The Beauty of Bali Villa Life

Some of the greatest things about visiting Bali are the wide variety of fun things to do, beautiful places to go/see and the many great kinds of food to eat. The interesting and unique local culture also adds a specific allure. Bali is a fascinating place unlike any place else on Earth. The volcanoes, beaches and thousand-year old temples are stunning. Bali is truly one-of-a-kind.

When we go on vacation we typically only get a glimpse of the local lifestyle, its customs and the true nature of its’ people. Often we retreat to our sanitized hotel rooms intent on keeping a schedule, ticking off a list of “things to do”. Seldom do we get a chance to sample authentic homegrown cuisine, chat at length with interesting local figures or discover what it really means to be a native. The things that make Bali so special can easily be missed if one is not focused and careful. Bali can easily serve up a ultra-relaxing tropical vacation full of banana-boating, sipping cocktails and chilling out poolside. The island has been catering to foreign guests for decades and has done very well at it. Food, entertainment and good  Ubud accommodation are all abundant. Still, it is possible to miss the forest for all the trees.

When staying in Bali it is very important to see, do and learn as much as possible. In order to get the most from your trip it is best to choose to stay in a private villa. Villas are often an excellent way to maximize you vacation experience. Typically set on a private property and serviced by a dedicated team of local personnel, villas are the ultimate in convenience, flexibility and possibility. Across Bali there are many fantastic villas. If you choose a special villa, you can get a lot more from your time on the Island than perhaps you would if you stayed in a regular hotel. Essentially private homes, villas are often situated among small neighborhoods inhabited by local people. Usually built in relative seclusion away from busy tourist centers, many villas in Bali are integrated into the local community offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the Balinese.

Having an entire team of professionals dedicated to serving you and your family only, visitors can have the chance to mingle with numerous individuals of differing ages, experience and social background. Conversations and interaction that might not occur between the housekeeping staff and guests in a traditional hotel are ripe in the context of a villa setting. The chance to ask a knowledgeable local person about the best places to go, how to get there, what to do and so on are all easy and convenient. A relatively profound cultural exchange is more likely making a vacation more meaningful and memorable.

Furthermore, staying in a villa means you can have what you want, do what you want and carry your schedule how you like. There is no such thing as “operating hours” or particular rules about how you must act or what you can and cannot do. Using the kitchen, pool and other facilities when, how and the way you want is your right and privilege. Having your own car and driver rather than relying on taxi’s or shuttles is also a bonus. The great benefits of having a large, luxurious living space with all the amenities you could possibly want at your fingertips is what Villa Amrita is all about.

Villas in Ubud and It's Natural Environment

Ubud villas are special in Bali due to their location and the relative price of land in the area. It is clear that because real estate is cheaper in this area villas in Ubud can be built bigger and on large plots of land. Also, due to the fact that Ubud is less crowded there is less need for high walls and robust security. Furthermore, Ubud villas may also take advantage of remarkable views and the lovely natural environment.

Villas in Ubud differ from their counterparts in the South in that they tend to be more open and integrate better with the surrounding landscape. This is not to say that villas in Seminyak or Canggu do not do this, but as a general rule, circumstances in Ubud allow for more creativity and flexibility with respect to the architecture, style, theme and layout.

A classic villa complex in Legian or Sanur might involve an extensive outer wall, large gate and other measures to protect the privacy and ensure the security of its’ inhabitants. The close approximation to other tourists makes the need for this much greater, not only for greater enjoyment, but also to make the best use of expensive land. The villas in the south of Bali are meant to create a world away from the outside world for guests to seek refuge and sanctuary from crowds, noise and heat.

On the contrary, in Ubud villas borrow more from the classic Balinese way of life by inviting an integration between the natural environment and the villa itself. Tropical open-air floor plans with panoramic views and direct access to rivers, valleys and charming rural villages are elements that make Ubud villas unique. More space is also prominent in villas in Ubud. The price of land is lower, therefore more cost effective to build a larger structure on a larger plot of land. This gives a great feeling of freedom and sense of “ownership”. Guests feel like there is no boundary between them and their immediate environment, creating an experience unlike traditional hotels or villas elsewhere.

There are villas located in the center of Ubud, but these tend to follow the model of the South and are also more expensive. Generally speaking, you only need to travel 5 minutes by car and you will find wonderful villas with incredible scenery, large open spaces and quick access to a wide variety of fun and interesting places to go and see. There are also a lot of different themes when it comes to Ubud villas. From yoga retreats and wellness centers focused on raw, vegan and organic foods, to ultra-luxury gourmet clubs offering the pinnacle of service, dining and indulgence.

Whatever your choice, the slow pace and laid back style of villas in Ubud is generally intended more for relaxation and comfort. Perhaps what some of them are missing in sophistication, they make up for in peace and serenity. Price may also vary, with cost being generally lower than those villas closer to the beach. This is relative as there is a broad range of types, styles and quality with some providing services or experiences that can command top dollar.

Villa Amrita is for Lovers- Opportunity to Win Two Free Nights!

