Villa Gils

Villa Gils occupies a rare position on Bali’s quieter east coast — a near-beachfront retreat in the village of Mendira, Candidasa, just 50 metres from a shoreline where coral gardens make for some of the best snorkelling you can walk into anywhere on the island. For travellers who have done the Seminyak and Canggu circuit and want something genuinely different, this four-bedroom, multi-pavilion villa delivers an authentic Balinese experience at a price that works out to well under $100 per room per night. That figure includes a team of five staff and daily breakfast, which places it in a value category few comparable properties can match.

The grounds span roughly 1,000 square metres of landscaped tropical gardens, shaded by a dense canopy of mature trees that screen the property from neighbours and fill the air with birdsong. At the heart of the estate sits a 25-metre saltwater lap pool, divided by stepping stones into a deep swimming section and a shallow wading area for children — a thoughtful design that lets parents relax on one of the six poolside sun loungers while younger guests splash safely nearby. Traditional alang-alang thatched daybed bales flank the pool, positioned perfectly for afternoon reading, a Balinese massage, or simply listening to the rustle of palm fronds overhead. At the far end of the pool, an outdoor dining setting creates a striking spot for evening meals under the stars.

Inside, the design blends contemporary white interiors with traditional Balinese craftsmanship beneath soaring alang-alang roofing. The open-plan living area includes a cocktail bar at one end and cushioned daybeds at the other, along with satellite television and a DVD player for quieter evenings. The master bedroom sits upstairs in the main pavilion, centred on a four-poster king bed with an en-suite bathroom and a private balcony offering a panoramic view across the entire property and gardens. A connected room beside the master works well as a children’s room or family annexe. Two further guest bedrooms occupy a separate pavilion, each with en-suite bathrooms featuring both indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning, and twin beds that can be configured as kings. Baby cots and highchairs are available on request, and children under six stay free.

The staff are what elevate Villa Gils from a good villa to a genuinely memorable one. Led by the widely praised manager Wayan, the team of five — including housekeepers, butler, and security — consistently earn near-perfect reviews from guests, who single out the food and personal attention as highlights. Daily breakfast is included in the rate, and a private chef can prepare lunch or dinner from a priced menu for just $10 per service, using fresh local ingredients. The location places you within easy reach of east Bali’s most rewarding day trips: the ancient Bali Aga village of Tenganan, the photogenic water gardens of Tirta Gangga, and the dive and snorkel sites around Amed and Tulamben, all reachable within 30 to 60 minutes. A car and driver can be arranged through the villa for around $50 per day.

For those who want to see a quieter, more traditional side of Bali without sacrificing comfort or service, Villa Gils is a compelling choice. The combination of a saltwater pool, beachfront snorkelling, attentive staff, and east Bali’s unhurried pace makes it one of the most distinctive stays on the island at any price point.