Nefatari Exclusive Villas

An inconspicuous entrance flanked by thick vegetation leads into a pleasant shaded enclosure with stone steps leading past tasseled parasols into the reception area -- a modest, thatched, open-sided hut with a heavy wood check-in desk and splashes of colored fabrics and flowers. Stepped footpaths with high stone walls pass through tropical gardens to a courtyard with a pretty fountain and koi pond. Beyond a modest-sized restaurant, there's little in the way of public areas or grounds with most of the emphasis on the resorts five secluded villas. Although serene and outstandingly peaceful, lack of views over the lush surrounds can makes the resort feel a little isolated from the outside world. The vast majority of guests here are international couples on a romantic vacation. 

The hotel is surrounded by pretty rice fields and traditional Balinese villages about a 10-minute drive from Ubud -- the popular and arty tourist destination and Bali's spa capital. While there are some pleasant walks in the area, there's not much in the way of tourist attractions within walking distance, though the nearby Penastanan village has a few restaurants and shops and is about 10 minutes away on foot. The hotel operates a free on-demand shuttle service to Ubud and can organize transfers to and from Ngurah Rai International Airport, about a one-hour drive away. 

The resort has just five villas, three single-story villas sleeping up to three and two family-size villas spread over two floors and accommodating five people. All are decorated with traditional Balinese design using native materials such as bamboo and teak with hand-woven tapestries and topped with the fragrant Balinese alang-alang thatching. Bespoke furnishings were also hand-crafted by Javanese carpenters and colorful splashes of modern art adorn the walls. Paintwork, however, isn't immaculate throughout and partially-outdoor bathrooms are prone to patches of damp. Pool terraces, though, are impressive with swimming pools at least big enough for a few strokes, lounge areas, and high walls to ensure privacy. Flat-screen TVs have satellite channels and DVD players, while the minibar provides free soft drinks and snacks -- Wi-Fi is also free of charge but can be patchy in places and there's no self-catering facilities. 

The resort doesn't offer a great deal outside of its spacious villas, though the open-air Bidadari Restaurant provides an excellent free breakfast each morning as well as a reasonably priced lunch and dinner menu (all of which can also be served in the villas). A gentle stream runs past the hotel's spa area, which offers the usual range of massage treatments in rustic surrounds. Bicycles are also available for loan and there's a free on demand shuttle service to Ubud. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but the signal can be inconsistent.