The six-bedroom Villa Mana is perfect for extended families or groups of friends who appreciate loads of breathing space. For this is contemporary tropical living on a large scale, with 3.7 metre high ceilings, swathes of kilim-covered black concrete floors, and enough multi- level living space to swallow up a crowd. Supplementing the formal living area are deep verandahs and a huge roof terrace with over-sized daybeds sheltering under a rice-vista pergola. A 17-metre swimming pool, media room with pool table and Xbox, wading pool, and football pitch will keep kids happily entertained, and the beach is just three kilometres away.

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Villa Mana is hidden away in the village of Babakan in the popular district of Canggu on Bali’s south-west coast. Opposite the villa entrance is an important village temple, Pura Kahyangan, and beyond Villa Mana’s gardens are rice terraces stretching to the horizon. The villa has a ringside seat on an authentic way of life that has remained constant over generations. A gentle bike ride along quiet roads guided by the villa staff accords fascinating glimpses into this largely unchanged world and its hard to believe that Seminyak’s acclaimed restaurants, nightspots and boutiques are just 10 kilometres away. The world-class surf breaks and sunset views of Echo Beach are a 5-minute drive away, as is the famed Tanah Lot sea temple.

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Villa Mana’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.