Since when was wealth a pseudonym for anarchy - well it isn't but stress and greed are.

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I have jumbled together my thoughts in order to publish this article. I have a nagging concern emanating from within my very bones causing me great consternation.

I am increasingly worried, even alarmed as to the well being of the developing communities. For some time now the so called 3rd world has enjoyed a period of catch up in their living standards, standards that we take for granted and often abuse in the west. However, these countries that are behind the curve have a long way further to go to achieve a welfare state such that say the UK or France enjoy, although some would argue as to how much long those two countries can afford the systems that they have in place, but that’s another story.

My concerns are simple; in order for the global economic circle to be complete then money has to be recycled, otherwise we all grind to a halt at which time we return to the caves and the tree’s from whence we came. Can that be a bad thing, in all honesty we would then experience a sense of belonging, a community would form where camaraderie would become the currency of the moment. However, we are far from such a place, but in my opinion we are dangerously close to a form of anarchy unless an economic paradigm shift does not soon come our way.

The questions that I ask myself are simple:

1) How long can the world, better still countries of the world be able to govern their citizens if wealthy individuals are able to rob the tax coffers of the incumbent treasuries? In a prestigious corner of London there is an area known as Knightsbridge, a glitzy place, which is home to the famous store Harrods. I am told, as a point of reference that the plush apartment building, recently built by the Candy Brothers, which overlooks Hyde Park in the heart of Knightsbridge London, with each apartment retailing at a mere £38M / $60M. The UK treasury levies a stamp duty tax on all purchases of UK property. This Stamp Duty tax can range between 2.5% - 4% depending on the value of the property. However, due to a legal loop hole each of the wealthy purchasers were able to avoid said “Stamp duty” tax which at an average 2.5% this is a significant loss to the public coffers causing a hole in the UK finances which means that us mere mortals are expected to cover the void.

2) I have recently heard that Greece has been encouraged to forfeit Saturdays as a holiday day making the working week a 6 day week. Such a move appears to have sparked a debate in other countries of the EU with the suggestion that these other countries should follow suit and make Saturday a working day. Here the debate becomes interesting; captains of industry, entrepreneurs alike are rubbing their hands in glee at such a prospect, to make Saturday a working day would hand the employer a productivity bonus. So simply put; the same people who use aggressive tax avoidance schemes will be handed on a plate another 10 hours of productivity totally free of cost. Sorry, it is inconceivable to look at this forfeit as a solution without first addressing some of the core issues.

3) Perhaps the most distressing concern of all; given that we all know that the US has driven the world economy by ensuring that their hard earning dollars are spent, thus making the economic miracle a reality for all of us, but they have done this by becoming seriously in debt! They cannot continue to prop up the world economy without a similar model to theirs emerging in another corner of the globe.

However, with one caveat, what is so alarming is this; 50% of the world’s wealth sits with 2% of the population. I don’t know what that says but it sure as hell cannot be healthy to have so few people squirreling money away at such an alarming rate, such that they have a hard time spending the interest generated from such wealth.

4) We all have heard such stories like; we mustn't tax the rich as they will take their business elsewhere, thus exporting jobs. Sorry I really don’t buy this, we are a global economy with a population that is all born equal, money is not a tool in which to lord it over us and to contain us as slaves to the rich. Governments have a duty to ensure that individuals are responsible with money and now ensure that it continues to circulate, governments step up to the plate and ensure that funds flow around to all.

A person’s ability to understand facts and figures or that they are born into families with wealth or aristocracy does not mean that the bread that they eat should be better than the bread of others. As an example some individuals are high achievers in the financial houses others are high achievers in cancer nursing. What entitles an east end barrow boy whose has made good on the dealing floors of Morgan Stanley, to have a better life than say a nurse offering respite in a hospice?

5) Perhaps the most poignant of all, who ever invented money, they surely must never have envisaged that money would hold greater sway over government and government’s policy than the electorate that they are there to serve.

