Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bali Villa Awaits at Virmas
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bali Villa Awaits at Virmas
Escape to Paradise…or at Least, Try to at Virmas: My Unfiltered Bali Villa Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little Bintang) on Virmas, the Bali villa that promises paradise. Emphasis on the promise. I just got back, and honestly? It was an experience. Let's be real, a glorious, messy, sometimes frustrating, and ultimately unforgettable experience. Prepare for my brutally honest, hyper-detailed, and slightly unhinged review.
First Impressions (and the Airport Transfer…Ugh):
The website photos? Stunning. The reality? Well, let’s just say the Balinese sun can do wonders for a photo shoot. The promised "Airport Transfer" (a category I'm already thinking about) was… interesting. Let's just say our driver, bless his heart, appeared to be in a race against the clock. I swear he navigated the scooter-infested streets of Seminyak like a Formula 1 racer on vacation. Thrilling? Yes. Slightly terrifying? Also yes. Thank God Virmas offers Car Park [free of charge] on-site because I doubt I'd be able to find the place without ending up somewhere in the middle of a rice paddy.
Accessibility (and My Slightly Stiff Knees):
My biggest concern, given my ancient (kidding, I'm 30!) joints, was Accessibility. Now, Virmas claims to have Facilities for disabled guests, which is reassuring. But let’s just say things aren't perfectly smooth. There are some stairs, people. A few strategically placed ramps would be a huge win, but I didn’t feel like I was completely shut out. They advertise an Elevator, which is also a plus, but it could move a bit faster. Okay, I’m being picky.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and That Damn Mosquito Net):
Okay, the rooms? Absolutely stunning. We're talking Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, Bathtrobes, Extra long bed(s) (Available in all rooms, duh), Free bottled water, the works! I'm a sucker for a good bathroom, and the Private bathroom was a dreamy escape. Shower was great! Hot water was always available. Daily housekeeping was spotless. I loved the Seating area, perfect for sipping my morning coffee, and the Mirror was useful. The Desk was helpful for working a bit, and I was glad I had the Refrigerator to keep my Bintang cold. Everything you could expect in terms of amenities like Alarm clock, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mini bar, Satellite/cable channels, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, and Wake-up service - and they all delivered! The Wi-Fi [free] worked perfectly, a huge relief because, let's be honest, the internet is practically my oxygen supply.
BUT… remember that "paradise" I mentioned? That was slightly hampered by the mosquito net. I’m like, 6’2”, and I felt like I was sleeping in a ridiculously oversized tent. Getting in and out was a daily comedic performance. And let's not even talk about the nightly mosquito symphony. Thank goodness for the Smoke detector and Fire extinguisher because I was tempted to set the net on fire more than once. (Kidding! Mostly.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka Carb Loading in Bali):
Alright, food. This is where Virmas really shines, and also trips a bit. The Restaurants were all very well-done. We're talking Breakfast [buffet] every morning! Yes, buffet! And the other options were amazing too, with Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western breakfast all available. The A la carte in restaurant was pretty good. The Coffee/tea in restaurant, and the Desserts in restaurant were also top-notch. The Bottle of water was a nice touch!
The Poolside bar was my jam. The atmosphere was pretty sweet, and they make a killer cocktail. The Snack bar was convenient for a quick bite between sunbathing sessions. The Happy hour? Let's just say I made the most of it. And the Room service [24-hour] came in clutch after a particularly enthusiastic evening of… well, let’s just say exploring the local nightlife.
However - the Alternative meal arrangement was a little clunky at times. I had to remind them about my dietary restrictions more than once. It sometimes felt like a game of charades to order, but the staff was always very friendly and tried their best to accommodate everyone.
Things to Do…and Ways to Relax (aka, a Spa Experience of Epic Proportions):
This is where Virmas really delivers. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning. The Pool with view is a photo op waiting to happen. I spent hours floating around, sipping cocktails, and contemplating the meaning of life (and whether to order another spring roll).
The Spa? Oh. My. God. This deserves its own damn paragraph. We're talking Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom. I'd call myself spa-adjacent. I’m more a fan of hitting the gym. The Gym/fitness options were so much better than I expected! But, the spa? This wasn’t just a massage; it was an experience. We're talking aromatherapy, chanting, and a level of relaxation I didn't know was humanly possible. I might have drooled a little. The Couple's room was a romantic escape as well! I left feeling like a newly-minted, zen-master. Pure bliss.
Cleanliness and Safety (because Bali is still Bali):
Virmas takes Cleanliness and safety seriously, which is essential these days. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff is clearly trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. They also offered Rooms sanitized between stays, and Room sanitization opt-out available - a plus! I didn't feel like I was constantly playing hopscotch with germs, which was a HUGE relief. The Shared stationery removed, and all of the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items was a plus!
