For Luxury And Privacy Book A Bali Vacation Villa

The average beach vacation may be all about soaking in extra sun, frolicking in the sand and clicking typical postcard style photographs against the seemingly endless tropical and beautiful landscape the destination provides, be it Bali, the Caribbean or any other island resort.

For some, it can mean packing in additional holiday fun by signing up for an extreme sports package or visiting all the nightclubs on the boulevard, or possibly, tasting all the exotic Island cuisine they can try at local rates, much lower than back home. However, at the end of such typical beach holidays, most travelers are left holding on to cheap souvenirs and needing another one – just to recover from the hectic pace of arranging for activities and making time to enjoy what Bali offers. However, booking a Bali Vacation Villa can prove to be the ticket to paradise you’ve always wanted and take all the stress out of planning for the next day.

The best properties offering private villa rentals provide for privacy, luxury and comfort with 24-hour in-house staff, attached to each beach cabin and are typically a little away from the hustle and bustle of the main city. For example, booking Bali seminyak villas would mean the freedom to move about a spacious beachfront private home, comprising single to five bedrooms, depending on the kind of property you choose, with all the necessary amenities made available in a fully-equipped kitchen, pool and garden area.

Not only does choosing your private villa in this fashionable part of the famed Bali Isle mean you get to enjoy the luxury of a pristine beach, a short walk away from your selected Bali Vacation Villa, you also get to do so at your own pace. So, if watching the sunset and dinner by moonlight seems to be your heart’s desire, you can do so easily enough by having your chef make you an authentic Balinese meal served on the beachfront.

Or, if clubbing’s more your scene, the concierge is sure to guide you and also make travel arrangements for an all-nighter disc-hopping plan around the trendy part of Bali seminyak villas you are holidaying on. There is no dearth of restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and shopping plazas around this stretch of the island – so do be sure to make adequate enquiries regarding the kind of holiday fun you are looking for – the Villa staff are all usually locals and very friendly with a service-with-a-smile attitude.

For those traveling to Bali in groups, be it business partners or friends and family for company, the luxurious stay offered by the top-end Bali Vacation Villa is a prudent choice, as it can prove more affordable than staying in a hotel. Not only can staying at even the best hotel mean being confined to your room, but also often having to share certain facilities can mean a restriction on your sense of personal freedom. This is easily dealt with when you opt for a private vacation villa stay on the fringes of the Island.

Remember your family vacation for a lifetime with a heavenly few days at a luxurious, all services, Bali vacation villa in the serene and enchanting Bali islands. Happily married couples can rent full service and luxurious Bali seminyak villas and spend a glorious honeymoon vacation to remember forever.

The Perfect Beach Vacation For You

What makes the perfect beach vacation? The most important thing in having the perfect beach vacation is to choose the right destination. Couples don’t want to end up with screaming kids by the pool and families don’t want to end up at a romantic resort designed for couples with no activities to keep the kids amused.

There are hundreds of places that you can select for your perfect beach holiday. You can choose from beaches in the United States, the Caribbean, or decide to go overseas to find additional tropical climates and idyllic beaches.

If you are searching to get away with a spouse or significant other for a romantic beach vacation, Maui may be one of the perfect beach locations. One of the many areas in Hawaii, Maui is one of the top romantic beaches in the world. Maui is also well known for honeymoons, and offers an abundance of incredible beaches with plenty of other things to do as well.

Another well-known destination for a romantic beach vacation is the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands is the perfect destination to get away from it all and just spend time together to get to know each other all over again in paradise. Couples have been choosing these islands for many years for getaways and romantic vacations and honeymoons.

For a family beach vacation, there are lots of places that you and the kids will love. One of the favourite spots in the USA is California, as there are many additional things to interest the kids as well. There are over 1,000 miles of California beaches along the California coast and approximately 118 beach cities. In addition, there are oodles of attractions, including Sea World, Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo.

For the perfect beach vacation, select a location that will have activities that you and your traveling companions will enjoy. If you love surfing, pick a location with waves. Families with small children will prefer calmer waters. If you love going out at night, or collecting seashells or just doing nothing – there is a beach destination to accommodate you.

Once you have narrowed it down to a few perfect locations, look at the costs involved and pick one that fits into your budget. You will not enjoy yourself knowing you broke the bank but at the same time, pick a few things to splurge on to reward yourself and enjoy it.

No matter where you decide to go on your beach vacation, pick the spot that is best suited to who is going, what type of activities you enjoy and one that fits into your budget. A beach vacation can be a perfect vacation because whether you are traveling with that special someone, your family or friends, it will help you unwind, relax and have some fun. We can all use more of that!

