We had fourteen people with us in the bus towards Seminyak and all of us are looking around at the narrow streets thinking – where in the world is this villa and how is it going to accommodate all fourteen of us? We were prepared to squeeze – after all, the Ministry of Villas team was here for a corporate retreat, so ‘bonding’ was definitely on the cards!
But, as the bus drove us through the stunning blue gates we quickly came to understand that The Cotton House is the epitome of lavishness inclusive of your own personal space and privacy. This palatial retreat sits on 2,700sqm of land and is separated into four expansive pavilions – the main residential area, the entertainment den, a two-storey two-bedroom pavilion and a gym that stands on its own. It was a corporate retreat, but everyone could find a spot of their own if they needed any privacy and downtime.
As White and Fluffy as Cotton – The Cotton House
Because this property also serves as a residential holiday home to the Australian owners Richard and his family, you’ll find that the décor, furniture and architecture of the place is practical yet elegant. It has maintained a modern white theme, but the antique furniture gives the place a colonial feel. It is truly a flawless fusion of new and old.
Sleep comes easy
There are seven bedrooms that can accommodate up to 14 guests – all of the bedrooms have king-size bed configurations except for one – the kids room- which has a twin bed setting. Most of the double beds were four poster beds, which added a romantic touch to the room.
8am company starts were not as easy as we thought it would be, given how comfortable the beds were! The pillows were soft and comfortable and then curling up under the duvet was just perfect. The consensus all around the Ministry team was that they woke up each day and already couldn’t wait to go back to sleep.
The villa staff ensured that this was possible by turning down the beds every night, burning some mosquito repellent and providing some water bottles on your side table.
Eat like a local
You will see no need to leave the villa to search for food. The chefs are extremely skilful on local Indonesian and alternative cuisine, and all our meals were delightful. We’d highly recommend that you try the beef rendang, mee soto (chicken noodle soup), and the satay and tauhu goreng (tofu salad with peanut sauce).
Western meals were also prepared with great skill – we had a good spread for breakfast which includes egg, bacon, toast and a good cuppa’ coffee.
If you get bored staying home, then take a 10-minute walk down to Eat Street and Seminyak Square that has a myriad of shops for you to choose from. Ku De Ta and other beach bars are also within walking distance.
Space it out
The thing about The Cotton House is that there is so much space! If you need some private downtime, head over to the comfortable day beds in the two-storey pavilion to read a book, or sit by the sun loungers at the pool to do so.
The rooms also provide reprieve – the master bedroom is so large that you could fit another three double beds in there. It also has every woman’s dream: a spacious walk-in wardrobe. And, to add some spice to the neutral décor, you’ll find an authentic children’s wooden rocking horse in the bathroom.
We had several corporate team building activities in the garden area – which is also be a good amount space for children kicking a ball around.
Pampered like a Princess
On the last day, the girls spent time getting a massage. We had organised for a masseuse who came down to the villa and rubbed our tensions away using our beds as a massage table. You feel absolutely relaxed afterwards, so keeping those eyes open while they were doing our nails was a bit of a challenge!
The Cotton House is highly recommended for families coming on holiday, or friends looking to hold a celebration or party. The large space could also work for those looking at hosting a corporate retreat. Thank you The Cotton House for such a great experience, and we will definitely be back… the sooner the better from my point of view.
Read more about The Cotton House or enquire by speaking to our villa specialists.