However, I did spot a rogue gecko in the lobby, which, while charming to some, gave me the heebie-jeebies for a hot minute. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property made me feel secure.
Services and Conveniences (the Perks and the Perks…):
Virmas is packed with services and conveniences. Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and Safe deposit boxes . The Cash withdrawal was convenient, and I felt safe using the Safety/security feature. The Currency exchange was another plus, and they have Invoice provided! The Air conditioning in public area sure helped, and the Elevator was quite convenient!
However, the Convenience store wasn't always that convenient. The selection was a bit… eclectic. And the Ironing service? Let’s just say my shirts didn't come back looking quite as crisp as I’d hoped. But hey, at least they tried! They also host Meetings, and offer Meetings/banquet facilities, although I didn't attend any of those.
For the Kids (I, Sadly, Didn't Bring Any):
I didn't have the opportunity to test out the Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal, but the place seemed very Family/child friendly.
Getting Around (More Terrifying Scooter Rides!):
The Airport transfer (mentioned before) already mentioned isn't the only travel option. We also had Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Taxi service.
Internet, Internet, Everywhere (and it Actually Worked!):
Hallelujah! The Internet access – wireless was reliable. I've stayed at places where the Wi-Fi was about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Not here. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a godsend. I got my Email, Internet access, watched Netflix, and all the other services related to the Internet services.
Final Verdict (aka, Should You Go?)
Look, Virmas isn't perfect. It has its quirks, its minor imperfections, and the occasional mosquito invasion. But the good outweighs the bad by a mile. The staff are lovely, the location is fantastic, the rooms are gorgeous, and the spa is pure, unadulterated bliss
Dubrovnik Dream Apartment: Veronika Awaits!
Virmas Villa Bali: My Brain Dump of a Trip (and Likely a Mess)
Okay, so Bali. Virmas Villa. The brochure promised paradise, didn’t it? Well, let’s see if reality can even remotely live up to that hype, shall we? This isn't a polished travel guide, this is ME, post-sunburn, probably still smelling faintly of frangipanis and maybe a little too much Bintang. Buckle up, buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival, Unpacking, and a Near-Disaster with a Gecko (or Three)
14:00 - 15:00: Arrival & Villa Swooning: The airport was a zoo. Seriously, I’m pretty sure I saw a guy wrestling a suitcase whilst simultaneously haggling for a scooter. But then…Virmas Villa. The driver (bless his soul, because the traffic!) finally got us there. And…woah. Okay, the photos didn’t lie. Lush, green everything. Infinity pool whispering sweet nothings. I genuinely may have gasped. My jaw actually dropped. This is the part where you’re supposed to feel zen, right?
15:00 - 17:00: Unpacking & Pool Temptation: Attempted to unpack. Which is, as always, a messy affair. I’m a chronically over-packer. Three swimsuits? Check. Five… wait, who am I kidding?…EIGHT pairs of sunglasses? Double-check. The pool was calling. Screaming, probably. But first, gecko patrol. There were definitely geckos. Cute little buggers, but I'm a city girl, I'm not used to having reptilian roommates. One almost gave me a heart attack when it landed on the mirror – a moment of pure, unadulterated screaming.
17:00 - 18:00: First Swim & The "That’s My Life Now" Moment: Dipped a toe in…then cannonballed in. The water was the exact right temperature. Felt my stress melt away. I'm officially living my best life, right? Then, the sunset. The sky bled orange, pink, and purple. Seriously, it felt like a high-definition painting. I think I actually felt my blood pressure drop. This is Bali magic, folks. I understand the hype.
19:00 - 20:00: Dinner at the Villa (and the Mosquito Assault): The villa staff cooked a delicious Balinese feast. Seriously, the flavors exploded in my mouth. However, the mosquitoes also decided it was dinner time. I think I donated approximately a pint of blood. Note to self: Stock up on bug spray that actually works. Or maybe just encase myself in netting.
Day 2: Culture Shock (In a Good Way!), Rice Paddies, and Lost in Translation (More Than Once!)
08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast Bliss & Monkey Business: Breakfast was the most glorious thing I’ve ever eaten. Fresh fruit, fluffy pancakes, and strong, delicious Balinese coffee. Fueling up for a day of exploration. (Also, strategically placing my coffee cup away from the prying eyes of any monkeys that might decide to raid my breakfast – heard tales!).
09:00 - 12:00: Ubud Exploration & Temple Triumph (and a bit of a letdown): Driver time! Headed to Ubud. Trying to soak up the culture. First mission? The monkey forest. The monkeys were everywhere. Hilarious, mischievous little bandits. I even managed to outsmart one and NOT have my sunglasses stolen. Victory! Next? The Tirta Empul Temple. The cleansing ritual was an experience. I felt…cleansed. (Even though I’m pretty sure I splashed the wrong way for half of it. Lost in translation, big time.) Then, a visit to the Ubud Palace. Pretty, but kinda…underwhelming? Maybe my expectations were set too high.