Bali Villa Rental Guide to Your Bali Holiday Environment

It is the first day of your Bali holiday and your first night at a Bali rental villa.

Welcome to the paradise called the Bali Island.

However, unless you have been living in the tropics for a while, welcome to what I call the ‘mini-environmental culture shock’. Well, at least if you have chosen a good villa in a non-urban setting, you are in for some new, exciting and really interesting sights, sounds and experiences.

This free travel guide is intended to help you most of your Bali holiday, and the new sights, sounds and smells that await you.

Rice Terraces

Balinese rice terraces are an art form in themselves, which has taken centuries to perfect.

Quite likely, around your rental villa, you will be surrounded by rice terraces which are still being tended by the local community, using the traditional techniques.

The wonderful climate of Bali allows for up to three sets of harvests to take place every year.

Depending on what time of the year you are in Bali, you are going to experience one of the following:

Preparation of the Terraces
This is when the fields look like layers of serene lakes, shimmering in the sun.

Planting of the Saplings
An exciting time, when local farmers will be working busily, planting young saplings, with an amazing speed and technique. If you have a video camera with you, this is the time to get close and personal with the locals community. Most will respond to your request to photo/film their activities with a pride and a smile.

Growing & Protecting
During this period, you will note the farmers continuously in the fields from sun-rise to sun-set. They will either be mending and managing the terraces, or trying to protect their crop from the birds. Protection of the fields from the birds tends to attract the whole community, especially the young and the elderly. You will see interesting home-invented contraptions being put up to scare the birds away, and hear old ladies trying to personally scare the birds away making some very interesting (and obviously time tested) sounds

Harvesting
Given the nature of the rice plant, this is typically a very rapid process. One which is followed by the very labour intensive and slow process of separating the rice from the chaff, manually, by hand, using again centuries old methods.

Cleaning Up
Once the rice harvest has completed, you will note the local community collecting the stalks, and burning them in preparation for the next plantation.
During this final period you may see smoke towering from the fields. Please note that there is no need to be alarmed, as these are controlled fires which take place in the middle of the rice terraces, surrounded by water.

If you have never had the chance to do so, we would highly recommend that you take a stroll through the rice terraces. You will find the local farmers very friendly and welcoming, and if you wanted to take some photos, some will even go out of their way to pose for you!

However, please note that it takes a lot of effort and sweat to keep the rice terraces in working condition. Please keep to the ‘foot-paths’ between the terraces, and avoid walking into the actual water-ways themselves. Also, we would recommend wearing soft shoes (sandals/flip-flops) to minimise damage (to the rice fields). Or like locals do, you may want to go barefoot!

The Local Community

The local community in Bali is organised around a very strong network of Banjars (local councils/cantons).

However, unlike the western concept of councils, each local community is locally managed and run, and is almost a state onto itself, with its own local values, rules and guidelines. So much so, that it can actually be up to the local Banjar to decide if a new building can be built or not, or what purpose should the new developments have.

Typically your Bali villa will have close relationship with the local Banjar, and the local community. Many of your villa staff will probably be from the local village.

The Local Religion in Bali

Like most of the rest of Bali, at Mia Villa we live in a Hindu community.

Balinese Hinduism is a fascinating subject in itself, enshrined in local culture and tradition. We would urge all our guests to track down a temple ceremony and experience this festive religion first hand themselves. (Typically, your Villa Manager will be more than happy to advise you on where the next/nearest public ceremony is likely to be.)

In like with the local traditions, many villas have their own full size temples or at least a mini-temple attached to a wall (quite likely near the kitchen area).

It is perfectly alright to take pictures of the temple, and the villa staff praying, making offerings at the temple. However, as a show of respect to the local traditions a level of respect does indeed go a long way. Using the temple as a towel rack (you would be surprised what some people will do!), allowing children to climb the temple or play with the offerings, and being in the nude around the temple are best avoided.

You will note that, every single day your villa staff will visit the villa temple, making offerings and prayers. These prayers are made to protect the villa, its guests, and its staff from harm and negative forces, and to keep the evil spirits away from your Bali villa.

Balinese Hinduism is a very open minded and accommodating religion. If you wanted to find out more about it please do not hesitate to ask your villa staff, who will often share the subject with you very willingly.

Sights of Nature

Most Bali villas enjoy extensive tropical gardens, and you will be surrounded by a wonderful range of tropical trees and flowers.

Whilst, some like the Heleconia and the Lotus Flowers are easy to spot and appreciate, there are many other smaller varieties of plants that you will come across which provide subtler insights into a tropical garden.

If you want to take certain varieties back home, and try growing them, please do not hesitate to speak to your Villa Gardener or your Villa Manager who will be happy to introduce you to some of the better nurseries on the island. (Of course, please first check that your destination country does allow for import of tropical plants.)

