Villa Gils

Why We Recommend Villa Gils

Villa Gils is a rare find on the quieter east coast of Bali, offering a near-beachfront escape in Candidasa that feels a world away from the bustle of Seminyak and Canggu. Just 50 metres from Mendira Beach — where coral gardens make for some of the best shore snorkelling on the island — this four-bedroom, multi-pavilion retreat delivers an authentic Balinese experience at a remarkably fair price. At $98–$124 per room per night for a villa of this calibre, with daily breakfast and a team of five staff included, it represents outstanding value for families and groups seeking something genuinely different.

What sets Villa Gils apart is its combination of space, style and service. The 25-metre saltwater lap pool is divided by stepping stones into a deep swimming section and a shallow area for children, watched over by a traditional thatched bale — a thoughtful design that means parents can relax while kids play safely. The staff, led by the widely praised manager Wayan, consistently earn near-perfect reviews (9.6 on Booking.com, 5.0 on Ministry of Villas), with guests singling out the food and personal attention as highlights. If you want east Bali done right, this is it.

Our Favourite Features

• 25-metre saltwater lap pool with kids’ section — stepping stones divide the pool into a deep end for swimming laps and a shallow section for children, with a thatched poolside bale for supervising in comfort
• Near-beachfront location — Mendira Beach is a 50-metre stroll away, with coral gardens right offshore that are ideal for snorkelling without a boat
• Exceptional staff team — five dedicated staff including manager Wayan, butler, and chef who prepares daily breakfast (included) and lunch or dinner for just $10 per service
• Multi-pavilion layout — the main building houses the living area and two upstairs bedrooms, while a separate guest pavilion offers two ground-floor bedrooms with private verandas overlooking the pool
• Authentic east Bali setting — explore the ancient Tenganan traditional village, the stunning Tirta Gangga water palace, and world-class dive sites at Amed, all within easy reach

Good To Know

• Remote but rewarding — Candidasa is approximately 60km from the airport, which translates to a 1.5–2.5 hour drive depending on traffic. We recommend arranging an airport transfer in advance rather than relying on taxis
• WiFi can be intermittent — east Bali’s internet infrastructure is less developed than the south. If you need reliable connectivity for work, consider bringing a local SIM card as backup
• Bring wine from duty free — alcohol is expensive in Bali and even more so in Candidasa, where shops are limited. Stock up at the airport duty free on arrival
• Modern Balinese design — contemporary white interiors beneath traditional alang-alang thatched roofing, set within 1000 square metres of landscaped tropical gardens with coconut palms
• Rates exclude 15.5% tax and service — a 10% government tax and 5% service charge apply on top of the published nightly rate, which is standard for Indonesian villa rentals