Villas Bukit Lipah, nr Amed, East Bali, Indonesia - Explore & Book
"A steep drive up a winding road and you're gazing out at the best view in Lipah, where none have managed to build anything quite as special as Villas Bukit Lipah. Painstakingly crafted over two years, this cluster of bamboo structures is the brainchild of owner Alena, who fell in love with the island some 15 years ago. Ensconced in stunning gardens of hibiscus, wild orchids, palm trees and banana plants, these five spacious villas, each with their own turquoise pool and 180 degree views, are well worth the journey. Everything we needed seemed to be just a WhatsApp away, from placing orders to making plans, and service is fast and friendly. If you do want to wander outside your villa, there's an on-site restaurant in the communal hub with a dining area and a small pool on the ground floor and a yoga shala and massage room above. And if you're looking to wander further afield, Lipah Beach is just a 10-minute drive away. The lesser visited Amed region along the northeast coast feels like the Bali of yesteryear: quieter, less developed, laid-back, wonderfully rugged, and full of jungle. But there's also plenty to explore nearby, from volcanic black sand beaches and charming fishing villages with cool cafes to some of the island’s best snorkelling and diving in coral reefs full of rainbow-coloured fish. This is somewhere for friends, couples and families to hit the reset button, read a book or five, and reconnect with nature. Highs Each villa has its own large pool with stunning views, offering plenty of space and great value for family or friend gatherings The restaurant served us delicious food from breakfast to dinner, with fresh, varied, local ingredients Discovering the Amed coastline: one of our favourite spots in Bali, ideal for those seeking a quieter, more authentic experience The staff are incredibly friendly and relaxed yet attentive – nothing felt like too much of an ask Trips to local spots or further afield are easily arranged, so the winding road shouldn't hinder exploration - just try to book a day or two ahead Lows The road up to the villas is tricky for hire cars, but it does mean incredible views (and there’s a free shuttle if you’d rather not risk it) The gradient on site might be problematic for some The location is a bit of a schlep from the airport, nearly three hours, but it means you avoid the mass tourism, traffic and crowds of Canggu, Kuta and Seminyak" - Donal Anand Shaw
