Hidden Paradise

Hidden Paradise: Bali

In the heart of Bali’s Ubud region, surrounded by the rustling calm of rice fields, this beautiful house is an ode to island living. Built in the old colonial style, the whitewashed exterior is dotted with pillars, which support the grand overhanging balcony. Dive into the crystal blue pool that hugs the perimeter of the house before enjoying breakfast on the terrace. Huge glass doors allow the open living area to flow into the garden, so you can eat dinner and relax on the sofa surrounded by tropical greenery and the sound of birdsong.

All of the bedrooms are full of character and boast spectacular bathrooms and a patio or balcony. One of the bedrooms is set in a traditional Javanese house at the end of the garden, complete with Balinese day beds to relax in, and leads out to an enviable freestanding bath on the patio. The bedrooms upstairs in the main house have glass doors that open onto the balcony, where you can admire sprawling views of the surrounding rice paddies.

There are six members of staff on hand to look after you. Meals are catered, and they also take care of the housekeeping, the garden and the pool. While breakfast is complimentary, there is a well-priced menu offering delicious Balinese and Western dishes for lunch and dinner. There's no obligation to eat at the villa though, and there are a wide range of excellent restaurants in Ubud. The staff also offers concierge services, such as booking day trips and making restaurant reservations, so that you can make the most of your stay. There’s plenty to see in the area, including ancient Hindu temples, visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or heading a little further afield for a day at the beach.

Home truths:
*There is free parking on the premises
*Your host can provide a travel cot and high chair if you're travelling with little ones
*There are no self-catering options at this villa – breakfast is complimentary, while lunch and dinner are offered on an à la carte basis
*Both two super king beds upstairs can be set up as twin beds on request