Unbelievable Ubud Luxury: Dedari Villas' Bali Paradise Awaits!
Unbelievable Ubud Luxury: Dedari Villas – My Bali Paradise (or Not, Sometimes)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm diving headfirst into the world of Dedari Villas in Ubud, Bali. Forget pristine, perfect reviews. This is the real deal, warts and all, and honestly, a whole lotta "wow!" mixed with a few "hmmm…" moments. This is gonna be a long one, so grab a coffee – or better yet, pretend you're already there and grab a Bintang at the poolside bar.
First Impressions (and the Hustle to Get There)
Getting to Dedari is an adventure in itself, a proper introduction to the Ubud vibes. The airport transfer (thank goodness, included!) was smooth, even if the driver seemed a bit too enthusiastic about Balinese history. Then, the roads… oh, the roads! Think winding, narrow, and filled with scooters piloted by what seem like daredevil elves. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right? After a bit of jostling, you arrive at… well, a gate. A beautiful, ornate gate that opens to reveal a hidden oasis.
Accessibility – Mostly a Yay, with a Small "Could Do Better"
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm always mindful of inclusivity. Dedari does have facilities for disabled guests, an important check in the "accessibility" box. They also have an elevator, which is a definite lifesaver if you get a villa on a higher level. However, the paths between the villas and the main areas could be improved for true wheelchair accessibility. Some paving is uneven, so heads up if mobility’s an issue.
Check-in – Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
Check-in was a breeze, especially with the contactless option. The staff, bless their hearts, are super friendly. I think they're trained to smile continuously. It's kinda unnerving at first, but you get used to it. The 24-hour front desk is a HUGE win, especially when you're jet-lagged and craving a midnight snack. They even have a doorman, which makes you feel like a movie star. I was particularly pleased with the "private" check-in, which meant I got a personal welcome – a nice touch.
The Villa – Holy Lush Gardens, Batman!
My villa? Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. Picture this: a private plunge pool, a huge, comfy bed, and a bathroom that’s bigger than my first apartment. The air conditioning was a lifesaver (Bali humidity is NO JOKE), and the blackout curtains… oh, the blackout curtains! They were perfect for sleeping in, which I definitely needed. Everything was clean, from the plush bathrobes to the shiny surfaces. Little touches, like the complimentary tea and the free bottled water, were lovely. The in-room safe box? Peace of mind. And the internet? More on that in a minute…
Internet Access – A Tale of Two Bands
Okay, let's be honest. Internet connectivity is crucial. Dedari has free Wi-Fi, which is fantastic. Available in All Rooms! They also have Internet access - LAN, which I appreciate for extra security - and a hotspot in public areas. I found the Wi-Fi in the rooms to be a bit… spotty. Sometimes lightning fast, sometimes slower than a Balinese snail. The LAN connection was much more reliable. This is something they could definitely improve. I guess that's just part of "island life", but it can be frustrating when you're trying to catch up on work emails.
Dining and Drinking – Eat, Pray, and Repeat (and Maybe Regret Some Decisions…)
The options! Oh, the options! Dedari has multiple restaurants, a poolside bar, and even room service 24-hours a day! The breakfast buffet was a treat, a glorious spread of Asian and Western dishes. Seriously, the Asian cuisine was killer - they know their business. Coffee/tea in restaurant. The breakfast service was solid - all you could need in the morning. They even had those little individually-wrapped food options, which made me feel extra safe. I should've felt that safe at night, as I ate the delicious desserts in the restaurant - maybe I shouldn't have had so many!
The poolside bar was the perfect place for a sunset cocktail (Happy hour is a MUST). The A la carte in restaurant was a great option. The lunch menu? Fantastic salads. The restaurant also has a vegetarian restaurant, which is great because I have friends who are always seeking it out.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Pure Pampering (Mostly)
This is where Dedari really shines. The spa is seriously heaven. I indulged in a massage that melted my stress away, and the foot bath was the perfect pre-treatment treat. The pool with a view is stunning (one of the best I've ever seen), and I felt like I could actually breathe. They have a sauna, steamroom, and spa/sauna. I am not big on those, but they sound pretty awesome.
They have a fitness center if you're feeling ambitious. I went the first day the other days I found other things to do, like eating! Body scrub and body wrap options are available, for those who like a spa-focused experience. The pool is HUGE, and again, the view is insane.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe, with a Twist
Let's talk 'rona. Dedari takes safety seriously, which I appreciate. The staff are trained in safety protocol, and they have anti-viral cleaning products, and they do daily disinfection in common areas. They provide hand sanitizer everywhere. They offer room sanitization opt-out (nice touch!). They even do professional-grade sanitizing services.
