Desa Hay (Bali) Review: Secluded Luxury Retreat
I stayed at Desa Hay Bali and found pure luxury in paradise. Here’s my honest take on what makes this boutique hotel so special.
Desa Hay Villas, nestled northwest of Canggu, Bali, offers a serene escape from the bustling Canggu center, which is a short motorbike ride away.
The villas, especially the Premium Jabu with Plunge Pool, where I stayed, blend comfort with privacy.
The villa boasts a comfortable bed with stunning views of a private, lush garden and tranquil pool, enhanced by vast windows and high ceilings.
The service is impeccable, and there is a private WhatsApp group for easy communication with hotel staff.
Sustainable practices and local engagement make Desa Hay a model for luxury travel that conscientiously blends comfort with environmental responsibility.
I’ve recently enjoyed spending several nights at Desa Hay and would like to share my experience with you.
For those specifically seeking a deep dive into the restorative aspects of the stay, I have published a dedicated Desa Hay Bali Wellness Review at tim-kroeger.com.
More luxury hotels in Bali you shouldn’t miss:
Location
The hotel is situated northwest of Canggu and is a 10-minute drive or a 50-minute walk from Pererenan Beach.
There is not much around the villas besides a handful of cafes, which creates a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Yet, the vibrant center of Canggu is just a 10-minute motorbike journey away, traffic permitting.
Once you step into your villa, its comfort and privacy will captivate you, making it hard to go out anyway.
The service at the hotel is exceptional, and the team is incredibly attentive.
Communicating through a private WhatsApp group makes connecting with every hotel department seamless. Anything I needed was just a message away.
Villas
Desa Hay offers two distinct villa options: Premium Jabu with Plunge Pool and Jabu with Plunge Pool.
1. Premium Jabu with Plunge Pool
During my 2 night experience, I stayed in a Premium Jabu with Plunge Pool.
From the moment I stepped into the villa, I felt like I was in heaven.
The bed is super comfortable and offers stunning views of the lush green garden and the pool.
The villa has vast, floor-to-ceiling windows that bathes the room in natural light. The high ceiling creates an open, inviting atmosphere.
A selection of pillows allowed me to customize my night’s rest to perfection, while the well-stocked mini bar, filled with an array of wines, liquors, soft drinks, coffee, and tea, catered to my every whim.
The lighting was thoughtfully designed, featuring indirect options that create a serene evening mood.
A tablet was provided, offering instant access to a WhatsApp group for effortless communication with the hotel staff, and even allowed me to enjoy my personal Spotify playlist through the villa’s TV and sound system.
Practicality was woven seamlessly into the luxury, with ample, well-placed power outlets and light switches conveniently located next to the bed.
Entertainment was always at my fingertips. The smart TV with Netflix access is perfect for movie nights.
The cozy chair with a soft blanket beside the window is an excellent place to read or soak in the garden’s beauty.
The small desk, overlooking the garden and pool, is an ideal spot for staying connected or doing some work, complete with power outlets and a comfortable chair.
The vast wardrobe with a safety box offers ample space to organize your clothes.
The spacious bathroom boasts high-quality amenities, including a bamboo toothbrush, charcoal toothpaste, natural mosquito repellent, and a comfortable bathrobe.
With its open glass door, the shower offers a panoramic view of the lush garden, transporting you to a jungle paradise with every rinse.
My personal highlight was the flower bath in the outdoor bathtub! I mean, look at these photos!
Warm lighting cast a soft glow across the room, reflecting off the expansive mirrors and highlighting the dual sinks that added a touch of elegance to the morning routine.
Privacy is thoughtfully considered, with the toilet area discreetly separated by a door.
The bathroom’s design seamlessly integrates with the living area through large sliding doors, creating a fluid, open space.
The sliding glass door in front of the bed opened onto a private terrace with sunbeds and a table to enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea.
The lush green garden and the private plunge pool created a tranquil oasis away from the busy streets of Bali. It was so quiet that I could listen to the birds and the water overflowing the pool.
