Villa Gita is located at the northern end of Candidasa on the ocean. As a wary traveller we always take the owners photos with some degree of distrust. Well we were mistaken. We arrived in heaven and were not disappointed!

The Villa, while showing signs of wear and tear are clearly well maintained and the staff always available and wonderful. By way of example, within minutes of waking up a fresh pot of coffee was always next to for me.

We went with our three teenagers who loved the pool and swimming out the front in the ocean. Note there is no proper beach in Candidasa but the amusing named ‘White Sand Beach’ is only about 20 minutes away by taxi. Amusing because the sand is volcanic and quite dark in patches but the water crystal clean and blue. A definite day trip.

Candidasa is not for partying or staying out late but for taking a much earned rest and eating in some very good and well-priced restaurants; while enjoying the villa, it’s facilities and sensational views.

We just spent 8 days at Villa Gita and loved every minute of it. stunning place that looks just as the photos present. Privacy assured but best part it was only a short walk to the main street of Candidasa. The staff couldnt have been more helpful or pleasant. Pool and gardens were always immaculate as were rooms. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Note although it is all on one level there are ponds with stepping stones which our disabled son had to avoid. There was an alternative access point which he could negotiate. Also the entrance alley to the main road was dark at night but torches were provided. Not suitable for someone in a wheelchair or very young children i'd suggest. Manager Gide was particularly helpful.

We just returned from 15 nights at Villa Gita. It was a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday- which is a challenge when you take children aged 3 and a half years and 20 months old.

With 2 young children, I was concerned about pool safety and the close proximity to the ocean, however it turned out to not be an issue. Having the eyes of the staff and ourselves to watch out for any dangers we could actually relax.

Our eldest daughter enjoyed playing in the pool- with the aid of a floating ring and could play independently in the spa which is shallow and attached to the main pool. There are places in Candidasa where you can buy (inexpensively) various floating devices which made pool time a lot of fun.

The location is great, and if you haven't been to Candidasa, you will find a chilled out town with loads of good restaurants, some easy shopping, barely any hassle from locals trying to sell their goods and services, good base for exploring nearby attractions (like Tirta Ganga Water Palace, White Sand Beach, Besakih Temple and easy day trips to Ubub and Amed). Don't go to Candidasa for nightlife- it is a quiet place- which was perfect for us.

Staff at Villa Gita were very attentive, but not overbearing. They were there when you needed them, but kept out of the way if you didn't. The staff work on a rotating roster basis, which means you get to meet lots of them and there is always someone there to cater for your needs. There is even a night guard, who made us feel safe knowing that if our 3 y.old decided to get out of bed at night, the guard would be there to ensure she didn't wander off for a midnight dip in the pool!

The food prepared by the chefs at the villa (Putu, Ketut Suarjana and Nopri) was always great. The menu offered was a bit limited (as we stayed for over 2 weeks we tried almost every dish), but the chefs were always obliging when we asked them to make other dishes. Therefore, if you stay here don't be afraid to ask for any particular dishes that you like- they will try their best to cater for your wishes. The breakfast provided was plentiful and well prepared. Plunger coffee (none of the horrid bali coffee), fresh juice, cereal, toast, fresh fruit, eggs (poached, boiled, fried, scrambled, omlette) , bacon, sausage, tomato and mushrooms. Of course you order what you want, you don't have to eat all that everyday. Eggs every day for 2 weeks is a bit much!

The staff were always ready to offer a drink, whilst we relaxed at the pool and to entertain the kids. They cleaned up after us and the mess created by the kids. I stepped into the kitchen to wash the baby bottle and was shooed away- "we will wash for you".....aaah bliss to not do any washing up for 2 weeks.

The rooms and adjoining bathrooms were cleaned daily. Body wash, bath gel, shampoo, conditioner (all provided) were topped up as necessary. 2 bottles of drinking water provided daily in the bathroom, plus drinking water was always available in a water cooler in the kitchen/bar area. We bought our own beer, soft drinks etc from the shops and stored them in a small fridge, also in the kitchen/bar. This was more economical than buying it at the villa.

The sea breezes were great, as were the ever changing scenery looking out to the ocean. Sunsets, passing boats, lighting storms, waves, fish, crabs, birds were all part of it.

There was nothing that would stop us from returning, however there are a few suggestions we will make to the owner to improve upon. Nothing major, but things that would increase the enjoyability of this already great place.

The road which leads to the villa (just of the main Candidasa road) is not paved, thus making driving, walking and pram pushing a bit of a nuisance. Would be great if it was asphalt/concrete. The road also has no lights, so walking up to the main street at night is not fun (although torches are provided at the villa for you).

We think the bar area could use a ceiling fan. The sea breeze was not enough, as it is located at the back of the main living area.

The awesome rain shower heads in the bathroom need thorough cleaning more regularly to remove the limescale build up. Our shower head was squirting all over until I got annoyed, took it down and cleaned it myself. A bobbypin to clean out the holes and then showers were a pleasure again. I am sure staff would have done it for me if I had asked though!

The pool had a bit of a cleaning issue one day too, which resulted in us not being able to use it. However, we were able to use the pool in the nearby Villa Kaniksa (it is currently under construction and due to be completed this year). We were also given a free dinner to compensate for the inconvenience.

All in all, a great place with lovely staff in a fantastic town. Would love to go back and would recommend this type of holiday for anyone, but especially for families with small kids. It is perfect having living space to spread out, not having to pack up all your kids stuff each day. I couldn't imagine staying in a resort in Bali when Villa accommodation is similar in price and offers so much more.