Villa Ambra

We left our ‘city' lives behind and started our 3 week holiday in the lush cocoon that is Ubud, where we relaxed and eased into Bali. From there we moved to the coast, and Villa Ambra became our home for 9 magical days. Putu and Eka whisked us away to Villa Ambra, where we were met by several gorgeous smiling faces, and with chilled Frangipani scented flannels and refreshing mojitos. I mention the chilled Frangipani scented flannels because we loved them and savoured them each time we got “home” from a day trip. The welcome committee also includes a stunning four-legger - a thoroughly modern day lady canine, independent and strong-willed, yet loving. We spent many hours lounging or playing with her. The entire villa is extraordinarily comfortable and welcoming, and styled by a very keen, creative eye - the owners have fabulous taste. You cannot help but relax and take in the gorgeous views from the open air living room, which faces out to the waves crashing into the beach. Each ensuite bedroom is beautifully styled, with a unique ‘wow factor' bathroom, equipped with everything you might need. The villa’s GM Putu, organised pedicures and massages for us. The beautiful therapists came to the villa and provided the services on site - the villa has its own massage table – it was the best, what beats a mani, pedi and a massage by the beach? Eka or Gede, the villa’s very personable drivers, would take us to any place we wanted to go. We thoroughly enjoyed our conversations during the rides. They drive with such confidence and care that we never felt nervous, and instead enjoyed watching the organised chaos that is Bali traffic. After spending a few hours out shopping, or on an adventure, we couldn’t wait to get back to the villa’s pool to relax before another divine VA supper. The 3 incredibly talented chefs, Wayan, Wayan (Lady) and Hendra, whipped up some of the most delicious meals we’ve ever had. The hot and sour soup, soft shell crab with mango salad and raspberry soufflé were incredible! In hindsight, we would have loved to go on a trip to the markets with the purchaser Wayan, to see the ingredients and learn more about Balinese food and cooking. Each evening we were taken care of by one of our lovely night porters, Wira, Suma or Eka. Better rest and relaxation could not be had any place else - the lullaby of the sea breezes whistling through the trees’ leaves along with the ebb and flow of the crashing waves pacified us into nightly hibernation. Every morning, after a deep and satisfying sleep, we floated down to breakfast by the pool or at the villa’s exquisite dining table, greeted by the sweet smiles of Dwi, Gede, Ayu, Kadek, or Ayu. On the morning of our sunrise beach stroll, we were greeted with a warm smile and two lattes…then off we went to frolic in the wet sand and the swash of the waves. We weren’t dreaming, we were in the dream. The beach was a firm fixture in our time at VA - a sunrise walk is a must, and the fiery sunsets must not be missed, they are breathtakingly stunning. Agung, the gardener appeared each morning to tend to the beautiful garden and pool area, where we spent much of our time. Villa Ambra is kept running efficiently by Wayan and Gede, the engineers, who attended to some blown bulbs as soon as we reported them. Lastly, we cannot forget to mention our dear Balinese sister Ketut, who is an incredible and beautiful woman with a big heart. She is wonderful company and brings joy to her job, which means Villa Ambra is always filled with smiles and laughter. I mention the smiles several times because Villa Ambra is a happy place, the day is gentle and you are treated with genuine care. The staff do everything with warmth and love, we were touched by their kindness and attentiveness, and the invisible service which they provide. When the day came to say our goodbyes, we considered all 19 staff as our family, and we left a piece of our hearts with them for safe keeping. We know we will return, and our little Balinese family will be the first place we visit! PS. Names are not repeated but instead several staff share the same name, and each one is integral to Villa Ambra’s enchanting touch!