Sounds of Nature

The Gecko

Permanent and non-paying residents of most Bali villas is the Gecko (lizard-like creatures).

Totally harmless to humans and pets, the gecko are welcome guests as they feed on ants and small insects, providing a natural and environmentally friendly pest control.

Gecko also provide the signature sound-bite of the tropics. You will hear the very distinctive call of the Gecko on a regular basis. (It is said that if you count a Gecko call up to seven times in one go it will bring you good luck.)

Possibly the only down-side of Geckos is that they tend to eat a lot, and as a result pooh a lot too! So if you come across small droppings on the floor, you know who the guilty party is.

Some gecko can grow to quite large sizes (30 cm / 1 ft)+, and become quite a bit louder. They are still totally harmless to humans. However, if you find that you are bothered by the louder gecko, you will need to raise this with your Villa Manager.

The Kodok

Another permanent resident of Bali is the Kodok, or frogs as we know them in the English speaking world.

The Kodok are such a big part of the life in Bali (as a result of the rice terraces), that you will see their statues throughout the island, often depicted as mischievous and fun loving characters.

Needless to say, the Kodok are totally harmless, and more often than not, heard rather than seen. (Unless it has been raining, when they will be brave enough to come out for a shower.)

Local Ceremonies

Some evenings you may hear gentle rhythmic drums, and chanting at a distance. (Especially during full moon or dark moon.) These are the sounds of the ceremonies being held at the local villages around you.

Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than, turning off the TV/music, grabbing your favourite drink, and enjoying these ceremonies from a distance. I believe this is one of the most pleasurable benefits of staying at Bali villas.

Traffic, Motorbike, Night-Club Noises

If you have chosen the location of your Bali rental villa correctly, you should hear very little (if any) of noise.

However, if you are having withdrawal symptoms; Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak do indeed provide that bright-lights / big city experience to rival most holiday resorts in the world.

Hopefully, armed with these insights, you can now ease into your new rental villa in Bali, and enjoy your holiday in this island paradise.

Many happy returns…

Virginia Beach Vacation Rentals

Vacationing in Virginia Beach means spending hours at the beach and enjoying the numerous cultural and outdoor activities that abound in this coastal town. As a popular resort destination, you will find numerous restaurants, shops, and amusements down by the water so why not stay close to all the action by choosing the convenience and amenities of a vacation home rental.

You can find vacation rentals throughout Virginia Beach but the most popular option is those that sit directly on the golden sands with views of the crystal blue water. Oceanfront homes make it easy to enjoy the wonder and excitement of the beach since a day of fun and amusement is just a short walk out the back door. Whether you choose to stay directly behind your house rental or venture further down the sand, accessing the beach is easier than you ever imagined when you stay in vacation rental.

While there are numerous hotels that line the shores of Virginia Beach, they lack the convenience and accessibility of a house rental. Rather than standing around, holding all your beach supplies as you wait for an elevator, you simply need to open the door and the sand stands before you. Make numerous trips in and out of the house to replenish your supplies in just a few minutes or head back to make a fresh lunch for the family as they play near surf. Your day at the beach can be much more relaxing and enjoyable when you take advantage of the location and easy access of your accommodations.

Although the kids may believe you can spend every day at the beach, most vacations are packed with other activities such as viewing historical attractions or picking up souvenirs from local vendors. The beach area is the most popular place in Virginia Beach for activities like these since the boardwalk is jam-packed with ways to fill an afternoon or an entire day. When you stay in a waterfront home rental, you can walk to the boardwalk and enjoy the best of what Virginia Beach has to offer without dealing with the stress or headache of finding a remotely close parking spot.

While a hassle-free vacation with numerous activities within walking distance is the goal of most vacation planners, you simply cannot control Mother Nature and what she decides to throw at you. When it’s raining outside and you cannot take advantage of your great location, enjoy the amenities of your vacation rental and the quiet it initiates. No more fighting over one TV as there are numerous throughout the house and forget about staring out the window, wishing the rain to just go away. You can log on to the wireless internet, pop in a DVD for a cozy afternoon, or snatch a book off the shelf and catch up on your reading. While the rain outside may be deafening, the peacefulness inside will be a welcoming and restful change to most rained-out vacation days.

If the beach is just one of the many reasons you are visiting Virginia Beach, consider a home rental that is tucked away amidst towering trees for the privacy and seclusion you typically forfeit on vacation. Rather than dealing with the noise and crowds of the beach, you can rest at any time of day and make your way out of your rental without worrying about the masses slowing you down. Your backyard is fenced in, so enjoy a comfortable dinner on the patio without any unwanted interruptions as you soak in the sweet song of the birds chirping overhead and the serenity of the branches gently swaying in the refreshing breeze.

