Latest news with #Seminyak
News.com.au
3 days ago
- News.com.au
Jaw-dropping find behind Bali villa door
When I go on holiday, I find nothing more exciting than the moment I get to see my accommodation for the first time. I often have butterflies in my stomach as I open the door, as sad as that is to admit. In my 20-plus years of travelling, I've never had a more visceral reaction to a 'first glimpse' than when I recently checked into Villa Vienna in Seminyak, Bali. The eight-bedroom property was recently named by Stayz as the Best International Holiday Home for Aussie travellers in 2025 so I knew it was going to be good, but when I pushed open the villa's giant round wooden door for the first time, I literally gasped. I was greeted with a big blue pool featuring a large round jacuzzi, oversized day beds and a manicured lawn. I felt as if I'd just stepped foot onto the set of Love Island (before the horny contestants arrived). My jaw remained dropped as Nita, one of the villa's guest liaisons, gave me a tour of the rest of the property, including the sunken living room, indoor swim-up pool bar, cinema room and the sauna (I'm not sure why you'd want a sauna when it already feels like one outside … but maybe that's just me). You can check out the villa in the video at the top of this article (prepare to be wowed). For three glorious nights, I was lucky enough to call Villa Vienna my home, and to give you a taste of what it was like, I'm going to run you through just one of those days. 7.30am - I wake up in my airconditioned bedroom that overlooks the pool, open the curtains, and walk into my huge outdoor bathroom for a bath. 8.15am - The doorbell rings. It's the villa's personal chefs (yes, plural) who have arrived to cook me breakfast. Twenty minutes later the dining table is set, and the chefs lay down a colourful three-course meal consisting of a smoothie bowl, fruit platter and omelette with toast, hash browns and sausages. 9.30am - I leave the villa to get a takeaway coffee at Revolver, a cafe that serves one of Bali's best brews. It's conveniently located just 100 metres from the villa, where I return to slowly sip my long black while lounging on one of the day beds next to the pool. With a book in hand, I settle in for the next few hours. 11.30am - The doorbell rings again. This time it's the villa's in-house masseuse who's arrived for my prearranged massage. The masseuse sets up in my bedroom and for the next hour she gives me one of the best, most relaxing massages I've ever received. At one stage I fall asleep and I'm woken by my snoring. Terribly embarrassing, but also a ringing endorsement of the massage, right? 1pm - Still floating on cloud nine from the massage, I leave the villa and walk five minutes to Ginger Moon Canteen for lunch. It's one of the many highly rated restaurants near the villa, which is located right near Seminyak Square. 2.30pm - There's no denying that Seminyak is an assault on the senses. With scooters zipping by, people trying to sell you items on the street, and tourists galore, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But as I return to the villa for a post-lunch swim, I can't help but notice how none of that chaos is noticeable once you walk through the big wooden door. The villa is a calm, peaceful oasis, even though it's just 100 metres from the action. 5.30pm - I wake up from an unplanned nap on one of the poolside day beds. It's entirely possible that I was woken by my snoring again, but I don't know for sure, so let's just pretend it was the bang of a scooter backfiring nearby … yes, let's go with that. 6pm - After a quick shower, I catch a Grab (Indonesian version of Uber) scooter to La Plancha, a beach bar famous for its colourful bean bags and bright umbrellas. With a cocktail in hand, I watch the sunset. 7pm - I arrive at MoonLite Kitchen and Bar, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the beach, for dinner. 9pm - Back at Villa Vienna, I head upstairs to the cinema room to watch a movie. 11pm - Bedtime. My thoughts Before my recent trip, I'd never actually considered staying in a villa in Bali, mostly because there are so many amazing hotels over there. But I can assure you that will change from now on, particularly when travelling with a large posse. And it appears I'm not alone. 