Akasa Villa Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations and Bookings
Q1 Is the villa available?
Q2 Can you give a discount?
Q3 Are there any other fees or charges?
Q4 Does your rate include a car and driver?
Q5 Does the rate include airport transfers?
Q6 Is Akasa Villa suitable for a large group?
Q7 How do I pay for the accommodation?
Q8 What happens if I cancel my booking?

Facilities
Q9 Can you provide in-villa spa treatments?
Q10 Is there air-con and WiFi?
Q11 Can you install a pool fence?

Food and Drink
Q12 Does the rate include breakfast?
Q13 Are there kitchen facilities?
Q14 Is there a minibar?
Q15 Can we buy wine?
Q16 What can I ask the cook to do?
Q14 What kind of food can the cook prepare for us?

Location
Q18 How near is Akasa Villa to shops, restaurants and night life?
Q19 Is it safe in Bali?
Q20 What is the weather like in Bali?
Q21 What can we do in Bali?

Staff
Q22 Should I tip staff?

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Reservations and Bookings

Q1 Is the villa available? top
To help you plan your holiday, you can see what dates are available on our online calendar, by going to http://www.tropical-infusions.com/bookings. The calendar is updated every 24 hours.

Q2 Can you give a discount? top
Our accommodation is priced to be great value, and our rates and any available discounts are advertised on the website. Additional discounts are available for long term bookings.

Q3 Are there any other fees or charges? top
All bookings are liable to a 15% Government Tax and Service charge and this is included in the final quote. There are no additional fees or charges, unless you request additional services such as; extra bedroom, extra bed or cot.

Q4 Does your rate include a car and driver? top
The rate does not include a car and driver. Guests staying at the villa prefer to hire a minivan for group excursions, (a transport company is just across the road with very reasonable rates) and taxis are plentiful and cheap; $2 will get you to the beach, restaurants and shops in the area.We have set our villa rates at a level so that you can tailor your holiday to fit your needs. Therefore, you can choose a range of add ons, such as car and driver (aprox $50 per day, including petrol) or you may prefer to hire a car and do your own driving.

Q5 Does the rate include airport transfers? top
The rate includes one airport transfer on arrival irrespective of the number of people arriving at the same time. If you require any additional pick ups then we can arrange for a car and driver to be at the airport for an additional charge of $15 (cheaper than the airport taxis).

Q6 Is Akasa Villa suitable for a large group? top
Akasa Villa can comfortably sleep up to 14 guests in 6 bedrooms with 6 ensuites. The main villa has 4 bedrooms, each with a king bed (180×200), the bungalow can be set up with either 2 single beds (90×200) or 1 double bed (180×200) and the studio has 1 four poster king bed plus a day bed. There are also 2 single beds which can be set up in any of the bedrooms. A large baby cot is also available. Extra charges apply for extra beds and cots.

Q7 How do I pay for the accommodation? top
A 30% deposit is required to confirm all bookings, with the balance paid in cash on arrival. Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card or PayPal. Bank charges are the responsibility of the guest. Payments made by credit card or PayPal attract a 4% surcharge. Credit card details can be held as surety until your payment has been processed. Credit card details can be sent via the secure online form on our website. https://www.availabilityonline.com/reservation_form.php?un=tropical  

Q8 What happens if I cancel my booking?

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We have a no-refund policy. This is necessary as villas are booked 4 to 6 months in advance. However, if a substitute booking is taken, a full or partial refund may be provided at the discretion of the management. We recommend travel insurance, which will cover any losses for cancelled accommodation. There are many affordable options for travel insurance including http://www.1cover.com.au/
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Facilities

Q9 Can you provide in-villa spa treatments? top
The villa staff include massage therapists ready to give you a range of in-villa spa treatments, for example; Balinese Massage or Hot Stone Massage as well as manicures, pedicures and facials. The villa is equipped with a dedicated area for massage and we endeavor to provide the best service at exceptional rates.

