Hero Picture: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Main Pavilion
Tropical Oasis Villa Marie East Indies 5 bedroom luxury villa, 2 minutes from Pererenan beach Canggu in Bali
Landing at Bali’s Denpasar airport at around 7 pm on a Thursday night, we were greeted with helping hands and a friendly Balinese smile beaming from our Villa Marie East Indies Private driver's face. At this point - life as we knew it changed...
Photo Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - The Team
As we boarded the Villa Marie East Indies private 7-seater van, we were presented with lightly scented refreshing cool towels to freshen up, while sitting back in our gorgeous adjustable-reclining leather seats. Our adventure had begun and it was time to set off on our 45-minute drive to Villa Marie East Indies.
As the driver navigated his way through the hustle and bustle of Bali's notoriously crazy traffic, an experience all on its own, we soon approached the picturesque area of Pererenan, an area shrouded in rice paddies, boasting an oldie-worldly charm at every turn, harking back to the days of 1990s when I first visited Bali....it was like stepping back in time.
Photo Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Entrance Walkway
As we pulled up to the front of the Villa, we instantly anticipated a world of comfort waiting behind the secured closed main entrance facade. I had done my homework and was excited to explore this three-pavilion designed luxury oasis which within hours had become "home".
There was a genuine sense of excitement as the doors swung open and three of the 24-hour rotating house staff on hand welcomed us with open arms, smiling faces and refreshing mocktails.
Photo Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Service with a smile
The feeling was friendly and, in a way, instantly family. We appreciated the understated street-side entrance as it gave an added sense of privacy - nothing worse than a villa that is shouting opulence from the street which Villa Marie East Indies certainly does not, although this is purely intentional.
An understated opulence was bestowed upon us as we entered the first Pavilion - a private compound acting as a welcoming vestry. As a group of mildly stressed out expats, we immediately put our day-to-day life back in Singapore behind us.
Photo Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Main Pavilion Lounge Room
*Book Here to redeem 10% Discount with code: EXPAT10
The gardens directly in front of the first Pavilion provide a beautiful setting, handsomely articulated by a massive marble water feature, further providing a sense of calm, peace and serenity to the entire property, setting the tone for what is to come. Then the jewel in the crown – The majestic Colonial structure that is regarded as the Main House, Pavilion number two, “Villa Marie East Indies” the core, the heart of this private and luxurious compound.
Photo Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Main Pavilion Master Bedroom One
Picture Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Main Pavilion Master Ensuite Bedroom One
With two King Size bedrooms upstairs in the main house, each with its own bathroom and amenities, and an impressive King bedroom on the ground level, Villa Marie East Indies offers a massive indoor entertaining space on the ground floor.
Picture Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Breakfast Bench Kitchen Area
The fully equipped kitchen and service area is hidden from sight, although accessible for all guests if the need was to arise. There is a welcoming open-plan kitchen counter area where guests can congregate throughout the day.
Plenty of seating is available in the living area ground floor pavilion, both high stools, comfy lounge chairs and not one, but two dining areas - one indoors and the other outdoors - on the Veranda, enough to accommodate 10-12 guests for a sit-down gathering, breakfast, lunch of evening meal. Perfect for entertaining, perfect for a gathering to celebrate in true style.
Photo Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Lunch Table Setting Outdoors
There are nooks and crannies scattered throughout the living area and the entire property in fact. Coffee tables, lush cushions, delicate throws, a massive marble chess set which seems to balance the living-rooms' bold furnishings which include interesting and unique art and artefacts collected from around Indonesia and across the globe by Villa Marie East Indies owners. The very same creative people who designed and decorated the villa from the ground up.
Picture Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Main Pavilion Outdoor Sitting Area
Passing on through the main living space in the second Pavilion, we move into, yet another ideally designed environment. An outdoor lounge and recess area (pictured above) overlooking Villa Marie East Indies gorgeous garden, kids' playhouse and sundeck/recreational area.
Picture Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Rear Gardens Evening By The Pool
*Book Here to redeem 10% Discount with code: EXPAT10
A beautiful salt water pool is the highlight of this private garden setting and of course, we found ourselves soaking up the sun, each day, sipping on drinks and grazing on the all-day menu prepared by our delightful house staff and private chef for a good part of our 3-day stay.
A fully detached 2-deluxe rooms villa, Pavilion three, sits at the rear of the property, set amongst lush green foliage. It's private, it's peaceful and provides an enchantment all its own.
These 2 deluxe rooms sit side by side with a convenient internal adjoining walkway that can be closed for further privacy, each with its own ensuite. The rooms in Pavilion three provide a perfect retreat from Pavilion two, which is the heartbeat of the compound, offering a restful sanctuary to recharge and regroup your heart and soul.
Picture Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Garden Pavilion Bedroom One
But what would a vacation be without good food and great conversation. The private Villa chef has the skills of a MasterChef. From the delicious hearty breakfasts prepared al la carte, Nespresso coffee in the morning, fresh juices prepared to your preferred blend, to the delicious multi-course lunches and dinners selected from the extensive in-house menu, which tantalized our taste buds with the flavours of Indonesia and beyond.
Picture Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Garden Pavilion Tub
*Book Here to redeem 10% Discount with code: EXPAT10
The in-house menu option was something more than special. Dishes prepared by the Villa's chef caters for local to Western tastes. The additional charge for this service was minimal, to say the least. Very affordable, although as an alternative - and to mix up the overall experience, there are a few cool cafes and eateries close by to Villa Marie East Indies, scattered along the country road in both directions.
Picture Credit: Villa Marie East Indies Bali - Pool Pavilion
We pre-ordered scooters when we were making transfer arrangements with our Villa Manager. This allowed us the freedom to bike around the area, although bth Villa's car is available upon request if required. It is just a few minutes scoot down to the beach or a 15-minute stroll for an early morning or sunset walk. We enjoyed late night in-house massages and even ventured to find reflexology spas close by, which are scattered here and there along the road.
Picture Credit Villa Marie East Indies Bali - View from Garden Pavilion
You will find convenience stores close by, which is always a bonus. You will never feel isolated at Villa Marie East Indies, although behind those closed doors you could be in the depths of a rice paddy, miles from anywhere.
Whether you plan a short getaway or long stay, Villa Marie East Indies is a great choice. It's affordable lux. You can book your stay with up to 5 couples or supplement a few of the guest with children, who will love this property for its spacious grounds to run free in complete security and safety.
Villa Marie East Indies is set in a quiet location, an idyllic retreat. You will not be disappointed. I can’t complement the villa staff enough. They made us all feel at home. Wonderful experience... Thank you one and all for your hospitality. We will be back.
