With expansive ocean views overlooking a revered, magical sea temple and volcanic, black sand beaches, these luxurious villas for families or large groups set the bar so high, you'll never need - or want - to leave
Be prepared for serious [epic] drool factor with this luxurious Canggu villa review, plus its neighbours! With immaculately manicured gardens hosting designer pools, overlooking the ocean and beachfront temples, jacuzzis, butlers and massage pavilions [not even including living and sleeping perfection!], Bali villa living goes into the next stratosphere with this round up of some of the finest addresses in the gorgeous Canggu area of Cemagi.
CEMAGI, CANGGU
Canggu has so many ‘hoods, but for ‘Bali’ moments and atmosphere, you don’t get better than this. Cemagi is the northern end of Seseh, up towards Tabanan. A beautiful little slice of ‘old Bali’, where rice paddies surround you and designer villas are sprawling yet subtle. It’s also home to revered sea temple Pura Gede Luhur Batungaus, far less touristic than Tanah Lot – and it’s right on your villa doorstep. But still, only 15minutes to Echo, Canggu and Pererenan beaches – famous for their world-class surf and laid-back vibe – or 15kms to Seminyak. You’d stay here for a more tranquil, private Bali experience despite only a car ride away to buzzing Seminyak or Batu Bolong. And, yes golfing ladies and gentlemen, it’s also not far from one of Asia’s best golf courses, Nirwana Bali Golf, which has incredible views of Tanah Lot Temple.
VILLA SEMARAPURA
Let’s start with Villa Semarapura, our favourite. There’s so many things to love about this sophisticated, spacious uber-address that we hardly know where to start. With five bedrooms that can sleep up to fourteen and perfectly sculpted grounds that stretch on forever, you almost need walky-talkies to coordinate conversations with your friends when not all centred around that divine pool, and outdoor/indoor living and dining areas. Villa Semarapura is a truly beautiful estate that spares nothing in the style stakes – matched only by the space stakes, with over 5,000 square metres of luxury that’s all yours. The master suite and living area comes complete with its own bale, daybeds and jacuzzi of course – perfect for a post-massage dip, and only steps away from the massage bale naturally. All other bedrooms are similarly styled with chic, modern design and oodles of luxurious space. The vast bathrooms and private relaxation areas are also held to the same, high designer standard. But it’s that pool, relaxation and living pavilion area that will keep you coming back for more hours to while away every day [where does the time go!?]. Perch yourself upstairs [overlooking the manicured gardens and sea-temple on your immediate doorstep] or downstairs – whether the media and games room [with pool table of course], bar, second lounge area or gorgeous outdoor dining area – to change angles on the picture-perfect outlook, from every possible direction. But the absolute winner at Villa Semarapura is that view looking out over the sea temple entrance right in front of you – you don’t get more ‘gorgeous-Bali’ than this. Especially at sunset – it’s beyond stunning. Just be prepared to lose a few hundred friends back home who weren’t lucky enough to be staying with you, when you update your Instagram. Because you’ll be posting all week. If you need an excuse to justify deserving this gorgeous space and style, Villa Semarapura is the ultimate [and family-friendly] property for special events, occasions or celebrations. And our friendly, insider-tip: beware of the gorgeous staff Surya who, though he may let you win at pool, really is good enough to beat the pants of everyone. And, don’t miss out on your own private morning yoga session on the grass… bliss. And the good news, if you’re planning a bigger group holiday or occasion, is that there are very fine neighbouring properties to fit the bigger crew into.
VILLA OMBAK LAUT
A stunning, six-bedroom property that can sleep up to sixteen, Villa Ombak Laut boasts an equally impressive, beach-front location overlooking the revered sea temple from the north side. The picturesque, beachfront bale is the ultimate-postcard-perfect location for breakfast, afternoon tea, massages or sunset cocktails. Multiple indoor and outdoor dining and living areas provide endless relaxation options, you hardly have to run into each other! The dazzling 18m infinity pool [one of two] also offers a prime view of the beach and temple, and you have your own private tennis court here as well – the perfect activity to justify those upcoming G&T’s as the sun goes down after your game. And what we love about this address: The joglo. A gorgeous, wooden bedroom, living area and bathroom pavilion to spend your days in. Oh, and did we say it comes with its own private pool and outdoor lounging area. Naturally, of course it does.
VILLA MARIDADI
Another five bedroom masterpiece next door to Villa Semarapura [also with expansive ocean views and wide lawned gardens] is Villa Maridadi, which also showcases a gorgeous, Garden Lumbung that boasts a huge Sunset Appreciation Society tick of approval from us. Classic Balinese architecture is mixed here with artefacts and modern amenities. The gorgeous indoor/outdoor living areas are centred around the 20m pool, amidst the 4,100 square metres of coastline and bordered by rice fields on one side and the glistening black-sand beaches on the other. This spacious five-bedroom residence offers traditional alang-alang thatched roofs, lush tropical gardens, generous green-stone swimming pool, lavish living spaces and spectacular ocean views exudes beauty from every angle. Leisure and entertainment options are endless with a games room, shared tennis court, 20m swimming pool, open-sided living and dining pavilion, massage balé and an adorable thatched rice barn, overlooking the ocean and perfect for sunset cocktails.
VILLA TAMAN AHIMSA
Step straight onto the sand! Villa Taman Ahimsa means ‘Garden of Peace’ and as soon as you enter this magical wonderland, you’ll exhale excitedly into the charms of this seven-bedroom luxury oceanfront villa. Taman Ahimsa offers a beautiful synergy of nature and organic design providing lovely spaces to come together with your crew whilst on hols, but also offering private opportunity for contemplation and rejuvenation. There’s more than enough space! This villa offers thoughtful, indigenous architecture on large grounds with that ocean-front pool, bales and outdoor living areas where you can literally touch the sand. We suspect you’ll meander daily only so far as to go from the poolside decking, to your room or dining area for lunch, then back to the beach-facing haven to enjoy cocktails at sunset. It’s a tough life. This villa offers eco-friendly and holistic values, with sensitive design, raw food menus, yoga and natural healing centre options within it’s top-class service standards. All villas are managed by the leaders in Bali’s luxury villa rentals Elite Havens which means, with their coveted reputation, you know you and your whole holiday is in great hands. p. +62 (0)361 737 498.