The Suaka Baliaga

Koi ponds, stone statues and trickling water line the path into The Suaka Baliaga, a seven-bedroom villa set on around 1,500 square metres of riverside garden in Batu Belig, a few minutes from the beach. Steep shingled roofs, teak beams and vaulted ceilings give it the feel of a traditional Balinese compound, while bold tiles, hand-painted murals and rattan furniture keep it fresh and modern.

Everything revolves around a broad blue pool framed by palms, parasols and plenty of loungers. Open-sided pavilions face the water from both ends: one holds a deep, cushioned lounge and a round dining table beneath woven lanterns, the other a billiard table and comfortable seating. Indoors there is a media room for film nights, a fully equipped kitchen and a dedicated spa room, and at the back a sauna looks out over the river, with a jacuzzi tucked into its own small garden.

The bedrooms are spread through the grounds, many with four-poster beds draped in white netting and doors opening onto a private patch of garden; one includes a bunk bed for children. It is a peaceful base for a large family or group of friends, with Batu Belig Beach, Seminyak’s boutiques and restaurants such as Motel Mexicola only a short drive away.