The Santai Umalas: A Day in the Villa #1
Explore the luxury two-bedroom villa with The Luxe Nomad (including a video tour!).
________
Ever wanted to escape to a luxurious private retreat away from the hustle and bustle, with the action just a hop, skip and jump away? The Santai villas offers just this and so much more. Strategically concealed in one of Bali's most coveted private real estate, Umalas in Seminyak, The Santai is the newest addition to the island's array of high end retreats, having just opened its doors last month.
On arrival, Brad and I were ushered to one of the many comfy lounges in the striking open-air lobby by our friendly butler. As we were effortlessly checked-in, we watched the sunset over the huge stone columns inscribed with ancient Balinese script that line The Santai, and surrounding traditional rice fields, all while enjoying the complimentary welcome drinks and canapes.
Once we'd sufficiently indulged on the delicious bite-sized treats (and connected to the WIFI - priorities), we were guided through the green, grey and brown grounds; a timeless yet fashionable combination of stone pathways, lush tropical flora and wooden trellises (indy kids, eat your heart out). Running streams of water set the atmosphere of The Santai instantly; a blissful and exclusive sanctuary for ultimate relaxation. Afterall, the Indonesian word 'santai' indeed means 'relax'.
It was just a short stroll until we found ourselves at the entrance of our two-bedroom villa, which features two wooden gates providing complete privacy from any onlookers, which is rare in itself being such a small and intimate retreat. The first gate leads us through a walled passage, covered in greenery. Before we reach the second gate, we're greeted by our first glimpses of what awaites us; an island of grass beds and a frangipani tree surrounded by the expansive lit-up pool.
It wasn't until morning that we realised the sheer extent of the villa. Waking up at first light, without need of the wake-up call, I left Brad sound asleep in the cloud-like king-sized bed to explore. A mirrored sliding door leads to the master ensuite; a spacious open-air bathroom that quite literally 'brings the outside in', extravagantly featuring a floating double vanity with a skilfully suspended mirror, not one but two rainfall showers and the largest tiled tub you've ever seen, each exuding extra luxe trimmings. Let's just say, if you like being natural in nature, this is the bathroom for you.
A scrub with Frank, a layer of the Clinique Tinted SPF Moisturiser and a swipe of my favourite Chubby Stick, and I was ready for a big day ahead, though not without two freshly brewed cappuccinos delivered straight to our villa.
Be sure to check out the Lion in the Wild video tour below! And don't forget to subscribe to the Lion in the Wild YouTube channel.
Experience The Santai in Bali with The Luxe Nomad.
________
August Street dress (in black here) | Wittner sandals (similar here) | Lack of Color 'The Mirage' fedora | Assorted sterling silver rings (similar from ASOS here)
On arrival, Brad and I were ushered to one of the many comfy lounges in the striking open-air lobby by our friendly butler. As we were effortlessly checked-in, we watched the sunset over the huge stone columns inscribed with ancient Balinese script that line The Santai, and surrounding traditional rice fields, all while enjoying the complimentary welcome drinks and canapes.
Once we'd sufficiently indulged on the delicious bite-sized treats (and connected to the WIFI - priorities), we were guided through the green, grey and brown grounds; a timeless yet fashionable combination of stone pathways, lush tropical flora and wooden trellises (indy kids, eat your heart out). Running streams of water set the atmosphere of The Santai instantly; a blissful and exclusive sanctuary for ultimate relaxation. Afterall, the Indonesian word 'santai' indeed means 'relax'.
It was just a short stroll until we found ourselves at the entrance of our two-bedroom villa, which features two wooden gates providing complete privacy from any onlookers, which is rare in itself being such a small and intimate retreat. The first gate leads us through a walled passage, covered in greenery. Before we reach the second gate, we're greeted by our first glimpses of what awaites us; an island of grass beds and a frangipani tree surrounded by the expansive lit-up pool.
It wasn't until morning that we realised the sheer extent of the villa. Waking up at first light, without need of the wake-up call, I left Brad sound asleep in the cloud-like king-sized bed to explore. A mirrored sliding door leads to the master ensuite; a spacious open-air bathroom that quite literally 'brings the outside in', extravagantly featuring a floating double vanity with a skilfully suspended mirror, not one but two rainfall showers and the largest tiled tub you've ever seen, each exuding extra luxe trimmings. Let's just say, if you like being natural in nature, this is the bathroom for you.
A scrub with Frank, a layer of the Clinique Tinted SPF Moisturiser and a swipe of my favourite Chubby Stick, and I was ready for a big day ahead, though not without two freshly brewed cappuccinos delivered straight to our villa.
Be sure to check out the Lion in the Wild video tour below! And don't forget to subscribe to the Lion in the Wild YouTube channel.
Experience The Santai in Bali with The Luxe Nomad.
________
August Street dress (in black here) | Wittner sandals (similar here) | Lack of Color 'The Mirage' fedora | Assorted sterling silver rings (similar from ASOS here)
