Villa De Suma
Location, location, location! Could there be a more central base from which to explore Seminyak’s delights? Villa De Suma places you smack bang in the middle of all the action, but its setting in a secure estate also makes for a deliciously private retreat. Blending oriental charms with modern western comfort, this 4-bedroomed villa comes with a manager, chef and housekeeping staff and has a stunning 14-metre tropical swimming pool backed by lush vertical gardens. A fair share for groups, it is equally well-equipped for families, and is just a gentle stroll from Petitenget surf beach.
There is no shortage of things to do in Seminayk, whether catching a wave or ushering in a glorious sunset at a beach club, hitting world class boutiques or browsing at colourful markets. Restaurants and bars seem to open every week in this trendy district, leaving you spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options. You can also join a fascinating Balinese cooking class with our experienced villa chef (available on extra charge) and learn to make Balinese favourites like satay lilit ayam (chicken satay), and sambal matah (spicy lemongrass/shallot) relish, which can include a visit to the market to buy vegetables and spices.
Should you wish to explore further afield, your villa manager will be happy to give you the inside scoop on what to do and where to go. He can also arrange a car and driver or customise an island tour for you.In the meantime, here is a taste of the many and varied activities on offer within reach of the villa:
- Shop till you drop! The streets of Seminyak are a shop-a-holics dream, with everything from chic designer boutiques to surf outlets and funky street wear. Exotic homewares are also a Balinese specialty, from gorgeous ceramics, to embroidered furnishings and all manner of ethnic curios and decorative pieces.
- You could eat out at a different restaurant in Seminyak every night - for months - and still not run out of options. Jalan Laksmana (also known as Jalan Oberoi and Jalan Kayu Aya) is Bali’s fashionable ‘eat street’, offering plenty of high-end restaurants including Sarong and Teatro Gastroteque. Ku Dé Ta is still the place to see and be seen at sunset, while Potato Head has a rocking sounds system and some of the best cocktails on the island. A short taxi ride will bring you to Sardine, Métis and Republik 45.
- Get Wet n Wild at Waterbom, Bali’s premier water park set in 3.8 hectares of tropical gardens. 17 waterslides include adrenalin-inducing rides like Smash down and Climax. Those more inclined to leisurely pursuits can float on the lazy river or swim up to the pool bar for a cocktail. Its one of Bali’s most popular attractions, so get there early to beat the crowds.
- A nice sunset alternative is to head down to Canggu Beach (8km) where cafes offer good sunset views and cold beer. Old Man’s has a relaxed Sydney-style beer garden, casual meals and live music on the weekend. Hotel Tugu, a very stylish and eclectic boutique hotel, is just a hundred metres further up the road and was created by one of Indonesia’s premier art collectors, and provides a range of atmospheric dining experiences.
- Visit the famous Tanah Lot sea temple. Although renowned for its sunset vistas, going early in the morning provides a better idea of the power of the location and the chance to see it undisturbed, apart from perhaps an offering ceremony.
- Acclaimed as the world’s best, the atmospheric Elephant Safari Park in Taro (north of Ubud) provides a sanctuary for elephants rescued from Sumatra, with opportunities for trekking, hand feeding, and photo taking. There is also a fascinating museum and an excellent restaurant in a beautiful tropical setting deep in the forests of Bali’s hinterland.
- Bali Treetop Adventure Park is near the town of Bedugal in northern central Bali (next to Lake Bratan). Five adventure circuits, with heights ranging from two to 20 metres, challenge all level and ages on suspended bridges, spider nets, Tarzan jumps and 12 flying foxes.
- Explore scenic rice-field landscape and rural villages by bicycle; a great way to get under the skin of the 'real' Bali. Stop off at a local warung (café) to sample some basic Balinese fare or cool off with a cold drink. A number of operators, including Bali Adventure tours offer ‘downhill cycling’ tours starting from the cool climes of Bali’s mountainous hinterland.
- Desa Seni at Berawa Beach, is an eco-friendly village resort providing an authentic Indonesian experience through the exploration of culture, art and yoga. The resort offers a wide variety of yoga classes and also has its own holistic spa and restaurant serving gourmet organic food, most of which is grown in the resorts extensive gardens.