Villa Santhi Bali: Luxury Beach Holiday Villa

"Our stay at Villa Santhi was everything we expected and more.... The staff were friendly and extremely attentive and the quality of food and other services was 5 star...."
- Janice and Richard Bates, Isle of Man

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about Villa Santhi.

If you have any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to provide you with prompt and helpful answers.

Villa

Is Villa Santhi part of a hotel chain?

No. Villa Santhi is a privately owned and family-run business and is not part of a hotel chain or commercial organisation.

Back to List

Are you licensed or registered with a tourism authority?

Yes. As is legally required, Villa Santhi has a hotel license from the local culture and tourism authority (the Buleleng Dinas Kebudayaan Dan Pariwisata), Tel: +62 (0)362 25141, and is registered with the Indonesia Hotels & Restaurants Association (the PHRI). For more details, see our About Us page.

Back to List

How many villas are in the complex?

Villa Santhi is not a villa complex. It is a single 3-bedroom private villa set in its own grounds with its own private pool. There are no other villas in the same grounds.

Back to List

How many rooms does the villa have?

Villa Santhi has 3 bedrooms (2 main and 1 spare) and 2 bathrooms. It also has a study, lounge, kitchen, dining room and two terraces.

Back to List

How many guests can you accommodate?

We can comfortably accommodate 4 adult guests: 2 upstairs (double) and 2 downstairs (double/twin).

Plus, our downstairs spare bedroom has bunk beds which can sleep another 2 guests.

We can also provide 2 baby cots.

So, in total, we can sleep up to 6 guests plus 2 infants.

Back to List

Do you cater for elderly and disabled guests?

Yes. The entire ground floor, from the parking area on (including the swimming pool), is designed to be wheelchair accessible and our Balinese staff are very respectful and understanding towards their seniors.

Back to List

How about children?

Bali is a wonderful place to bring children because they are loved by the Balinese people, who treat them with great kindness and respect. The beach outside Villa Santhi is ideal for children, as it gently slopes and is generally very calm, and we have a children's pool next to the main swimming pool. Also, we can provide a child-minding service if required.

Our downstairs bedroom has bunk beds, and we can put 2 baby cots into the main bedrooms if required.

We also have 3 car seats and 2 high dining chairs for infants.

For fun, we have toys, games and various floatation devices. Plus, it is safe to say that we are the only villa in Bali with its very own treehouse!

Back to List

Is the villa suitable for friends sharing?

Absolutely. The upstairs and downstairs living areas are separate and self-contained, which ensures privacy, but there are plenty of communal areas too.

Back to List

How big is the pool?

The main part of the swimming pool, not including the steps at one end and the seating area at the other, is 15.86 metres (52 feet) in length and between 5 and 7 metres (16-23 feet) wide. The shallow end is 145cm (4 feet 9 inches) in depth and the deep end is 174cm (5 feet 8.5 inches) in depth. We have a safety ledge that runs the whole length of the pool at a depth of 121cm (about 4 feet) and our attached children's pool has a 332cm (about 11 feet) diameter and a depth of 50cm (about 19.5 inches).

Back to List

Setting

What is the local area like?

The villa is at the end of a track off the main coast road that runs between Lovina and Singaraja in north Bali.

This is a very quiet area with just a few houses nearby and no shops, bars or clubs (although there are a few restaurants within 5 minutes' walking distance).

In front of the villa is a gently sloping volcanic-sand beach leading to a (generally) calm sea with a coral reef. Behind, there are ricefields, vineyards and, in the distance, mountains.

Back to List

How far is the nearest beach?

The villa is about 8-metres from the beach. Our front gate opens right onto the sand and it is just a few steps from there to the sea with no roads or buildings in the way. You can clearly see this from the satellite view and photos on our setting page.

Back to List

How far are the nearest shops?

The main tourist facilities (shops, bars, restaurants, etc.) are in central Lovina, about 5-10 minutes' drive (or 30-50 minutes' walk) away.

Back to List

How far are the nearest restaurants?

Although most of the restaurants are in central Lovina, there are a few within a 5-minute walk of the villa.

Back to List

What's the climate like?

Being in the tropics, and only 8 degrees off the equator, Bali is blessed with a year round temperature of around 27-31°C (81-88°F) and, at Villa Santhi, we enjoy a fresh sea breeze.

There are only two seasons: Wet and Dry. The wet season lasts roughly from November to May. It is slightly cooler at this time of year but, despite the name, it doesn't rain every day, especially on the northern coast. When it does rain, it tends to be in the afternoon/evening, doesn't last long and leaves everything sparklingly clean and fresh. The wet season is the best time to avoid tourists and to peacefully enjoy waterfalls at their most spectacular.