My villa’s private garden also featured a hammock surrounded by lush greenery and tropical plants. I enjoyed napping and reading a book here!
The private pool was my personal highlight! Dipping in the water surrounded by nature was the ultimate relaxation!
2. Jabu with Plunge Pool
Inside, the “Jabu with Plunge Pool” villa is identical in elegance and design to the “Premium Jabu with Plunge Pool” I stayed in.
The distinguishing feature of this villa is its smaller garden.
While it does not feature a hammock and sunbeds, it still has a private plunge pool surrounded by lush greenery!
Ijo by Desa Hay – Restaurant and Bar
The open-air restaurant by the pool offers a tranquil ambiance with soft breezes and inviting warm lighting.
For dinner, I chose the ‘Sulawesi Grilled Ribs’ accompanied by peanut sauce, tomato salad, and mashed potatoes. It was delicious – the meat effortlessly fell off the bone.
My favorite breakfast dish was the sourdough bread topped with guacamole, poached eggs, and salmon!
Yoga
Desa Hay offers a complimentary yoga session to all its guests each morning, running from 8 to 9 AM.
When the weather allows, yoga takes place in the hotel’s garden. In case of rain, the yoga class is relocated to either the restaurant area or the guest’s villa.
It was a great way to start the day, and the yoga instructors did an excellent job tailoring the class to the guests’ preferences.
I recommend you sign up for it, even though you usually don’t practice yoga!
Sustainability
Desa Hay integrates environmental responsibility with luxurious comfort, aiming to reduce its guests’ ecological footprint while enhancing Bali’s local community and environment.
The resort prioritizes local products for its culinary offerings and employs eco-friendly practices throughout, from recyclable amenities in its villas to a comprehensive eco-design across its premises.
Key environmental initiatives include:
- Generating significant solar power through 105 panels.
- Enhancing local water sustainability through recharge wells.
- Minimizing waste with a focus on recyclable and compostable materials.
Socially, Desa Hay fosters local employment, supports education through scholarships, and engages in community upliftment.
In summary, the hotel represents a luxury travel model that conscientiously blends comfort with sustainability.
Things to do nearby
There’s so much to explore around, so ensure you’re not missing out on Bali’s highlights.
Nearby attractions include:
- Tanah Lot: 1 hour and 54 minutes by foot or 21 minutes by car;
- La Brisa Bali Beach Club: 57 minutes by foot or 14 minutes by car;
- Ubud Monkey Forest: 59 minutes by car;
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: 1 hour and 18 minutes by car;
What I loved about the hotel
My experience was truly remarkable. Overall, my stay was exceptional, and I’d like to share some of my highlights with you.
- Outstanding service and highly attentive staff.
- Convenient communication through a private WhatsApp group for direct contact with all hotel departments.
- My villa was impressive, featuring a very comfortable bed with stunning garden and pool views and a fantastic outdoor bathtub with a memorable flower bath experience.
- A spacious bathroom with high-quality amenities, including a shower with an open glass door, offering a jungle-like shower experience.
- The lush green garden with a private plunge pool provided a tranquil and peaceful environment, perfect for enjoying the sounds of birds and water.
- I really enjoyed the hammock in the garden. It was an excellent spot for relaxation, reading, or listening to music.
- The daily complimentary yoga sessions in the morning were a great way to start the day.
- The floating breakfast experience was a unique and enjoyable highlight.
- Exceptional food! My favorite breakfast dish was the sourdough bread with guacamole, poached eggs, and salmon topping.
- The open-air restaurant next to the pool featured dining with a view. Its quiet atmosphere, gentle breeze, and warm lighting characterized it.
Disclaimer: I was a guest at Desa Hay Bali. As always, my opinions are solely my own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desa Hay Bali worth staying at?
