Get your local, designer luxe on with this list of eight creative and cool Airbnb options across Bali from founder of The Lost Guide, who knows a thing or two about the island's best secret hideaways
Wanting to mix it up and stay in some great looking, fabulous Airbnb’s around Bali for your next vaycay on the island of the gods? With choices from wooden joglos, bamboo houses in Ubud, or even one of the beauties featured in ‘Eat Pray Love’, this list of eight stellar addresses from The Lost Guide’s founder Anna Chittenden is guaranteed to get the creative accommodation juices flowing.
1. Eclectic & Bohemian Seminyak Villa
A huge, five bedroom villa in the heart of Seminyak, you’ll feel like you’ve walked onto a movie set with the brightly coloured Asian antiques and artifacts dotted all around this impressive property. Packed with character, the villa also features an original Javanese joglo that houses a couple of bedrooms. With a large pool, this is a great family villa for those who want something a bit different.
2. Bamboo House, Ubud
For a totally unique holiday experience, book your stay at the ‘Bamboo House’ set beside the stunning, sacred Ayung River valley. The house is located in the Green Village, which is a community of architecturally acclaimed bamboo villas. This property has 3 double bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, plunge pool and of course jaw dropping views. Its remote location outside of Ubud makes this the perfect get-away for those that want to escape the busy city life for a few days.
3. Bali Beach House, Bingin
Wake up to the soothing sound of the waves crashing below at this cliffside beach house located in Bingin. Great for those that love to surf, just simply go down 20 steps from your abode and you can paddle out to the waves. The villa is designed to be open air, letting you enjoy the views of the sea and the beach below. Don’t miss the seafood BBQs down at the nearby restaurants come evening.
4. Le Pirate, Nusa Ceningan
These cute and colourful huts are located on the island hideaway of Nusa Ceningan, just off Nusa Lembongan, which can be accessed by a 30 minute boat ride from Bali. Lounge around on the deck chairs next to the pool, or go off exploring by bike around the untouched island. Don’t miss the traditional seaweed farmers at work in front of the resort. Ideal for the more adventurous types that want to get off the beaten path.
5. Africa House, Ubud
As featured in the hit film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, Africa House sits on a private estate in the stunning Sayan Valley just a few minutes from Ubud town. This wooden house is heaving with character and unique touches. Just look at the oversized bathroom with hand-hammered cupper tub that has a view over the valley. Surrounding the house are the gardens where ingredients are grown and used to cook your meals. There’s also a natural pool on the estate so you can cool off and take a dip. Come here to experience nature at its best.
6. Amed Beachfront Villa
Located at the fisherman’s village of Amed on the east side, this beachfront villa is the perfect place to enjoy the quieter side of Bali. As the area being less known by visitors, the beach in front of the villa is empty most of the time, leaving you to enjoy it for yourself. Spend your days snorkeling, and don’t miss Jemluluk Bay which has the best spot for seeing the underwater world, just 500m from the villa.
7. Villa Sheba, Seririt
A luxurious beachside villa located in the undiscovered northern area of Bali, Villa Sheba is a gorgeous retreat for the traveller looking for an authentic experience. There’s a beautiful infinity pool, well kept gardens and of course the sea right in front of the villa. Days can be filled with activities such as dolphin watching or visiting the local market in Singaraja. A lovely place to laze around and read a book or two, you won’t want to leave this peaceful abode in a hurry.
8. Architect’s Retreat, Canggu
A peaceful haven for you to spend your days, although close enough to the buzz and bars of Seminyak, this architect’s retreat ticks all the boxes. With it’s own private plunge pool and elevated bale with daybed overlooking the surrounding ricefields, this place in Canggu is a little slice of heaven. Take a 20 minute stroll down to Echo Beach to watch the surfers in action, or better still take a lesson and join the fun. Mountain bikes are provided so you can explore the local sites at your leisure.
Anna Chittenden, Travel Writer, is the founder and explorer behind travel website Lost Guides. When not in a beach hut, you’ll find her sipping flat whites in her ‘hood Tiong Bahru in Singapore.
Photos: Airbnb
