Villas Sungai

A dream stay on the island of the gods

Sophie, mother of Achilles (4 y.o.), from Brussels

After spending a few days in Singapore where we had the opportunity to stay at the Capella, we arrived in Bali, the most popular island in Indonesia. It only takes a two hour flight to reach Bali from Singapore, however these two destinations are quite different. In Singapore, the architecture is almost futuristic, and everything is clean and orderly. In Bali, scooters and cars mix together in joyful disorder. Along the streets, temples transition into rice fields, traditional homes and stalls selling street food.

An extraordinary welcome

Two commonalities immediately come to mind: the kindness of the people and the luxurious plant life.

The chauffeur sent by the villa made sure to place a child’s seat in the back row of the comfortable 4X4, for the safety of our son Achille. He also brought a large bag of candy, which made our son beyond happy during the trip from the airport to the villa.

The Villa Sungai offers two private accommodations. We chose to go with the Villa Sungai Gold, which consists of 3 double bedrooms, two of which are connected by an interior door. These connecting bedrooms are extremely practical for families. Our son Achille had his own double room and spent wonderful nights in a king size bed elegantly decorated with mosquito netting. A bed that looked more like a refuge that he immediately started calling « my cabin ».

Upon our arrival, we were welcomed with refreshing towels scented with lemongrass and the women of the villa placed small good luck flowers behind our ears.

In our villa, bowls full of cookies, marshmallows, and chips were waiting for us. The decoration in the Villa Sungai Gold is worthy of the most amazing interior design magazines, in which the villa has already won awards. We were immediately seduced by the villa’s discreet luxury and refinement.

Meanwhile, our 4 year old son fell in love with his room… which was full of gifts! Welcome balloons had been inflated for him and there was a card with « Welcome Achille » written on it attached to the balloon strings. A beautiful stuffed animal made with recycled materials was waiting for him on his bed, as well as a fanny pack, Balinese sandals specially made for his little feet, a straw hat and a traditional musical instrument. Tons of beach and board games had also been laid out for him, and our son particularly enjoyed the « Monopoly Bali Special ».

SMALL DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

In his large walk-in closet, child sized hangers were available for hanging his clothes. Being the fashionista mom that I am, I was beyond happy to be able to hang his nice summer shirts! On the edge of our private pool, there was a large inflatable dolphin, a ball, buoys, and even a child sized life vest at his disposal.

Our bedrooms were full of beautiful travel books, novels, and children’s books. Coloring books, as well as story books in French! In the bathroom, there was sunscreen, mosquito repellent lotion and tiger balm along with the traditional products. Elegant wicker fans, a misting spray and hats were given to us to help beat the heat.

On the terrace, there was a large fridge with a myriad of beers, cider, water – free -, and soft drinks. These refreshing drinks were available every day. As a Coke Zero addict, I was quite happy with this detail 🙂

Our villa consisted of two main structures, on one side were the rooms and on the other an outdoor living room which was the perfect place to eat a meal as a family or relax on the canopy bed. Achille loved sitting at his little « desk » made for children his age to color while I read my book.

The Villa Sungai offers accommodations combined with amazing service. We loved this structure that allowed us to take advantage of all the high-end services the hotel had to offer, all while enjoying the intimacy of our own villa.

The first night, a surprise was organized for our son. Our pool was covered in rose petals and two musicians came to play traditional instruments while we ate dinner.

The perfect ambiance.

Private driver and perfect advice

Just like everywhere in Bali, we woke at dawn to the sound of the neighboring roosters crowing. Because of this, Pamela Hayes, the Australian owner of Villa Sungai thought about light sleepers and made sure that Quies earplugs are available on the nightstands.

During our stay in Bali, the chauffeur at the Villa Sungai was a great help in discovering the most beautiful spots in the region: Ubud and its rice fields, the monkey forest, the bird park, Seminyak, etc. The team at the villa knows the best places in the area, whether you’re looking for beach-clubs or restaurants, you will always get the best recommendations.

If you want to discover this wonderful island, the dedicated guide to Bali and published by Little Guest could also be very helpful.

We were so at home in our villa that on the last night there, we invited some friends who were also visiting Bali to come by and share a delicious Balinese pig roasted on the barbecue. Their 6 year old daughter, Giulia, had a great time with Achille thanks to all the games that were at their disposition. An unforgettable night, just like our entire stay in this paradisiac location that I highly recommend!

Sophie

FOR THE CHILDREN

A real tailor-made programme is set up for families staying at Villa Sungai. On site you will find a wide range of products and equipment for children and babies. The following list is customizable at will, you just need to inform us of your needs in advance: cots, baby cosmetics (oil, talc, creams), diapers, baby bottles, cutlery for babies, high chairs baths, toilet seats, strollers, play mats, buoys, car seats, etc.

Our little favourite: the night light Gummy Bear, in the shape of candy bear, to watch over the baby's nights and bring him warmth and comfort, like at home.