I have rambled on here but I am in need of a wake up call, I must be missing the point, for me I am one of Maggie’s children and have been a beneficiary of the capitalist world and practices, but I now believe that Capitalism has had its day and we must surely find a way to bring us all back into balance. Otherwise who will care for the rich in their dying days – silly question as they can pay for care so who will care for us the other 98%.

Politicians get real you are abdicating power, our lively hoods, our ability to enjoy life’s rich tapestry to a few attendees of the Davos elite. If capitalism has a future then put some of the 50% held by the 2% back into circulation.

Meanwhile, for a stunning collection of Bali Private villas can be seen on the pages of http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com/

The Leading Villas of Bali for the many splendid stylish Bali Private Villas such as Villa Jerami that have grown in the beauty of their surroundings. http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

Due their superb pricing you can also see this collection of Bali Private Villas in http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com

As if this is not enough Bali Private Villas then take a look at the pages of The Villas Bali. http://www.thevillas-bali.com

To enhance your Asia experience then take a look at http://www.statura.co.uk

See us on Amazines http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/4137908?articleid=4137908

http://www.youtube.com/user/Nigelsaywell?feature=mhee

 

Bali a timeless place, an elegant backdrop of Bali Private Villas

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Each day I am reminded as to the advances that can be achieved in the developing world.  As I drive across Denpasar and see all the new enhanced LED traffic lights that have magically appeared across many junctions of this sprawling metropolis. The influence of the Island’s governors  as they strive for a form of utopia similar to that of the environmentalists of Singapore as we have signs requiring a  litter free environment which is now enforced by new rules and regulations.

I am somehow convinced; Bali is going through a transformation, it would appear to be morphing into a Singapore, type of environment.  Infra-structure is emerging in the shape of conference facilities, new roads, a vastly redesigned airport and hotels that are appearing in every corner of southern Bali.  Tourism spearheaded by the arrival of air force one carrying the President and the first lady of the free world, not to mention other dignitaries from across the Asean region.

For me this place on Bali whether it be Seminyak or Sanur it is an Oasis of calm, tranquility, it is serene and at one with its Hindu customs and behaviours.  It is an Island that has for many, many years succeeded to attract throngs of tourists from across the world, an island so aptly epitomized during the 50’s by the musical “South Pacific”.  It is an area that through its scriptures has welcomed all alike to these shores and has done so with grace, humility as well a discreet embrace affording the weary traveler an opportunity to relax and recuperate in order to face the oncoming events of the following working year. 

Unlike Singapore this Island is vastly bigger with a tropical landscape that befits a tourist attraction for all those summer seeking families and individuals, it is an Island that is liberal in its beliefs as almost everything is acceptable within these shores. 

It is an Island called Bali affectionately known as the Paradise Isle, an Isle of out door pursuits, from the waters of the rivers suited to 4 – 5 grade white water rafting, to the varying surf ideal for the most ardent surfers or in the case of the shores off Sanur which provides a calm placid sea suited to the playground of the kids, for here the waters are more tranquil, offering a safety net to those that wish for the relaxation that is so necessary in this modern advanced world that we live.

There is nowhere better that to live the dream from your very own home,  Bali has in many ways pioneered the Bali Private Villas rental concept. For here you will find Villas completely at one with their environment. These Bali Private Villas offer a stylish elegant lifestyle basking under the sun and sparkling under the stars.

You cannot fail to have a relaxing holiday, to enjoy the charms of the orient, to be touched by the Hindu serenity as you chill your way through the surf, rainforests and scenery of this tropical oasis.

For this is an Island that is coming of age and as the world evolves never before has Bali held such an important place in the psyche of human nature. Come see Bali and be charmed and embraced by how technology has been adapted to suit the human needs, be embraced by the Balinese, warmed by their serenity..

In the meantime you should take a look at the pages of The Leading Villas of Bali for the many splendid stylish Villas, Bali Private Rental Villas that have grown in the beauty of their surroundings. http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

This collection of villas can also be seen on the pages of http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com

Due their superb pricing you can also see this collection in http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com

As if this is not enough then take a look at the pages of The Villas Bali. http://www.thevillas-bali.com

To enhance your Asia experience then take a look at http://www.statura.co.uk

See us on Amazines  http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/4137908?articleid=4137908

 http://www.youtube.com/user/Nigelsaywell?feature=mhee

 

Bali a way of life, a route to the end.

