Villa Joss’s manager will have a wealth of information about nearby places of interest and will help arrange transport and make any bookings required. Do also ask the staff about the local area. Many of them live nearby and will be able to give an interesting insight into some of the fascinating aspects of Bali life.

In the meantime, here is a taste of the many and varied activities on offer within reach of the villa.

• Batubelig Beach around the corner is quiet and peaceful, while Seminyak Beach is much busier and a fun place for people watching. All along this coastline the waves are huge and the domain of the surfers. The expansive beach is a place where the local and expatriate communities gather every evening to enjoy Bali’s legendary sunsets and where guests may chance upon Balinese Hindu ceremonies involving offerings cast into the sea.
• Seminyak and the neighbouring area of Petitenget boast a plethora of chic cocktail bars, exciting nightclubs, sumptuous spas, fashionable boutiques and famous restaurants including Ku De Ta, Nutmegs at Hu’u, La Lucciola, Sarong and Sardine.
• Villa Joss is conveniently located close to all of the main shopping malls and many other tourist attractions. The location offers easy access up to the mountains and rice terraces on Bali’s western slopes. It is just over one hour’s drive from the famous cultural and artistic town of Ubud, and just 10 minutes’ drive from the west end of the Sunset Road, gateway to the island.
• The nearby ‘Nirwana Bali Golf Course’ was designed by Greg Norman, and voted the number one golf course in Asia. It is also situated near the dramatic, waved-lashed sea temple of Tanah Lot.
• Covering 3.8 hectares of tropical parkland in Kuta, Waterbom Bali has a huge selection of water slides (including The Climax with its 360 degree loop) to entertain the young and the young at heart. A great family day out, but go early to beat the crowds.
• Bali Treetop Adventure Park is near the town of Bedugal in northern central Bali (next to Lake Bratan). Five adventure circuits, with heights ranging from two to 20 metres, challenge all level and ages on suspended bridges, spider nets, Tarzan jumps and 12 flying foxes.
• Explore the scenic rice-field landscape and rural villages by bicycle; a great way to get under the skin of the ‘real’ Bali. Stop off at a local warung (café) to sample some basic Balinese fare or cool off with a cold drink.