12:00 - 13:00: Lunch in Ubud & A Spicy Surprise: Found a cute Warung (local eatery) for lunch. Ordered something that looked innocent. Nope. It was a volcano of chili. My mouth was on fire. I’m fairly certain I sweated off a pound or two, though. Learned my lesson: always ask about the chili level.
14:00 - 16:00: Rice Paddies & Instagram Overload (aka, getting lost in the beauty): Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Wow. Just…wow. Beyond stunning. Green, undulating waves of rice. Spent a ridiculous amount of time taking photos. (Sorry, not sorry.) Tried to look graceful posing on a swing overlooking the valleys. Failed miserably. Ended up looking like a flailing fool. Still worth it.
17:00 - 18:00: Villa Relaxation & A Potential Disaster with a Massage: Back to the villa. Massage time. Ahhh, bliss. Or so I thought. The masseuse may have been too enthusiastic. I'm pretty sure my shoulder blade is now in the next room.
19:00 - 20:00: Dinner & Deep Thoughts (about life, love, and Balinese cuisine): Another incredible dinner at the villa. Seriously considering moving in. Also, contemplating whether I can smuggle all the fruit salad back home. Tonight's philosophical pondering: What did I do to deserve all this beauty and delicious food?
Day 3: Beach Day, Surfing Attempts, and a Lesson in Humility (and Coral Cuts)
09:00 - 10:00: Breakfast & Beach Dreaming: Fueling up for a beach day! Pancakes and strong coffee. I'm starting to think I could live on Balinese breakfast alone.
10:00 - 13:00: Canggu Beach & Surfing Fail: Headed to Canggu. Beach vibes! Black sand, surfboards galore. Thought I'd be a natural. Nope. Surfing is HARD. Spent most of the time getting pummeled by waves. swallowed half the ocean, and, I'm pretty sure, made several small marine creatures very unhappy. I'm now known as a "white water flailing fool" at the surf school. Humbling, to say the least.
13:00 - 14:00: Beachside Lunch & The Unexpected: Ate lunch at a beachside warung. Delicious grilled fish. Then, disaster struck. While wading in the shallows, I stepped on something sharp. A coral cut. Not fun. A good reminder that paradise has its perils. Note to self: ALWAYS wear water shoes.
14:00 - 16:00: Beachside Rest & Sunburn Remediation: Back to the villa for some serious aloe vera application. Sunburn alert! Definitely overdid it. Lounging by the pool, trying to pretend I'm not lobster red.
17:00 - 18:00: Sunset Cocktails & Villa Silliness: Sunset cocktails at the villa. Beautiful. Silly photos. Dancing in the pool. The usual. Feeling completely relaxed and…slightly tipsy.
19:00 - 20:00: Last Dinner at the Villa & Farewell Reflections: Last dinner at the villa. Feeling a little sad to leave. This place has truly captured my heart. Reflecting on the trip so far…a whirlwind of beauty, culture, near-disasters (of the gecko and surfing variety), and incredible food. Bali, you’ve been a wild ride.
20:00 - ???: Goodbye from the villa and getting a good night sleep to prepare for departure day.
Day 4: Departure (with a Pinch of Sadness & a LOT of Souvenirs)
08:00 - 09:00: Final Breakfast & Packing (AKA, the Struggle is Real): One last glorious breakfast. Then, packing. The eternal enemy of travel. Realized I bought way too many souvenirs. And that I can’t possibly fit everything in my suitcase. Panic sets in.
09:00 - 10:00: Last-Minute Villa Goodbye & Photos: One last tour of the villa. Tears may have been shed. Okay, maybe more than a few. Took a million final photos.
10:00 - 12:00: Airport Chaos & Departure: The airport. The usual madness. Traffic. Queues. But, I got there. Goodbye, Bali. You truly were magical. And I will 100% be back. Just as soon as I've recovered from this sunburn.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bali Villa Awaits! (At Virmas, Mostly) - The REALLY Unofficial FAQ
Okay, so, Bali. Virmas. Sounds dreamy. But like… is it *actually* dreamy? Or just Instagram dreamy?
Ugh, Instagram. Don't even get me started. Look, *some* shots at Virmas? TOTAL Instagram fodder. Golden hour, infinity pool, a perfectly posed coconut... You get the idea. But the *real* dream? That's different. It's waking up to the sound of the geckos (they're surprisingly loud, like tiny, persistent opera singers), the smell of frangipani, and that feeling… that "life is good" kinda feeling. You know? Does that answer your question? Okay, maybe it's *partially* Instagram worthy, but mostly... it's just blissful chaos. And occasionally, the water pressure takes a holiday. More on that later.
