Overview
From the moment you descend the stone steps that carve their way down the river gorge, Villa Maya Retreat will captivate you with its beauty and tranquillity. Jungle vines hang from mature trees, moss and lichen cling to statues and a waterfall cascades down to the villa hidden below. A huge rust-red door swings open to reveal a secluded oasis - your own private paradise. Traditional thatch-roofed pavilions overlook the gently flowing Penet River and clusters of towering bamboo, while a 12-metre swimming pool with timber deck provides the perfect arena to soak up the forest ambiance.
With six stand-alone bedrooms, (three with private plunge pools), Villa Maya Retreat is perfect for families and friends looking to share their holiday experience while also enjoying privacy and room to breathe. From the curtained relaxation balés to the secret garden alcoves to the sunset lounge at the river's edge, there are plenty of places to soak up the views and absorb the peace.
While the villa may be in an out-of-the-way rural setting, everything you need is at your fingertips. A full complement of staff, including an experienced chef, is on hand to prepare and serve delicious home-cooked Asian and Western meals. A car and driver is also on standby for those eager to explore the island or indulge in Seminyak's trendy restaurants, bars and shops (a 45 minute drive to the south).
A stay at Villa Maya Retreat is not complete without exploring the pretty neighbouring village of Cepaka, where, guests are privy to local traditions that have been practiced for centuries. Witnessing a temple ceremony, watching farmers tend their fields or simply playing with the village children in the street, it's easy to fall under the spell of the Island of the Gods, its magicleaving you refreshed and rejuvenated for your return home.
Accommodation
Steep stone steps bordered by lush foliage and a man-made waterfall lead down to the villa's main entrance: a large rust-red cantilevered door that opens onto a fish-filled lotus pond traversed by stepping stones.
Beyond the pond, and overlooking the pool and river, is the dining pavilion which also houses an informal living area and, to one side, the kitchen. Downstream is the open-sided TV lounge and three stand-alone bedroom suites, while upstream lies the riverside lounge terrace, relaxation balé and master suite. Two more bedrooms are located on a terrace higher in the gorge, accessed by stairs to the rear of the kitchen and master suite.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
All six luxurious bedrooms at Villa Maya Retreat are housed in alang-alang (thatched) or ironwood-shingle roofed pavilions with high-vaulted ceilings, polished terrazzo floors, ensuite bathrooms and individual patios from which to admire the views. Each suite features a canopied four-poster king-size bed and is cooled by air conditioning and ceiling fans.
Master suite
The master or honeymoon suite offers total seclusion with its own private garden featuring a 5-metre riverside plunge pool and sun deck. The bedroom, which has a large walk-in dressing room and a prettily cusioned rattan sofa facing a flat-screen TV, features large glass doors opening onto a sheltered patio with a comfortable daybed - just the spot for reading or bird watching. A slatted screen divides the bathroom from the garden, so guests can soak up the ambiance from the cream terrazzo bathtub or the black lava-stone rain shower.
Riverside suites
Three guest pavilions sit side-by-side along the riverbank, offering sublime jungle views from the bed or seating area through glass bi-fold doors that open onto an outdoor terrace. The ensuite garden bathrooms with twin vanities and a black lava-stone rain shower back onto the vine-clad stone cliff-face wall, creating a jungle-cave setting. The suite closest to the living pavilion also has a terrazzo bath in its ensuite and is equipped with a TV and DVD player.
Upper terrace suites
Higher up the gorge with great views of the river valley are the two upper terrace suites, each with private plunge pool and sun terrace. A later addition to the estate, these light and airy suites are more modern in design and include black rattan sofa and table sets ? perfect for afternoon tea. Both ensuite bathrooms ? one semi-open, one enclosed ? have tubs and rain showers.
Living & Dining Areas
Facing the swimming pool at the heart of the estate, the open-sided fan-cooled thatched dining pavilion forms the social hub of the villa. A four-metre-long solid wood dining table resting on the polished concrete floor commands centrestage, complemented by ten comfortably cushioned rattan chairs. This pavilion also makes a casual living area, with rattan sofas and an ottoman arranged around a rustic coffee table and a surround-sound music system. Alongside is the fully equipped kitchen and a service bar with three bar stools according a ringside seat for sipping cocktails while watching the chef at work.
A few steps away is a second open-sided pavilion with a two-tiered roof fashioned in the style of a traditional Balinese wantilan (village meeting hall). Here, three sofas arranged around a marble-topped coffee table face a 42-inch satellite TV with DVD player and library of movies and magazines.
