Discovering Bali: Stunning Villas and Unforgettable Experiences

While visiting Bali in March, our family traveled to Bali for an unforgettable two-week vacation. My husband and I had visited this beautiful island six years ago, and now we returned with our little girl to experience Bali together. Although two weeks isn’t nearly enough time to fully absorb Bali’s charm, it gave us a wonderful taste of what this island has to offer. Ideally, one should spend at least a month here to really get a feel for the island’s vibe.

A tip for future travelers: don’t settle in one place for your entire stay. Bali has so much variety, and constantly moving between locations enhances the experience. Over our two-week trip, we stayed in three different places: seven nights in Seminyak, five nights in Ubud, and two nights in the quieter northern area of Tejakula.

In this article, we focus on the places we stayed during our trip to Bali—exceptional villas that perfectly capture the spirit of this enchanting island. From luxurious private pools to breathtaking views, these accommodations offer a true Balinese experience. We’ll also touch on some of the activities we enjoyed, including our unforgettable encounter with Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence—a unique celebration we were lucky to witness.

Join us as we explore our Bali journey, from the vibrant streets of Seminyak to the cultural haven of Ubud, and finally, the serene beauty of Tejakula in the island’s north.

Our First Stop: A Week at Annora Villas, Seminyak

Our Bali journey began with a week-long stay at Annora Villas in Seminyak. This bustling area is known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy cafes, and beautiful beaches. Annora Villas offered a perfect balance between luxury and convenience, situated close enough to the action yet tucked away in a quieter spot, allowing us to relax after our adventures.

We stayed in a cozy and intimate villa with a private pool, which provided the perfect balance of comfort and privacy. Traveling with our little one, we were delighted to discover a box of new toys in the villa, which kept our child entertained throughout our stay.

The staff were incredibly attentive and thoughtful, ensuring our experience was truly special. Every evening, they would prepare our villa for the night—setting up the bed, arranging nightwear, and creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

The food at Annora Villas was another highlight. The breakfast menu was varied, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. Each morning, the staff greeted us warmly and brought us a leaf with our names and a personal message, which added such a thoughtful and heartwarming touch.

The property also features a shared pool area with sun loungers, umbrellas, and towels, providing a great spot to relax. For extra indulgence, their on-site spa offers exceptional massages—we treated ourselves to a relaxing session and were thoroughly impressed.

Annora Villas is tucked away in a quiet area, yet conveniently close to the main streets filled with shops and restaurants. It’s also a short walk to the beach, where the evenings come alive with music, vibrant crowds, and breathtaking sunsets. We loved spending time there, enjoying the atmosphere, delicious food, and refreshing drinks.

We wholeheartedly recommend Annora Villas to anyone visiting Bali and are already looking forward to returning someday. It’s a place that truly feels like a home away from home, with a touch of luxury and genuine warmth.

Seminyak: A Trendy and Vibrant Destination

Seminyak is one of Bali’s most popular destinations, known for its chic atmosphere, upscale boutiques, and vibrant beach scene. Located on the island’s southwest coast, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and luxury. Whether you’re looking for stunning sunsets, world-class dining, or unique shopping experiences, Seminyak has something for everyone.

Things to See and Do in Seminyak and Nearby Areas

Beach Bars and Sunsets – Spend your evenings at Seminyak Beach, relaxing in cozy beach bars with bean bags, low tables, and live music while enjoying Bali’s famous sunsets.

Balinese Cooking Classes – Learn how to prepare traditional Balinese dishes in hands-on cooking classes, a fun and cultural experience for food lovers.

Frankenstein’s Laboratory – Visit this quirky restaurant-bar for nightly kid-friendly activities and entertaining cabaret shows for adults.

Walk to Kuta Along the Ocean Path – Take a scenic coastal walk along the ocean from Seminyak to Kuta, enjoying the views and the refreshing sea breeze.

Visit Tanah Lot Temple – Just a 30-minute drive from Seminyak, this iconic sea temple is a must-see for its dramatic oceanfront setting and stunning sunsets.

Ubud: The Peaceful Cultural Haven of Bali

After a relaxing week in Seminyak, we headed to our next destination—Ubud, one of the most beautiful and popular areas in Bali, located in the heart of the island. Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, making it one of the island’s most beloved destinations for travelers. Surrounded by lush rice terraces, mystical jungles, and ancient temples, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of the southern beaches.

We chose a private villa with a pool and a spacious property, as we knew we would be staying here during Nyepi, Bali’s most important celebration.

