Villa Kabutera

Beneath a deep thatched roof, Villa Kabutera feels like a modern take on the traditional Balinese pavilion: warm recycled timber, cool stone floors and a turquoise pool just beyond the living room. Set in the Pecatu area of Uluwatu, it is a peaceful, private base for two couples or a young family, with the surf breaks of Bingin and Padang Padang only a short drive away.

The heart of the villa is a high-ceilinged living and dining pavilion that opens straight onto the pool and lawn, with soft sofas, a long timber dining table and a sleek, fully equipped kitchen. The two bedrooms are matched in size and comfort, each with a king bed, air-conditioning, timber-panelled walls and its own en-suite, where freestanding tubs sit beside garden views. Because the rooms are equal, nobody ends up with the smaller room.

Outside, the ten-metre pool is edged by a sunny terrace with loungers, a stretch of green lawn and flowering bougainvillea, and an open-air rain shower is on hand after a swim. Daily housekeeping keeps everything fresh, a chef can be arranged for dinners at home, and an airport pick-up is included on arrival. The villa is one of five within the same estate, so neighbouring villas can be booked alongside it for a larger family or group.