Virginia Beach vacation rentals make it easy to experience the vacation your have planned and are an excellent entertainment option when unforeseen circumstances take control. Begin your search for the perfect condo our home rental today so you can find the one that has all the amenities you need to realize the vacation of your dreams.

Bali Villa Rental Tips & Tricks

If like me, you have been bitten by the ‘Holiday Villa Bug’, you will already know that no hotel can match the privacy and luxury of a good Villa Holiday. The great news is that today there are even more villa rental options out there than ever before. Not to mention the fact that if you know how to choose the right holiday rental villa you will be saving a lot of money in comparison to the same level of service in a comparable quality hotel.

It seems that no where in the world has seen as big an explosion of luxury fully serviced holiday villas, as the island of Bali in Indonesia.

OK, I happen to be blessed with a great line of work, as a Travel Writer, and have been lucky enough to stay in some of the best tropical resorts around the world, especially in Asia. But still for me, nothing compares to the peace, luxury and delights (not to mention the cost effectiveness) of staying in a good serviced villa in Bali.

So, what makes a ‘good holiday villa’?

Like everyone else, I have learned how to choose the perfect villa through luck, some mistakes and sheer experience.

Here are my top tips for choosing the right villa in Bali for your next Bali holiday.

Location-Location-Location

This sounds obvious, but it is not always easy to make the right location decision when we are sat at home, far away from our holiday destination.

Like every other world-class holiday destination, Bali offers a range of options, from ‘central’ locations, to those which offer ‘absolute tranquility’.

I personally like a balance between the two. On a Bali villa holiday, the last thing one needs is to be sooo central that you feel like you are an extension of a night club’s base unit till wee hours of the morning. On the other hand, I really don’t want to be more than 15-20 minutes away from where the restaurants, shops and the action is. I like my villa to be certainly quiet, preferably amongst rice fields, but at the same time accessible (within 30 minutes of the airport, and a few minutes from the action).

The great thing is that Bali caters for all of these tastes.

Those seeking a central location, with a lively night life may want to look into Legian and Seminyak, (I exclude Kuta area from this list, as there are hardly any proper rental villas left in this bustling tourist centre).

Those who don’t mind a bit of a trek, and don’t want to go out and about much during their holiday, may opt for areas such as Uluwatu or Canggu and beyond.

For me the perfect choice is Kerobokan and Umalas areas. Quiet rural environment, surrounded by rice terraces and real villagers going about their real daily routines (instead of trying to push you a handicraft (Kuta) or pull you into a restaurant you really couldn’t care for (Seminyak)).

Quality and Availability of Service

Now this is an area where villas differ from each other immensely. In Bali most villas proclaim to be ‘fully serviced’. However, how ‘fully’ and how ‘serviced’ range from the most basic to being totally pampered.

A good villa should provide a guest to total staff ratio of nearly 1 to 1, or at least 1.5 to 1. So, if you are a group of 8 you should be looking at, at least, 5-6 full time staff, or for a group of 4 at least 3-4 full time staff. Sounds ostentatiously high? It really isn’t once you consider the effort it takes to keep a holiday villa, its gardens, and the pool in a tip-top shape.

Of course, quantity is never the only answer. The staff needs to be full-time and fully-trained at a professional level. There are too many villas out there, which are run by ‘part-time’ managers and staff who actually have other full time jobs elsewhere!

Your Own Chef

One of the great pleasures of traveling to a foreign destination is to experiment with and experience the local cuisine. And what better place to experience this, than in the comfort of your own villa!

So, make sure that your villa comes with its own Chef. Once you have tasted the delights of enjoying home cooking in your own villa, you will probably not want to venture out to restaurants at all. The best thing is, having your own private villa Chef in Bali, is substantially cheaper than eating out.

However, make sure to check how the Chef arrangement works.

Ideally, the Chef cost should be included in your rental rate. In this case all you have to pay for are the cost of the ingredients which are purchased for you, typically at the local market/supermarket prices, with no mark-up. So, financials of eating at your own villa becomes just like eating at home, but without lifting a finger, and at substantially lower Bali prices.

Some villas claim to offer a Chef service, but charge restaurant/hotel prices for each dish that the chef prepares for you. I prefer to avoid these, as I can always pop out to a restaurant if I so wished anyway.

So, check to make sure that the Chef is part of your villa team, and that you will not be charged incrementally for food on a per item basis.

Your Villa Manager

A professional Villa Manager makes a huge difference to your enjoyment of your holiday. Even if you have been to Bali many times before, a good Villa Manager can be a much valued life-line, a great source of shopping tips, and a problem solver. A good villa manager can provide a wealth of directions/advice, from where to eat, to which river to choose for your white-water rafting adventure in which season, or where the cheapest golf courses are, to which temples to visit to see which local ceremonies.

