Asia - Please Recommend a Decent Bali Villa

I've been doing a lot of research (on the net and FT) about Bali. Initially, I thought about redeeming my SPG points for a hotel in Bali, but why? There seems to be so many amazing villas around.

I'm looking for an 1 bedroom villa in the $200's range. So far, I found:

The Elysian
and Villa M (no reviews, however)

Do you have any other recommendations?

http://www.fugly-bali.org/areas.html

Although I prefer a sweet little spot for $30US just outside of Ubud, if you insist on blowing the dough, I can personally testify to: The Ahimsa. They have three locations, visited all three, and prefer Jimbaran Beach location. If you like to hit the night life then the "Ahimsa Estate" may be more your style as located right by KuDeTa and Oberoi.

I adore Bali - and own property there - if it were a villa I would make it available, but its only a condo.

The area around Kuta - Seminyak, to me is dangerous. Its were the majority of tourists gather, and as much as I love dining at Ku Da Ta, the Living Room or La Lucciola, it is these displays of huge wealth (in comparison with the local people) that I believe will be the next targets of terrorism, if terrorism returns to Bali.

I believe Bali is entered another danger period with the original Bali (sari) bombers about to be exeucted.

My recommendation would be a villa high in the hills of Jimbaren, or Ubud, or something delightful in the Nusa Dua or Tangjung Benoa areas, where security is much greater, even if it is not as obvious.

Maybe even a villa or suite in a hotel complex.

Whatever you choose - the island is totally wonderful, and the Balinese people a delight - so enjoy.

Adam

Although Kuta gets much of the press from the 2002 bombings, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua were both victimized in 2005.

Regardless of destination, we live in a world where we are just as likely to encounter an unforunate event in our backyard as half way around the world.

I do not avoid Japan, Great Britian or Spain which have all experienced many more acts of natural and human violence. Or just about every corner of the globe. be it riots, ethnic violence, random crime.

Back to Bali. The events of the past had absoluetly nothing to do with the Balinese. The bombers were fundamentalists from well outside of Bali. The people were just as outraged and saddened by the acts.

Go forth and prosper . . .

Hi mjcasta,

Although I prefer a sweet little spot for $30US just outside of Ubud, ...

This is the sort of spot we're looking for, especially if it's toddler-friendly. Would you mind sharing the name / relevant contact info?

Many thanks,
Michael

Since the original incident in Kuta on October 12 2004, there have been incidents at Kuta and Jimbaran.

If there has been anything at Nusa Dua - its missed the world media.

Trust me I own property at Tangjung Benoa, my ears prick up at the word Bali, and exclude all other thoughts if I hear Nusa Dua or Tangjung Benoa.

So nothing that I know of has occured at Nusa Dua.

Totally agree that any of these incidents are not caused by the Balinese.

I love Bali, I plan to live there - but I am aware that certain places do come to the attention of those who are not open to the Western way of life.

Adam

In Ubud, I prefer two properties and several people will chime in with their favs I am sure.

I life Anom Cottages located just a few minutes north and Tegal Sari just a few minutes south. There are MANY fun homestays in the central market area that are fun; but, with toddler, these are pefect. Both have pools, views, etc. Anom is a short walk from Naughty Nuri's, so I lean that way most visits :)

Not really a villa, but I really like the Four Seasons Sayan in Ubud.

http://www.fourseasons.com/sayan/