Villa Jukung

We first visited Villa Jukung as a family group: two couples, two kids under eight and a pair of grandparents. The kids loved the pool – we couldn’t keep them out of it – while the sun loungers along the sea wall got so much use they almost fused to our backs. We went snorkelling in the shallows at low tide looking for small fish and crocodiles. The views from this relaxing beach-house-feel villa kept us mesmerised for hours: the islands of Lembongan, Penida and Lombok in the distance by day, and by night the lights of the cruise boats and tankers at anchor across the bay. The night sky from here is incredible. The French owner is passionate about the area and used to live at Villa Jukung herself. She still lives just a few minutes’ drive away and can be reached should you need anything at all. The villa is aptly named: looking out through the floor-to-ceiling glass you could almost believe that you are floating out at sea on a jukung fishing boat. The staff kept us well fed and watered, and all our meals (typically fresh fish accompanied by rice and veggies) were supplemented by sea views and breezes that made it feel like we were dining at the captain’s table on the QEII. Most of our stay was taken up lazing beside the pool, reading, swimming and combing the reef. When we started to feel bad about doing so much of nothing, we wandered over to the gazebo to help keep the local massage therapist busy. So good was she that we had her come back the following day for another round. Returning to Villa Jukung recently, we were happy to note that it has been immaculately maintained. The man-made beach with its two gazebos, together with the absolute seafront terrace, have all been added since our first visit and greatly improved the villa’s facilities .