Tucked away in a Seminyak backwater, this micro village of secluded villas is just a short walk from one of Bali’s most fashionable beach resorts. All five houses feature semi-open living spaces that spill out onto tropical gardens where outdoor dining pavilions or gazebos are set around a beautiful private pool. But each house has its own distinct character and style.
The Elegant House is reminiscent of a plantation bungalow, with white, woody interiors, vintage furniture and views of neighbouring paddy fields. In the Indian Palace, a chandelier dangles from a high cathedral ceiling in a palatial living room; there are velvety sofas, cool tiled floors and polished plaster walls. Built of black laterite stone and cones of Balinese alang alang thatch, the Natural House has an out-of-Africa look (earthy colours, zebra stripes, circular living spaces) and features a striking black-stone pool, the largest of all. The Tranquil House is pure Indonesia with a touch of Morocco: round rooms, colour-washed walls, painted furniture, pretty tiles. Hippy Chic? Bright Balinese textiles add shots of colour to eclectically bohemian interiors. Each beautiful house is a seamless blend of artful design, traditional architecture, nature and home comforts (flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchen). The dilemma is, which one do you choose?
Highs
- Each house has a private plunge pool among lush, palm-shaded gardens – pure escapism
- So close to the beach, yet so far from the beat and bustle of this hot-spot town
- Stunning interiors – with designs that journey from Bali to Africa and back again
- An amazing little team of friendly staff takes care of breakfast, shopping, housekeeping – just ask
- Great for families: all houses have 3 bedrooms (some in separate bungalows which would be ideal for grandparents) and full kitchens, and the beach is a 10-minute stroll away
Lows
- No bedrooms can be set up as twins, and there are no extra beds
- There is no air-conditioning in the living spaces, so it can get a bit steamy inside
- The Indian Palace is next to a Balinese temple but, so far, no complaints about noise
Best time to go
The dry season (May to August) is the best time to visit Bali. Temperatures begin to climb in October and reach a high in November. December is the start of a typically tropical rainy season which continues until March (possibly the best time to visit if you prefer a quieter island experience - it never rains for long). To catch one of the island’s colourful festivals, go in June for Bali Arts Festival or November for the Hindu holiday, Galungan.
Our top tips
Seminyak is one of Bali’s livelier resorts (think fashion, shopping, bars and nightlife) but if you want a quieter beach experience or a slower pace, head west to Sanur – a relaxed seaside village with family-friendly beaches and some very good restaurants, all within a half-hour drive.
- Boutique Villas
- 5 villas for 4-7
- Self-catering
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Plunge Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
Each house sleeps 4-6 (Elegant can sleep 7). The Indian Palace, the Hippy Chic and the Natural House all have three double bedrooms; Elegant and Tranquil have two, but they each offer an extra double bedroom in a self-contained garden bungalow with its own bathroom. We loved the Natural House with its round rooms, high thatched roofs and open-sided living spaces surrounded by tropical greenery (the house was originally designed for a resident artist).
All bedrooms are furnished with romantic, statement beds, draped with floaty Klamboe mosquito netting and dressed in luxury linens and Balinese cushions and throws. Most rooms are ensuite (some have indulgent roll-top baths, the Natural House has curvy, black-tiled outdoor showers). All have air conditioning, room-darkening shades and collections of interesting furniture. If you prefer an indoor bathroom, the Elegant House might be the one to go for. Note that there are no extra beds.
Features include:
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Our charming housekeeper slipped in every morning to prepare our breakfast (scrambled eggs, toast and a platter of fresh jack fruit, papaya, mango and pineapple – we ordered in advance). If you fancy trying out your fully equipped kitchen, the local Bintang Supermarket is just around the corner (staff can shop for supplies on your behalf if you wish).
House staff can also prepare dinner on request but we opted to try some of the many restaurants on nearby Kayu Aya, otherwise known as ‘Eat Street’. You are close to Ku Te Da – Seminyak’s famous beach-club restaurant and bar. Room service from nearby Café Bali is available, too.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- In-house cook
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Shopping service
- Toaster
Activities
- Relax: Just hang out by the pool in your private garden; the pools are deep and deliciously cool on a hot day
- On the local Seminyak or Petitenget beaches, rent a sunbed and a colourful umbrella and watch the surf (and the surfers) roll in. The sunsets are pretty good, too
- Explore the west coast beaches. One long glorious stretch of palm-fringed sand, there’s a beach for all occasions here: Kuta for parties, Canggu or Legian for surfing, and to the south, Jimbaran for families
- Visit one of Bali’s famous Hindu temples. The nearest is iconic Tanah Lot, a photogenic sea temple perched on an offshore rock
- For more temples (like Pura Desa), art villages, Balinese culture and Monkey Forest, the foothills town of Ubud is a 90-minute drive from Seminyak (arrange a taxi or a tour)
- Go shopping: Seminyak Village is crowded with galleries, jewellery, craft and batik shops and fashion stores, alongside some familiar international brand names; the houses are close to the well-known Laksmana Street
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Well being
Kids
Children are welcome and all houses can sleep up to 6 in three bedrooms. Although there are no twin or single rooms, there is an extra single bed in one of Elegant’s doubles. Two baby cots are also available (free of charge) and need to be pre-booked. There are no extra beds. The houses are a 10-minute walk from the beach (even for small humans) and the pool gardens are a safe haven for families.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Elegant and Hippy Chic are interconnecting and can be adjoined to cater for larger family groups (max 12 people).
Cots Available
Baby equipment:
- Baby cots
- High chairs
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Families Should Know:
Pools are unfenced. The sea on Seminyak beach can be choppy with big surf waves.
Distances:
- Airport: 30 minutes
- Hospital: 20 minutes
- Shops: 2 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The houses are in a quiet cul-de-sac in the lively, west-coast resort of Seminyak, close to shops and restaurants and just a few minutes’ walk from the beach.
By Air:
Denpasar Ngurah Rai (8km / 30-minute drive) is served by many international airlines.
From the Airport
The Seminyak Houses can arrange transfers from the airport. If getting a taxi, go to the Airport Taxi Desk in arrivals, where fares are fixed.
By Ferry:
There are frequent boats between Bali and the major islands in Indonesia, including Java, Lombok and Komodo.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Ngurah Rai International Airport 8.0 km DPS
Other:
- Beach 0.5 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
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