By Glenn Harris
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Bali is an island with several destinations from the spiritual mecca and dense jungles of Ubud to the incredible rocky cliffs and endless horizon views of Uluwatu in the south.  Those seeking the hectic pace of night clubs and beach bars will choose Bali’s party central hotspot, Seminiyak. A place a bit further north on the west coast is Canguu. This area has been known for generations as a surf town with perfect waves for the beginner to the more advanced. It is now becoming known as a destination for upscale travelers looking for special hideaway near the beach without the manic pace of some of Bali’s larger cities. A short four minutes’ walk from the Batu Bolong Beach is where you’ll find the area’s most idyllic and exclusive resort, the Ametis Villa Bali.

Ametis Villa Bali offers an unmatched level of authenticity in its design and hospitality as it is one of the rare luxury hotels that is actually owned by native Indonesians. If you’re looking for massive resorts with a football pitch sized pool and a long cue for omelets at the breakfast, this is not the place for you. What it is an exclusive resort hideaway of only 14 private suites where time just seems to float by as you relax, explore, dine and repeat. The adult only villas are the ideal choice for romantic couples or solo travelers seeking serene holiday.

Away from the bustling main street buzzing scooters and congested traffic is a haven of natural solitude with a thick forest of palm trees, fragrant Frangipani trees and tropical flowers. This verdant tunnel is separated by a wooden path the weaves through a labyrinth of tall privacy walls that seclude the opulent villas within.

The enclave features three villa categories including the one-bedroom imperial villa, a two-bedroom inter-connecting villa, or a three-bedroom grand villa which is ideal for group of friends or families traveling with children over 12.   Each of these uber-stylish villas is a private sanctuary with a courtyard surrounded by lush foliage, a soft grass lawn and a full-size pool. The pavilions are constructed of indigenous timber, travertine, stone and glass with roofs constructed of bamboo and coconut leaves. One side of the spacious villa is the bed and bathroom which is opposite of the separate open-air outdoor living space complete with a full gourmet equipped kitchen, and dining table. Adjacent is the living area with comfortable furnishings, home entertainment system with preloaded movies and a music center with a Harman Kardon sound system.

The ultra-stylish bedroom pavilion is designed with rich Balinese furnishing and décor, colorful silk fabrics and teak wood floors that demand bare foot strolls. The uber comfy king-sized bed sits on a platform with ornately designed mood lighting other either side.

The most dramatic designed space is the decadent spa-style bathrooms with a large bathtub fronting a sliding bay window which when opened, creates an indulgent outdoor bathing experience. Beyond the bedroom is the outdoor wooden deck with sitting area and hammock ideal for enjoying a glass of wine before turning in for the night.

The 42ft-long slate bottom pool is villa the most stunning feature and connects the two living spaces. Surrounding the pool is lush foliage creating a setting for an au natural swimming or day beds perfect for working on tans without those pesky tan lines.  What makes the stay so special is that each villa is completely private and secluded making it the ideal place for honeymooners or a romantic getaway.

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"To get off of the Bali’s beaten path, head to Canguu and the perfect romantic holiday at the Ametis Villa Bali.  "

Beyond the accommodations where the Ametis truly impresses is with their bespoke services. Many hotels talk about service but due to its size of only 14 villas, Ametis Villa Bali is able to give an unsurpassed level of attention to each guest. Each villa has an assigned personal butler who is part attendant, concierge, and tour guide assigned to do the guests bidding no matter how small and large the task. By the end of the stay you’ll see your butler as much a friend as hospitality assistant.

What Ametis Villa Bali may lack in terms of what the big resorts offer, they more than make up for it with the complimentary amenities. Complimentary beverages, gourmet snacks throughout the day, afternoon tea, and a private sunset hour of complimentary gourmet canapés and cocktails are provided at no extra charge each day. Included in the stay are private transfers to nearby towns of Seminiyak and Kuta as well as a complimentary 30-minute massage at their sublime Ruby Spa.

The stays include a gourmet breakfast prepared at your villa with your choice of and American style breakfast or Chinese, Japanese and Balinese offerings as well. Many guests will choose to dine in a few nights during their stay where a private chef will come to prepare a four-course meal such as freshly barbecued seafood by the pool.  Beyond the delicious gourmet food, the setting could not be romantic as the chef prepares as you dine by candle light at your intimate table made for two.

Ametis Villa Bali also has a restaurant and bar which is Billy Ho by esteemed chef-restaurateur Will Myrick with a menu that features street and comfort food dishes from Asia created with local organic produce.

Bali is a destination known for its spa services and Ametis Villa Bali honors this tradition in their delivery of unique Zen healing and wellness practices. The Ruby Spa is beautifully designed to create an alcove of serenity with a staff of extremely talented therapists. The services range from reiki massages to bath therapies or Yoga classes.  One must try signature treatment is the Ametis Healing for two hours of pure pleasure created to rejuvenate the mind and body. The treatment begins with a revitalizing foot bath, followed my mediation to clear the mind followed by releasing tension through massage and reiki.

Besides the complimentary transfers around the area, the short stroll to the popular Batu Bolong Beach for swimming, beach time or perhaps a surfing lesson, guests also enjoy the complimentary bikes for exploring the area on their own.’

Ametis also offers several enriching sightseeing and cultural immersion options that showcase the exotic beauty of Bali. The excursion visits the world heritage site Jatiluwih, which is a most gorgeous scene of verdant rice terraces that cascade down in to the sloping valley. The excursion also visits Taman Ayun, which is an iconic and well-preserved traditional temple compound with tower high altars with tiered thatch roofs that resemble stacked mushrooms.  The tour breaks for a picnic lunch in Bali’s largest botanical garden as guests dine on a smorgasbord of Balinese delicacies on a soft grass hill while overlooking scenic beauty of the valley and lake. The unmissable full day tour ends at another of Bali’s treasures, Tanah Lot, which is a stunning temple set in the sea atop a rocky islet. Bali is known for its mesmerizing sunsets and this is the perfect to take it all in with your loved one before heading back to your villas.

Bali has become an extremely popular travel destination and with good reason. Tropical climate, friendly people, incredible beaches, and those beguiling sunsets have made it a destination of choice for the masses. To get off of the Bali’s beaten path, head to Canguu and the perfect romantic holiday at the Ametis Villa Bali.

Glenn Harris

Glenn Harris is an accomplished journalist focusing on international travel, fine dining, and luxury lifestyle events. His wanderlust has taken him to over 100 countries where he is constantly straying off the beaten path uncovering new and exotic finds. He particularly enjoys seeking out lesser known travel gems and places to stay, dine, or experiences to capture.