Finding the Perfect Villa in Bali for Rent for Your Next Escape
1. Decide What Kind of Bali Escape You Really Want
Before you start searching for a villa in Bali for rent, it helps to picture the kind of days you want to have. Are you dreaming of quiet mornings by a private pool, afternoons in beach clubs, or easy access to shopping and cafés? Areas like Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu all offer very different moods. Once you know whether you’re more “rice fields and yoga” or “sunset cocktails and restaurants”, you can filter villas by neighbourhood and avoid scrolling endlessly through options that don’t fit.
Think about who you’re travelling with as well. Couples might prefer a smaller, more intimate place, while families and groups need multiple bedrooms and spaces where people can spread out. Check whether the villa layout gives everyone some privacy as well as places to gather.
2. What to Look For in a Bali Villa Listing
When you’re searching for a villa in Bali for rent, go beyond the first set of photos. Click through to see bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas; these often reveal more about the property’s condition than the hero shots. Look for details like mosquito nets, ceiling fans or air-conditioning in bedrooms, and whether the pool gets sun throughout the day or is mostly shaded. Reviews are gold here: guests will usually mention if the villa is noisy at night, how comfortable the beds are, and whether the staff are helpful.
It’s also worth checking what’s included in the nightly rate. Many villas offer daily housekeeping, breakfast, airport transfers or even a driver for local trips. These extras can make a big difference to how relaxed your stay feels, especially if you’re new to Bali and still finding your feet.
3. Why Some Villas Stand Out from the Rest
Every traveller has a slightly different idea of what makes the “perfect” stay, but certain villas manage to tick most of the boxes. They combine generous indoor and outdoor spaces, thoughtful staff and a location that makes it easy to enjoy both quiet time and local life. In Seminyak, for example, a property like Villa Kinaree Estate offers multiple bedroom options, lush gardens and pools, and staff who can help arrange everything from in-villa meals to day trips around the island.
Whether you choose a place like that or a smaller hideaway, the key is to treat the search for a villa in Bali for rent as part of the fun. Take your time, bookmark a few favourites, and imagine how a day would unfold in each one—from your first coffee by the pool to the last dip before bed. When you finally arrive and drop your bags, it will feel less like checking into accommodation and more like stepping into a temporary home in one of the world’s most loved island destinations.
5 Little Habits That Make Any Trip Feel More Relaxed
1. Unpack Just Enough to Feel at Home
It’s tempting to live out of a suitcase, especially on shorter trips, but a few minutes of unpacking can instantly make a room feel more welcoming. Hang up the clothes you know you’ll wear most, stack your T-shirts neatly on a shelf and choose one spot for keys, phone and wallet. Having a mini “home base” inside your room means you’re not hunting for things every time you head out. It also signals to your brain that you’re allowed to settle, not just rush from one activity to the next.
2. Create a Simple Morning and Evening Ritual
Holidays can become strangely hectic when every moment is filled. Adding small rituals at the start and end of each day helps you slow down. Maybe it’s making the first cup of coffee on the balcony while you check the day’s weather, or a short walk before breakfast to pick up fruit and pastries. In the evening it might be a slow stretch on the terrace, a journal entry or ten quiet minutes with a book. These micro-routines give your trip a rhythm and anchor your memories to specific smells, views and sounds.
3. Leave “White Space” in the Itinerary
One of the simplest ways to make any trip feel more relaxing is to deliberately plan less. Choose one main activity per day—a museum, a hike, a neighbourhood to explore—and leave the rest open. That extra space allows you to linger over a good lunch, follow a side street that looks interesting or head back to your room for a mid-afternoon nap without feeling guilty. Some of the best moments happen when there’s nothing specific you have to do.
4. Prioritise Comfort in Your Base
Your accommodation doesn’t have to be ultra-luxury, but it should feel comfortable. That might mean checking reviews for mattress quality, bringing your own small pillow or eye mask, or choosing places with natural light and somewhere to sit other than the bed. When your base feels calm and cosy, you’re more likely to take a breather between outings and actually enjoy time spent “at home” during your stay.
5. Capture Fewer, Better Memories
It’s easy to spend half a trip looking through a phone screen. Instead of taking a hundred photos of everything, aim for a handful of thoughtful shots each day. Put the camera away between them and really look at where you are—the colour of the tiles, the way the air feels, the background sounds. When you get home, those fewer but more intentional images will be stronger triggers for the relaxed, happy moments you experienced.
Choosing the Right Place to Stay for a Group of Friends
1. Start with How You Actually Spend Time Together
When you’re booking a trip with friends, it’s easy to focus on price and location first. But before you scroll through maps, think about how your group naturally spends time together at home. Do you cook and eat long meals? Play games late into the night? Watch films, or sit outside talking? The answers will guide whether you need a big dining table, an outdoor area, a comfy living room or separate corners where people can retreat with a book. Once you know your group’s style, it’s much easier to filter through apartments, houses and villas.
2. Balance Private Space and Shared Space
The best group stays get the balance right between privacy and togetherness. Everyone needs a decent bed and somewhere to stash their stuff, but not every bedroom has to be identical. It can work well to give early sleepers and light sleepers quieter rooms, while night owls share spaces closer to the living area. At the same time, make sure the shared spaces are genuinely big enough: a tiny sofa for six people won’t cut it. Look for photos that show people using the space, or at least different angles, so you can judge whether everyone can comfortably hang out together.
3. Be Honest About Budget and Expectations Upfront
Nothing ruins a group trip faster than money stress. Before you start sending links around, agree on a rough budget and what’s included. Some people might be happy to pay more for a place with a pool or a central location, while others would rather save on accommodation and spend more on activities. Talk openly about things like shared food, cleaning, and whether you’ll eat out most nights or cook together. Once you have that clarity, you can look for stays that feel like good value rather than arguing over a long list.
Femaile tourist photographing with smartphone Puerto de la Cruz City on Tenerife island
4. Look for Stays That Support Your Plans
If you’re planning a weekend of exploring local bars and restaurants, a central apartment makes more sense than a remote farmhouse. If your dream is lazy days and long swims, it’s worth travelling a little further for a house with a pool and outdoor seating. Read between the lines of property descriptions to see whether a place suits your vibe: quiet neighbourhood versus lively, close to public transport versus tucked away. The right base can make the whole trip smoother, and it’s often the small details—the kettle that works, the extra blankets, the morning light in the kitchen—that your group will remember.