See our Setting page for the latest local weather forecast.

Back to List

When does it get dark in Bali?

It gets dark around 7pm in Bali. Since we are so close to the equator, this time does not vary through the year.

Back to List

What's the visa situation?

Bali is a region of the Republic of Indonesia.

If you come from one of a limited list of mainly south-east Asian countries, the chances are that you won't need a visa to enter Indonesia for up to 30 days.

Residents from another list of countries, including Australia, USA, United Kingdom and other EU countries should be entitled to a 30-day Visa On Arrival (VOA). Provided you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and a return or onward ticket, you can get this at the airport, when you arrive, for US$25.

Back to List

What other Indonesian regulations do I need to know about?

When you leave Bali, you have to pay airport tax of 150,000 Rupiah per person for international flights, and Rp30,000 for domestic.

Apart from that, Indonesia has various rules and regulations that visitors need to observe.

For up-to-date details, we suggest you go to the IATA website.

Back to List

How do I get to Bali?

Most visitors fly to Bali and arrive at Ngurah Rai airport near Denpasar (airport code DPS) in the south of the island.

There are direct flights from Darwin (2½hrs), Perth (3hr 40min), Singapore (2½hrs), Bangkok (4hr 20min), Kuala Lumpur (3hrs), Hong Kong (4hr 45min), Tokyo (7hr 15min), Seoul (10hrs), Brunei (6hr 35min) and Doha (12hrs).

All other flights are indirect, and stop at one of the above-mentioned hub cities on the way to Bali.

Examples of flights include:

From Europe (via Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpar, Brunei or Doha): around 16½ to 20 hours.
From New York (via Tokyo, Seoul or Singapore): around 23-25 hours.
From Chicago and San Francisco (via Seoul, Hong Kong or Taipei): around 22 hours.
From Sydney (via Darwin): around 11½ hours.
From Johannesburg (via Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpar): around 20 to 22 hours.
From New Delhi (via Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpar): around 10½-11½ hours.
From Beijing (via Singapore, Tokyo or Osaka): around 10½-12 hours.

You can book your flights directly on websites such as Travelocity, Expedia or Opodo. To allow plenty of time for your journey to the villa, we suggest you aim to arrive in Bali before 4pm.

Back to List

How far is the villa from the airport?

Around 80Km (48 miles). It takes around 2½-3 hours to drive from the airport. Of course, we'll meet you there and take you in air-conditioned comfort through beautiful scenery to the villa stopping half-way, if you like, at the famous Pura Ulun Danau Bratan water temple at Lake Bratan or the traditional market at Bedugul.

Back to List

How does your driver meet us in the airport?

As long as you give us your flight details (including your flight number and last port of embarkation - Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.) then this is quite straightforward as Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar only has one exit. Our driver will be waiting for you there with a sign with your name on it.

Back to List

Service

What languages do your staff speak?

Apart from Indonesian and Balinese (and a few words of German, Mandarin and Japanese) most of our staff speak a reasonable amount of English.

Back to List

You seem to have a lot of staff. Will they respect our privacy?

Absolutely. Our staff are discrete and understand your desire for privacy.

Having said that, most guests feel extremely comfortable having our staff around and appreciate their warm and friendly presence.

The main thing to remember is that you are the guest and you should not hesitate to ask if you would like something done differently as our staff are happy to adjust the style of service to match your particular preferences.

Back to List

What hours do the staff work?

Most of our staff work in shifts from 8am to 10pm, but there is always someone at the villa you can call on if you need something. Plus, our staff will start early or stay late if you need.

Back to List

Where are the staff based?

We have a collection of buildings near the villa entrance that comprise an office, kitchen, laundry and staff accommodation. During working hours, our staff are mainly based here. Most of our staff return to their homes at night - but they can be called in if necessary.

Back to List

How do we contact the staff when we want something?

We have a telephone system that you can use to call our staff (and any room in the villa). In addition, we can give you a mobile phone number to use when you are outside the villa.

Back to List

Does the price include transport?

Apart from for airport transfers (or transfers from any location in Bali), transport is not included in the villa rental price. We are happy to arrange a car and driver for you, and the prices for this are in our transport brochure.

Back to List

Is there a laundry facility in the villa?

Yes, we have a laundry service in the villa. We wash your sheets and towels for free and only charge for your clothes.

Back to List

Booking

How far in advance can I book the villa?

