Our team personally inspect all the villas we list. This is absolutely essential for quality control: we want to ensure we’re only bringing the very best to market and the villas are exactly what you see online. Besides doing inspections, we stay in quite a few villas to experience them ourselves. In fact, our team stayed in 68 villas last year… we know, we know – it’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it ;)
Why We Do This
Staying in the villas means we get to know them inside out and understand the services first-hand. When you contact us and ask about the villa’s menu, layout or location, we’re not just reading from a script – we’ve literally been there. This level of experience and expertise is simply unrivalled in the market.
As each villa is unique, it’s impossible to choose favourites. Out of the 68(!) villas we stayed in last year, we’ve chosen 8 highlights. We hope you’ll be inspired – feel free to pin this blog for later.
1. Butler Service and Private Beachfront Splendour
Where: Lombok’s Private Villa Estate in Lombok, Indonesia
“Our private butler Nyoman, immaculately groomed, well-spoken and worldly, along with our private chef Ketut, are on hand to look after our every need…”
This villa resort in lush Lombok really wowed us. Besides the deliciously private beachfront locale, we loved the sleek design of the villas – such a refreshing contrast to the ubiquitous boho chic bungalows. But the undeniable highlight was the service. Our butler was always on hand to ensure we’d want for nothing, and we’re still reminiscing over that private beachfront dinner. Simply exquisite. Read more.
2. WOW Factor!
Where: Bond Bali in Ubud, Bali
“Before staying at Bond Bali our favourite spas have been ones that connect you with nature – this spa connects you with the UNIVERSE!”
“Wow” is the best word to describe this amazing villa in Ubud. The architecture is simply incredible, the villa’s modern angles beautifully contrasted by the lush jungles of Ubud. There are so many scenic spaces to relax and unwind here, and the “galactic” spa is simply divine. Our butler Mega was very switched on and the chef prepared the most amazing meals – the salmon was a definite highlight. Overall, a very, very special place. Read more.
3. Fun, Games and Golden Hour
Where: Skye House in Habaraduwa, Sri Lanka
“Skye House was the PERFECT villa to entertain our group – the team set up canapés and Champagne on the lawn while we were treated to a beautiful orange sunset…”
We had a blast at this beachfront villa in Sri Lanka! The setting was particularly beguiling during sunset as we posed for photos for our traditional White Party. Overall, the villa was perfect for entertaining a large group – we loved the pool table and foosball, and there’s even a play area for kids. The team prepared wonderful meals and even breakfast felt like a special occasion. Read more.
4. The Prettiest Villa in Bali
Where: Umbala the House in Canggu, Bali
“The u-shaped building frames the open sky, with views of kites and temple tops adding to its charm. The wrap around pool is a centrepiece, with a sunken lounge and swim up bar to add to the luxe experience…”
This Canggu villa was just as pretty in person as it appears in pictures… if not more so! All the textiles, textures and patterns work beautifully together, and we couldn’t stop snapping photos. We were surprised by how functional the villa was too, especially if you’re bringing the kids. We were truly spoiled by the chef – the breakfast spread was amazing (hello, Vegemite!) and the homemade pizzas a delight. Definitely a villa to daydream about. Read more.
5. Fine Antiques & Palm Fringed Sunsets
Where: Villa Praison in Layan, Phuket
“As a fellow antique enthusiast and collector, I found the incorporation of these timeless pieces to be a testament to the villa owner’s commitment to elegance and cultural richness…”
From the setting to the styling, this stunning villa gets it just right. The villa offers some of the best ocean views we’ve seen, and we were blown away by the décor as every room is styled with fine antiques. The food was exquisite – and surprisingly affordable. The staff was so accommodating and gracious that we truly felt sad to leave. Read more.
6. Pure Balinese Bliss (With a Side of Yoga)
Where: Villa Nag Shampa in Ubud, Bali
“With birdsong filling the air we walked through the tropical garden exploding with natural beauty, past organic vegetable gardens, along a wooden walkway towards a traditional joglo…”
Our stay at this luscious estate was blissful. The villa comprises of wooden pavilions scattered through lush gardens and framed by the jungle – it felt like our own Balinese village, or perhaps our very own resort. We spent our days exploring the gardens, practicing yoga, exploring the local villages and dining like kings. The whole experience felt transcendent. Read more.
7. Peace, Quiet and 270-Degree Water Views
Where: South Point Villa, Ahangama, Sri Lanka
“If you are lucky, you will see the villa owner’s beautiful horses being taken for a walk along the beach right in front of the villa…”
Out of all the beachfront villas we’ve stayed in, this one really stands out. Because the villa sits on a small peninsula, it offers 270-degree ocean views from the balcony and front lawn, which is very, very rare. Spotting the owner’s beautiful horses on a beachside stroll only added to our magical experience. The villa is fitted with gorgeous antiques and has a very authentic feel. You really feel like you’re in Sri Lanka… and never want to leave. Read more.
8. Tried and Tested Favourite
Where: Villa Tiga Puluh in Seminyak, Bali
“The villa makes a great first impression: the first thing you see as you step inside is the 20-metre-long pool and the dreamy bale that frames it…”
We’ve stayed at this villa many times over the years (you can read about when we stayed here in 2017) and it never fails to impress. The design is beautifully Balinese (don’t you just love that poolside bale?) and the service is always attentive. This time around, the team set up massage beds in individual bedrooms so we could each enjoy massages in the privacy of our rooms, simultaneously. It was Balinese hospitality at its finest. Read more.
We are passionate about delivering exceptional service and have built our lives around villas and exploring cultures around the world. As well as staying at the stunning properties you see here, we have first-hand experience of visiting every single villa in every country where we operate. Let us help you plan the perfect villa holiday – talk to our team.
