When it comes to luxury on a budget, there’s no better country to head for than Bali. Packed with a plethora of high-end boutique hotels and spas, exquisite villas and restaurants fit for a king, this Indonesian paradise island offers opulence by the bucket-load – and you can do it all in style from the moment you touch down at Denpasar airport.
A country made famous by the film of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray Love back in 2010, Bali is now a popular choice amongst sun-seeking travellers – attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world, every single day. A popular haunt for Australians seeking a short break close to home, it’s frequented by surfers and culture vultures – and, whether you’re accustomed to living in the lap of luxury at home or are keen to get your first taste of the high life, in Bali, you’ll never be left wanting.
Brimming with culture and natural beauty, this small island has an impressive amount to offer – from the ornate temples and lush green rice paddies of mountainous Ubud, to the laid-back beach vibe and bright lights of trendy Seminyak – and, further afield, the picturesque sands and clear waters of Jimbaran Bay, and then Nusa Lembongan, just off the coast.
If anyone knows how to do Bali in style, it’s the experts at 33 Nights – an exclusive luxury travel company specialising in accommodation rentals such as luxury villas and apartments, worldwide.
Offering hand-picked Villas in destinations ranging from Thailand to Greece, as well as a selection of luxury apartments in Japan, the company also offers up some of the very finest accommodation in all of Bali – and with luggage transfer available direct from UK homes or hotels to London airports via mobile tracker via Airportr, travel with 33 Nights is the ultimate in luxury from start to finish. You’re guaranteed to get the VIP treatment!
Here, their team of experts pick out some of the very finest destinations Bali has to offer to help you plan your trip – recommending where to stay, what to eat and what to see to get your slice of luxury. Best of all, they have villas in all the right places – read on to find out more.
Ubud
Often dubbed the cultural heartland of Bali, Ubud might not be the obvious choice for those in search of a sunshine getaway, but it could just turn out to be the highlight of your trip. Nestled amongst vast rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency, Ubud is awash with museums and art galleries and is home to some of the very finest cuisine you’ll find on the island. Easily explorable on foot or by bike, it’s often difficult to distinguish Ubud from the surrounding villages, with picturesque waterfalls and breath-taking temples all within easy reach.
Ubud is awash with luxury five-star hotels and sumptuous villas, so you’ll never be short of a place to rest your head. We recommend settling in at the stunning Villa Almanada for the duration of your stay for a relaxing and unforgettable trip.
This classic Bali villa sleeps up to eight people in four stylish ensuite bedrooms, with steps from the villa’s living area leading down into the garden, where the the vast and refreshing swimming pool and bale provide the perfect spots for relaxation. Spacious and secluded, it’s the perfect base if you’re travelling with family – leaving you well placed to explore sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Saraswati Temple and Puri Lukisan Museum.
It might not look like it at first glance, but this vibrant jungle town hides a world class dining scene that is waiting to be explored. With restaurants boasting breath-taking rainforest views and mouth-watering local Indonesian and international cuisine, there’s a lot for foodies to love about Ubud. Try fine dining eaterie, Locavore for a contemporary European experience, or head to Birdnest at Kupu Kupu Barong for gourmet French and South East Asian fusion – all served up with panoramic views of the Ayung River Valley.
Meeting friends in Ubud or travelling in a large group? You can easily split the cost of Villa Almanada between friends, paying per person, per night – and the same applies to all luxury villas in the 33 Nights collection.
Jimbaran
A picturesque and tranquil fishing village and coastal resort south of party resort Kuta, Jimbaran Bay is a long beach with calm, clear waters. Lined with seafood restaurants and set against a backdrop of tropical forest, surfers’ paradises Dreamland Beach and Balangan Beach, which are famous for their strong waves, are located Southwest of the bay.
A peaceful destination for those in search of a seclusion and relaxation, Jimbaran is lined with leafy coconut groves, and often frequented by the celebrity set. The best attractions in the area mostly encompass the beautiful limestone cliff fringed coastlines, but Uluwatu temple is not to be missed by those in search of a little culture. Locally referred to as Pura Luhur, it’s one of Bali’s most iconic postcard landmarks, perched high on a cliff southwest of the Bukit peninsula – and is one of the best spots to witness Bali’s mesmerising sunsets. Fringed with exotic forest, it’s also home to the grey long-tailed macaque, making it a great place to visit if you’re interested in spotting some wildlife.
