Baru di Bali

One of the greatest findings during our trip to Lovina was Damai Lovina Villas, a hidden blissful retreat up on the hill surrounded by rice fields and jungle-clad ravines. Wondering around the ascending road in the area after sunset, we spotted modest dim lights spread in between shadowy bushes and homes of the villagers which later we learned as the spots where Damai sits its 13 private villas. Refreshing mountainous breeze greeted us and made even more pleasant with the smile and soft voice of the receptionist who welcomed us at Damai. From where we stood at the reception area, we could see the guests enjoying the sunset, lying down on lazy chairs by the pool side. Bonfire was also set creating a warm, romantic, peaceful atmosphere – exactly what the guests in Damai are craving for.

Once we checked in, a staff led a way to our villa. We went through steps with rice terraces on both sides and torches that provided the lights for us to have a glimpse of the surroundings in vague. Passing the rice terraces, we went through a beautiful wooden bridge heading to our villa. One thing for sure was that we could hardly wait till the sun rose on the next day so that we could enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings of Damai; or a village within a village, that’s how we prefer to call it.

Our villa was astonishing. Only a moment after stepping in, we could tell that this retreat is dedicated to all fine things in life. The villa spoke elegance in a soft, modest way with the unexaggerated antique fine wood furniture that is scrupulously crafted and beautiful textiles describing the ancient Indonesian patterns. Other comforts such as plasma TV, DVD player, mini bar, hair dryer, bath robe and slippers are also provided. Breathtaking panorama of landscapes and the ocean became so obvious when the sun made appearance in the morning, when from our private infinity-edge pool, we could clearly see the combination of greeneries from the surrounding’s coconut trees and rice fields. Traditional boats that we assumed were sailing to catch up with the dolphins in Lovina Bay that morning looked like small dashed lines in the ocean from the gazebo that is surrounded by tropical garden just next to the wooden deck and the pool in our villa.  

Restaurant at Damai is another great story to tell. Using the organic materials produced in its own garden and spices from the fields next door to make delicacies from around the world, the restaurant has been celebrated and talked about in many magazines and even cook books. The combination of the best European and Asian cooking traditions with the breathtaking views of the surrounding’s natural make-up, feasting at Damai’s restaurant would for sure leave an unforgettable culinary experience in your travel diary.

A must try is also the Damai’s soothing massage treatments either in the privacy of your own villa or at the pavilion overlooking the neighboring rice fields.