Want to Book a Villa in Bali? What to Look for When Booking Villas in Bali & The Gili Islands 🌴
- Jayne Keating
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Avoid disappointment and book your perfect island escape
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend stays and experiences that suit the style of travel shared on Island Escapes Bali & Gili.
Booking a villa in Bali or the Gili Islands sounds like a dream — private pools, tropical gardens, and open-air living.
But not all villas are created equal… and what looks perfect online doesn’t always match the reality.
After plenty of stays across Bali and the Gilis, here’s exactly what to check before you book — so your island escape lives up to expectations.
Look Beyond the Photos 🏝️
Photos can be beautiful — but they don’t always tell the full story.
✔️ Check:
Guest photos (not just professional ones)
Recent reviews (last 3–6 months)
Mentions of maintenance or wear
👉 Words like “a little tired” or “needs updating” can be subtle clues.
Read the Reviews Properly (Not Just the Score) 💬
A villa with a perfect 10/10 isn’t always better than a 7–8/10.
✔️ What to look for:
Consistent comments (good or bad)
Mentions of cleanliness, staff, and location
Small issues that may or may not matter to you
👉 Honest, balanced reviews are often the most helpful.
Check the Pool Situation 🌡️
This is a big one — especially in the Gilis.
Photo
✔️ Things to consider:
Is the pool in full sun or shade?
Is it a plunge pool or full-size?
Do reviews mention temperature?
👉 Some pools stay surprisingly cold if they don’t get enough sun.
Check the Small Essentials 🔌
It’s often the little things that impact your stay the most.
✔️ Look for:
Hairdryer
Strong WiFi
Air conditioning quality
Daily cleaning
👉 If it’s not listed — assume it may not be there.
Look for Signs of Maintenance 🛠️
Tropical villas need constant upkeep.
✔️ Watch for mentions of:
Worn furniture
Bathroom condition
Outdoor areas looking tired
👉 Many villas schedule maintenance before peak season — timing matters.
Location, Location, Location📍
Especially in the Gili Islands, location changes everything.
✔️ Consider:
Distance to beach clubs, restaurants, and port
Quiet vs social areas
Access at night (some paths are dark)
Mosque location - call to prayer can start extremely early in the morning
👉 A “perfect villa” in the wrong spot can change your whole experience.
Pay Attention to Host Responsiveness 🤝
This can make or break your stay.
✔️ Green flags:
Quick replies
Helpful communication
Willingness to fix issues
👉 Great hosts can turn small problems into non-issues.
🌺 Final Thoughts 🌺
Not every villa will be perfect — and that’s okay.
The goal isn’t perfection…👉 it’s finding the right fit for your style of travel.
A villa might have:
A stunning location
Amazing staff
Beautiful design
…but still have a few small drawbacks.
And knowing what to expect? That’s what turns a good trip into an amazing one.
✈️ Planning Your Trip?
We share real stays, honest reviews, and the best private pool villas across Bali & the Gili Islands — so you can book with confidence.
👉Check out my Guides for recommenations:
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