'With more villas being built in Bali, it's no surprise we're seeing more Aussies opt for private stays, especially when they come with such standout amenities as we see with Villa Vienna,' Stayz travel expert, Sarah King told 'We know Aussies value privacy, comfort and convenience, so we're seeing a growing demand in Aussies choosing private stays when travelling overseas – a trend that's growing faster than traditional accommodation.' Villa Vienna would be the perfect choice for a group trip to Bali given just how spacious, luxurious and private it is. Watch the video tour at the top of this page and imagine being there with 15 of your besties, a playlist called 'Baliday Inn Tunes' playing in the background, sipping on Bintangs and playing Marco Polo in the pool. If you're planning a trip to the Island of the Gods, definitely consider staying at Villa Vienna - because once you step through that giant wooden door, you'll fall in love with the place, and the staff, just like I did. And trust me, you won't want to leave. Spoiler: I did leave, but I left a piece of my heart (and my dignity — see: massage snoring) at Villa Vienna.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The best bars and nightlife in Bali
There was a time when Kuta Beach was the island's party central, but the tectonic plate of Balinese nightlife has been on a westward drift for several decades. These days, Bali's nocturnal happenings have their epicentre in Seminyak and neighbouring Canggu. The Bukit Peninsula (Bali's far south) has also seen rapid development, with new beach clubs and bars opening almost every week. Nightlife here tends to focus on the beach areas and vibrant Ubud town, but with more than 400 miles of coastline, there are enough spots to appeal to everyone, whether you're looking for a party zone or a chilled sunset cocktail venue. Here are some of the finest. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best beaches in Bali. Find out more below, or for more Bali inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, things to do and beaches. Best beach-front venues Rock Bar Named more for the geological setup than the style of music, this incredibly exciting nightspot at Ayana Resort and Spa is the setting for a night out that you'll talk about long after your holiday has ended. The evening begins with the funicular ride (expect queues) down to the waveside grotto – and it just gets wilder and more exciting. The Round Deck, a private VIP island high above the crashing waves, is the centre point of this incredible 880-seat venue. FINNS Beach Club Much more than a mere nightlife venue, FINNS is a Bali institution. It's often described as the world's best beach club and some people come to the Island of the Gods specifically to visit. Dedicated party-goers sometimes arrive before lunch and keep going until closing time at midnight. This adults-only venue is vast and, while the music varies, the background beat is cleverly maintained across the three pools, 11 bars and two 'party restaurants'. La Plancha Styled on a Spanish chiringuito (beach bar), this spot is perhaps the best-value nightlife venue on the island. La Plancha, meaning grill in Spanish, serves great meals – from Cajun chicken skewers to snapper ceviche – and tapas-style snacks. Most visitors are drawn for sundowner cocktails and live music, but all enjoy the beanbags that sit beneath a kaleidoscope of parasols. This wide section of beach is great for people-watching, with beach volleyball, football and surfing coming to a climax around sunset. Return to index Best bars for a laid-back vibe Pinstripe Bar It's like stepping back in time to the roaring '20s when you walk into Bali's most glamorous and romantic speakeasy-style venue. This soulful, atmospheric and supremely cool bar often serves as a nightcap spot for those who have just enjoyed a seven-course degustation menu at neighbouring Apéritif restaurant – part of Viceroy Bali. Yet Pinstripes should be considered a destination in its own right. Order from a tantalising menu or ask head mixologist Panji to rustle up something bespoke. Single Fin Bali A super-cool retro beach hangout where you can gaze down on the surfers challenging Uluwatu's famous waves. Single Fin Sundays are a regular fixture for many islanders and expats who come for the laid-back vibe and comfort food; fish and chips, tacos and well-stacked burgers. The Guinness beef stew is a firm favourite and the Last Wave cocktail, a fruity mix of spiced rums and absinthe, serves as the finest possible accompaniment to an Uluwatu sunset. Return to index Best for music The Iron Fairies Bali Award-winning designer Ashley Sutton has created this magical nightspot by transforming a 500-capacity venue in the heart of Seminyak into a stylised Australian mine. It's tooled in hand-hewn timber, leather and – you guessed it – iron. A mind-bending combination of industrial steampunk and avant-garde chic, this incredible venue (open until 