But here's the thing (and I'm being completely honest here): sometimes it felt like a little too much. The constant hand sanitizing and the masks… it was a constant reminder of the current state of the world, which, honestly, sometimes I'm trying to escape, not to mention the sanitizing of the kitchen and tableware items. Maybe it's just my personal preference, but I prefer a slightly more relaxed approach. But hey, better safe than sorry, right?
For the Kids – Babysitters Aplenty!
I don’t travel with kids, but Dedari is definitely family-friendly. Babysitting service is available, and there are kids facilities too.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
Dedari has thought of everything. They have a convenience store, currency exchange, a daily housekeeping and laundry service. There’s a concierge, who can arrange anything from tours to scooter rentals. They even provide essential condiments – the tiny things that make a difference. Luggage storage is a blessing, especially if you're arriving early or leaving late.
The Oddities – And My Slightly Eccentric Self
Okay, I have to share a few quirks. The "shrine" on the property was beautiful, but I kept feeling like I should know more about Balinese customs. The soundproof rooms are great, but honestly, the sounds of nature in Bali are half the charm. The smoke alarms made me paranoid. And I loved the little gift shop, but I ended up spending way too much on souvenirs. In particular, I enjoyed the small outdoor venue for special events. It was very charming.
The Imperfections – No Place Is Perfect, Especially When I’m Involved
Look, I’m a human. I’m also a bit of a perfectionist, and I'm a cheapskate. Everything was pretty darn close to perfect, but I still noticed small things, like the slight imperfections with the exterior corridor. The coffee in the room could have been better. And (this is just me being picky) the room decoration, while lovely, felt a tiny bit generic.
The Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Honestly? YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. Despite the minor hiccups, Dedari Villas is a truly special place. It's beautiful, relaxing, and the staff are fantastic. It's a place where you can truly unwind, soak up the Bali vibes, and forget about the stresses of everyday life. I already miss it.
Now, For The Pitch – My Special Deal (Get It Now!)
Okay, listen up! You're reading this, so you need to book this place now. You're basically guaranteed a taste of paradise.
Don’t Take My Word For It, Book Now! And here’s a bonus, exclusive for my readers: Use the code "BALIDREAM" when you book directly through their website or through your travel agent, and you'll get a complimentary Balinese massage for two, AND an upgrade to a villa with a private jacuzzi (subject to availability).
Why Book Today?
- Unbelievable Luxury: Seriously, the villas are like something out of a magazine.
- Ultimate Relaxation: Spa treatments, stunning pools, and pure tranquility.
- Safety First: They've got all the health protocols covered, so you can relax and enjoy.
- The Vibe: Ubud is magical, and Dedari Villas is the perfect place to experience it.
- This Deal: Free massage, jacuzzi upgrade? Come on!
Stop dreaming, start packing. Bali awaits! You won't regret it. Just remember to set a few extra reminders on your phone because the internet is spotty.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly polished, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is… Ubud Dedari Villas: A Messy, Glorious, and Maybe Slightly Chaotic Adventure. Prepare for more "Oh, dear God, what have I gotten myself into?" and less "Sunrise yoga, followed by a meticulously crafted chia seed pudding."
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Temple Tourist Trap (A.K.A. The One Where I Nearly Lost My Mind)
- Morning (or what feels like it at 3 AM): Land in Denpasar. Jet-lagged? You betcha. Disoriented? Oh, absolutely. Grab a ridiculously overpriced taxi to Ubud. The drive? A cacophony of scooters, fragrant incense, and the persistent hum of "negotiate the price" echoing in my ears.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Ubud Dedari Villas. My first thought? "Wow, this is… stunning." My second thought? "Please let the AC work." (It did! Praise be!) The villa, a little slice of paradise, complete with a private plunge pool that’s calling my name.
- Late Afternoon: My first mistake (of many). Decided to hit up Tirta Empul Temple. Okay, the concept is cool - holy water, purification rituals, etc. But the sheer volume of people! Forget serenity; it's more like a religious mosh pit. I spent a solid hour battling currents of tourists, getting splashed with icy water, and trying not to accidentally knock over a basket of offerings. My emotional reaction? Pure, unadulterated panic. I barely even managed a chuckle, which I was aiming for, before fleeing back to the sanctuary of the villa. The silver lining? I met a girl who was clearly hating the temple even more than myself and we became instant, miserable, friends.
