Vanaya Lodge

The place was spotless and beautifully decorated, with a calm, welcoming feel and care visible in every corner. We felt at home as soon as we arrived because the hosts were so kind and warm. We couldn’t have asked for a better stay. Highly recommend it for comfort, cleanliness, and genuine hospitality. We can’t wait to return!

You’re close to the beach at this cozy place, and the staff are attentive. There’s a mango garden, so fruit falls right at your feet! They also offer services at home, including massage.

Erna and her husband are the best part of Vanaya Lodges. They’re caring, warm, communicative, and helped us with every issue, both in person and over chat. The place is still being built, with more bungalows planned, but we didn’t hear any disruptive noise or feel disturbed. We were lucky to be among the first guests in this new area of small bungalows and lodges. Our cabin felt like a little luxury tree house, and we loved it. Everything felt authentic and thoughtfully done. The half-outdoor bathroom was especially lovely, even prettier than in the photos. The beach is a five-minute walk away. It felt like the nicest stretch to us, with snorkeling you can do on your own, cute bars and restaurants, and several shops for snorkeling and diving tours. There are also plenty of good dinner spots on the main street and a standard-sized supermarket. We loved our stay and hope to return one day to see the finished little paradise. All the best to you!

Erna and Ketut are generous, joyful hosts who treated me like family, and I laughed more than I have in ages. I stayed in the treehouse, with mango trees all around, a very comfortable mattress, a clean room, and great air-con. From bed I could watch the stars, hear the waves from the beach about 3min away, then wake gently to the birds. The food was authentic Balinese, and the fresh mangoes from the garden were delicious. Erna and her sister gave me a cooking class where I learned Sambel matah, spinach soup made with spinach straight from the garden, and bakwan Jagung, the best corn fritters ever. The location is great, with a 3mins walk to the beach for shore snorkeling at the amazing Biorock project. I also did heaps of dives with Karang Diving, whose team was very professional and safe, with the latest equipment, at local dive sites and the amazing Menjengan Island. There are great local restaurants too. This was so much better than a resort. Three newly built villas are opening soon. I felt honored to be there for the blessing ceremony and to draw mandalas with Ketut's father, who happened to be a revered priest. It was a very special day. Thank you, Erna and Ketut, for looking after me so well. I can’t wait to come back xx