Needless to say, they should also be managing the villa team, and making sure that the quality of service and cleanliness are never compromised.

Before I book a villa in Bali, I always check to see what the Villa Manager arrangement is like, and that there is a full time Villa Manager on site at the villa I am planning to rent. Typically, for good villas, you can expect to have your own dedicated Villa Manager, or have a Villa Manager who is working at 2-3 adjacent villas. However, if a Villa Manager is expected to look after 5-6+ villas, then you are most likely not going to see him for more than a few minutes a day, only during his courtesy visits (at best), so you loose out on the real benefits of having the inside-track.

Villa Quality & Upkeep

Be very, very weary of any rental villas which can not provide you with more than at least 20 recent photos of the property. These photos should show you not only the outside of the buildings, but also the living/dining areas, as well as insides of bedrooms.

If you are not provided with a sufficient number of photos giving you a clear idea of the property, then it is quite likely that there is something substantially wrong with the property, such as a building overlooking it, an abattoir next door, or at the least peeling paintwork or missing fixtures/furniture.

Remember, not all villas are created equal. But additionally, not all villas are kept and maintained equally well. It is your right to request and see these photos of the property.

Mod-Cons

OK, you are planning to stay on a tiny island, in the middle of the tropics. What mod-cons should you expect?

From own experience, I would suggest that even in the middle of the tropics, good Bali villas should be able to provide at least the following mod-cons:

Air-conditioning in all bedrooms

Clean, Western style kitchen -fully equipped with a fridge, microwave, electric kettle, and a coffee maker, as well as sufficient crockery and cutlery

Safe deposit box – at least one for your private villa use, and preferably one in each bedroom

TV/Satellite/DVD Player – as there will always be someone who wants to catch the news, or children who will need entertaining

Telephone – whilst many of us live attached to our mobile/cellular phones, it is important that there is a permanent phone connection at the villa, in case of emergencies

En-suite bathrooms – if you are looking at going as a family or a group of friends, you really don’t want to spend your holiday in Bali queuing for the next available slot at shared facilities!

Enjoying a fully staffed and serviced villa with your own Chef may seem like an un-attainable dream in most other parts of the world. However, renting a Villa in Bali is by far one of the most cost effective ways of enjoying this beautiful island and the company of its hospitable people.

Now armed with this check-list you are ready to plan you next dream holiday in a Villa in Bali.

Like me, you will probably never want to leave, and go back to reality!

Many happy returns…

Bali Vacation Packages – Provide Affordable Leisure at a Wonderful Spot

Multiplicity of nature, striking beaches, lovely paintings, marvelous fine art and ear soothing music have made Bali, a small island of Indonesia as one of the hottest tourist destinations of the world. Bali is known for its beauty and special vacation packages throughout the world. The beauty of the island is so immense that it will make you flabbergasted. The sound of bells and music coming from temples, farmers cultivating the rice, traditional dances and sculpture, tropical gardens are enough for anyone to lose his heart here. But if stiff budget is an issue, Bali hotels and resorts launch Bali vacation packages at various times of the year to make the trip very affordable.

Bali is so quiet and wonderful that it is very suitable for honeymoon. Honeymoon is the melodious segment of couple’s marital life where they desire to rejoice their harmony and spend some special moments in total closeness and isolation. It is an occasion when you want no exterior interferences in your place. Bali is an ideal place for that with very beautiful beaches and wonderful surroundings, which make the atmosphere perfect for romance. Bali vacation packages present a bonus for newlywed pairs where they can acquire particular discounts from the standard charges on honeymoon packages. There are also certain offers for families with kids depending on their age. Concessions depend on the category of housing you select, the number of rooms and the duration of the stay.

The tours to Bali are quite affordable. You can also take benefit of huge concessions on Bali vacation packages by online booking. It is a very safe method and reservation is confirmed instantaneously by the travel agents of the resort or hotel via telephone or email. There are several travel agencies that can organize your full journey which include all the necessities such as accommodation, airfare reservation, seeing the sightseer spots and food. They can also assist you in selecting a hotel or resort as per your necessities.

The interior decoration of villas and hotels located in tranquil surrounds give a synopsis of the tropical gardens or beaches. A large number of packages provided by Bali hotels and resorts cover harbor transfer or return car. When you will enter into the hotel, you will be greeted by a fruit basket. You will feel totally fresh by the welcome massage of 15 to 30 minutes. Many more amenities such as daily breakfast, bonus on night stay, free cocktails, afternoon snacks and coffee, rooms decorated with blossoming flowers, banana rides are also incorporated in the Bali vacation packages.