- Evening: Dinner at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka (the suckling pig place). Listen, the pork is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. But the line? The wafting smell? The sheer pressure to order and gobble down your meal before the next wave of hungry tourists descends? It was quite the experience. I felt a bit like a contestant on a food-based episode of The Hunger Games. The meal was fantastic, but I left craving a solid 2 hours of reflection in my villa's quiet pool.
- Late Night: Collapse into bed. Realize I forgot to pack my toothbrush. Curse my life choices.
Day 2: Rice Paddies, Monkey Business, and a Massage Gone Wrong
- Morning: Woke up to the chorus of roosters and some kind of jungle insects. Lovely. Had a simple breakfast at the villa, relishing the quiet.
- Mid-Morning: Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Okay, this is what I came for. Absolutely breathtaking. Spent about an hour (that swiftly turned into two) wandering amongst the rice fields, taking a zillion photos, and trying to look like I knew what I was doing. The only misstep? Walking through the rice fields alone. I've been getting yelled at for something I can't even understand. It was a great day of seeing the natural beauty of Bali.
- Afternoon: Ubud Monkey Forest. Now, I'm generally pro-animal. But monkeys are, let's face it, a little bit terrifying. I spent most of my time cautiously observing these creatures, trying not to make eye contact and praying they wouldn't try to steal my bag. One decided my sunglasses (that I had perched on top of my head) were its new chew toy. The emotional reaction? A mixture of fear, awe, and intense, silent screaming.
- Late Afternoon: Decided to reward myself with a Balinese massage. Found a seemingly reputable spa. Seemingly. The massage started off great, the masseuse clearly an expert. Until the moment when he started… climbing on my back. I'm not sure what kind of massage technique that was, but it definitely wasn't what I expected. I did some serious soul searching on the table. The emotional reaction? Confusion, a mild terror, and a deep desire to just teleport back to the safety of my villa. The massage, I believe, was called "The Adventure".
- Evening: Ate at a small warung (local restaurant) recommended by a local. Simple, delicious, and thankfully, the only surprise was the deliciousness of the food. Went to bed, exhausted, but somehow, oddly satisfied.
Day 3: The Arts, the Culture, and the Great Shopping Slog
- Morning: Determined to embrace culture. Visited the Ubud Art Market. Okay, the trinkets are beautiful, the vendors are relentless. I spent the morning perfecting the art of polite refusal. I’ve never haggled so hard in my life. Got a good deal on a sarong, though!
- Mid-Morning: Visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum. Very impressive, but also a little bit heavy on the "suggestive art" for my own personal tastes.
- Afternoon: Trying to take a cooking class, but I seem to have lost the recipe. I'm sure it'll be fun.
- Late Afternoon: Afternoon Yoga: After getting a bit of a sunburn. Feeling some serenity. It was truly an amazing experience.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner, at a fancy restaurant. The flavors, the ambiance - everything was perfect. And I'm finally starting to feel like I understand a little bit of the magic of Bali.
Day 4: Departure (and the Realization That, Somehow, I Actually Had a Blast)
- Morning: Woke up feeling like a new person. Finished packing.
- Late Morning: One last dip in the villa's pool. One last breath of that Balinese air.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. Reflecting on the trip as the plane takes off. It wasn't perfect, it was messy, it was chaotic, but it was real. I am already plotting my return.
Honest Reflections:
This trip wasn't a carefully curated Instagram feed. It was a roller coaster. There were moments of pure, unadulterated joy, moments of utter frustration, and moments where I questioned all my life choices. But that's what made it so memorable. Bali, with all its quirks and chaos, somehow managed to steal a piece of my heart. And if I'm being completely honest, I can't wait to go back. And maybe, just maybe, next time I'll try to navigate a temple without losing my mind.
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Dedari Villas: You Want Answers? (Okay, Here We Go...)
1. Okay, First Things First: Is "Luxury" Just Code for "Expensive"?
Alright, let's be honest. That's the question, isn't it? And yeah, Dedari Villas ain't cheap. But, and this is a BIG BUTT (heh), it's not just about throwing money around. Think of it as...well, an investment in your sanity. Or maybe a desperate bid to escape the screaming toddlers at home. (No judgment, been there.)