Villa Aiko is a stunning contemporary villa with sweeping views over Jimbaran Bay from its prime hilltop location, combining marble, granite and wood for a truly opulent feel. With four bedrooms and en suite bathrooms boasting chic Grohe fixtures, its floor to ceiling glass windows mean you never feel far from the outdoors – and once again, a team of professional staff re on hand here to make your stay unforgettable. If you’re staying for longer than five nights, then they’ll even do your grocery shopping for you – what more could you possibly want from your luxury accommodation?
The more secluded Villa Adenium, meanwhile, is set within a quiet and secure villa complex in the hills of Jimbaran Bay. Similar in size, it boasts a 15-metre salt water swimming pool, along with a gymnasium, massage room and children’s playroom. What more could you possibly need?
Foodies should head out of an evening to Sundara at the Four Seasons for fine dining, fabulous seafood and the best martini selection in Bali.
Seminyak
One of the most popular beach resorts on the island, Seminyak trumps the likes of neighbouring Kuta and Legian, offering the boutique shopping, luxury spas and range of dining options they lack. Packed with markets, art galleries and furniture stores, it’s buzzing with things to do – whether it’s spending the day on the beach, getting a relaxing Balinese massage or visiting the chic restaurants and cocktail bars that line the streets.
Villa Adasa makes for the perfect base for those wanting to be in the thick of the action, set securely in the exclusive Laksmana Estate. Fully staffed and just moments for the beach, it offers the ultimate in relaxation, with opulent furnishings and an upper sundeck meaning there is always somewhere to chill out in peace. Boasting three bedrooms in total, the huge master suite and its vast sun terrace are the stars of the show. Ku de Ta, La Lucciola and Potato Head Beach Club are amongst the iconic bars and restaurants located just a short stroll away.
Villa Asta, meanwhile, offers a spectacular freeform swimming pool at its heart, with five spacious bedrooms, games room and Badminton court, If you’re travelling with the family then there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained – and parents even get their own two-bedroom master wing and plunge pool, guaranteeing peace and quiet.
When it comes to dining out, head to trendy Barbacoa for BBQ wood fired and charcoal meats with a Mexican influence or visit the sophisticated Merah Putih for experimental Indonesian fusion dishes served with a modern twist.
If you need a babysitter while you head out or would prefer a chef to cook for you at home, then 33 Nights can organise a bespoke package for you – so you’ll never have to miss out on Bali’s fabulous cuisine for even one night.
Canggu
If you’re after more of a rural escape, then Villa Asante, in neighbouring Canggu, offers a happy medium. Located just 500m from Echo Beach and only 20 minutes from Seminyak, it boasts a variety of facilities to suit all of the family, including a swimming pool, mature tropical garden and extensive lawn. Not only that, but it comes complete with its own private chef, butlers, 24-hour security and complimentary car and driver for up to ten hours a day. All you have to do is turn up, and your full team of staff will do the rest for you.
With a bohemian vibe, surf beaches and café culture, many people refer to Canggu as ‘Ubud by the Sea’. It’s not difficult to find a yoga studio or a health food restaurant in this neck of the woods, and if you’re eating out in the Echo Beach area, then Betelnut in worth a visit. Great for fresh juices, healthy salads and vegetarian cuisine, any health-conscious traveller will feel right at home.
Visitors to the Villa Asante can enjoy the Canggu Club membership and Batu Bolong Beach within a short walk, with Batu Bolong Temple and the Taman Segara Water Park also close by.
Wherever you decide to visit in Bali, 33 Nights can make the experience stress-free and utterly relaxing from start to finish, so be sure to tell them exactly what your dream holiday entails before you go – and watch them wave their magic wands to make it a reality. All trips are entirely bespoke and tailored to your needs, and the world class service really is second to none. With spotless and utterly stunning villas across Bali and beyond, there’s no better way to start your adventure.