Whether you want to get wedded or spend your melodious phase of honeymoon; Bali is just an ideal place with wonderful accommodation available with various affordable packages. There is also a variety of honeymoon and wedding packages according to your requirements. Spa packages are also there for those who just want to go for relaxation and let their body revitalize. Bali hotels and resorts provide the facilities that you can find in exclusive resorts with unparalleled packages. So Bali vacation packages will provide you the experience of the most affordable and fun filled vacation.

Enjoy your vacation, honeymoon, wedding, or anniversary in Bali for a lifetime with a heavenly time spent in luxurious, all services villas at a Bali luxury resort with Bali vacation packages in the serene and enchanting islands of Nusa Lembongan. Contact or call us now for reservations – http://www.nusalembonganresort.com/

Finding Your Cheap Villa in Bali

The island of Bali is famous for it’s extraordinary beauty and unique culture. Bali has been voted the # 1 top island for six consecutive years by prestigious New York based TRAVEL + LEISURE magazine. Visitors to Bali are always impressed by its cultural and natural beauty. Explore its unique places of interest and attractions bali has to offer you. For Australian with just a 5 hour flight from Australia’s East Coast. Surely Bali is a paradise packed with things to do.

Bali has some attractions, sightseeing tours, activities, accommodation and even car hire. Bali has lots of variety of accommodation ranging from luxury resort to cheap Bali villas. So be prepared to find some things out for yourself – as not all cheap Bali villas are made equal. You could find yourself saving far more than you could have dreamed.

If you’re on a budget, October – May (with the exception of Christmas/New Year) is the best time to visit Bali. At this season Bali has more than sufficient facilities such as discount hotels Bali, bargain Bali villas and restaurant to make you feel at paradise. You will be able to find discount Bali villas much more easier but remenber one thing, you must book ealier in advance as rent a bali villa is not like booked a hotel.You just can not book within a few days or i short notice.

There are around 50+ cheap villas in Bali which located from Ubud, Sanur, Seminyak, Canggu and even up until south part of Bali island like Nusa Dua.

So how do you go about finding cheap Bali villas? There are numbers villa rental agents in Bali. The best way is by searching on Google. You will find quite a lot villa rental agents displaying their villa rental on their websites. One thing to look first is to find websites with a BVRA logo. BVRA or Bali Villa Rental Association is govertment approved for villa rental association. By finding BVRA logo on villa rental websites you will have the confidence to book through one of them.

The Bali Villa Rental Association (BVRA) was established by and for licensed villa rental agencies operating in Bali with the aim to initiate and maintain a healthy business climate. BVRA is a body that ensures service quality for clients in a segment composed of both villa owners and holiday makers.

Without a doubt, the safest way to score cheap Bali villas is to be thorough searching. It’s not the easiest way to book a Bali holiday but might actually surprise yourself with how much money you save. You’ll be fine..just put in some work beforehand and once you’ve got that cheap villa for rent you can start dreaming of relaxing on the bench by the pool and enjoying the Balinese culture and marvel of nature.

Beach Vacations – The Perfect Way To Spend Your Summer Holidays

“We’re going to the beach!” The phrase brings back memories of being children and building sandcastles out of wet sand and letting the waves chase us up and down the coast.

As we grow, the beach never quite looses it’s magic. In fact, it gains more magic as we discover beach vacations have more to offer than just sandcastles and waves. Nothing soothes us after a long work year like the sun tanning us, the water lapping at the shore and knowing there will be a clam bake later on tonight and a bonfire past that. With little doubt, beach vacations are among the most relaxing vacations you can take.

The Caribbean Island of Delos Santorini seems to be almost custom made for the explorer in all of us. They are full of history and they have even preserved a town ravaged by a volcano. You can go through and almost touch history as you explore how ancient people lived.

If you are a frequent surfer and are looking for the best surf spot in the world, you will want to check out the Canary Islands, they have recently been given this honor. Whether you are looking to check out ancient ruins or surf the curl, beach vacations are for you.

You will find there is far more to do than in days gone by. While the image of the beach back when you were a child may have involved sandcastles and people in the shade under big umbrellas sitting on towels or lawn chairs, today, they have become full-blown resorts. You can get a message, have room service send up a tropical drink and then walk on the beach at sunset. You can relax your day away or fill up every moment of it.

The typical tropical beach vacation is about two weeks.

Accommodations on the beach have also undergone a big change over the years. No more with the motel that is 3 hours away. Now there are hotels right on the beach that offer more than just a place to sleep. With room service, beautiful views and other amenities, you may be too relaxed in the room to make it to the beach some days.

Another option on some beaches is to get a bungalow right on the beach so you get the feeling of never having to ‘go home’ while on vacation.

