Villa Surya Damai is a cluster of five vacation residences laid out at the center of a sprawling and verdant property. With alang-alang thatch roofs as the predominant architectural detail, the villa typifies a traditional Balinese family compound. Interiors are thoughtfully appointed with a combination of classy period pieces, luxurious contemporary furnishings and elegant, locally-crafted fixtures and décor. Together, these elements create for the villa a quaint and rustic charm. Truly, a stay at Villa Surya Damai gives you a taste of the refinement and nostalgia of ancestral Balinese living.
The villa has five spacious bedrooms. These bedrooms are in two separate pavilions. 2 bedrooms have canopied and draped king-sized beds. Both also open out to covered, furnished terraces. The other one-bedroom in the two-level pavilion with the veranda and rice field view. The bedroom on the topmost level has a canopied and draped queen bed. All ground level bedrooms have dedicated, outdoor bathrooms with large bathtubs and rain showers. Only the bedroom on the upper level has a dedicated, indoor bathroom.
Directly accessible from almost anywhere you may be in the property’s expansive, landscaped garden of well-maintained lawn, stone pathways and tropical trees is the 18-meter swimming pool. On a whim, leap into its welcoming, glassy waters for some mindless wading or some playful splashing. Up from the water, you can stretch out on cushioned, wooden pool beds partially covered by large umbrellas on the grassy pool deck.
Parallel to the swimming pool is the airy, semi-open, spacious and high-ceilinged central pavilion which houses the living area. Around its cushioned, weathered bench and large couches, you can all assemble for amusing and animated sharing and storytelling. By the small round table, you can spend some me time reading or simply staring out to the garden and the swimming pool, the river and the rice terraces, and, at the precise moment, at the spectacular sunset. At another high-ceilinged pavilion is the indoor dining area. Cooled by a pond with a fountain, this more formal dining area has a long wooden table good for 12. Out on the garden is a poolside, shaded dining area with an oblong wooden table that can seat up to eight. At any of these dining areas, you can all feast on authentic Balinese specialties – as well as on international favorites – meticulously put together by the in-house chef at the fully-equipped, modern kitchen behind the dining pavilion. On the second level of one pavilion – beside one of the bedrooms – is the villa’s TV lounge which also serves as an alternative living area or veranda. Next to this two-level pavilion is a tennis court where you can play for, at least, most of the bragging rights.
Assigned to attend to the daily services of the villa is a staff led by a manager supported by housekeepers, pool attendants, and gardeners. A babysitter, a driver, a laundry helper and a spa therapist may, upon your request, be called in. Their services will be charged separately however. Car rental is also available.
Villa Surya Damai is at the edge of Umalas – a small, rural village belonging to the Kerobokan District. The villa is close to a string of quiet beaches beginning with Batubelig Beach leading to Pantai Batu Mejan or more commonly known as Echo Beach – one of Bali’s surfing hotspots – famous for its seascape, seafood and sunsets. Lining its shores are cafes where you can sit comfortably and sip cocktails, as well as restaurants where you can binge on barbecues and boat-shaped buffets. Standouts include Dian Café, Sticky Fingers, Osteria Italiana, Sate Bali and Echo Beach House. On another occasion, stop by the ancient, off-shore temple Tanah Lot for a glimpse of the magnificent sunset as well as of cultural dance exhibitions. Vie for more bragging rights with a round of golf at the 18-hole championship course of the Nirwana Golf Club that winds through rice terraces and scenic cliffs overlooking the ocean.
9.2/10Wonderful and idyllic stay with a very competent and helpful comprehensive service. Our family of ten has been perfectly attended during our stay for Christmas and new year eve. The cuisine was tasty and varied. The only problem we have to mention is our painful return to the real world after this visit in paradise.
10/10When you enter this villa be prepared to let the world behind. This villa is paradise. The gardens, the pool, the view and location - all magnificent! The staff were, kind, accommodating and friendly. We didn't want to leave and certainly plan to return.