The Villa Sabana at Canggu, Bali. Photo / Supplied
The Villa Sabana at Canggu, Bali. Photo / Supplied
An absent millionaire's place can be your home away from home, writes Tamara McLean.
Love the idea of being waited on hand and foot? Staff are at your service during a stay at one of Bali's private villas -- grand family homes offered for rent across the Indonesian Island of the Gods.
1: Villa Sabana, Canggu
The outlook through the coconut palms onto rice paddies sets the tone of Villa Sabana, a laid-back super-stylish pad that comfortably accommodates two or three families.
Sabana is in Canggu, quieter than its neighbour Seminyak and hip without the bluster. With its 18m pool, outdoor cabana and expansive carefully clipped gardens, there's ample space for children and 13 staff at your service. These include chef Wayan, who happily shops the markets for you, and manager Nyugen, who mixes a mean cocktail.
This classically contemporary villa is well equipped with cots, high chairs, toys and games. Venture out to go horse riding through the paddies, visit exclusive Canggu Club or head to nearby Echo Beach for a seafood barbecue.
Cost: From $970 + taxes per night, two nights minimum.
2: The Orchard House, Seminyak
Step off Seminyak's busiest street and into the English countryside when you stay at The Orchard House. This character-filled home might be in the heart of Bali's hippest suburb but you really wouldn't know it.
Built as a home for its British owners and their children, this large and rambling villa has a relaxed style. Walls are lined with framed art and shelves loaded with art and cooking books -- it feels very much like a family home vacated by its owners moments before you arrived.
With three separate family suites, there's plenty of place to sprawl and kids will love the pool (with slide), tree house and oodles of toys and games.
Cost: From $1110 + taxes a night, five nights minimum.
Orchard House, Bali. Photo / Supplied
3: The Istana, Uluwatu
It's hard to imagine a more pimped-out pad than The Istana. With five suites, two pools, a private spa and enough staff to ensure you never lift a finger, this estate clearly exists for the pleasure of the rich and famous. It's very private and perched in the cliffs on the southern end of the island at Uluwatu, known to many as Bali's Millionaire's Row.
Built in 2002 and extensively renovated in 2007, The Istana's layout is perfectly suited to family holidaying. Couples can nestle into the five peaceful suites while the kids (and presumably their nannies) are tucked away in the children's wing, decked out with a technology hub, ping pong and pool tables and piles of board games.
The 29 staff include two cooks, a masseuse and a chauffeur should you be crazy enough to want to go elsewhere. The villa operates a restaurant service, where food and beverages are chosen from an individually priced menu.
Cost: From $3325 + taxes a night, five nights minimum.
The Istana private villa in Uluwatu. Photo / Supplied
4: Villa Kakatua & Vila Kedidi, Canggu
With its easy, open style, affordable rates and position close to the beach, it's not hard to see why Villa Kakatua gets booked up fast. This four-bedroom home is steeped in Balinese style, from the exposed timber pillars and garden bathrooms through to traditional artefacts and tropical gardens.
Villa Kakatua at Canggu. Photo / Supplied
The villa is well stocked with kids' feeding and sleeping paraphernalia, and pool fences and swim safety toys will put parents at ease when they're lying in the poolside bale.
Kakatua can be hired with the equally charming Villa Kedidi, the neighbouring three-bedder, accommodating 16 people across two properties. You'll be well looked after by a swag of staff, including three cooks and three housekeepers, and babysitters can be rustled up on request.
Villa Kakatua: From $670 + taxes per night, two nights minimum.
Villa Kedidi: $522 and taxes a night, two nights minimum.
