Amisha, Bulan, Cahya, Dara, Esha and Fira – no, not the start of Mambo No. 6 but Kae’s complete collection of courtyard villas off Sunset Road. Paths lined with bright cerise blooms point the way to the airy, stylish yet comfortable accommodation. All you need for a dreamy day of rest here is a Bintang and an unparalleled sundown – happily they’re both available in abundance.

Focusing on nature and functionality, Yubi’s villas are inspired by tropical villages; cook like locals, try batik on the loom or chill out with warm salt scrubs and a sip of pineapple juice. There’s in-villa lunch, with Halal options. Whether you like to never lift a finger or prefer to be left alone, the level of staff presence is up to you. Supper is best savoured by the light of hanging candles, while rindik music floats over the evening air.