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What is Life?
Life is Love. Enjoy it.
Life is Beauty.  Praise it.
Life is Spirit.  Realise it.
Life is Song. Sing it.
Life is a Mystery.  Unfold it.
Life is a Challenge.  Meet it.
Life is a Goal.  Achieve it.
Life is an Adventure.  Dare it.
Life is a Sorrow. Overcome it.
Life is a Tragedy.  Face it.
Life is a Game.  Play it.
Life is a Duty.  Perform it.
Life is an Opportunity.  Take it.
Life is a Struggle.  Fight it.
Life is a Journey.  Complete it.
Life is a Puzzle.  Solve it.
Life is a Promise.  Fulfil it.

"
— from Hindu Scriptures

This occasion is a sad occasion for me as it marks the passing of life in a Hindu Balinese way.  Perhaps the words entered here will be a little distressing to those that are unaware as to Hindu cultures and practices here on Bali the Paradise Isle.

In an earlier post I referred to the customs and traditions of the indigenous people of Lake Batur, but in this post I can report on the passing of of life for the regular, if you like more enlightened people of downtown Bali.

When I came to Bali on my quest to escape the doom and gloom which surrounds the west and its western economies, I came with the full intention to immerse myself in a way of life far different from my own.  To do this I had to embed myself into a local culture, whilst I build my new life, career and business thus securing my future for the coming years.  I am convinced of my passion as without it you can achieve nothing, I am convinced of my need to understand all things Indonesian as without it you can not plot your way forward as the hurdles will exist everywhere. Perhaps such a statement is true of life anywhere.

I digress, in short to achieve the goals set out above I have immersed my self in a community here in central Denpasar, far away from the glitz and glamour that has encompassed the resort areas that surround this magical Island. For my home is a rented local house deep within a community accessed only by a rabbit warren of side roads. To access my home I have to pass many warungs small intimate roadside cafe's (café used in the loosest term) all suitably frequented by many local communities and in some cases vast family dynasties.

To live here you begin to realise the joys of life and the contentment that co-exists with the trappings of the western cultures.  For to live here you realise just how narrow minded we are in the west when it comes to the material needs for our mere existence.

For here you quickly realise that children are free to roam at will around vast labyrinths of roads, dipping in and out of communities as they explore in their extended groups. climbing in and out of storm drains, playing on motorbikes, building kites from plastic bags and old sticks, for they are free and I am sure more enriched as a result.  There is no risk of abduction that we believe is prevalent in the west, their is no need to harness the free spirit of a child infancy for they are free to explore, to broaden their horizons, to experience all that their young lives have to offer, for they are not riddled or burdened by the trappings of wealth, by the possessions of their neighbours, they do not hanker for the latest iphone or the bike with 40 gears, for they make there own enjoyment, which is how it should be.

I am still far from the point of this blog as it is with some sadness that I have embarked on these tombs.  During the early weeks of my immersion in this community, I was of course greeted with some surprise as the only Buleh (European/westerner) in the quarter and I would get as I passed their various posts many inquiring looks and surprised expressions.  However, I persevered duly waving from the comfort of my ac controlled car as I bumped along the cobbles in front of the warungs.  Over time I was greeted with cheery waves form the sitting community.  I remember during those days that one gentlemen in particular always gave me a great sense of amusement as he would always greet me with a surprise inquiring look which over time became a cheery wave as I passed by his wall side concrete seat. All to often this gentleman would be stumbling from the warung back to his Balinese quarter, he was clearly elderly and clearly had some difficulty to walk.  But he always found a way to greet me in the most courteous way for which I am grateful.

To cut a long story short, On one morning I took an early trip out and on my return there were a number of motor bikes outside his home.   My immediate reaction was that he had died, which came to pass as being true as he had indeed died that morning at the local hospital.  Shortly afterwards his body was returned to the family home for the Hindu spiritual blessings and ceremonies to begin.

