It’s not every day you turn 30 (or 40, or 50). And big 0’s deserve big love. You can count on the Island of the Gods to turn it all on – rockstar villa with DJ, decorations, entertainment, chefs, and servers for a fraction of the cost we’d pay in the big smoke. Here are some standouts. (Our invitation’s in the mail, right?)
Beachfront
Villa Atas Ombak means villa on top of the waves and boy, they got that right! Located on the beach just north of Seminyak, all five bedrooms offer miles of ocean views through floor to ceiling glass doors – sunrises and sunsets are particularly breath taking in this one. Did we mention the master bedroom has a private plunge pool?
Island Getaway
If you really want to get away from it all, speed boat your guests to a neighbouring island (just 20 minutes away) to Villa Voyage, which sits on the beachfront at Nusa Lembongan’s Sandy Bay. All bedrooms are outfitted with four-poster beds for that romantic beachy vibe. We suggest hiring the outrigger for a trip out on the beautiful, open ocean.
Villa Istana
Wow Factor
Beach too sea-level for you? How about a cliff? The cliff-front Villa Istana on the famous southern west tip of Bali takes stunning scenery into a whole new dimension. Planning to take the kids? There’s a children’s wing with a massive entertainment room to keep them occupied. This villa also has its own spa facility with an extensive menu and a 32 metre long infinity pool – yeah baby!
Value for Money
Looking for the same amazing space without the hefty price tag? Villa Paloma, just 800 metres from Pererenan Beach, costs under US$1000 per night, even in peak season. Situated within a terraced rice field and along the Paloma river, all five bedrooms are tastefully decorated with Indonesian wood carvings and antiques. The friendly villa staff conduct daily yoga so you can find your zen without even leaving the villa. The lawn is, take it from us, HUGE – we guess that means you’ll have to invite annoying Aunt Muriel too.
Villa Batavia
Villa Design
This double storey villa is distinctively styled, with a modern take on old colonial charm. Set around a huge pool and a beautifully landscaped tropical garden, Villa Batavia is equipped with a classic cocktail bar and a state of the art media room. Crazy party aside, make sure you have a refined dinner party in the dining room, which even has polished silver! Do take the bedroom on the ground floor though; it opens out onto the garden view verandah.
Large Groups
If it’s you and 30 of your closest, you’re going to need more space than one villa. We like The Dea Villas complex in Canggu for large groups. The three villas - Dea Dewi Sri, Dea Saravati, and Dea Sati - have 4 bedrooms each so you’ll get your own space but the rest of your party will still be within reach for sunset cocktails (and they can stumble back on their own after the party). Oh, and you’ll get complimentary access to the exclusive Canggu Beach Club too!
Villa Santai Sorga
Most Decadent
The villas in Semara’s luxury villa resort in Uluwatu are all equipped with gorgeous views, but our vote goes to Villa Santai Sorga for your birthday party. As the star, you’ll get the master bedroom, which takes up the entire ground floor of the main building while your BFFs are accommodated in separate buildings on the path leading to the pool. The best part – you won’t find any high season surcharges here. Great news for you beach bums.
Perfect Relaxation Spot
With the amazing view of rice paddies, Villa Sabana in Canggu is the perfect place wow your guests (in case anyone is whining about your party destination). The huge open lounge area is great for curling up with a good book, or catching the latest flick on the huge flat screen telly. We love the huge poolside bale that’s big enough for everyone to share, and it makes a great spot for an in-villa massage too!
Top Image: Villa Voyage