You can book the villa up to 15 months in advance.

Back to List

What is the minimum booking period?

The minimum booking is for 3 nights.

Back to List

What is the maximum booking period?

The maximum booking is for 30 nights.

Back to List

What deposit do you require?

We require a 25% deposit before we can confirm your booking.

Back to List

When do I pay the villa rental and other fees?

The balance of the villa rental fee is due 2 months before you check in.

The other fees (for food, excursions, etc.) will be totalled and charged roughly once a week during your stay, with a final bill when you check out.

Please note that if you choose to pay by credit card (we accept VISA and MasterCard), we will add a 2% surcharge and that, if you choose to pay by PayPal, we will deduct a 4% charge from the payment amount.

Back to List

How do I know if my booking is confirmed?

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a confirmation email. This is your proof of a confirmed booking.

Back to List

What happens if I don't receive a confirmation email?

If you have not received your confirmation email within a few minutes of paying your deposit, please check your deleted items and 'Junk Mail' folder (you may need to add us to your email white list). If it is not there, please contact us to report the problem.

Back to List

I'm having problems booking online. Is there another way?

Yes, you can contact us and we will add your booking manually. This may also be useful if you have non-standard booking requirements.

Back to List

What is the earliest I can check in?

Normally, this is 14.00, but we can be flexible depending on prior bookings.

Back to List

What is the latest I can check out?

Normally, this is 12.00, but we can be flexible depending on subsequent bookings.

Back to List

Can I change my booking details?

Depending on prior and subsequent bookings, we are happy to accommodate reasonable changes if you give us sufficient notice. Please contact us with your requirements.

Back to List

What happens if I cancel my booking?

This depends on when you cancel. If it is more than 12 weeks before your check-in date, then we will refund your deposit and villa rental fee, if paid, and only charge you an administration fee.

If, at the other extreme, you cancel less than 2 weeks before your check-in date, then you will lose your deposit and villa rental fee.

Between these extremes we have a stepped scale of charges depending on how early or late you cancel. For more details, see our booking terms.

Back to List

Finance

What is PayPal?

PayPal™ is a secure and convenient way of transferring money via the internet. Instead of giving your credit card or bank details to us (and other merchants), you give them to PayPal - who have all the necessary security provisions in place. Once you have a PayPal account, you can use it to make purchases from several websites without having to repeatedly enter your credit card details, so it saves time too.

Back to List

What if I don't have a PayPal account?

No problem. You can make payments with your credit card, via PayPal, without a PayPal account. You will be asked if you want to open an account, but you don't have to.

Back to List

Is there any other way of making payments apart from PayPal?

Yes. You can do a direct bank transfer. If you have a United Kingdom or Indonesian bank account, then this is very straightforward. If not, it takes a little longer via SWIFT transfer. Please contact us if you would like to arrange this.

Back to List

Can I use my credit card in the villa?

Yes, provided it is a VISA or MasterCard. Please note that all credit card payments are subject to a 2% surcharge.

Back to List

Do you accept traveller's cheques?

Sorry no, but you can cash these in a nearby bank - provided they are for US Dollars.

Back to List

Are there any ATMs (Cash Machines) in the area?

Yes. The local cash machines accept major credit and debit cards (including VISA, VISA Plus, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro); although they have a daily limit of around 5 million Indonesian Rupiah.

Back to List

I want to bring some cash. What currency is best?

US Dollars are best as they are readily accepted in Indonesia and are easy to exchange for Indonesian Rupiah. Just make sure you bring clean, undamaged post-1996 notes.

Back to List

The Euro is not my local currency. Will this be a problem?

Not at all. You can make PayPal payments in Australian Dollars, British Pounds, Canadian Dollars, Euros, Hong Kong Dollars, Japanese Yen, New Zealand Dollars, Singapore Dollars or US Dollars. If you want to use another currency, PayPal will automatically convert your payment from your local currency into whichever of these currencies you choose. When you pay your bills in the villa, we will convert them into Indonesian Rupiah based on the current exchange rate from xe.com.

Back to List

Any other banking advice?

Yes. To avoid unnecessary security alerts (and potentially frozen accounts) we advise you to notify your bank and credit card provider of your travel arrangements before you leave.
Also, for your own security, we advise you not to carry large amounts of cash. There are several banks in the area, where you can remit traveller's cheques and use ATMs.

Back to List

Health

Is the water safe to drink?

We do not recommend you drink water from taps. We provide free drinking water for this purpose.

Back to List

What inoculations do I need?

