Cabana Emile

Cabana Emile is a barefoot beach house in the truest sense: step out of the gate, follow the path and stairs down the cliff, and within about five minutes you are on the white sand of Bingin, in Uluwatu, with some of Bali’s most famous surf breaking just offshore. Back at the villa, a thatched roof, weathered timber and splashes of colour set a relaxed, coastal mood that suits surfing families and easy-going friends.

Everything opens onto the garden. A long, covered timber deck runs the length of the house, lined with cushioned pool beds that look straight onto the eight-metre pool and a sunny lawn dotted with palms. At one end, a high-ceilinged, semi-open pavilion holds the living area, with low cushioned benches, and a dining table for eight beside a modern kitchen where the on-site chef can cook Balinese favourites or international dishes on request.

Each of the three bedrooms slides open to the deck and pool, and carved connecting doors link them, which makes it simple for parents to keep little ones close. Daily housekeeping, a pool attendant, gardener and security keep the house running, and massages, babysitting, laundry and a driver can be called in. Padang Padang and Balangan are a short drive away, as are the clifftop restaurants and sunset spots of southern Bali.