Villa review: Villa Umah Daun, represented by www.elitehavens.com

Villa review: Villa Umah Daun, represented by www.elitehavens.com

Move over hotels – in Bali, it’s all about the villa stay nowadays. Here, we review a cavernous property that specialises in large groups and multiple family stays: Umah Daun.

First impression

Slick. A queue of staff with clasped hands awaited. Immediately, the arrival had the air of hotel-like service that would continue through the stay.

The entrance itself is somewhat understated, but the wow factor comes as you walk through the doors and discover the villa’s sheer structural scale, from its gaping, two-storey-high timber ceilings that are reminiscent of the yacht’s hull, to the vast 2,000-square-metre footprint of the property.

Location

Located in an area called Umalas, Umah Daun is sandwiched neatly between Seminyak and Canggu. Both of these bustling shopping and dining hubs are 10 to 15 minutes away in a car, but Umalas itself is also home to an array of great cafes and eateries such as Nook.

Hiring a scooter and driving yourself around is easy even for a novice, and pretty safe too – so as you dawdle along and take things slowly.

It might be niche, but for clients that love to skate/scooter or ride, Umalas is home to a skatepark and pump track that puts most Aussie creations to shame. I recommend checking out Amplitude Skatepark – it’s suitable for all levels and kids will love it.

The rooms

In total, there are there five rooms, each with an en suite. Four rooms are in the main building and at least two of these could be described as the master suite. Sumptuous beds, marble tiles, huge bathrooms abound – this is ever bit a five-star experience.

Umah Daun - DSC02249

The remaining room is self-contained at one end of the property. Meanwhile, the sheer scale of the living areas, its lawn and pool means guests can easily have their own space away from family members they’ve grown tired of!

Umah Daun - DSC02121

Drinking and dining

As mentioned, there are great cafes and bar relatively nearby, but they aren’t within walking distance. Instead, in-villa-dining is a great option and the in-house chef is excellent.

The menu contains a mix of Balinese and western selections, but it’s also possible to put in requests, and nothing seems to be too much hassle.

Breakfast is to order, but normally for Aussie clients revolves around pancakes for the kids and eggs for the adults, with a variety of fruits and breads.

Umah Daun - DSC02338

Villa features

Showcasing a Balinese style in the villa, the property has dark woods throughout the interior, while statures and water features dot the exterior.

There is a media room, a games room for kids with a pool table and foosball, a second kids’ room with a Nintendo console, a jacuzzi, a 16-metre-long main pool, and a smaller toddler pool.

Umah Daun - DSC02293

Further to these physical features are the staff who have been immaculately trained but retain their inherent Balinese charm.

Verdict: 9/10

It’s very hard to find many, if any faults, with Umah Daun. The location for some might be a bit too disconnected from Seminyak and Canggu, but for others, that would be an attraction.

Meanwhile, the Balinese styling will have some people swooning at the knees, while other minimalists and modernists might prefer villas mentioned latter in this series.

There can, however, be little arguing with the fact that the service is top notch, the size and quality of the villa is unparalleled for the price, and the effects of a few days here are long-lasting.

For more information on Villa Umah Daun and rates, go here or visit Elite Havens here.

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