3am) is considered by many to be the place to be seen in Bali. The live music and sophisticated cocktail menu are added incentives to visit. Area: Seminyak Website: Price: £££ Getting in: Strictly no beach wear or vests Motel Mexicola If it's margaritas that rock your boat, then this place, offering six different recipes, is unmissable. If you're a fan of mezcal, even more so – there are almost a dozen varieties on the menu. Looking for great dance music from celebrated DJs? You'll find that too. This is almost certainly Bali's most colourful nightspot; full of typically flamboyant Mexican flair and excellent Mexican cuisine. Motel Mexicola celebrates everything from Mexican Independence Day to Day of the Dead and International Margarita Day. Savaya Uluwatu's trendiest nightspot is the venue for some of Bali's hottest DJs. The cliff top location, high over Uluwatu's crashing waves, is absolutely sublime – especially at sunset when the ocean seems to turn to fire. Savaya is often rated as Asia's premier spot for clubbing and is focused around a sinuous infinity pool. Since it opens at 1pm, it's also an ideal daytime pool hangout. Return to index Best for cocktails Sundara Just 20 minutes after leaving Bali's international airport, you can find yourself sitting in front of a 57m infinity pool overlooking Jimbaran's white sand, sipping a zero-waste tropical cocktail: try the Mangrove Revival, an irresistibly zesty, fruity and fresh gin and absinthe combo topped with a mangrove flower. Sundara is part of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and the Day At The Bay package includes a Sundara lunch. The Shady Pig Vintage bootleg Bali, with all the intrigue and mystery of the 1920s prohibition era, comes alive at this secret spot in Canggu. The password that gains you access changes daily. Find it by contacting them via WhatsApp or Instagram, although you'll still have to use some detective work to find the exact location – unless the queue outside gives you a clue. It's a tiny, cosy venue with a great vibe and even better cocktails. Try the barrel-aged Negroni or the Sexy Colada. Return to index How we choose Every bar in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser-known corners, to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations. About our expert Mark Eveleigh I first fell in love with West Bali during a surf trip 25 years ago. Since then, I've returned at every opportunity and, whenever I'm not on assignment, I write from a bamboo and thatch house in the West Balinese village of Pekutatan.
Hospitality Net
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hospitality Net
KLEO Seminyak Debuts in Bali as the First jdV by Hyatt Hotel in Southeast Asia
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) is proud to announce the opening of KLEO Seminyak, the first JdV by Hyatt property in Southeast Asia. Embodying the free-spirited essence of the JdV by Hyatt brand, KLEO Seminyak delivers a holistic hospitality experience rooted in the pulse of the local culture, just steps away from the sun-soaked shores of Petitenget Beach. Carefully curated by local collaborators and driven by bold, mid-century influences, KLEO Seminyak offers 60 artfully crafted rooms with eclectic décor, expressive hues, and Zen-inspired bathrooms. Distinctive design elements found across the property, such as sculptural wall art and one-of-a-kind pendant lamps, add subtle artistic flair and tasteful pops of color. Social spaces and communal hubs reflect KLEO Seminyak's playful yet refined soul, making every moment—from sunrise yoga to late-night cocktails—feel purposeful. Inspired by the energetic spirit of Seminyak, every corner of KLEO Seminyak tells a story filled with curiosity and culture. Helmed by celebrated Chef Maurizio Bombini, KLEO Seminyak's standout culinary concept, Zia Tina invites indulgence and celebration - bringing the Masseria way of life to Seminyak. Drawn from the culinary culture of Southern Italy, the menu features hearty dishes such as wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked ragù, and fire-kissed vegetables - all crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Decadent desserts, alongside classic Italian aperitivi and wines top off any meal, inviting lingering conversation and creating cherished memories. Located on the roof with stunning views of the city and a glistening pool, Rooftop Social is a lush, riviera-style escape, offering a signature space for casual socializing, poolside lounging, exclusive nightlife, or intimate private events. In celebration of the JdV by Hyatt brand's continued growth in Asia, World of Hyatt is providing members with even more ways to be rewarded by offering members the opportunity to earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at KLEO Seminyak from July 20 to October 31, 2025, part of World of Hyatt's new hotel member offer. Additional participating hotels and their offer stay periods can be found at No registration is required, and members can earn on top of other offers. Terms apply. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit The term "Hyatt" is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and / or one or more of its affiliates. Hotel website