The luxury part? It’s the private plunge pool (yes, you can actually swim naked!), the insane views of the rice paddies that make you feel like you’re in a movie, and the staff who anticipate your needs before you even *know* you have them. Like that afternoon when I was battling jet lag and desperately craving a club sandwich? POOF! It magically appeared. Almost freaked me out, honestly. But in a good way!
2. Seriously Though, That Pool... Is It *That* Good? And is it *Private* Private?
Okay, the pool. Let's talk pool. Listen, I've seen a lot of pools. I'm a seasoned pool-snoozer, if you will. Dedari's pool? It's... otherworldly. You're basically floating in a turquoise dream, surrounded by lush greenery. And the *privacy*? Oh, it’s real, folks. Like, you can prance around like a complete fool in a speedo (or nothing at all, no judgments!) and not a soul will see you. Unless, of course, you invite someone. Which I did. And it was glorious. Sunsets from that pool? Worth the entire trip *alone*. I swear, I almost wept the first time I saw it.
3. The Views! Supposedly Stunning. Are They Just Photoshop Magic?
Okay, so the pictures? They're gorgeous, yeah? But let me tell you something: they don't even come close. Seriously. The photos, good as they are, are a pale imitation of the real thing. When I first saw the view from our villa, I actually gasped. Like, a proper, involuntary "GAH!" gasp. The rice paddies stretch endlessly, a vibrant green canvas painted by nature. The air is so crisp and clean, it's intoxicating. One morning, I even saw a flock of birds doing the most synchronized swirl over the fields. It felt like a movie scene. I felt so at peace, I almost forgot to take any pictures. *Almost*.
4. What About the Food? Because, Let's Be Honest, I Live to Eat.
The food. Ah, yes. My *other* true love. Dedari's food is fantastic. Look, I'm not going to lie, there were times when I ordered dessert for breakfast. (Don't judge me, I was on holiday!) The breakfast is a buffet of tropical fruits that'll make your taste buds sing, fresh pastries, and perfectly cooked eggs. The other meals though? A la carte! I tried almost everything on the menu. The nasi goreng was divine, the seafood fresh, the cocktails lethal (in the best way). The only "downside"? I gained five pounds. Regret? Zero.
5. Okay, I'm Sold. But What if I'm a Total Newbie at All This Luxury Stuff? Will I Look Like an Idiot?
Absolutely not! I, myself, am a bit of a luxury virgin. I'm more accustomed to hostels and backpacking. But the staff at Dedari are incredibly welcoming and patient. They're genuinely happy to help, and they make you feel comfortable. Seriously, I asked the waitress, "What's a 'mocktail'?" One time. I felt a bit silly but she helped me pick one. There's no stuffiness, no judging. They just want you to relax and enjoy yourself. So, go ahead! Embrace the luxury, even if you're a bit awkward about it. Nobody will notice, or care!
6. Location, Location, Location! Is it a Pain to Get Around?
Ubud is a bit… off-the-beaten-path, which is part of its charm, but also means you'll be relying on taxis or the villa's driver. Getting to the main Ubud area can take a bit, traffic can be a nightmare. But Dedari offers a free shuttle service to town, which is super convenient. You can also arrange for drivers to take you to various temples, waterfalls, etc. I hired a driver for a whole day and visited a coffee plantation. Good coffee, good times! However, one minor gripe? Sometimes the shuttle was too busy and I had to wait. Small price to pay for paradise, right?
7. My Biggest Fear: Mosquitos! How Bad Is It?
Okay, mosquito anxiety is real. We've all been there. Dedari takes it seriously. They provide mosquito nets over the beds, and the rooms get sprayed regularly. I got bit a few times, but nothing major, and nowhere near as bad as I expected. My advice? Slather yourself in bug spray (the good stuff!) and you'll be mostly fine. Though maybe avoid wearing bright colors at dusk. I didn't listen to this advice, and, well, I got eaten up. My fault, completely.
8. Is It Family-Friendly? (Because I'm Traveling with a Tiny Human)
I saw a few families there, but I think Dedari is more suited for couples or those seeking a quiet escape. The villas are very open plan, so you'd be on edge about your kids at play. It's not the place for boisterous splashing around. The pools, are, after all, meant for serene dips. They do offer child-minding services, but I'd recommend it mostly for folks who want to truly relax. I needed that, so I can’t really tell you how well it works. Sorry!.
9. Speaking of Relaxation: What's the Spa Like?
The spa? Oh, the spa. I'm a spa snob, by the way. IHotel Haven Now
