Touring Bali on a motorcycle for two weeks, we got to see and taste many of the Islands nuances.... not all equally good, I’m afraid. The Desa Saya resort was that pearl in the bowl of stones....! Going down the road, we thought “no way”.... but once through the gates.... paradise! This really is a precious oasis of beauty, quality and balinese grace. Absolutely wonderful!
Writing this review on the plane on the way back home. Just spent three weeks at Desa Saya and would have loved to even stay longer. Celebrated my 30th birthday there with my friends. Heaven on earth. I met the owners, German couple Nicole and Jochen, 8 years ago at their other eco resort in Tejakula, Cili Emas. Ever since I have always come back there (this was my 5th or 6th time on Bali). This time however, it was my first time at Desa Saya as it is fairly new. And I have to admit, it has even exceeded my expectations. It is simply perfect: everything is eco, very quiet, the nature is incredible, beautiful villas (which are super stylish and super clean - two showers, one inside, one outside, plus outside bath tub), fresh organic food and juices and an amazing beach club with direct beach access (bring beach shoes though, not a sandy beach). And not to forget the spa, best massages I have had so far on Bali, well anywhere to be honest. I recommend the balinese massage and hair spa with head massage. Heaven. The place is rather boutique, which I like, so not so many other people. You can see the owners’ dedication to every detail in everything, which I have not seen like this anywhere else. Staff is also incredibly friendly, always smiling, accommodating every little extra wish (I am guilty). The little village of Tejakula is also very quiet, barely any tourism up there. So for me this is the Bali I like. I am not into the busy South. Daytrips me and my friends have done from there: Aling Aling Waterfalls, Sekumpul Waterfall, diving in Amed (did the US liberty wreck dive after years of hesitation because too touristy, but it was great), even did the Lake Batur sunset hike, which was surprisingly nice, Ubud as usual for a little shopping, and Jatiluwih rice fields - check out the Batu Karu Kopi Cafe if you happen to go there, best view on rice terraces I have ever seen. Back at Desa Saya we went out in the morning with the local fishermen on their boats to see the sunrise on the ocean (it was actually my birthday that day and well, the best start ever, as we were later surrounded by dolphin schools - what). Can’t think of anything that would have been even better. Maybe a wild unicorn coming out of the jungle. If you go to Desa Saya, make sure to get one of their drivers (in particular Mr. Gede) to pick you up anywhere on the island - or from the airport - best driver ever. He will also bring you to temples, waterfalls or anything else you want to see on the way. All in all, 10/10 would recommend. My favorite place ever. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk, enjoy your holidays:)…
Nothing is perfect in life, even resorts and hotels included. With the owner and entire staffs taking care of the resort and the guests with love and respect. A beautiful, hidden and tranquil location, with the real chance to recharge and rebuild yourself in a better way. Cannot wait for the next stay. :) My partner Conrad contracted dengue fever from Koh Samui, and the GM...Nyoman literally saved my partner’s life. If you are looking for a peaceful, and positive life changing holidays, you can look no further than this place (this is not a paid review).
I had no expectations, having not been to this part of Bali before. It is not the thronging tourist and traffic trap of the South, so that's a relief! It is nestled into the heart of small family compounds, temples and farms. The place was quiet - only a few other visitors from Holland, Germany (no Australians!). The beach club is superb, and I had the indulgence of my own villa with beautiful pool. I loved the location and the staff, and the peace the place brought with it. The spa services were fantastic and well priced. Once I discovered I could hire a scooter, I had so much fun exploring the area. I would love to visit again, this time with my family and friends.
The villa great,I like the interior in side very nice ,and we we have dinner we have greek salad was ok,the vegetables soup is no taste,the pasta over cook and pesto very no taste, tuna sandwich is ok ,the staff great
Very silent Best Food Big Pool Fine Massage Extrordinary Beach Club Excursions: Waterfalls, Rice Fields. Hindu Ceremonys - Bali as it was 30 years ag! I arrived in Match - I was the only one guest, but I never fehlt alone, thank you Melan and the staff!
We stayed at Desa Saya for a week in early December—in part to visit the region and make the most of affordable, off-season flight and overnight costs. What we experienced was no less than the absolute best service, meals, yoga, spa, excursions and accommodation. This is a collection of villas with a restaurant surrounding a pristine pool (cleaned at least 4 times in 7 days) and gardens. The wildlife (especially the frogs) is thriving; the neighboring farms have adventuresome chickens that are always on the move; and the fish and other fauna, corals and vibrant plants at the coast are so worth you checking out Desa Saya’s snorkeling gear. The villa is comfortable and spacious. Its handcrafted elements give them character without compromising on comfort. The bathroom area—some outside— is a huge highlight. The large stone tub was welcome and freshly filled every morning. Connected to its own spa and yoga ashram, and a beach bar with a second pool, the share facilities are beautiful and artistically decorated. Gardens dominate. We were pampered in the spa (lots of choice) and had two sessions of yoga with a private teacher who kept it challenging without us melting in the 30C and high humidity. And the food! We ate most of our meals at the restaurant. It would have been impossible to find anything better. Fruit in abundance, fresh and local Bali coffee, limited but extraordinary menu—a fusion of healthy and regional. We were blown away at every meal because of the freshness, variety and flavors. Arrangements made through the reception, we had tours by taxi to local spots, which we recommend: Git Git waterfall (go swimming) and Ulun Dahr temple (for the view of the lake); Surya Indigo Traditional Weaving (women’s co-op and an enthusiastic natural dye maker); and a bit of tourism with other Westerners in Amed for snorkeling. And now to praise the staff at Desa Saya and their colleagues in the tourism industry. We felt like royalty. Just enough attention that helped when we needed it, but allowed us privacy to enjoy the anonymity of a vacation. Every service was delivered with grace and care. Every meal was served with pride. The villa was shining clean every day. Even in two short blackouts, service stayed exceptional. We were asked to be critical and honest, but we felt honored to be guests. Caveat: Desa Saya is not close to a big city. It is inside a small community of farms and a village. Attractions are not close by, you will need a driver. Indonesia does not have WiFi 24-7. All these things make it a perfect place to unwind, let go, eat well and be well. It is first class with heart. …
...it is just unbelievable what Nicole and Jochen created! A review can not tell the uniqueness of this place... Go and visit! Enjoy full mind and body recreation. Starting the day with a great breakfast at your choice, fresh fruit juices any style, drinking a young fresh coconut, swimming in this huge pool in paradisiac nature, enjoying a massage or body treatment @the beautiful spa, afternoon coffee @the unique beach club Pantai Saya and sundowner, tasting a delicious dinner, sleeping heavenly in one of this outstanding villas... just celebrating every precious moment @Desa Saya... Thanks to the whole staff for making us feel so comfortable!
We live in Bali and are always looking for a place to go where we can chill out and get away from it all. What an awesome place this is for just that :). We had 3 days in a private villa with swimming pool but would have been more than happy with a lovely wooden villa overlooking the amazing swimming pool and pond. We ate all our meals at the restaurant with every one of them being worthy of a 5 star rating. The staff were also extremely helpful and the massage was perfect. All in all you need to get out of the business of South Bali and explore what these areas have to offer. Thanks guys for a truly relaxing stay - and we will be back.
Thank u Desa for an amazing experience on the North of Bali! Thank your stuff for being kind and attentive but not annoying. Thank your chef for being really delecate with the food. I am not vegan or vegetarian, but it is first time in my life i ve enjoyed food(every single dish was amazingly crafted). Perfect place to discover. Will come back next year. P.S. and thank u for being really obsessed with the details in architecture, design, lighting and mood. Cheerz.
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