Villa Amrita is for lovers. From the moment you pass through the hand-carved doors and step inside the gardens, you know this is a special place. Is it the delicate, fragrant tropical flowers; the colorful, iridescent birds flitting across the gardens; the clear, warm sunshine and gentle breezes, or the magnificent stone relief of Lord Vishnu and his adoring wife Lakshmi resting beneath the Himalayas?  Perhaps it is the magical mixture of it all. A sense of tranquil sensuality fills the villa and puts you and your lover at ease.  Perhaps you have recently married, deeply in love and still discovering one another, or maybe you have been together for many years and your love and friendship continues to deepen. Your shared journey has taken you together to this extraordinary place, and you know the memories you make here will be cherished for a lifetime.With each moment at Villa Amrita you feel even more at ease, fully mindful and fully present for your lover. You sense the privacy and begin to let go, to truly relax.A tropical rain forest shower, open to the warm air and shared with your lover, sets the tone for the rest of the day. Your Balinese masseuse arrives with a gentle knowing smile, ready with warm oils and smooth, gentle hands to release the tensions from another world.  Gently awakening after your massage, it is time for a sensual dip in the warm waters of the curving infinity pool. From the edge, you breathe in the views of rainforest and the verdant green rice terraces below.  Your sweetheart offers you a glass of wine and a long, slow kiss, a hint of things to come. As the sun sets, the fireflies make a magical appearance, dancing here and there over the still water. The crickets sing and the little frogs in the rice paddies serenade each other.  Your heart skips a beat at the wonder of this place and an unforgettable smile appears on your loved one’s face. Your gorgeous room, candlelit, is waiting, with those luxurious linens already turned down on that fabulously romantic bed. You take your lover’s hand and step inside. Every moment of this day has led you to what will be an unforgettable night.  Villa Amrita is for lovers.

To celebrate Villa Amrita as a place for lovers we are holding a romantic photo contest.  The winning couple will receive two free nights in the Saraswati room at Villa Amrita during their next visit. To enter you just have been a guest at Villa Amrita. Send us an e-mail withyour favorite photo of you and your sweetheart taken during your stay, together with a brief description of your favorite memory of your visit to Villa Amrita.  The photo can be at Villa Amrita or during an outing to Ubud and the surrounding area.By submitting your entry you give Villa Amrita permission to use your photo and story on their website and Facebook page. All entries must be received by May 1^st, 2013 and the winner will be announced on June 15^th, 2013. The award nights are non-transferable, applicable during non-peak season, and must be used within one year.

 

Put the words “Villa Amrita is for Lovers” in the subject line and e-mail your photo and letter to:  reservations@villaamrita.com

Eat in Ubud– New Discoveries

In an ongoing effort to find great places for lunch and dinner, we would like to introduce some new options our guests can consider while staying at Villa Amrita.

We know that places like CaféWayan, Ibu Oka’s and the Lotus Café are all great, but they are also very well known. We want to introduce some places that might not make it on the radar screen of the average visitor. In fact, we all know how cool and satisfying it is to find a place a little bit off the beaten path that is unique, delicious and even cheap. Whenever I travel good restaurants are one of the most rewarding aspects of going abroad.

Located quite close to Villa Amrita, NasiAyamKedewatan (IbuMangku) was once a bit of a secret. Catering to the tastes of local residents, this unassuming, little warung is a great representation of Balinese cooking. There isn’t much on the menu, other than their classic chicken and rice. Made with shredded spiced chicken, skin, peanuts, vegetables, spicy chili’s and steaming white rice it is a great choice to try something new and delicious.

With two other locations in Seminyak and Denpasar, NasiAyamKedewatan (IbuMangku) is a treat for less than US$2. Guests can sit in the charming little Balinese family compound with traditional red brick architecture and ornate stone carving throughout. If you want something even more authentic, add a refreshing “ice jeruk” drink to have with your meal. All the way down the mountain from Lake Batur, there is orchard after orchard of miniature Balinese oranges. The sweet, cold juice is perfect to wash down the rich and spicy chicken rice. 

Find directions from Villa Amrita here: http://goo.gl/maps/L6ohK

One more great place to visit is the Melting Pot Warung. Somewhat of a sensation in the era of viral videos and social media, this modest little open-air restaurant has an exceptional chef creating simple coconut cream curry chicken and rice dishes. While there are daily specials and noodles available, their #1 offering is the most unforgettable. It is cheap and filling. If you like eating something spicy you will also be pleased. They make great spicy, pickled vegetable as well. The desert of crème caramel with coconut crème sauce is also delicious.

The atmosphere on Gootama Street is special. Relatively quiet for central Ubud, this area is filled with little boutiques, restaurants, special holes-in-the-wall and other unique places selling all sorts of things from food to art and clothing. A cold beer added to your meal is also a delicious choice. The entire thing can cost you as little as $5. Considering the quality and taste of the food, the Melting Wok Warung is a nice choice for a lunch or dinner.

This place is very popular and requires a reservation for sure if you expect to eat between 6 and 9pm. The phone number is 082 153 666 087. You may see directions to this restaurant here: http://goo.gl/maps/xpS32

By writing about the things that make vacations most special we are trying to make Villa Amrita the best Ubud, Bali Villas. Villa Amrita is a special place for friends, families or lovers to experience the best of the quiet, beautiful and rural countryside and also the fun, shopping and delicious food offered in the city of Ubud.