For my understanding he was laid on a bed of Ice, dry or wet whilst a suitable day is found on the Hindu calender making for the appropriate passing to the next world.  As it happened the day was marked as the following Monday which meant a four day lay in wait at the home of his family community.

Here the the gatherings begin as the community must gather around the family and stand in guard over the body for the course of the next four days.  So over the next four days the entire community would gather together and form a rotor as to who and how many would be at the bed side.  As you can imagine this amounted to several hundred people.  What I noticed for good or for bad and I think perhaps good, is that as the days passed the event became more happier, by the fourth day it was no longer the solemn event that prevailed over the previous Friday.  Great teams of people sat and kept watch throughout the days an nights as they waited for the appropriate day.  They played cards throughout the night, they chatted and ultimately they laughed, is there any better way to help a family grieve that this. 

By the fourth day the body was placed on a colourful makeshift alter, made from Bamboo and draped in silk the bed was of a thin mattress covered in white cloth over the body was a bamboo roof.  the body then sits about 1.5 metres above a larger bamboo raft about 2 mtrs * 2 mtrs.  the raft is then elevated by several pall bearers who the march the body to the nearest cemetery, there is no privacy in the death.

On arrival at the steel gate of the cemetery the body is then taken in still on its bamboo alter.  It should be said that this cemetery does not resemble a cemetery as we would know it as it has no bodies incarcerated within it, for it is just a green piece of scrub land. the chariot is then placed upon more bamboo.

Here the ceremony begins as it is considered that the body must be returned to the elements of the universe and so the the framework is then set alight and the structure along with the body is cremated.

Hindu funerals in Bali are intense ceremonies, exhibiting great cultural and religious significance. The chariot is an elaborate vessel and characterized by a large following, the funeral is centered on cremation of the body, known as ngaben or pelebon.

It is considered through this practice known as essentig i.e. the 5 elements making up the microcosm of the human body are to be returned to their original residence, the universe's macrocosm.

The five elements: Panca Maha Bhuta, are the earth (pertivvi), water (apah), fire (teja), air (bayu), and ether (akasa). Since the primordial dimension can only be attained through water and fire, the ashes are dispersed in the waters of the sea or if the distance is too great, in a river.

The funeral ceremony is generally led by a priest and punctuated by a lavish offering of gifts. For the occasion, a large bullock-shaped wooden structure is built and then entirely covered with white drapes if the deceased belongs to a priestly caste; in black, if not.

The ashes are then collected and the ceremony moves towards the sea where the ashes are returned to the Universe, for the afterlife to begin.

A fitting end to a great person.

Web Building Sunnier Climes

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It has been some time since I have posted here on these pages. However, I have not been idle as I have completely revamped a number of websites which are within my control. Mostly the sites concern Bali Private Villas and Villas in Seminyak. 1) theleadingvillasofbal.com 2) bookingvillasinbali.com 3) budgetvillasinbali.com 4) thevillas-bali.com and lastly statura.co.uk which remains a work in progress.

Whilst doing this I began to realize how much fun it is to be creative with your design and layout of the various pages.   However, what I also found is that you can get carried away in adding gizmo's better known as gadgets, dressing the pages with colour schemes that look stunning but are totally useless when you overlay text. All in all a fun experience when it comes down to the finished product although much of the process was really quite mundane - As for the fruits of my labours well you can be the judge of that.

Not been as mobile around Bali as I would have liked as I am in the process to complete a house so that I can build my life here on this wonderful Isle. What I have started to do is walk my dog along Pettitenget beach which flows onto double six.  I always turn at a point well along double six returning to Mano Beach cafe for a swift beer as well as, I have to say some of the best tapas that I have enjoyed anywhere.  I have no wish for people to flock there as they have few seats along the decking which is closest to the beach and I would still like to enjoy my time there as the sunsets.

