Villa Gunung Paradise Retreat

We spent Ogoh Ogoh and Nyepi with Karien and Jack, and had a fantastic time from start to finish. They arranged a snorkeling trip to Menjangan Island, and on the way back we found ourselves among the local Ogoh Ogoh parades. For Nyepi, we joined the rest of Bali in reflection, darkness, and silence. The hosts and staff looked after us so well. Getting to Gunung Paradis Retreat means winding down ridge roads, hairpin turn by hairpin turn, past rice terraces and hillsides. The retreat sits beautifully above a green, lush valley, and it’s peaceful. If there’s a Paradise Lost, then surely there can be a Paradise Found. We think this is it.

The North of Bali was a lovely surprise, with so much to do. We walked around the Munduk waterfalls and visited a beautiful, little-known waterfall at Wanagiri, saw rice paddies and authentic villages, and spent time at the relaxed north shore beaches. We stayed with our family in the garden suite of the main villa. It’s a classic villa, richly and tastefully decorated, with a huge balcony looking over lush gardens and the surrounding mountains and rice paddies. Mornings were peaceful in the garden, with generous breakfasts of fruit, yoghurt, coffee, eggs, toast, and smoothie. The dinners were plentiful and tasty too, and we especially enjoyed the Indonesian dishes. The children loved the pool and the huge bird cage with tropical birds. Thanks to the hosts for such a wonderful stay. It was too short!

We really valued the fresh, nourishing meals, prepared with care and in harmony with the body and the environment. The thoughtful details, sustainable vision, and warm hospitality all felt right. Karien and Jack were personally involved throughout, sharing their knowledge of the area and helping make our stay meaningful as well as pleasant. With them, we experienced a spiritual ceremony that included palm reading and cleansing, a fantastic dolphin tour, and a private family yoga session with Lola from Lola Yoga Lovina. From the first moment, Karien and Jack made us feel genuinely welcome. They’ve created Gunung Paradise with heart and soul, and everything feels considered, from the accommodation to the lush, peaceful mountain setting. The design is comfortable and tasteful, in balance with its surroundings. This was more than a place to spend the night, it’s an experience that stays with you. We’d return without hesitation.

The gardens are full of splendor, the views are fantastic, the weather was glorious, and the food was scrumptious. Getting around takes planning if you don’t have your own transport, though, since rides with the chauffeur have to be reserved and spontaneous trips aren’t really an option.