The great thing about beach vacations is they can truly be anything you want them to be. Deep sea fishing, shopping at the local shops, surfing, laying on the beach, rock climbing, cabana boys serving drinks as you work on your tan, swimming, clam digging, bonfires, etc. Very truly anything you want.

Lately, Greece has become a very popular destination for a lot of celebrities looking for a beach vacation. Thanks to the incredible, full flavored foods and ancient ruins like the Parthenon, this area seems to draw a variety of people.

Your local travel agent can help you plan the perfect beach vacation, if you are unsure or overwhelmed with the choices. Simply tell the agent what you want and they will put together a beach vacation package for you. You will not have to worry about getting your hotel room or flight arrangements – they will do it for you. They will provide you with information of the area such as restaurants and attractions. Basically, they will take care of the stressful part so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy it!

Summary:

No matter you age, activity level or interests, beach vacations are going to hold whatever you want to do. Activities range from staying on the beach and working on your tan to deep-sea fishing and rock climbing. No longer is it just some place to go when you have a weekend you don’t know what to do with, but more of a designation when you want to spend some time in a special place.

Bali Villa Holiday Guide to Family Holidays in Bali

A rental villa in Bali is a great way to spend your well earned few weeks with family members.

However, whether you go for a luxury Bali villa or a standard private Bali villa, how you spend your holiday, and what you do will almost invariably be defined by the number and ages of the children in your family.

This quick guide is intended to provide you with insights into Bali for families, with Bali travel tips and tricks.

Of course, we will start our list in priority, with the most important people, the young ones. If you wish, you may want to scroll down to the right age group for your children.

Infants

A Bali villa holiday is an ideal choice to make (over hotels and the like), if you are traveling to the island with an infant.

At a rental villa you have greater flexibility, support, and often much needed space.

Invariably, Balinese adore children, especially the younger ones. At your Bali rental villa you will more than likely get eager support to look after the little ones whilst you take a much deserved dip in the pool.

Today in Bali, most of your infant’s and your own needs will be met readily. Clean bottled water should be available at your villa, at no extra cost. Most rental villas will offer a microwave, so handy for warming up bottles. Some will even provide child friendly cutlery, so you don’t have to carry your own. Needless to say, as a favourite international tourist destination, Bali offers some very good international standard hospitals and English speaking doctors, if the need arises.

If your little one (or you for that matter), have a particular make of infant formula that you prefer, you may want to get your Bali Villa Manager to check availability for you before you arrive. Whilst there is an increasingly wider choice of baby formulas and ready-made fruit/vegetable purees available in Bali, you may not always be able to find the specific brand that you are familiar with. Of course, the same goes for disposable nappies. These are available at most supermarkets, but possibly not exactly the right brand you may be after.

The great thing about taking your own baby formula, and disposable nappies to Bali is that, having used these up in Bali, for your return trip home, you are left with much more space/weight allowance for all the shopping you will have done in Bali!

For your supplies, you may wish to try Bali Deli, Bintang Supermarket Bali. For a good selection of inflatables drop in at Matahari Bali at Bali Galleria.

Toddlers

Toddlers will love Bali and the Balinese people, since they are absolutely wonderful in interacting with the young ones.

If you want your toddler to make the most of your Bali villa pool, then you can find a variety of inflatable swimming support equipment at department stores, malls and pharmacies. Of course, it is worth noting that when buying these types of devices in Asia, one needs to pay careful attention that it meets international safety regulation. Also, as all inflatable equipment intended for children should clearly state, -these are not life saving devices and should always be used under the supervision of a competent adult swimmer-..

Also, it is worth noting that, many good villas in Bali, will actually provide some basic toys for your toddlers. Again, it is worth checking that these do meet international safety standards, as some cheap knock-offs may have small pieces or sharp edges.

If you are in need of some nap time stories, there are numerous bookshops in Bali which carry a good selection of English language children’s books. You will find that especially those printed in Indonesia are very reasonably priced.
You may want to try Peripulus Bali or Gramedia Bali, both of which seem to have suitable book selections for the young ones.

Older Children

In my experience, older children will have a ball in Bali and quite likely very happily tire themselves out between the villa swimming pool and the daily excursions.

If you have chosen one of the more spacious Bali villas, it is worth noting that the Balinese do enjoy playing football/soccer as much as the next nation. The rental villa staff will probably need only a tiny bit of encouragement to start playing ball with your young ones.

Similarly, your female villa staff will be more than happy to play-house with your little girl for many hours. What a better way for the young ones to get to learn a new culture, and may be pick up a word or two of the local language whilst having fun!

Of course, once you manage to drag yourself out of your Bali holiday villa, the options for the young ones are even more numerous.

