Villa Taman Sorga is tucked away down a quiet tree-lined lane in a mellow residential area of Sanur, worlds away from the bustle of the main tourist area a few kilometres north. Alongside the local warungs (cafés) are some interesting gems, among them Man Friday, serving excellent inexpensive fish and chips, Glo Day Spa & Salon, and the showroom for Carlo Pessini’s collection of contemporary furniture. Five minutes’ walk south brings you to Mertasari Beach, the southernmost stretch of Sanur’s famed golden sands, where you can enjoy seafood and a cold Bintang beer. Heading north are myriad restaurants, among them the villa owners’ favourites – Massimo, Arena Sports Café, and Firestation. Sporting guests have the choice of a nine-hole golf course, wakeboarding, kite surfing, kayaking, surfing and scuba diving, while culture buffs should make a beeline to Le Mayeur Museum and visit unique temples such as Pura Segara constructed entirely of coral, and Pura Belanjong, home to the island’s oldest example of writing. For a day out (and back in time), take the half-hour boat trip to Nusa Lembongan.