News.com.au
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Oh Too Good becomes social media sensation ahead of Winter Championship Final bid at Flemington
Oh Too Good could inspire a rebrand of the Winx Sports Bar in Bali on Saturday, with victory in the Listed Winter Championship Series Final (1600m) at Flemington. One-horse trainer Kevin Daffy, wife Christine and daughters Jade and Amber will be trackside while Rick Bayliss, a long-time friend and part-owner of Oh Too Good, will be cheering from afar. 'He'll be watching it from the Winx (Sports) Bar in Bali (Seminyak) … hopefully we might be able to rename it to the Oh Too Good Bar tomorrow,' Daffy said. 'The 16 of them (Bayliss family) are going to be cheering her on from there.' Oh Too Good is $2.80 favourite to win the Listed Winter Championship Series Final from Jimmy The Bear ($6), Cafe Millenium ($6.50) and Yellow Sam ($9.50). Daffy, 'Australia's smallest trainer', was compelled to target the Winter Championship after Oh Too Good won brilliantly last start at Flemington. Jimmy The Bear, who finished second, has won since. 'I guess you can't get much smaller than one horse,' Daffy laughed. 'It's a bit of a novelty for some people … they can't believe it really, it is quite unique, quite special.' Oh Too Good has earned $569,450 with five wins and five minor places from 11 starts. The five-year-old, affectionately known as 'GiGi' at home, has also become a social media sensation, thanks to Daffy's eldest daughter, Jade. 'Jade started a bit of social media with her this week, and it went nuts. She's quite clever,' Daffy said. 'She came up with a couple cute little videos on Instagram and TikTok … one had 50,000 views and 5000 likes, with people from all over the world commenting.' @ohtoogoodracehorse Meet GiGi (Oh Too Good) 🐎✨ She's fiery, unapologetic and has that 'main character energy' that lights up a track! 🩷💛 #horseracing #australianhorseracing #winterracing #horsetraining #horses #horse #narratortrend #narrator #narration #fy #fypage #ohtoogood #horsesoftiktok #horseriding #horsetok #horselover #racing #thoroughbred #trending #narration #viral #viraltiktok #viralvideo #viralvideos ♬ original sound - Oh Too Good The viral 72-second clip on the Ohtoogoodracehorse TikTok account celebrates Daffy's dedication to the 'diva' with behind the scenes footage and a witty script. 'GiGi only likes two things,' the video voiceover states. 'Winning (and) Kevin … everyone else, tolerated at best.' Daffy is rarely too far from the mare. 'No one else touches this horse, ever, that's why I never let her out of my sight,' Daffy said. 'I do hire a strapper to come with me race day but that's more to go and get the saddle, run the colours up, and help do a few little things I need done. 'She frets if I get too far away from her … she's getting better. When she first went to the races I couldn't walk across from the stall to the fence to talk to anybody, she wouldn't be happy. 'She does at least let me do that a bit now.' • Despite saddling the favourite, Daffy has respect for the entire field on Saturday. 'No matter what the market says, they're all good horses,' Daffy said. 'I'd be foolish to think I'd be going to a Listed race at Flemington with confidence of winning … I'm happy I'm going there with a horse in the best shape, as happy and as healthy as I could have her. 'With some luck in running, she'll definitely be right in the finish and hopefully winning.' He also praised jockey Ben Allen for his commitment to stick with Oh Too Good. Allen brought forward a suspension, had to forgo bulk rides to do so, and all but made the 54kg cut. 'He will be riding her a little bit over the 54kg … that will depend on how he is tomorrow.' Daffy said. 'She could potentially be carrying 55kg, worst case. He's been so committed to wanting to ride her, I didn't ask him to do that because I know how difficult it is for jockeys but he wanted to do it. 'Set himself the task to get down to ride … I really appreciate that and hopefully she can repay him.'