The 12-metre green-stone swimming pool is encircled by a large wooden deck where six loungers shaded by ceremonial umbrellas encourage supine indolence. An alfresco dining area gazes across the pool towards the batik-cushioned balé which provides respite from the tropical sun.
Suspended over the river, a party terrace with U-shaped seating makes an idyllic setting for pre-dinner drinks. Close by, a huge curtained balé is just the place to enjoy a massage, soothed by the sounds of the river. These garden living spaces invite guests to unwind, relax and admire the iridescent blue kingfishers and alu (water monitor lizards) that scale the river banks.
Comfort & Amenities
| Children | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Baby crib |
Games |
High chair |
| Confort | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beach towels |
Bed linen |
Ceiling fan |
Pool towels |
|
Toiletries |
Towels |
| Equipments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Full Kitchen |
Juicer |
Wet bar |
| High-Tech | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
CD player |
DVD player |
iPod docking station |
Satellite TV |
|
Telephone |
Wi-Fi access |
| Outdoor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beach chair |
Beach umbrella |
Garden |
Outdoor dining |
|
Outdoor furniture |
Private parking |
| Security | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Safe |
| Services | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cocktail on arrival |
Dry cleaning services |
Laundry services |
Meals |
|
Welcome drink |
| Services extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Spa treatment |
| Staff | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chef |
Concierge |
Gardener |
Maid Service |
|
Pool Attendant |
Security guard |
Villa Manager |
| Staff extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Baby sitter |
Masseuse |
Private chauffeur |
Staff & Services
One of the greatest advantages of staying in a villa is the personalised service provided by dedicated staff. Villa Maya Retreat's staff have been professionally trained and will do their upmost to please with their warm and friendly Balinese hospitality.
Villa manager
Villa Maya Retreat's friendly manager is responsible for the overall operation of the villa. His job is to oversee and coordinate the staff and property and to assist guests during their stay.
Chef
The villa's skilled private chef will happily prepare anything from the Western, Asian, vegetarian and children's suggestion menus, as well as discuss special requests and dietary requirements.
Villa attendants
Two long-serving villa attendants look after daily housekeeping and domestic duties.
Gardeners
Two gardeners maintain Villa Maya Retreat's lush gardens and swimming pool.
Driver
A driver and car (seating up to 7 passengers) available for up to 8 hours per day at USD$25++ (excludes petrol).
Security
Two guards provide night-time security.
Pool
Private Pool 12m.
Location
Villa Maya Retreat is situated in a jungle-clad river gorge close to the village of Cepaka in Bali's Tabanan Regency, known as Bali's ?rice bowl' due to its vast terraced rice fields. This quaint village bordering the Penet River is a rare example of a traditional Balinese community untouched by tourism and the rapid development to the south of the island. Villa guests are accorded a privileged insight into the agricultural, religious and daily life of the friendly villagers. Just 12 kilometres away is the famed Tanah Lot sea temple and the award-winning Greg Norman-designed Nirwana Bali Golf Course. The nearest surf beaches, including Echo Beach, are about eight kilometres from the villa.
Echo Beach
8km
Canggu
9km
Nirwana Bali Golf Club
11km
Tanah Lot
12km
Seminyak
15 km
Kuta
20km
Ubud
25 km
Denpasar Airport
25 km
Activities
Villa Maya Retreat's manager will have a wealth of information about nearby places of interest and will help arrange transport and make any bookings required. Do also ask the staff about the local area. Many of them live nearby and will be able to give an interesting insight into some of the fascinating aspects of Bali life.
In the meantime, here is a taste of the many and varied activities on offer within reach of the villa.
- Villa Maya Retreat is close to the famous temple at Tanah Lot (12 km), although in peak season a few too many tourists may transform a sunset visit into more of a heaving photo opportunity than a moving experience. Visiting early in the morning (8-9am) provides a better idea of the power of the location and the chance to see it undisturbed apart from perhaps an offering ceremony.
- A nice sunset alternative is to head down to Echo Beach (8km) where a number of cafes offer good sunset views and cold beer. Note that the beach here is dark volcanic sand and the waters are better suited to surfing, having a pronounced swell and rip, rather than children's swimming. Hotel Tugu, a very stylish and eclectic boutique hotel a few minutes further down the coast is also a good sunset spot.
- Fashionistas, trendies and shop-a-holics should hot-foot it down to Seminyak, Bali's most cosmopolitan enclave. Here, you can indulge for hours in the glut of stylish, chic boutiques. There is a wide choice of fine dining, mid range, and cheap ?n cheerful restaurants in Seminyak too: fine dining venues include Sarong, the famous Ku Dé Ta, Mama San, La Lucciola, Sardine and Métis.
