October 20, 2008
08 AM
It's no secret in Singapore that the villa holiday in Bali is the ultimate for relaxation, and Vanessa and I had been keen to experience for some time. After a particularly generous recount from friends returning from their week there, we abruptly decided that Amelie was old enough to do some Asia travel and sent a broadcast invite to our Australian friends. Four families (8 parents, 5 kids) took up the offer, and we booked our slice of island paradise for a week.
A brief explanation. Bali seems to have cornered the market for the fully staffed villa experience. In our case this meant 12 staff (chef, driver, housekeepers, gardeners, guards, manager). Notwithstanding the considerable firepower available to support our every need, we also engaged the services of two nannies to help smooth the operation (thanks Madi and friend)!
The villa compound itself was gorgeous. Each of the couples had their own building with outside bathrooms set into the tropical gardens, and we also had a beautiful pool, a full snooker table, a tennis court and full sound system. The highlight though was the communal living area - called a "Bale Pavillion". Bali is warm year round, so the pavillion is a completely open structure partitioned into three zones: eating, sitting and everyone's favourite - lounging. Apart from the pool, the focal point for the entire week was a massive red daybed that could comfortably seat 5-6 adults plus assorted kids, or at one point - the full 13 of us!
The experience would certainly have to be the most relaxed that Vanessa and I had ever encountered. The most stressful activity was selecting which meal to be cooked for that day, or determining which cocktail to have the kitchen staff prepare for a spectacular sunset overlooking the ocean. The rest of the time was divided between eating, napping, massage, swimming and reading - with an occasional day-trip to snorkel, dive or shop in Ubud. We actually had to fight the nanny to spend quality time with Amelie, who adapted to the 24hr attention with ease - so much so that it was a tough couple of days when she got back to the realities of her busy parents in Singapore.
The people were characteristically lovely, the scenery beautiful and the weather gorgeous. Despite a tourist onslaught, Bali has done a remarkable job of preserving their unique culture which surrounds you in the rice fields, the temples and the villages omnipresent throughout the island.
What struck the group about the holiday was the complete relaxation that only this type of holiday can provide - with literally everything taken care of. We would highly recommend this for anyone with families, although the name of our villa is remaining a tightly held secret to preserve availability for what we expect will be an annual event!