Supervised by a warm and dynamic staff, children and adults can take part in many activities within the villa and in the surrounding area. At their leisure, parents can participate in these activities with them, observe them from the terrace or enjoy these moments to treat themselves to a massage. Activities are organized whenever you want, without pre-arranged schedules.

Upon arrival, all children receive a “sarong”, a traditional Balinese costume. If they wish, they will be able to choose others at the village cloth store, during an organized visit. Once sarongs are put on, children will be invited to prepare and place the offerings near the temples and shrines scattered around the villa.

It's not just the big ones who can party! Tea-parties can be organized, with the children of the staff (the more we are crazy, the more we laugh!). An opportunity to make new friends, laugh, share and enjoy good cakes.

The village school opens its doors to your children for a moment of sharing. They can even attend a class ... School from here or there, the smiles and hopscotch are universal.

Kite-making, getting a massage, enjoying a manicure/pedicure, discovering traditional dances and music are also part of the programme.

FAMILY EXPERIENCES

Culture, nature, family adventures... Bali experiences are there for the taking! For several years, extensive eco-friendly tourism programs have been put in place to create new activities and ensure that they are as beneficial to travelers as to the land that welcomes them and its people.

Villa Sungai offers bicycle rental for adults and children, to discover the local villages.

Bali is a paradise for divers. The diving and snorkelling there is some of the best in the world, suited to all experience levels. The “Bubble Maker” programme opens the doors of the aquatic world to small divers from 8 years old (which will nevertheless be limited to a depth of 2 meters).

Twenty minutes from your place of residence, the Finn's Recreation Club is ideal for an active afternoon and family fun . You will enjoy all the services of a holiday club, while having the pleasure of returning to the calm of your villa at night. Finn's offers many land sports, several swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts ... Not to mention the Finn's Splash Waterpark and its gigantic colorful slides.

For a greedy and eco-responsible break, Sprout is the place to be in Bali! More than a coffee, Sprout is a concept designed to raise awareness about recycling, and the many possibilities of producing oneself as much as possible while preserving the environment. While Mom and Dad enjoy one of the many coffees, fresh juices or smoothies at the à la carte menu, children can be catered for at The Garden Kids Club, located next door. Equipped with a playground and supervised by experienced animators, this kids-club offers children from 2 to 12 years to learn more about nature through fun and varied activities (about 4€ per child per child).

Bali Bird Park is home to more than 1,000 exotic bird species from around the world. A visit with one of the biologists of the park will be the occasion of a pleasant instructive walk with the family, to the rhythm of the songs of birds.

A 40-minute drive, Ubud is a must-see destination when visiting Bali. In addition to the region's beautiful temples and villages rich in arts and culture, Ubud is home to a famous nature reserve, the Monkey Forest. More than 600 crab-eating macaques (typical species of South East Asia) reside there. Not shy for a penny, these little monkeys will invite themselves with pleasure on your photos... Especially if you bring them some treats. However, be sure, for their well-being and safety, to respect the instructions specific to the site. During your walk in this sanctuary, you may also see some Komodo dragons, these giant lizards populating Bali. Ubud is also known for having the location of the film "Eat, pray, love," with Julia Roberts. Since then, it's the rallying point for yoga and meditation lovers from all over the world!

On the island, excursions are not lacking: tree climbing, quad, boat trip or helicopter... the list is long. The concierge of Villa Sungai will be happy to plan all your activities and will gladly accompany you to discover local traditions.

FOR THE PARENTS

Your villa is equipped with a relaxation  spa room designed for massages and a range of other treatments. The team adapts entirely to your desires: solo or romantic massage, in the spa room or by the pool ... Relax and discover the benefits of traditional Balinese massage.

The villages surrounding Villa Sungai are full of small markets where you can find the most beautiful pieces of local handicraft, from wood carvings to the finest sarongs. At 30 minutes, the city of Celuk is known for its jewelry in gold and silver.

If Mom and Dad want a Balinese night out, the concierge will personally book THE ideal babysitter for pampering. We recommend the Mozaic restaurant, where French and Indonesian flavors mix for a refined dinner in an enchanting setting. You can spend a romantic evening, on the terrace, under the stars. If you like the place, do not hesitate to go back with your family to attend one of their famous cooking classes!

Of course, you are in your home at your villa. Whether you're planning a group party or a romantic poolside dinner, the staff will take care of everything.

Unlike other hotels and restaurants in Bali, alcoholic beverages are not surcharged at Villa Sungai. A menu of Australian, New Zealand, French and local wines, as well as a wide variety of cocktails are available at very reasonable prices.

Yoga classes can be arranged at your convenience.

Do not hesitate to make a detour by the island of Tanah Lot, very popular with photographers and on which is built a Hindu temple. At sunset, the views are impressive.

Namaste.