As for the sunsets, I have on occasions posted some spectacular sunsets on the pages of my face book but I have since curtailed this activity as I'm English and the recipients of my flourishing array of photos are mostly north of the English channel.  For anyone who is interested in climate change you only have to look at the news as the weather in the UK has been appalling since April, it is the wettest period on record with over 100 flood alerts across the kingdom. So to post pictures of our spectacular sunsets is I fear a little in-sensitive.  However, I will intersperse these tombs with some colourful images taken from Double six beach Seminyak.

I wont bore you all with too much on this occasion other than to say I hope you find my sites a pleasure to see and the pictures posted here are encouraging enough for you to book a Bali Private Villa through one of the sites that I have had the pleasure to build.

The Villas are in Seminyak, Canggu, Umalas, Sanur, Jimbaran and Ubud. all are spectacular, elegant and stylish.

In the meantime you should take a look at the pages of The Leading Villas of Bali for the many splendid stylish Villas, Bali Private Rental Villas that have grown in the beauty of their surroundings. http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

This collection of villas can also be seen on the pages of http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com

Due their superb pricing you can also see this collection in http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com

As if this is not enough then take a look at the pages of The Villas Bali. http://www.thevillas-bali.com

To enhance your Asia experience then take a look at http://www.statura.co.uk

See us on Amazines  http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/4137908?articleid=4137908

 http://www.youtube.com/user/Nigelsaywell?feature=mhee

 

 

Australian's love of Bali and Bali Private Villas

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More research on Bali:

BaliPrivate Villas, Villas in Seminyak - Bali, in Indonesia is a firm favourite with tourists from Australia as well as around the world and has built up a reputation for being a great holiday destination in Asia. From its early days in the 60's when there were only a few rough footed surf travelers to today where you have hordes of Australians getting off their cheap, direct Jetstar flight from Australia. Bali has so many things to do and really does cater for almost everyone, from the 24/7 parties of Kuta to the relaxed spa's in Ubud. So with quite a varied type of traveler a top 10 things to do in Bali might be hard to pin down. I am sure this list of the following top 10 things to do will appeal to the majority of visitors to Bali:

10 - Ku De Ta Bar and restaurant – From your Bali Private Villas, Villas in Seminyakexperirience this restaurant as it's just very cool, so take a look and be part of the cool crew.

9 - Bungy - OK, so not suitable for everyone but even if you don't jump its fun to watch. The one down in Legian allows you to ride bikes off.

8 - Hire a Vespa - Any scooter will do really but a nice old school Vespa is a great fun way to explore the island. Take it easy as the roads and traffic are both pretty bad. Not a place to learn to ride a scooter.

 

7 - Temples - Bali has loads of them and they are usually really interesting and ornate. Get lucky and watch one of the ceremonies if you time it right.

6 - Shopping - Everybody loves shopping and more so in Bali where you can haggle over a few pence. There are some good bargains to be had and some nice things to buy, but beware like most tourist areas there is good and bad.

5 - Surf lessons - These are a must on Bali being such a surf orientated island. Try it now and if you are a beginner get one of the huge boards that float and have soft edges.

 

4 - Monkeys - You can see them at many temples such as the one in Ubud, or if you prefer not to risk your sun glasses or camera go to the zoo.

3 - Seafood - Bali is an island and it has great seafood. Pretty simple really, so get down to Jimberan Bay and eat some fresh seafood right on the beach.

2 - Party at Kuta - The party place on Bali where anything goes. Drink, dance and make a fool of yourself and try not to be sick or have you wallet stolen by kids on the street.

 

1 - Nothing - Make sure to take to relax and do absolutely nothing.

BaliPrivate Villas, Villas in Seminyak - BALI is often described as being too touristy. In my opinion that is a rather superficial statement, as all it takes to discover the Bali which has enticed visitors to return time and again, is to leave the tourist enclaves of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Sanur behind.

Bali Private Villas, Villas in Seminyak - Let me help you discover Bali - an island which, although quite small, tends to leave a huge impression on visitors who make the effort, and spend the time, to have a good look around.

