Sun Island Boutique Villas & Spa

Stepping in off the busy main road and into the quiet and tranquil setting of the Sun Island Villas is a refreshing respite from the hectic streets of Legian and Seminyak. The pathways that lead to the rooms, restaurants, and pool are lined with beautiful tropical plants and flowers. Villas have tall walls surrounding them, making them feel intimate and private, which is part of the reason the hotel is popular with couples. While the romance of a villa stay is undeniable, there are also two-bedroom villas here that are great for families or groups of friends. There aren't a ton of common areas, but the hotel's pool area is a relaxing space for guests when they want to leave the privacy of their own villa's plunge-pools. Having only 21 villas on the property means that the pool and common spaces tend to stay quiet and low key, and the overall ambiance throughout the hotel is peaceful and tranquil.

Sun Island Villas & Spa are ideally located in downtown Seminyak, near Jalan Legian, where many popular nightclubs and bars can be found. The Bintang Supermarket is a two-minute walk -- handy for stocking kitchens -- and it's less than a five-minute walk to restaurants like Ryoshi and Grain Bali. Designer boutiques and handicraft stores are all just outside the hotel's door as well. Double Six Beach is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and is a slightly quieter alternative to wilder Kuta Beach. The beach is especially popular at sunset hour, when beach-shack styled bars like La Plancha get packed. There are also trendier options like Cocoon Beach Club, which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. A few popular nightclubs and bars are located within walking distance from the hotel, but most of the nightlife on Jalan Legian is located a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Attractions such as Kuta Beach, the Beachwalk Mall, and Waterbom Bali are a 20- to 30-minute drive away. The airport takes about 25 minutes to reach by taxi, though driving times may vary as traffic can be unpredictable.

Villas are modern and spacious, though the best feature is the privacy offered by the tall walls surrounding them. Entrances and verandahs are lined with heliconias, palms, and tropical greenery, and once inside, the style is simple. Sleek black tiles line the floors and the white walls are hung with just one or two bright paintings. Furniture is generally black and has clean lines, and low platform beds have colorful throws. It's worth noting that we did spot a bit of wear throughout the villas, and areas like the pools and terraces could use a deep scrub. The private pools come standard, but can be a bit chilly, and all villas have large sliding doors that open up onto verandahs. Single-room or two-bedroom villas are both available. Standard features include kitchenettes, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, air-conditioning, safes, and free Wi-Fi. All are spacious, with entry-level Pool Villas starting at 1,400 square feet (130 square meters). Bathrooms are partitioned from the bedroom with a sheet of glass, and while tubs and vanities are open to the villas, toilets and showers are private. Expect to see lots of black Corian, white tiling, and plenty of space for storage. 

Sun Island Villas & Spa is a small property with only a few facilities. The pool is one of the best features of the hotel -- it's spacious and surrounded by tall trees. The large pool deck is lined with comfy lounge-chairs shaded by umbrellas. Overlooking the pool is the hotel restaurant and bar, which serves a free buffet breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. The menu consists of Western, Asian, and Balinese dishes, and the dining room is a bit dated. Additionally, the food is a little overpriced and there are many other great restaurants near the hotel. Free snacks are served with afternoon coffee and tea as well. The small spa has a few private treatment rooms that are clean and have large soaking tubs, which are a favorite feature of previous guests. Various massage and spa packages are available. Free parking is provided and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There's also a free limited shuttle to area destinations -- check with the hotel for times.