Bali: private villas

GO A chilled-out getaway for families and couples, exotic Bali's friendly people and beautiful scenery - dramatic mountains, lush paddy fields, dense jungle and long beaches framing clear waters - ensure it remains a firm favourite.
DO Shop in Ubud and Seminyak - try Haveli (Tel: 737 160) - for treasures made by local artesans. Tee off at Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort (http://www.lemeridien.com/) overlooking the ancient temple of Tanah Lot, stranded in the midst of the Indian Ocean. Indulge in traditional Balinese spa therapies and dine out at Ku Dé Ta (http://www.kudeta.net/), The Breeze (Tel: 731 149) La Lucciola (Tel: 261 047), Gado Gado (Tel: 736 966), Kafe Warisan (Tel: 731 175) or The Living Room (Tel: 735 735).
STAY Travel beyond the neon signs of Kuta. Relax with creature comforts at boutique properties such as Uma Ubud (http://www.uma.como.bz/), Waka Gangga (http://www.wakaexperience.com/), Damai (http://www.damai.com/) and Alila Manggis (http://www.alilahotels.com/), or book a private villa.
WHEN Temperatures vary between 21°C and 32°C with July being the coolest month and February the hottest. Expect rains from November to April and plenty of sunshine from May to November.

Private villas
Unwind with the family or a loved one in the privacy of your very own retreat...

Kemah Tinggi is one of Bali's most seductive hideaways. A chic chill-out party pad for couples, or the ultimate stress-free family destination, Kemah Tinggi is the perfect choice for those who like unpretentious luxury and the privacy to enjoy life at their own pace. Barefoot days by the stunning infinity pool slip into sophisticated candlelit, balmy nights - best enjoyed over sunset cocktails. Idyllic views of rice fields and the palm-fringed surf are complemented by four spacious suites - beautifully furnished with Bose sound systems, comfortable beds dressed in crisp linens and bathrooms stocked with Molton Brown products. Charming staff provide discrete service, delicious meals, laundry, chauffeuring and professional spa treatments - whilst a pool fence is just one of the superb facilities offered for kids. Discover why Kemah Tinggi is the villa LUXE guide raves about. Tel: 9871 0334, http://www.kemahtinggi.com/.

Albia Villa is ideal for families. There's a private swimming pool with a safe play area, baby cots, child-size beds, high-chairs and child-friendly tableware. Fully staffed by a team of eight including a personal chef, this luxurious and serene villa is surrounded by rice fields, yet is just five to ten minutes away from Bali's best restaurants and shopping. Albia Villa is also an accredited member of the Bali Villa Association - giving you added peace of mind. http://www.albiavilla.com/, Email: info@albiavilla.com.

Relax at the three and four-bedroom Bali Dream Villas, located in a beautiful, tropical garden by the beach. Each child-friendly villa is manned by pampering staff and a car is also provided. "We had a fantastic time! The villa is super, the location fantastic, the staff sublime! Thanks for making our family vacation very special!" - K Cardon. "What an idyllic spot! The staff was wonderful. You've such a nice place and it's so well managed." - F Langford. http://www.balidreamvillas.com/, mail: acmitch@attglobal.net.

Recently voted one of Bali's "Top 5" beachfront/event villas by LUXE guide, Ombak Luwung's expansive gardens render it ideal for large celebrations or an ultra-private romantic getaway. Located on absolute beachfront, this exclusive villa compound is a showcase of traditional Balinese architecture, gardens and artefacts. Providing five-star luxury from US$1,150 per day, five en-suite bedrooms sleep 10 or more, served by a full staff - including a chef skilled in preparing international cuisine. Car and driver are also included. http://www.ombakluwung.com/, Email: info@ombakluwung.com.

The testimonials on Mia Villa's website confirm why it's a perennial favourite for family and group holidays. This four-bedroom luxury villa - a fully accredited member of the Bali Villa Association - is staffed by a professionally trained team of eight, including your own personal chef and kitchen staff. Large, tropical gardens frame a 15-metre long swimming pool, surrounded by rice fields and a brook - yet you're just 10 minutes away from the action. Book early to avoid disappointment! http://www.miavilla.com/, Email: info@miavilla.com

Villa Pantai Biru is the only large, privately-owned villa located directly on Bali's exclusive Legian Beach in Seminyak. This landmark property has a comfortably elegant, open-plan living and dining area, plus five newly renovated air-conditioned bedrooms with sea views and en-suite marble bathrooms. In addition to 20 metres of magnificent beachfront, there's a unique mineral water swimming pool and Jacuzzi, plus a large beachfront pavilion and sundeck, surrounded by an exotic Koi pond and Zen garden. Casual and unpretentious in ambience, this fully-equipped villa comes with broadband, cable TV, 12 staff, two chefs, a masseuse, car with driver, baby chairs, cribs, playpen, pool toys and the latest DVDs. Special offer for readers of The Finder: if it rains you'll receive a free bottle of French wine or free use of the car and driver. http://www.villapantaibiru.com/, Email: horizonassets@pacific.net.sg.

Bali's premier members' club is now open!
The Canggu Club is rapidly becoming one of Bali's most popular destinations. International members and guests enjoy floodlit tennis courts, a playground larger than a football field, air-conditioned squash courts, a state-of-the-art gym and a 25-metre lap pool. There's also a full calendar of ongoing social events and frequent special performances by some of the most interesting artists and speakers to visit Bali. Not surprisingly, the Club is popular with families and is also a great meeting place - whether you're catching up with friends or business associates. Just as the Club satisfies a wide range of sporting preferences, the restaurant and bar cater to all tastes and appetites, plus wireless internet access is available throughout the Club. The Canggu Club has also recently introduced a Gold Key membership for selected villas in Bali - providing you with your own "key" to for the duration of your stay, enhancing your experience. And, as every guest discovers, while the facilities are world-class, The Canggu Club also offers something special no other Club in the world can lay claim to - the friendly, welcoming ambience of Bali and its people, renowned around the globe. Visit the website for more details and information on the entertainment facilities and any upcoming events. Jalan Pantai Berawa Banjar Tegal Gundul, Canggu. Tel: +62 (0) 361 844 6385, www.cangguclub.com, Email: info@cangguclub.com.

Posted Jul 06, Jul 07 & Jun 08