Mr & Mrs Smith

The Shaba

Bali, Indonesia

Snuggled into the beachside mangroves of Jimbaran in southern Bali, The Shaba has boldly chosen to put all its eggs in one gorgeously designed colonial-mansion hotel. With only three rooms, you're guaranteed fabulous service – from the hands of your own butler. Weathered teak patina flooring gives way to Indian tile around the pillared courtyard, where a stone fountain shaped like an upturned bell bubbles away soothingly and hanging lanterns sway romantically from the sloped terracotta roof. It's a magical and, more importantly, utterly private place.

Need to know

• Rooms Three: two en suite deluxe rooms and a master suite. If you want you can rent the whole villa (as a three-suite piece, so to speak).
• Rates Double rooms from AU$252.84 ($246), excluding tax at 20 per cent.
  Prices have been converted from the hotel's local currency ($246), via XE.com, using today's exchange rate.
• More details Rates include breakfast, afternoon tea and one-way airport transfer.
• Facilities Full butler service, spa, library, DVD/CD selection, free WiFi throughout, billiard table. In rooms: plasma TV, DVD player, Bose sound system, pre-loaded iPod, bespoke Banyu Spa toiletries.
• Poolside Decked with chunky teak and adorned with vast double sun beds, the area beside the 18-metre lap pool is made for lounging over cocktails, or even dinner – there's a full dining table too.
• Check-out Midday. Later check-out can be arranged, subject to availability.
• Children Under-12s stay free; extra beds can be provided for older children at US$75 a night. Children's menus, packed lunches and high chairs are available from the restaurant and babysitting can be organised for US$3 an hour.
• Eco-friendly The hotel uses eco-friendly toiletries, recycles where possible and is a key player in Jimbaran village life.
• Also The Shaba has a fleet of bicycles available for exploring the village and environs, but if pedal power proves a turn off, it can arrange a horse and cart.

Food and drink at The Shaba

• Hotel restaurant A global smorgasbord of dishes with a southeast Asian bias is served at Asam Garam, the Shaba's irresistibly rustic restaurant. The curry-marinated scallops and five spice crème brûlée are particular triumphs.
• Dress code Relaxed but rarefied.
• Top table Plump for the poolside dining table for starlit-sky, moonlight-on-the-water romance levels.
• Last orders Asam Garam closes at 10pm and the butlers go off duty at 11pm, but the villa kitchen is open 24-hours a day so you'll never be short of snacking opportunities.
• Room service Your butler is on hand between 6am and 11pm to perform every feasible request.
• Hotel bar The bar at Shaba is nowhere and everywhere; your butler can rustle you up a cocktail wherever you wish. Try the signature Shaba, a fruity champagne affair.

Also worth knowing

• Weddings This property is suitable for weddings. More...

The Shaba Jalan Uluwatu, Gang Gigit Sari, Jimbaran, Bali, 80361