The drive from the airport to the Villas is a surprisingly short one hour drive. But then again, it is a Thursday night, off-season.

Upon arrival we are greeted at reception and taken to our villa – a large one-bedroom with separate bathroom and free-standing bathtub with the dining area, kitchenette, and plunge-pool outside. It’s extremely tranquil to say the least.

     
 After a good night’s sleep in the king size bed we are woken up by an orchestra of roosters around 6.30am and venture outside an hour later to a delightful breakfast set up in the the dining area of our villa. Guests can choose from an extensive breakfast menu including Western and Asian meals simply by ordering the evening before by 10 PM.   

       Although quite far from Ubud city centre, the Villas offer a complimentary shuttle service twice a day and we take advantage of this to explore the Ubud arts scene.

Upon returning we notice some lovely touches here include setting up the Villa for my partner’s 40th birthday. The heart-shaped rose petal arrangement, swan towels, and single red rose on the bed, along with the stunning rose-petal arrangement in the bath are a delightful surprise!  

 The only let down is the restaurant. The food is not up to standard. My Balinese chicken skewers are dry and hard and the service that comes with it is unfriendly. This is surprising as the service is warm at all other parts of the Villas. Additionally I see a chef take a lit cigarette into the kitchen area. For the rest of our meals, we choose to eat in our Villa instead.

As I have purchased a Groupon for this stay, I receive a free 40 min shoulder, back, and neck massage. Blissful.

 
We don’t utilize the infinity pool overlooking the valley as it is somewhat colder than expected in the mountains of Ubud. Had the weather been warmer it would have been more inviting.    

The Villas offers a selection of free morning activities including a one-hour walk, painting class, and craft class. We decided to opt for the walk which takes us through rice paddies and local temples.   

   All in all a lovely few days in peaceful isolation.