The gentle sound of the gurgling fountains in the foreground, and the more formidable roar of surfing waves in the back. The cooing of a bird, a twitter here, a reply there. Leaves rustling in the morning breeze, and the sound of peace and tranquillity. Mornings at Villa Tanju are made up of these.

Wake up in your plush bed and walk out to the patio to take in the magnificence of Bali’s volcanic sand beach at your threshold. It’s just you and nature, in these morning hours. Tucked away in a serene part of the coastline, if you’re looking for a peaceful escape, your search ends here.

Four comfortable bedrooms are spread across two pavilions. The master bedroom commands its own pavilion, sitting out front near the pool, with water views all around. The remaining three bedrooms share the main sleeping pavilion, with two bedrooms on the ground floor, perfect for parents who want to sleep closer to the kids, and one bedroom on the first level which opens up onto a wide terrace with a daybed and relaxing chairs to take in the picturesque sea views.

The outdoor tropical baths speak tales of subtle luxury, with sunken bathtubs and pebbled pathways to outdoor showers, all the while maintaining utmost privacy. A study adjoins Guest Bedroom 3 on the first level, with a speaker system and large sofa bed to lounge in. Socialising will mostly be done in the living pavilion though, sitting centrally between the rest. Flanked on one side by the fountains and an inviting pool on the other, the open-sided living pavilion can be enclosed for air-conditioned comfort. Movie nights are always a hit with the kids, while parents enjoy a delicious meal around the ten-seater dining table in an adjoining dining pavilion. And the only other constant, besides the aura of tranquillity is the smiling and hospitable staff that takes care of you.

Villa Tanju sits on the edge of a black sand beach in Cemagi, 15-minutes away from Canggu’s restaurants, bars, shops and beach clubs. But it may as well be an entire world away. An escape when you need one, a warm and embracing home to retreat to, this is what relaxing Balinese vacations are made up of.