Here is a quick list for starters:

1. Waterbom Park Bali
A genuine must during your Bali villa vacation. Suitable rides for children of all ages.

2. Horse Riding
From chaperoned rides on ponies to full galloping experience on the beach.

3. Cruising
A selection of boats, and family cruises to choose from.

3. Lovina Dolphin Watching
Bit far away from most Bali villas, but still well worth the trip.

5. Elephant Safari Park
With some great conservation and animal rescue efforts.

6. Go-Karting
For those with the need for speed.

Teenagers

I regularly get asked, if it is safe to mix Bali with teenagers. In all honesty? The answer is an absolute and one hundred percent, yes.

Bali is essentially a very safe place.

Over a million people visit Bali every year, with tens of thousands of teenagers traveling to Bali with their families, or on their own, and in majority of the cases, no one ever feels threatened or in any form of risk.

There are numerous restaurants, bars, and night clubs in Bali, and probably all are essentially safe places for anyone with some common sense.

Three simple guidelines apply in Bali, as with any other holiday destination.
- Keep away from illegal substances.
- Drink alcohol in moderation (especially in the heat, as one will already be dehydrated)
- Think twice before renting a motor-bike (or certainly, riding one under the influence of alcohol)

Once these three basics are addressed, you will find Bali to be one of the safest holiday destinations for your teenagers.

For You

Of course, last but not least, if there is any time left, you yourself will want to enjoy your Bali villa to the fullest.

The great news is, you have your own private swimming pool in your own villa. (Almost all Bali villas come with private pools.) Also, quite likely a wonderful sun-deck from which to soak up the rays.

Most Bali rental villas come equipped with a TV and Satellite/Cable connection. So if you want to catch up on the news, or sports, or just enjoy a DVD, you will not feel out of touch.

Many rental villas in Bali will also provide a library service, providing all sorts of fiction/non-fiction books for your reading pleasure whilst in Bali.

If you want to be a bit more adventurous, and can actually bring yourself to leave your newly found haven, here are a few things you may wan to try:

1. Dance Performances
Try to catch one of each of:Kecak, Legong and Fire Dances, at least.

2. Designer Shopping
In the recent years, Balinese design scene has been experiencing an amazing renaissance.

3. Diving
Different courses and organised dives exist to meet all needs.

4. Fishing
Fishing boats from Benoa Harbour or Sanur)

5. Golfing
A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali, many with great views.

6. Helicopter Tours
Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget.
7. Kite Boarding
Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental are available at Nusa Dua beaches.

8. Surfing
If you are experienced, you will know where to go. If you want to learn, head for the Kuta beach where you can catch beginners’ lessons.

9. Paragliding
Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces into the Indian Ocean!.

10. White Water Rafting
Enjoy a thrilling ride through 8 kilometers of rapids!

Once you have done it, you will agree that, Bali villas offer an amazing setting to enjoy your family holiday. The great thing is, you get to have a great Bali holiday, together, but each enjoying their own space, flexibility and freedom.

Hopefully, armed with these insights, you can now ease into your new Bali rental villa, and have a spectacular holiday in this island paradise.

Many happy returns…

Bali Vacation Villas

Countryside carvings? Bali is the answer!

Bali Vacation Villas are exclusively designed to make people feel like their in the countryside. Leave aside the fast-paced metropolitan lifestyle for awhile and pack yourself off to a luxurious villa in Bali that combines a peaceful surrounding with luxurious villas to keep you enchanted. So, if you wake up to the symphonic chirping of birds with the cool wind blowing in your face and trees that make the ambience, don’t be surprised; you’re definitely not dreaming. You’re in Bali.

Bali vacation villas not only have a harmonious blend of calmness and beauty, but they also accompany it with recreational facilities that are bound to nurture your body and mind. For people that are adventure-loving, you can go ahead right to the swimming pool and gaming area or visit the beach for some thrilling motor sports. On the other hand, those in the mood of relaxing and unwinding can head set their sight towards the spa and massage parlor. It works both ways. Ultimately, you are the one who is going to have a memorable vacation.

Bali vacation villas have facilities that cater to every customer’s requirements and preferences. You could venture out for a romantic evening dinner under a moonlit sky with your partner or maybe even head right to a club or lounge to dance the night away with your friends. It’s a win-win situation for you either way. At Bali vacation villas, you have everything that you look for in a vacation right here. These villas do make holidaying unforgettable.

So whenever the thought of taking a trip somewhere south to the equator, Bali vacation villas are the place to consider. A perfect place for a romantic getaway or vacation with your family and friends – that’s Bali vacation villas for you!

Do not hesitate, click on this website and check out the packages!

Next Page »