Bali has been blessed in many different ways. Surf, tropical jungles and rice terraces? Check. Cultural treasures and ancient temples? Plenty to discover. A buzzing food scene? They have that too. And let’s not forget the many spas and other wellness facilities.
While many international hotel chains have a property here, booking a villa for your next stay offers more space and privacy while providing a level of personalised service that’s hard to match in a hotel setting.
The Luxe Nomad is a leading luxury property management and booking platform, featuring a vast collection of upscale stays across Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan.
Here are four fully-staffed villas in their portfolio to book on your next trip to Bali, just in time for the Easter break. Now that tourists are flocking to Thailand for a taste of the White Lotus lifestyle, why not skip the eager crowds and head southeast to Bali instead?
Nag Shampa Private Estate
If you’re looking for a serene retreat in Bali, then the one-hectare Nag Shampa Private Estate amid Ubud’s balmy jungle offers the ultimate retreat.
This eight-bedroom estate was dreamed up by Sam and Isabella Branson, son and daughter-in-law of British entrepreneur and celebrity Richard Branson. Surrounded by untouched nature – one of the reasons travellers choose Ubud over other areas of the island – Nag Shampa is beautifully adorned with cultural motifs, from hand-carved wooden ceilings to patterned wool rugs and ceramic pots. It strikes a balance between authenticity and eco-luxe, seamlessly blending Indonesian aesthetics with its surroundings.
The cleverly designed space allows easy flow while maintaining a sense of privacy. You can hang out with the rest of the group by one of the villa’s five pools, go for morning yoga at the shala, enjoy some well-deserved me-time at the spa or curl up with a book on your bedroom porch. Because every suite is housed in a standalone wooden structure, it’s easy to feel like the entire space is yours alone.
Personable staff makes the experience worthy of extra praise. They’ll prepare your breakfast made with eggs laid right on the estate, guide you through a basket-weaving or cooking workshop, or take you to the property’s farm to pick your vegetables.
Akashi Residence
Set in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Pererenan, Akashi Residence offers a tasteful stay for the traveller who thrives on social buzz and sophistication.
Architect Alexis Dornier designed the 6-bedroom villa, previously the villa venue for BOSS House Bali. The villa features an imaginative layout centred around a 17-metre pool, with entertainment and living areas designed around it. Guests can slide from the first floor straight into the pool below, a fun feature that draws in groups of friends and families with kids.
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While Akashi’s design is sleek and stylish, a few Balinese touches have been cleverly weaved in. Artworks by Indonesian artist Adi Jeihan ensure the villa feels subtly rooted in its surroundings.
Dining at Akashi is a relaxed affair, with the villa’s private chef preparing delicious meals of freshly grilled seafood and local specialties upon request. These are served in the basement-level dining room overlooking the lush garden. The adjoining pool table begs a post-dinner game before you head out for a nightcap in Canggu, a magnet for digital nomads.
You can also break a sweat at the open-air gym on the terrace before a revitalising cold plunge in the tub. For those seeking a slower pace, the villa offers wellness activities, from yoga sessions to massages.
Villa Kapungkur
If you value convenience (and prefer to escape the throngs) Villa Kapungkur is for you. This Balinese-style abode is conveniently located just a 15 minute drive from Denpasar airport at the coastal town of Jimbaran, home to many high-end resorts and delicious seafood.
With its alang-alang thatched roofs and dark antique furniture, the draw card of this 5-bedroom dreamy retreat is its traditional charm, paired of course with modern living comforts. At its heart lies the main suite, a restored joglo-style structure that was once the home of a local nobleman.
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Begin your day with an Insta-worthy floating breakfast, lounge in the breezy Balinese gazebos and soak up the views of serene water gardens, frangipani trees and tropical flowers.
Be sure to indulge in Balinese massage in the spa pavilion, and gather around the long ironwood dining table under the stars to enjoy a meal prepared to your liking by a private chef.
Umalas Creek
Enjoying proximity to both Seminyak and Canggu, Umalas Creek is a quick hop from the black sands of Berawa Beach (south of Pererenan Beach). The area is peppered with restaurants and bars, as well as gyms and health-food stores to balance it all out.
Of the four properties on this list, Umalas Creek is the most budget-friendly (starting at HK$3000 for a three-bedroom villa) but still delivers serious style and value, making it a popular choice with groups, families, and friends. The estate houses 11 sleek villas, ranging from one to three bedrooms, all designed with a modern tropical aesthetic. Think open, airy spaces with minimalist decor and, yes, your own private pool.
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The estate features 11 sleek villas, ranging from one to three bedrooms. If you’re seeking privacy, book the 3-bedroom Majestic Villa, the only one of its kind, tucked away at the far end of the villa-lined walkway. Prefer something cosier? Villa Serenity’s spacious SoHo-style loft is perfect for couples or solo travellers.
Don’t miss Umalas Creek shared facilities, either – there’s a 20-meter pool to swim laps in, plus a sauna and hot tub, and even an ice bath for the brave.
Visit the The Luxe Nomad website to discover more villas and locations