Bali is easy and inexpensive to get to:

Air Asia operates flights to Bali from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Jetstar also has direct flights to Bali, making Bali a prime destination, serviced by the best known budget airlines in the region. Of course, most full-service airlines also fly to Bali

.

Bali offers a huge variety of hotels, resorts with spas, as well as simple bed and breakfast establishments. Of course there are also the typical Balinese homestays, which are often found in family compounds, offering a rare opportunity to observe how the Balinese live.

If you are planning to stay for any length of time, one month or longer, I would suggest that you base yourself away from the main areas in the south. You could split up your stay as follows:

1 week around Tabanan, which gives you easy access to Tanah Lot and the western part of the island.

1 week around Padang Bai or Candidasa, for access to the north-east coast.

From the East Coast townships of Padang Bai, Candi Dasa, Amed, and Tulamben, it takes but a few minutes to reach some of Bali's most spectacular scuba dive sites.

1 week in one of the small villages near Lovina on the north coast, to make it easy for you to explore the north of the island.

1 week in the Ubud area, to explore the cultural heart and the central region of Bali.

Ubud is home to many stylish Bali Private Villas for holiday rental, Ubud however, still attracts painters and writers from all around the world, and successfully stages an annual writers festival. The silver and goldsmiths of mass produce some wonderful jewelry which is exported all over the world, and maybe it's best not to take your credit card when visiting their showrooms.

There is so much on offer in Ubud so a stay in a Bali Private Villas overlooking beautiful landscapes is a must. You can sign up for silver jewelry making classes, batik making classes, cooking classes - and the list goes on and on. There are also plenty of yoga schools and spiritual retreats. It is not unusual to rent a room in a home-stay, and realize later that the owner is actually a famous artist. For the more energetic, Ubud is a perfect place from which to plan a hike up Mt Agung, Bali's sacred mountain.

Since I am a diver, here is a little more information about scuba diving in Bali.

Scuba diving in Bali is still something of a secret. Having dived in most of the more "fashionable" dive areas in Indonesia, such as Bunaken, Lembeh, Raja Ampat, Ambon, Banda and Komodo, I can say that Bali is still one of my favourite dive destinations.

In the meantime you should take a look at the pages of The Leading Villas of Bali for the many splendid stylish Villas, Bali Private Rental Villas that have grown in the beauty of their surroundings. http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

This collection of villas can also be seen on the pages of http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com

Due their superb pricing you can also see this collection in http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com

As if this is not enough then take a look at the pages of The Villas Bali. http://www.thevillas-bali.com

To enhance your Asia experience then take a look at http://www.statura.co.uk

See us on Amazines  http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/4137908?articleid=4137908

 http://www.youtube.com/user/Nigelsaywell?feature=mhee

Villas in Seminyak are the biz - but buyer beware

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Villas in Seminyak are the biz - but buyer beware

Villa Atas Ombak - Villas in Seminyak

Villas in Seminyak - Booking a holiday can be a difficult process, holiday companies advertise special offers to entice you to make a booking through them, these offers often appear to be unbelievable, but when you try to book them they add many mandatory extras such as; Luggage allowances are so low in their weight allowance that you have to pay for an additional amount in order to carry what you require for a good holiday. On the plane if you want an aisle seats, or if you are travelling as a family or just a couple and would like seats together this can again be an extra charge, you may find that you are restricted as to your time of departure, or there is a requirement to stay away from home for a minimum period of 16 days etc., by the time that you add all of the extras then these “special deals” are not special at all.

Villa Atas Ombak - Villas in Seminyak

All too often resort hotels and holiday companies have offers of all inclusive packages (room, breakfast, evening meal and sometimes, as can be the case in the Caribbean, free drink) all of this look to be good value in the glossy brochure, but when you arrive at the resort you are given sets of meal vouchers for a 3rd rate canteen. A canteen which is surrounded by 1st class restaurants which you can of course use, but you have to pay extra by redeeming your vouchers and your voucher is suddenly almost worthless. In the Caribbean some resort hotels have all inclusive drinks offers, often the bars are few and far between. When you do find their bars they have employed so few staff that it is like visiting an International rugby match at one of the worlds stadiums, the customers waiting to be served could number 20 people wide and 5 people deep, whilst there is only one bar tender on duty.