News.com.au
02-07-2025
- News.com.au
Stayz' Best International Holiday Homes for Aussie travellers in 2025 revealed
A holiday house in Bali has taken out the top spot in Stayz' Best International Holiday Homes for Aussie travellers in 2025. Aussies are obsessed with Bali so it's no surprise a Balinese villa came out on top – but in terms of dominating the top 10, New Zealand had two holiday homes and Europe had six, with a stunning stay in Hawaii rounding out the list. The winners were based on popularity with Aussie guests, glowing traveller reviews and an unbeatable location and amenities. The homes range from one to eight bedrooms with nightly average rates between $500 and $2,500. 'We know Aussies value privacy, comfort and convenience, so we're seeing a growing demand in Aussies choosing private stays when travelling overseas – a trend that's growing faster than traditional accommodation,' Stayz Travel Expert, Sarah King told 'While a pool remains the top amenity for both international and domestic holiday homes, practical features like parking, internet, airconditioning and a washing machine are in high demand when travelling overseas.' 1. Bali Villa Vienna took out the top spot on the list with the massive eight-bedroom escape in the heart of Seminyak, ticking the wow-factor box. It has a private jacuzzi, sauna, and cinema. Just minutes from Bali's best beaches and night-life, it's an ideal base for a luxury group getaway. Ms King said the island's accessibility, exceptional value and huge range of accommodation options continue to make it a top choice for travellers. 'With more villas being built in Bali, it's no surprise we're seeing more Aussies opt for private stays, especially when they come with such standout amenities as we see with Villa Vienna.' 2. Rome, Italy Argentina Luxury Terrace in Rome came in second. It's a terrace that blends historic charm with modern indulgence. It also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views and a hot tub. All that's missing is an Aperitivo in hand. 'Location plays a big role, especially in culturally rich cities like Rome and Florence, where you can be steps from the Pantheon or tucked in the Tuscan countryside,' Ms King said. 'But it's not the only factor driving traveller demand. What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors.' 3. Queenstown, New Zealand Set in the scenic Dalefield countryside, Speargrass Lodge is a luxury alpine escape with panoramic mountain views. The four-bedroom retreat features a private pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, and media room – just 10 minutes from Queenstown and Arrowtown, yet worlds away in tranquillity. 'New Zealand remains a firm favourite for Aussie travellers and on Stayz we're seeing a 35 per cent increase in interest for Queenstown holiday homes, compared to last year,' Ms King told 'In Auckland, a private apartment gives travellers the space they need to relax and unwind, while still being in the heart of the city, whereas in Queenstown, it's the private cottages and lakeside homes that are most popular with Aussie travellers, where again we see some incredible amenities like private pools, hot tubs and fireplaces.' 4. Florence, Italy Originally built in the XI century, this Montelupo Fiorentino Villa has undergone a meticulous restoration, including six bedrooms, six bathrooms and two kitchens, with stunning views of the Tuscan valleys and countryside. 5. London, United Kingdom Light filled and on the ground-floor, this Contemporary Victorian Apartment is the ideal private space to unwind after a busy day of exploring – just a stone's throw away from some of London's best sights including Hyde Park, Mayfair and Kensington Palace. 6. Auckland, New Zealand It's all about the harbour views at this Heritage Penthouse three-bedroom apartment. Located in the heart of the CBD, it's the perfect private space to relax after a big day of exploring. 'The Heritage Penthouse is a standout for Aussie travellers with its central location and stunning harbour views,' Ms King said. 'Perfectly placed in the heart of the city just steps from the Sky Tower and ferry terminal, the Heritage Penthouse blends luxury and comfort. Especially when travelling with family or friends, Aussies love the convenience of having a full kitchen and laundry.' 7. Dubrovnik, Croatia Perched above the Adriatic in the peaceful village of Mlini, this Infinity Pool Villa offers panoramic sea views, a private infinity pool, and sleek modern interiors. Just a short drive from Dubrovnik's Old Town, it's the perfect blend of seclusion and access, Ms King said it's ideal for families or groups seeking a stylish coastal escape. 8. Santorini, Greece Tucked into the cliffs of Oia, Cave Suite blends traditional charm with modern indulgence. The private terrace with hot tub offers sweeping caldera views, in a serene location just steps from Oia's iconic sunset spots and cafes. 'What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors,' Ms King added. 'There's really no better way to see some of these destinations than in a unique private stay, whether that's a villa with a backdrop of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia or a cave suite overlooking the caldera in Santorini.' 9. Crete, Greece Set against the backdrop of Crete's rugged coastline, Modern Minimalistic villa is the ideal stay for families and groups. Beautifully landscaped, including a stunning pool, separate children's pool and nearby alfresco dining area, it's the perfect place to relax and indulge. 'Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, you get one space that fits everyone, with more privacy and often a lower cost per person,' Ms King said. 10. Maui, Hawaii Offering all the comforts of home in a tropical paradise, this Luxury Oceanview Private Estate offers a peaceful getaway with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Featuring a pool, hot tub and gourmet kitchen, it has all the essentials for a laid-back island stay. 'Each property has a little bit of luxury to it, and what I mean by that is a feature or amenity that Aussies likely don't have in their own homes, such as home cinemas, hot tubs, saunas, gourmet kitchens and stunning alfresco dining areas.'