For up-to-date health advice on Bali and Indonesia, we suggest you go to the Fit For Travel or the CDC websites. These highlight the main health risks and suggest preventative methods, including vaccination.

However, since health advice is not the same for every traveller, we strongly recommend you consult your doctor around 4-6 weeks before you set off.

Your doctor will most likely advise you to consider immunizations for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A and Typhoid.

You may also consider antimalarial drugs. If so, please be aware that Chloroquine is not effective in Indonesia.

The best protection against malaria (and other diseases such as Dengue Fever) is to avoid mosquito bites, which you can do by taking a few simple precautions.

Back to List

What local medical facilities are there?

There are several good doctors, an excellent dentist, and a quite modern, well-equipped hospital in the area. There are also several well-stocked pharmacies (although we would advise you to bring your own supplies of any prescription medication that you may need).

Back to List

Any other health advice?

We recommend you read this article before you set off, and take the following precautions:

Make sure your inoculations are up to date at least six weeks before travelling.
Take out travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation/repatriation.
If you are on prescription drugs, be sure to bring an adequate supply (in their original bottles) with a copy of your prescription.
Bring your own supply of medicines as the brands you are familiar with may not be available.
Make sure the food you eat is fresh, properly cooked, and served with clean utensils. This is always the case in Villa Santhi, but there is a risk from street vendors and some restaurants.
Drink only bottled water (and plenty of it) and make sure any fruit and salad you eat has been washed with bottled water - which we do in Villa Santhi.
Try to wash your hands, preferably with soap and hot water, before eating. This simple measure has proven to be highly effective against diseases such as SARS.
Avoid contact with animals, especially poultry, and uncooked animal products.
Protect yourself against mosquito bites, especially at night, by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers, using insect repellents containing 30-50% DEET and sleeping with doors and windows closed and air-conditioning switched on.
Protect yourself against sunburn by using a high-factor sun-block and appropriate clothing (such as sun-hats) and limiting your exposure, especially around midday.
Be aware that the sun can burn you through water, so you need protection when you go diving and snorkelling.

Finally, the local food is quite spicy and you should take time to get used to it to avoid stomach upsets.

Back to List

Technical

What electrical system do you have?

We have a twin round-pin 220V, 50Hz system that is compatible with UK, Australian and most Asian devices with appropriate adaptors.

Back to List

Can I use my mobile phone in Bali?

Probably. It depends on your provider and whether or not you have an international roaming agreement. It is best to check with your provider well before the date of your trip.

Be aware that you will probably have to pay for the international element of your incoming calls. You can avoid this by diverting your calls to voicemail and using a local pay-as-you-go SIM card (which we can provide); although this means that no calls will get through to you on your usual number.

Whatever you decide, you should make sure you have set up a voicemail PIN before you leave your country. Do this before you travel; otherwise you won't be able to pick up your messages while you’re away.

Back to List

Does the villa have an internet connection?

Yes. We have free wireless broadband, which you can use with your own laptop (or other wi-fi enabled device).

Back to List

On your website, I can't see slideshows, videos or 360° panoramas. What can I do?

To make our multimedia content as accessible as possible, we provide it in Abobe Flash format. This is the same format used by YouTube, Google Video, etc. and you should be able to view it in any web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, etc.) and on any platform (Windows, Mac, UNIX, etc.).

If you cannot see it, it may be because you don't have the appropriate Flash plug-in installed. You can test this by clicking here. You should have Flash version 9 or above. If not, you should download and install the latest version.

If you have the appropriate plug-in installed, but still cannot view the Flash content, it may be being blocked due to your browser security settings or because you have a popup blocker or internet security utility running. To resolve this, you may need to change your settings to allow Flash, JavaScript and ActiveX controls. Around 98% of web users allow these technologies and safely enjoy the enhanced web experience they offer.

If you do this and still cannot enjoy our multimedia content, then it may be due to a known problem with Microsoft Internet Explorer not installing the Flash plug-in correctly. A simple way to get around this is to use Firefox, Opera or Google Chrome instead. These are all excellent and very popular web browsers.

If you prefer to stay with Internet Explorer, then you can download and run the flash installer, which should solve the problem. Just make sure you close all other applications (especially web browsers) before running it.

Having said all that, you can use our website without Flash, and you will still get all the information you need. If you would like us to send you videos or help you solve your browser problem, then please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help you.

Back to List

Villa Santhi, Jl Pantai Segara Wangi 2, Tukad Mungga, Lovina, Bali 81152, Indonesia. Tel +62 (0)362 41904