Taman Ahimsa

Taman ahimsa— means garden of peace, is a private palm fringed waterfront thatched roofed villa near Canggu with 7 bedrooms, where you could get a massage while dramatic waves break againt the cement wall separating you from the elements. Steep stone steps leads down to the sea, safe to explore during low tides. This was an almost perfect stay where I got to hang out with friends for six days, this place is ideal for multi generational families or parties. I was with friends and did our almost daily yoga, and really enjoyed the delicious homecooked meals when we were not eating out in town While the location is beautiful, below are a few points the villa can upgrade on 1. slow wifi and staff (not very proactive) 2. Two of my friends moved room because their aircon did not work (and the villa staff did try to fix it) 3. My first night here just before 6 am, the room’s landline phone rang — definitely wasn’t any of my friends. I subsequently unplugged the phone. 4. My last night here it rained so hard the thatched roof was leaking rain on my bed & kept me up since 3 am 5. I had a huge room that had a gorgeous outdoor bathroom, except my shower water had a super rusty smell.

We had the most amazing stay in this villa with our immediate family. The rooms are spacious, the grounds just beautiful, the staff lovely, food absolutely delicious and great value (altho we did feel bad about how much food was leftover!!). The BBQs are a must! Thank you to all the staff who made our stay just brilliant!! We were told that there were some building works happening next door but that didn’t disturb our stay. It’s a very peaceful setting altho if you’re a light sleeper you may want to bring earplugs as the noise of the waves at night + wildlife did keep a few of us awake. We also had our wedding here and our guests were just blown away by the villa and view over the beach! It was a stunning setting and we can highly recommend. We were worried about the sun / how hot it might be but we held our ceremony on the grass area in front of the pool (right side) at 4.30 and there was lovely shade for all our guests. Cocktails on the left side of the grass, dinner on the grass area behind the pool, band set up underneath the bar area and dance floor on the deck + pool party later - it was just stunning and perfect, we couldn’t have been happier. The only thing that we could comment on for improvement would be for the staff to be more attentive when guests are relaxing by the pool. We didn’t have anyone come and check on us / ask if we wanted any drinks etc. They were very attentive as soon as you went and asked for something but there were a few times when we wondered where the staff were. Also while the view over the beach is lovely, the beach itself is not that picturesque once you’re on it and walk in either direction away from the villa which is a shame. Overall though a gorgeous villa that really makes you feel like you’re in Bali. The memories we’ve made will stay with us forever.

I'm not sure why but the villa staff were unable to call blue bird taxis for the guests and only reverted to calling private drivers (who charged triple the cost of what a blue bird taxi would cost). I asked a few times for the villa staff to call blue bird taxis (which all other villas/hotels were able to do) but they said the only drivers they can get are these private drivers (which we had to bargain with while the villa staff watched). It is these types of experiences that makes me not want to return to Bali again.