Villa Malaathina
This magnificent seven-bedroom villa, set on a 5,000-square-metre estate, has everything for the perfect luxury Bali holiday, from a stunning 25-metre lap pool, choice of open-air and indoor living, dining and bar areas, dedicated yoga room and state-of-the-art gym, to a sleek Teppanyaki pavilion and enormous air-conditioned library. Located in the bucolic village of Umalas, near Seminyak, Villa Malaathina is staffed by a large, professional team and is the perfect location for big groups of friends or families to get together in a luxurious environment.
Villa Malaathina’s manager will have a wealth of information about nearby places of interest and will help arrange transport and make any bookings required. Do also ask the staff about the local area. Many of them live nearby and will be able to give an interesting insight into some of the fascinating aspects of Bali life.
In the meantime, here is a taste of the many and varied activities on offer within reach of the villa.
- Watch a spectacular sunset at Echo Beach (7km) where a number of cafes offer great views and cold beer. Note that the beach here is dark volcanic sand and the waters are better suited to surfing, having a pronounced swell and rip, rather than children’s swimming. Hotel Tugu, a very stylish and eclectic boutique hotel a few minutes further down the coast is also a good sunset spot.
- There are several surf schools in Bali, mainly based in and around Kuta and Legian, where young and old(er) can learn to surf or brush up on their skills.
- If you are a bold and brave bargain hunter, a shopping spree at one of the Denpasar’s markets within the heart of Bali’s bustling provincial capital, is an exciting and rewarding experience.
- Swing among the trees and fly through the air at Treetop Adventure Park, or see the real Bali with a Bali Eco Cycling Tour (all downhill!) through the island’s beautiful rice terraces and unspoiled villages. The drive through rural Bali is a treat in itself.
- Cafés and restaurants in Canggu (just 3km away) are springing up at quite a rate. Try the charming Canggu Café, a great place for a light lunch (serves delicious Indonesian food and salads). Opposite the Canggu Club is a small international restaurant called The Loop, while next door and under the same management is the Canggu Deli, which stocks plenty of gourmet food items.
- Eating out in Seminyak requires careful research and planning; there’s just so much choice! Everything from fine international dining to cheap n’ cheerful gourmet burgers can be had in this diners paradise.
- Chill out completely with an in-villa massage or beauty treatment
- Learn the secrets of Balinese spices and cuisine during a cookery class at Saté Bali Restaurant on Jalan Kayu Aya in Seminyak.
- The most exclusive Bali trekking tour promises breath-taking vistas and heart-warming encounters while supporting sustainable social change in the once-forgotten villages of Muntigunung. Elite Havens is a proud partner of Muntigunung Community Social Enterprise.
- 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.
- Get back to nature with Bali Eco Tours. Based in Ubud, they can offer anything from educational cycling tours through the rice fields, to sunrise volcano climbs. Talk to your villa manager about arranging a trip.
- Covering 3.8 hectares of tropical parkland in Kuta, Waterbom Bali has 16 water slides (including The Climax with its 360 degree loop) to entertain the young and the young at heart. A great family day out, but go early to beat the crowds.
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