Nyepi, the Day of Silence, involves a complete island-wide shutdown, where everyone is required to stay indoors and spend the day quietly. Knowing this, we wanted a comfortable and peaceful space to enjoy the day, rather than being confined to a small hotel room. Ubud offered the perfect setting for this, with its tranquil atmosphere and affordable villa options that make this level of comfort accessible to many visitors.

We delve deeper into our Nyepi experience and the villa we chose here, but suffice to say, Ubud’s serene environment made this part of our trip truly special.

What to Do in Ubud and Why It’s a Must-Visit Destination

Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, making it one of the island’s most beloved destinations for travelers. Surrounded by lush rice terraces, mystical jungles, and ancient temples, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of the southern beaches.

Explore the Alas Harum Rice Terraces: These iconic green fields are not only beautiful to look at but also a great spot for photos and learning about traditional Balinese irrigation systems.

Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest: This sanctuary is home to playful monkeys and ancient temples, providing a unique blend of nature and culture.

Discover Local Art and Crafts: Ubud is famous for its art scene. The Ubud Art Market is perfect for shopping, while galleries and workshops showcase traditional and contemporary Balinese art.

Experience Balinese Wellness: Ubud is a hub for yoga, meditation, and spa treatments, offering rejuvenation for the body and soul.

Attend a Traditional Dance Performance: Watch colorful and expressive Balinese dances, such as the Legong or Barong, performed in stunning temple settings.

Ubud’s charm lies in its ability to combine cultural richness with natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to its tranquil atmosphere, vibrant art scene, and opportunities to experience authentic Balinese traditions. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or connect with the island’s heritage, Ubud offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in Bali.

Journey to Tejakula: A Unique Northern Escape

Bali is an island meant to be explored, offering beauty and diversity in every corner. After our time in Ubud, we ventured north to the serene coastal village of Tejakula, staying for two nights at the remarkable The Tiing Tejakula Villas. This boutique hotel is a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking tranquility and unique design.

The Tiing Tejakula Villas is known for its highly Instagrammable aesthetic. The villas feature striking architecture that harmonizes with the surrounding nature, using raw materials like bamboo and stone to create an elegant, earthy feel. Our villa was a true highlight—it had two terraces, one facing the vast ocean and the other offering breathtaking views of the jungle and mountains. The seamless connection between modern design and natural beauty made it feel like a private slice of paradise.

The property also boasts a distinctive shared pool, lined with red tiles that give it a unique and striking appearance. This creative detail, combined with the serene oceanfront location, makes every corner of The Tiing Tejakula Villas perfect backdrop for photos.

Located right on the coastline, the villas offer uninterrupted views of the ocean, where the sound of waves becomes the soundtrack to your stay. Whether you’re relaxing on your private terrace, taking a dip in the pool, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, The Tiing Tejakula Villas provide an unforgettable experience. This combination of luxurious comfort, exceptional design, and breathtaking scenery makes it a standout destination for travelers looking to explore the quieter side of Bali.

What to See and Do in Northern Bali and Tejakula

Sekumpul Waterfall – Known as one of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls, it offers a breathtaking trek through lush greenery to witness its stunning cascades.

Batur Natural Hot Springs – Relax in these natural hot springs with panoramic views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur, providing a serene and rejuvenating experience.

Snorkeling and Diving – The calm waters of Tejakula are perfect for exploring vibrant coral reefs and marine life, offering a peaceful underwater adventure.

Lovina Beach Dolphin Tours – Take an early morning boat trip to see dolphins playing in the calm waters at sunrise, a truly unforgettable experience.

Historic Temples – Explore Pura Beji and Pura Meduwe Karang, ancient temples renowned for their intricate Balinese carvings and cultural significance.

Northern Bali is a region of natural beauty and tranquility, far removed from the bustling tourist hubs in the south. This part of the island is known for its lush green landscapes, black sand beaches, hidden waterfalls, and serene temples. The coastal village of Tejakula offers a peaceful retreat, while nearby areas like Lovina and the surrounding mountains provide opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Northern Bali is perfect for travelers looking to experience a quieter, more authentic side of the island.

Bali: A Destination to Fall in Love With

Bali is an island of breathtaking beauty, offering countless activities, fascinating cultural experiences, and stunning places to explore. In this article, we’ve shared our impressions and recommendations for the accommodations we stayed at, each of which we can confidently suggest to any traveler.

Every town in Bali has its own charm and uniqueness, with a wide range of resorts, villas, and hotels available at very affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for luxury or simplicity, Bali has something for everyone.

In our next article, we’ll dive into some of the exciting places we visited during our trip. If you’re hesitant about making the journey to this incredible island, we encourage you to set those doubts aside and experience Bali for yourself. Discover its charm, immerse yourself in its culture, and fall in love with Bali just as we did.