The Ocean Sunset Villas Ceningan

This low-frills property offers a tranquil respite from the tourist scene of mainland Bali. Set off the beaten path on a cliff on Ceningan Island, the intimate retreat has just six sparsely furnished wooden bungalows, and limited facilities. The modern property is well-maintained and uses lots of wood and traditional Balinese decor throughout. The ocean-view saltwater pool has a couple stone fountains along its edge, while the adjacent open-air restaurant has a thatched roof, colorful tropical artwork, and rustic wood tables. Limited grounds are lush, featuring stone paths decorated with flower motifs and columns wrapped in checkered linens. The property mostly attracts couples, as well as some families and groups of friends, looking to relax in a secluded setting. Staff receive consistent praise for their helpful and friendly attitude.

The resort is located on Ceningan Island, which was connected with Nusa Lembongan by a suspension bridge until it collapsed in October 2016. The resort is a 30-minute speedboat ride from mainland Bali, where Ngurah Rai International Airport is located. The Ocean Sunset Villas Ceningan can organize boat transfers from Bali or Nusa Lembongan. The Ocean Sunset Villas sits on a clifftop and is a two-minute walk down steep steps to the beach. It's a three-minute walk to the Cliff Jumping Point and a five-minute walk to Secret Point beach. There are a handful of restaurants within a short walk of the resort, and the popular restaurant La Pirates is just a short scooter ride away. The resort offers free parking for scooters. 

The resort’s basic yet charming bungalows feature thatched roofs, floor-to-ceiling wood, and comfortable beds with white linens, mosquito nets, and gray-scale bed runners and throw pillows. There is also a wooden desk with a stool, but little in the way of decoration. Those in the Deluxe category are slightly larger, and come with a brightly colored sofa and clothes rack. The sliding doors of all bungalows open onto attractive terraces with a table and chairs that overlook the garden, plus some come with partial views of the ocean. Open-air bathrooms have showers, wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispensers, and small sinks with little counter space. Two of the bungalows come with interconnecting balconies ideal for families. While all the bungalows have free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, they lack safes, mini-fridges, TVs, and kettles. Some guests have complained that the rooms are too small, and lack enough storage and hangers.

This small resort is low on features -- no gym or spa -- and the highlight is easily the small saltwater pool surrounded by white-cushioned loungers, blue umbrellas, and a cabana. The pool and some of the seating overlooks the ocean below, and has excellent sunset views. The poolside restaurant serves three meals a day, with a simple breakfast included in the room rate. There are Western and Indonesian options to choose from, and many guests have noted that the food is very reasonably priced. The resort can organize scooter hire, as well as a variety of excursions and water activities including snorkeling and fishing trips. Wi-Fi is free throughout.