Villa Jukung

Julia Roberts finds her happily ever after here in this heaven of verdant landscapes, peaceful people, colourful folkloric traditions and virgin beaches of white sand and the Indian Ocean. Since seeing the film 'Eat, pray, Love', I have been longing to come here for myself. It seems such an effortlessly beautiful, easygoing and magical place to be and to make it all the more so, some close friends, my partner and I will be staying at the Villa Jukung. Set directly overlooking the sea with its own beach entrance and private deck, it is located on the unspoilt Eastern part of the island, far from busy crowds, nestled in a small, authentic fishing village. The photos looked perfect and we are all of us itching to see what awaits us, even those that have been to Bali before...

Eat

We arrive through a glowing dream of jet­lagged joy, emerald paddy fields, stunning temples and then the smiling faces of the staff waiting to welcome us to their villa. What a stunning place! Built in traditional style with natural woods and combining this with contemporary chic of bright whites, clean lines and floor to ceiling windows that make the most of the spectacular sea views from every angle. There is an incredible smell of mouth­watering food drifting across to us and in a bustle of bags and a quick freshening up, we are ushered out onto the terrace by an azure swimming pool to eat an exquisite feast prepared especially for us. This is to be the first of many as we wind up eating nigh on every meal right here at home, for there is nowhere more idyllic and the food is divine!

Pray

Every act on this island, every gesture is like a an offering to the gods, a prayer, and the great care and sincere kindness of the staff, as well as almost everyone we come across, has me feeling an ever growing respect and affection for Bali and its people. I find that we all begin to assume a similar attitude as we fall into sync with its timeless rhythms and abandon ourselves to the sheer luxury that embraces us. Each of us have our own room with king size bed, bathroom and modern facilities such as flat screen satellite televisions, and between the delicious meals, sessions by the pool, in the jacuzzi or snorkelling and sunbathing in front of the villa, the sense of well­being is almost holy.

Love

We hop on boats to nearby islands and bikes to visit gorgeous temples; everything we could wish for is on hand and organised for us, nothing is too much trouble and never before have I felt so safe and beautifully cared for in an exotic utopia such as this one. My partner and I steal away occasionally for moments of blissful, romantic solitude and all of us share a glorious happiness that rings out in relaxed laughter in our suppers and adventures together. The feeling I have for this place and that seems to be generated between everyone can be summed up in one simple word – Love.