What about the villas themselves? Are they as fancy as they look? And... are there any creepy crawlies?
Okay, let’s be honest: fancy. Yes. Incredibly. Wood carvings, private pools, bathtubs big enough to swim in... it’s a whole thing, I swear. But let’s be real about the "creepy crawlies." Yep. They're there. You're in the tropics! I had a run-in with a particularly large grasshopper the size of my thumb. (I may have yelped. Loudly. And possibly jumped on the bed.) They try to keep them at bay, but you're sharing your space with nature. That's just…Bali. Embrace it (from a safe distance, preferably). Bring bug spray. Seriously. Pack it. And maybe a friend who isn't terrified of wildlife.
Food! Tell me about the food! I'm picturing endless nasi goreng and fruity cocktails...
Oh, the food. Glory be! Nasi goreng, yes. Absolutely. But so much more! The Virmas team can help you arrange for a private chef, and OH. MY. GOODNESS. I had a grilled whole snapper that I still dream about. Honestly the best fish I've EVER eaten. And the cocktails? *Chef's kiss*. Fresh fruit everywhere! Just… don't go overboard on the chili. Trust me. My mouth may or may not have caught fire one evening. (It involved a particularly delicious sambal... and a LOT of water). Also? Breakfast… it's included, and it’s heavenly. Pancakes? Eggs? Tropical fruit platters? You will not go hungry. Ever.
Virmas offers airport transfers, right? Should I do that? What's the airport like?
YES. Absolutely. Book the airport transfer! After that long flight, the last thing you want is to haggle with a taxi driver. The Virmas driver was a lifesaver. He was waiting, with a sign, and a smile. Totally worth it and so much less stressful. About the airport... it's a bit… chaotic. Lots of people, lots of luggage, and that unmistakable airport energy. Just follow the signs, try to smile, and remember you're about to be in paradise. Trust me, you'll be glad you booked the transfer.
What about the staff? Are they nice? Do they, like, actually clean? Help me out.
The staff? They are *amazing*. Seriously. The nicest people you'll ever meet. They're friendly, helpful, and genuinely want you to have a good time. They clean your villa daily, and I mean, *sparkling* clean. So much better than I am at cleaning, *that's* fore sure. Now and then, there's like, a little language barrier, but it's part of the charm, you know? They’re dedicated and very discreet, never making you feel uncomfortable. I had an issue with the mosquito net one time (I swear I was attacked by a platoon of the little buggers at night), and they fixed it immediately. Seriously: impeccable service.
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *one* thing you weren't expecting, or that REALLY surprised you?
Alright, alright, you want the REAL dirt? Fine. It’s not so much about the negative (although… the occasional plumbing hiccup did test my patience). No, what really got me was… the *silence*. Like, the intense, beautiful, almost unnerving silence at night. Back home, there's always *something*. Cars, sirens, neighbors… But at Virmas? The sound of the breeze, the ocean, and, as I said before, the geckos. It’s quiet. Like, soul-cleansing quiet. It took a day or two to get used to. And then… I never wanted to leave. I could get very used to that, I will tell you that. The silence was amazing. And now that I'm back? The opposite is really bugging me- the loudness, the constant noise. Bali has changed me- I think I am broken.
Anything I should definitely pack? Beyond bug spray (you've hammered that home).
Okay, besides the bug spray (did I mention bug spray?), here's the rundown: a REALLY good book. Some comfy clothes (but also something nice for dinner). A good hat. Sunscreen, obviously. And a universal adapter. Oh, and noise-canceling headphones. Just in case you need to escape the aforementioned geckos (kidding… mostly). Most importantly... a good attitude. Bali is a place of beauty, joy, and sometimes, a little bit of "what *is* happening?". Just go with the flow. And seriously... bug spray. You. Have. Been. Warned.
Tell me about the internet! I need to be able to work, obviously…
Internet... Ah, the modern dilemma. The villas have Wi-Fi. It *mostly* works. Let's be realistic, though: you're in Bali. It's not the most reliable thing in the world. I certainly got frustrated at times when it was a little slow, and I HAD to work in that moment. (It did happen more than once.) Embrace the opportunity to disconnect and live in the moment. If you *absolutely* need to be online, maybe buy a local SIM card. Also, did I mention the pool? The ocean? Prioritize! Get out there! Just… don’t expect super-fast, always-on internet. And you'll be fine… right? Right.
So, is it worth the money? Be honest.
Worth it? Okay, this is where things get a little emotional. Yes. Absolutely. It’s not cheap,Escape to Paradise: Jakarta's Hottest Romance Studio!
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bali Villa Awaits at Virmas"