Yes, Desa Hay Bali is an exceptional boutique luxury resort perfect for couples and travelers seeking privacy and tranquility. The Premium Jabu Villas feature private plunge pools, lush tropical gardens, hammocks, and outdoor rain showers. The service is impeccable with a dedicated WhatsApp group for easy communication with staff. The resort’s Ijo restaurant serves outstanding food, including a signature floating breakfast in your private pool. Daily complimentary yoga sessions, sustainable practices, and a serene location northwest of Canggu make it a standout choice in Bali.
What types of villas are available at Desa Hay Bali?
Desa Hay Bali offers two villa types. The Premium Jabu with Plunge Pool is the top-tier option, featuring a spacious bedroom with king-size bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, a luxurious open-plan bathroom with freestanding bathtub and dual sinks, a private terrace with sunbeds, a lush tropical garden with hammock, and a private infinity plunge pool. The Jabu with Plunge Pool villa is identical in interior elegance and design but features a smaller, more intimate garden and pool area. Both villas offer complete privacy and a tranquil escape.
Where is Desa Hay Bali located?
Desa Hay Bali is located northwest of Canggu in Bali, Indonesia. The resort offers a serene escape from the bustling Canggu center, which is just a short motorbike ride away. This location provides the perfect balance of peaceful seclusion while still being close enough to Canggu’s restaurants, beach clubs, and surf spots. The surrounding area features beautiful Bali countryside with rice paddies and traditional villages.
Does Desa Hay Bali offer a floating breakfast?
Yes, the floating breakfast is one of the signature experiences at Desa Hay Bali. A beautifully arranged breakfast tray is served floating in your private plunge pool, making for a unique and Instagram-worthy morning experience. The breakfast features fresh tropical fruits, smoothies, and exceptional dishes. The standout breakfast item is the sourdough bread with guacamole, poached eggs, and salmon topping. Breakfast can also be enjoyed on your private terrace overlooking the garden and pool.
What restaurant does Desa Hay Bali have?
Desa Hay Bali has one on-site restaurant called Ijo by Desa Hay. It is an open-air restaurant and bar located next to the pool, featuring dining with views, a quiet atmosphere, gentle breeze, and warm candlelit lighting in the evening. The restaurant serves exceptional food with both healthy and indulgent options. The menu includes fresh local ingredients, and the sourdough bread with guacamole, poached eggs, and salmon is a guest favorite. Dinner at Ijo is a highlight with its poolside ambiance.
Does Desa Hay Bali offer yoga classes?
Yes, Desa Hay Bali offers complimentary daily yoga sessions every morning. These guided sessions are a wonderful way to start the day in the peaceful surroundings of the resort. The resort focuses on wellness and relaxation, making the yoga program a natural fit alongside the spa treatments, private pool, and tranquil garden spaces. The overall atmosphere of Desa Hay is designed to promote rest and rejuvenation.
Is Desa Hay Bali an eco-friendly resort?
Yes, sustainability is a core value at Desa Hay Bali. The resort implements various eco-friendly practices and engages with the local community, making it a model for luxury travel that conscientiously blends comfort with environmental responsibility. The property uses sustainable materials, supports local artisans, and takes steps to minimize its environmental footprint while maintaining high standards of luxury and service.
What is there to do near Desa Hay Bali?
Desa Hay Bali’s location near Canggu provides easy access to many popular attractions. Canggu is a short motorbike ride away, offering world-class surf breaks, trendy beach clubs, cafes, and restaurants. The surrounding area features beautiful rice paddies perfect for walks or cycling. Nearby you can find temples, traditional Balinese villages, and wellness centers. The resort’s concierge can arrange day trips to popular Bali destinations including Tanah Lot temple, Seminyak, and Ubud’s cultural heart.
- About the Author
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Tim Kroeger, founder of Universal Traveller, is a Luxury Wellness & Active Travel Specialist with over 15 years of experience exploring the world.
Through his work with leading luxury hotels and travel brands, Tim helps connect premium travelers with exceptional experiences. His expertise spans hospitality trends, digital nomad lifestyles, and luxury bikepacking, combining adventure travel with comfort and style.
