It’s not surprising that the place christened “Island of the Gods” presents so many beautiful vacation villa rentals. Regardless of location, each beach rental and garden retreat seems to mirror the splendor of the island. Some have banks of French doors opening to huge verandahs and seaside pools. Think Balinese architecture, minimalist décor with softly draped poster beds, tropical gardens and serene ponds with views to the mountains and sea beyond. Many are fully staffed with every comfort considered – even a car and driver to deliver you to local shops and restaurants or on leisurely day trips. There simply is no better way to enjoy Bali than from your private vacation sanctuary.

A deeply Hindu culture, the Balinese always link the spiritual relationships between God, human and environment. Bali traditions spill through manicured landscapes and theatres, artist sculptures and temples around every corner. On balance, Bali also hosts partying Australians, surfing college kids and active families looking for a taste of Eden. Bali is 95 miles wide and spans 69 miles from north to south, with a treasure trove of natural attractions – volcanic hills and mountains, rapid rivers and silken beaches, rice terraces and tropical monkey forests. Sophisticated arts are also a distinct part of the culture, where you will enjoy elegant museums and Indonesian paintings and leatherworking. For an authentic Balinese experience, be sure to go to the Bali Agung Theatre for exceptional music and beautiful dancers. Elaborate spa treatments offer yet another calming experience.

Helicopter tours are excellent for viewing the Besakih Temple on Mount Agung and the striking cliffside sea temples of Tanah Lot and Ulu Watu, all impressive Balinese attractions in spectacular settings. For more active excursions, surfers hit the water at Suluban Beach for world class waves, while white water rafters challenge the Telaga Waja River below Bali’s active volcano, Mount Agung. Kuta is the multinational gathering spot for entertainment, where rows of restaurants and bars, discos and souvenir kiosks compete with one another for visitor attention. It’s a late night scene, often winding up at midnight and moving into high gear on the dance floors past 2 a.m.

Whether you’ve trekked around the island, tested the rapids or watched gorgeous sunsets in Kuta, you will appreciate returning to your cozy beach home or garden villa. Particularly for families and groups, vacation homes offer multiple bedrooms and baths, spacious living areas and well-equipped kitchens for meals on the terrace or breakfast by the pool.