In order to avoid disappointing holidays many people are opting to book Villas in Seminyak private villas for their exclusive use, where they are not in a scrum when ordering a refreshing drink, where they can prepare their dinner or choose to go to a quality local beach restaurant. A Villas in Seminyak private villa will have its own pool with pool side beds, ample shade so it will not be necessary to climb out of bed at 4am to make sure you get a sun bed in a good location around a crowded hotel pool. Holidays should always be a true definition of the word holiday, to take a break, to relax from the rigors of your everyday life.

Villa Atas Ombak - Villas in Seminyak

The only real way to be sure of a true holiday, a place where you can truly relax is to book a Villas in Seminyak private villa, where you have your own pool, a bar that you bring with you from duty free or stock locally from the nearby Minimart. So you can make a cocktail as and when you want, your own crisps or nuts to savoir as you maximize your time around your own pool under your own gazebo.

Solution:

There is nothing wrong with a property being owned by a developer, a lawyer, a butcher, a baker, a candle stick maker (you get the picture), as long as their villa has been contracted out to a management company for this company to operate the villa on a day to day basis. The management companies are invariably from the hospitality industry and know what linen to provide, how often to change the bedding, towels.  The management team know that if you order a fruit basket that they are to provide that basket at a time that you asked for it, they will know when to clean the rooms and when to give you peace and quiet. The management make sure that the TV's are tuned and that the remote is clean, they know when to remove lime from the shower head or polish the taps and that they know they are to provide mineral water.

Villa Atas Ombak - Villas in Seminyak

The management will know that they can not cut corners when it comes to basic services such as; the supply of electric or water.  They will have contracts in place with the utility providers, they will pay based on used units as determined by meters, they will not pay by a pre-paid arrangement, as they will not take the risk that the supply will be cut during a period when it is most needed i.e. in the middle of a hot night shutting down the AC’s to the bedrooms (as is often the case). Important always make sure your villa is managed properly and by those in the know.

The basic rule to follow from all that I have said above is:  Never go to an unlicensed agent to book your villa, licensed agents have spent good money to establish a reputable business, to register their company and to understand the mechanics of the villas that they offer. These agents on the whole rely on their reputation, on word of mouth to build their businesses; they have a good mix of regular clients as well as new clients. They're pursued by the villa management companies to offer their villa properties so an entry on the licensed agent's website comes with a guarantee of a certain standard. The reputable agent will inspect the villas regularly but importantly they inspect prior to the arrival of any of their guests. Complaints are encouraged to be directed to the agent and if the villa management are in anyway non-responsive then these villas are removed from their listings.

Which means; the unlicensed agents take these Villas in Seminyak and publish on their websites for the un-suspecting public to see, these are second tier properties. These second tier properties also find their way onto the global hotel booking web-sites, as I have said these sites do not provide staff to audit these properties as they only provide a brand which gives access to the web.  The unlicensed agent rather than investing in a reputable business will establish many websites to market these villas, in some cases they have over a 100 websites, they have no interest if the electric goes off in the middle of the night, they have no interest if the owner is responsive to the guests needs or not.  As the demand for villas is big here in Bali if one website loses reputation then another of their sites will grow.

Villa Atas Ombak - Villas in Seminyak

It is worth knowing that rates for villas are usually the same across all the providers of luxury villas.  However, one villa owner recently said to me that when he offers his villas on these global web-site windows, he increases the price as their brand already implies ‘late deals’ giving the impression the rate is already low,  he relies on their customers loyalty to this global brand.

How do you know a licensed operator, what do you look for?

A registered agency with a registration granted by "Pemerintah KotaDenpasar" (Government, area: Kota, Denpasar) and that they have a "Dinas Perijinan" registration number, furthermore that their registration identifies them as a "Jasa properti" provider (permitted to provide a property service). If it is not on their website then ask to see evidence of their registration.