Villa review: Villa Bendega Rato, represented by www.elitehavens.com
Move over hotels – in Bali, it’s all about the villa stay nowadays. In part three, we review a classic villa-style property in the heart of Bali’s equivalent of Byron Bay: Villa Bendega Rato.
First impression
A subtle entrance lays off a laneway that can be easily missed but for a beautiful wooden antique double door that oozes style and character – typical for this area of Bali.
Upon entering, guests are immediately greeted with a view of the pool, sunbeds and umbrellas that shriek, “Guess what guys, you’re on holiday – time to chill out!”.
The furniture and styling fuses modern Balinese with a touch of Nick Scali-esque design. Everything is super-sharp in its appointment and quality.
Location
Oh Canggu! For those that don’t know, Canggu is a fusion of Byron Bay, Surry Hills, Fitzroy, and Margaret River all rolled into Bali’s topical setting.
If your clients are regularly Bali bound and have never been before, you simply must amend their travel plans away from Seminyak, Kuta and Nusa Dua to take in some genuine Balinese spirit, great food and cut-price designer shopping… without the crowds of bogans.
Villa Bendega Rato lies in the centre of Canggu – just a few minutes away from the main drag known as Batu Belong. The street is lined with great cafés, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and a pot of gold for surfers awaits at the end in the form of Old Man’s and Tugu Rights.
The rooms
This a classic family villa, self-contained with three rooms overlooking the pool as a central feature.
The rooms all feature sumptuous double beds that are as comfy as they are huge. During the late afternoon, the villa staff turn down the beds and drop the fly nets well before the mossies come out to play.
All rooms also include ensuite bathrooms that are bigger than most Sydney units, as well as their own balconies overlooking the modest gardens and elongated pool.
Drinking and dining
As is often the case with villa stays, Bendega Rato comes with its own in-house chef who will cook and prepare meals for your guests.
Grocery shopping is done on your behalf at a small charge on top of the actual cost, as per the receipts. However, with so many eateries within metres of your villa door, temptation can get the better of you.
Billy Ho, The Slow and FishBone Local are highly recommended for fine dining, Deus, The Lawn and Old Man’s can’t be looked past for casual food or cocktails, while breakfast is a must at Zin Café, Superfood the Organic Café.
Villa features
With a 18-metre long pool, all the common areas in the villa evolve around water pursuits. Shrill screams of kids playing and bombing are commonplace.
For guests with young ones, the villa is well-stocked with plastic cutlery, plates and glasses, so little mishaps aren’t an issue. If there is a spill, then the villa staff appear from the shadows with a smile and a mop to alleviate any concerns.
There is an integrated sound system that connects to your favourite music streaming service, WiFi throughout and a media room for movie nights. Meanwhile, the Elite Haven concierge team will organise any other requests such as transfers, dinner bookings and tours.
Verdict: 9/10
Everything in the villa is top notch from a quality perspective and for a very happy family holiday, Bendega Rato is nigh on impossible to beat.
The location is second to none and quite frankly puts the cherry on top of a very delicious cake… all that remains if for you to gorge upon it.
For more information on Villa Bendega Rato and rates, click here or visit www.elitehavens.com.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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