- Play a round at the unbelievably scenic Nirwana Bali Golf Course. Bordered by ocean and rice fields and just down from Tanah Lot sea temple, no wonder this championship-standard course (designed by golf legend, Greg Norman) is frequently voted number one in Asia.
- Drive westwards to explore the charming Tabanan Regency, revealing terraced rice fields of emerald green, volcanic mountains and black-sand beaches dotted with fishing communities. Or head north to explore the volcanic lakes near the mountain town of Bedugul, including Lake Bratan with its photogenic and stunningly positioned Pura Ulun Danu - one of Bali's most important temples.
- Covering 3.8 hectares of tropical parkland in Kuta, Waterbom Bali has 16 water slides (including The Climax with its 360 degree loop) to entertain the young and the young at heart. A great family day out, but go early to beat the crowds.
- Bali Treetop Adventure Park is near the town of Bedugal in northern central Bali (next to Lake Bratan). Five adventure circuits, with heights ranging from two to 20 metres, challenge all level and ages on suspended bridges, spider nets, Tarzan jumps and 12 flying foxes.
- Explore the scenic rice-field landscape and rural villages; a great way to get under the skin of the 'real' Bali. Stop off at a local warung (café) to sample some basic Balinese fare or cool off with a cold drink.
Services included
Exclusive use of the villa and all its facilities, including the services of a staff team including villa manager, chef, villa attendants, plus a car and driver for up to eight hours at a special rate (excluding petrol).
Additional Notes
Families
The family friendly advantages of a villa holiday are many, including access to your own private facilities and the freedom to use them whenever you want. Knowing that the kids can run around happily, independently and safely, without you having to worry about other guests, is a real plus ? and one that means parents are certain to have a more relaxed holiday too.Villa Maya Retreat is a great villa for families with older children: those with toddlers will need to be vigilant, however, due to the villa's riverside location, steep staircases and numerous fish ponds and water features.
The team of friendly staff at Villa Maya Retreat will make children feel as welcome as adults, and having these willing helpers on hand gives guests plenty of flexibility and freedom to do their own exploring beyond the villa grounds (full-time babysitting incurs a small extra cost).
Although the equipped kitchen allows you to prepare meals for fussy eaters or babies with ease, staff will happily to do this for you ? just talk through your requirements and meal schedules with the villa manager or chef and they will take care of the rest. Pancakes by the pool for breakfast? Toasties for tea? No problem. The chef can customise all meals to suit children's taste buds.
Don't worry about packing all that cumbersome kids' equipment for your stay. Just let us know what you need, and anything we don't have in-house (villa facilities include a baby cot, highchair, car seat and games) we can hire on your behalf (click here to see list of available hire items).
And when the excitement of exploring the villa starts to wear off, check out our Things to do page; there's plenty in the area to keep kids of all ages amused throughout the holiday.
Dining
The personal chef at Villa Maya Retreat is at your service to prepare daily breakfast, lunch and dinner.The villa offers an extensive suggestion menu of delicious home-style meals featuring Asian and international dishes to cater to all tastes, with an excellent selection of vegetarian and children's options. The chef is also more than happy to tailor meals to accommodate any special dietary requirements. A stay is not complete without sampling the chef's pepes ikan (fish steamed in banana leaf), satay ayam (chicken satay on bamboo skewers) or pisang goreng (fried banana) with ice cream.
Groceries and beverages are charged at cost price. Guests will be requested to provide grocery money in advance, and the staff will do the shopping and keep the receipts for reference. To make the most of the kitchen and give staff time to shop, it is a good idea to plan meals the evening before.
Spa
Feel like a body scrub or massage? Just ask our staff to bring the spa to you! We can recommend deluxe treatments carried out in the privacy of your own villa by fully trained therapists from a reputable local spa (extra charges will apply). Here's a sample of what's on the menu:Massage
Release built up tension with a traditional Balinese massage. Using a combination of gentle stretches, acupressure and aromatherapy oils to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and energy around your body, you will feel totally relaxed in no time.
Foot reflexology
Foot reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet which correspond to every part of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes tension is relieved and circulation improved leaving you feeling balanced.
Body scrub
A full body scrub will exfoliate and hydrate your skin leaving it soft and smooth. A rejuvenating scrub combines an abrasive material such as salt, coffee, rice bran or pecan hulls with essential oils to remove any impurities and make your skin glow.
Manicure/pedicure
Our hands and feet work hard for us every day but rarely get the attention they deserve. Treat them to a manicure or pedicure, which usually comes with the added bonus of a quick hand or foot massage.
You may also be interested in these villas...
