Lillypad villa

The neighbourhood:

Where to beach club nearby:

Potato Head: The original Queen of the beach club scene, Potato Head still has what it takes. Top international DJs are just par for the course here, but don’t wait until evening to arrive: come early and grab yourself a daybed in the sun by the infinity pool. While you’ll need to book if you want a daybed, there are also lots of walk in options with no minimum spend. Later on, head to Sunset Park, the rooftop terrace, for drinks and nibbles before the real party begins. Potato Head also gets five stars for its sustainability efforts, with zero waste initiatives across the restaurants and bars, and activities for you to get your hands dirty if you so wish, such as organised beach clean ups.

Ku De Ta: The original and, in my view, the best, Ku De Ta is the picture of class. Understated and elegant, this is a great place to spend the day, all the way from brunch to dinner. While away the afternoon by the gorgeous infinity pool that looks out over the ocean. Later, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Palm Deck restaurant. If you have kids, don’t miss Family Sundays. It’s different every week but expect fun, creative workshops and some great food.

Where to eat nearby:

The Forge: A very ‘90s gastro pub and sports bar within walking distance of the villa. The pub serves Western style food including burgers, craft beers and all sorts of cocktails. The menu though goes beyond Western style comfort food  – you can order delicacies from Oysters to Wagyu beef tartare. Check for the offers as there are plenty depending on the day.

Merah Putih: We couldn’t miss out Merah Putih, which scores points not only for its unforgettable menu of Indonesian classics and modern fusion, but also for its stunning eco-friendly architecture. The main dining hall is modelled after a cathedral, with high rib vaulted ceilings and ornamental columns. More than this, it comprises a mini eco system of plants, solar films, heat reflecting fabrics, and columns that capture rainwater and filter it into indoor streams. If you can take your eyes off your surroundings, cast a look at the menu – we recommend going for a selection of small plates (try the coral trout) followed by a large plate of suckling pig, or Sulawesi spiced barramundi.

Boy’N’Cow: You think you know steak? Boy n Cow’s steak is going to take you to places you never knew steak could go. Bali’s first ‘meat boutique’ specialises in dry aged steak, grain or grass fed, butchered in house and thrown on the charcoal gaucho grill until it’s perfect. If you’re really up for something special, try the wagyu porterhouse, which feeds 2-3 people, paired with the bearnaise or chimichurri. It’s not just the steaks that are out of this world – you have to get the steak chips with black truffle and parmesan, and wash it all down with the Smoky Apple whisky and yuzu cocktail.

Where to party nearby:

Mirror Lounge: For something a bit different, check out Mirror Lounge and Club on Seminyak’s main Jalan Petitenget Street. This nightclub is styled like a gothic church gone bad, with mirrored walls and towering ceilings, mosaic glass, dangling chandeliers and cherubs and crazy futuristic laser lights.

The music is electronic and trance. This is an upmarket night club and it has a dress code – basically it’s casual chic for guys, and ‘dress to impress’ for women. Take a look at their events roster – while the DJs here are always great, there are regular events and guest DJs to make your night even more special.

La Favela: You don’t need special events to enjoy Seminyak’s slice of Bali night life though – every night’s a party night somewhere! Try hitting up La Favela, a quirky bar and restaurant by day, and a dance club by night. This atmospheric themed bar takes you to the jungles of Indonesia, the favelas of Rio and the underground clubs of New York and London, with some street art thrown in on top.

It’s host to some of the biggest late night parties in Bali, with DJs every night, salsa on Tuesdays, and the craziest parties at the weekend. This is home to the beautiful people so you’re going to fit right in! Oh, and if you’re hosting a private event, check out their new private function area, Attika. Just sit back while your private butler brings you cocktails and tapas.

Da Maria: Or you could try Da Maria, the Italian pizza place (and their pizzas are really pretty good) that becomes a night club on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 10pm. All nights are fun here, but it’s Sunday nights and the event they call 528HZ when this place really shines.

Disco, house, funk and techno tracks will keep you dancing. But just in case, insider tip: the Sicilian margaritas will really help too. If that’s not your scene, maybe Inno Wednesday is for you, with hip hop, Afrobeats and RnB.

Mexicola: Or maybe Mexico is where your heart is at? You cannot miss Motel Mexicola! This restaurant-slash-night club is a retro delight of bright colours and 1960s styling. This is where to go when your vibe is dancing on tables with tequila shots. We won’t tell anyone. Open till late every evening, and look out for special events too: if you time your holiday right to catch it, their Cinco de Mayo is the best party in town.

Café del Mar: Yes, the world famous Café del Mar has come to Bali, bringing its Ibiza vibes, sunset views and international DJ sets with it. Placed right on the beach at Batu Belig, Café del Mar gives you fabulous ocean views from its day beds, private luxury cabanas, pool booths, sunset booths and its infinity pool with swim up bars.  There’s also indoor dining and a cocktail lounge. What really shines out about this beach club though is its parties and big-name DJ events. If you’re around for Halloween or NYE, this is one party you cannot miss.

Getting around:

We can provide a 14seater Hiace mini bus with driver for $85 USD = 1.200.000 IDR for 8 hours or $55 US = 800.000 IDR for 5 hours. Alternatively, the staff can help rent a motorbike. Prices range from $5.5 USD = 80.000 IDR for a standard Vario to $18 US = 250.000 IDR for the more premium Nmax.

Lillypad villa