Q10 Is there air-con and WiFi? top
Akasa Villa includes modern conveniences to give you a luxurious and relaxing holiday in a beautiful tropical setting. Every bedroom is equipped with air-conditioner and safety box, there are 2 large TVs with cable TV and free WiFi. We have had the best ICT guy set up the wireless network, but please note that Bali’s internet speed can be slow at times.

Q11 Can you install a pool fence? top
It is possible to install a pool fence. A pool fence company can organise this for you, (extra charges apply). We can put you in contact with the pool fence company. We recommend supervision of children at all times. In the past we have offered to close off an area of the verandah to contain small children however previous guests have never taken up this option, preferring to hire a baby-sitter. We also recommend arm bands for children which set off an alarm if they fall in the water. Parents of toddlers have reported that the raised edge around the pool (rather than an infinity edge) is helpful as it slows down young visitors from crawling and running straight into the pool.
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Food and Drink

Q12 Does the rate include breakfast? top
Staff are ready to serve breakfast from 7am and will do so whenever you are ready. Breakfast includes tropical fruit, fresh eggs any way you like with country bread loaf baked from Bali Buddah.

Q13 Are there kitchen facilities? top
Akasa Villa has a fully equipped kitchen. You are more than welcome to use it. Our staff love learning new recipes. However, you will find that as soon as you move towards the kitchen our attentive staff will ask if they can make you the cup of tea you are after, or help in any other way. If you want to eat in, our staff can prepare a range of Indonesian meals or many of the restaurants in the area can deliver.

Hallo! Restaurants Delivery Service 
Bali is famous for it’s food and you will find that nearly every restaurant is more than happy to deliver their delicious food to your door. Hallo! has compiled a list of some of the restaurants along with their menus into one booklet, which you will find at various outlets around Bali. Or you can check out their web site and start planning your culinary tour now!

Q14 Is there a minibar?top
For your convenience, the fridge is stocked with beer and soft drinks which are available for purchase at supermarket prices.

Q15 Can we buy wine? top

Guests may order Two Islands Wines from Hatten Wines at their best rate available. A minimum order of 6 bottles is required. The grapes of the Two Islands Wines are from the Barossa Valley in South Australian, which are fermented and bottled in Bali. For Bali the wines are a good price, whilst the standard of wine is not bad, in fact I enjoy their wine, but then I may have been in Bali too long. You can order a mixed case (min order 6 bottles) and the wine can be delivered within 24 hours. Prices are as follows, (subject to change);
Rp 190,000 Chardonnay
Rp 195,000 Shiraz
Rp 195,000 Riesling
Rp 190,000 Cabernet Merlot
Rp 220,000 Tunjung Sparkling

Q16 What can I ask the cook to do? top
The staff will provide daily cooked breakfast, and serve morning and afternoon tea or coffee. They are also available for in-villa catering. Guests just pay for the ingredients plus a surcharge of 20% to cover basic cooking supplies etc. While our staff are experts in Indonesian cooking or assist you in the preparation of a meal. It is however not a 24 hour service, and providing advance notice about your meal requirements and times is requested to ensure we best cater for your needs. If you wish to cook yourself, our staff can help with any aspect of the preparation, presentation and clean-up. Or you may wish to assist the cook and learn about the preparation of Indonesian cuisine, including a shopping expedition to the markets.

Q17 What kind of food can the cook prepare for us? top
The villa provides a cook for general meal preparation. With one days notice the cook can prepare for you a range of Indonesian and Western meals.  Fixed menus are available. Please discuss with the Villa Manager beforehand. For specialist cooking services we also can offer a “Chef for Hire” to come and cater for your needs at reasonable rates. We recommend that you inform the Butler the day before if you are planning to take Lunch or Dinner in the villa so that they can manage staff schedules, purchasing ingredients and preparation of the menu. If you are unable to do this there may be a surcharge of 10% added to your bill to cover overtime expenses or extra staff.

Lunch – Family Food
May we suggest that you experience Indonesian “family food” at the villa as a cheap, easy and delicious lunch option.
Nasi Campur* is rice served with a variety of accompanying dishes and side dishes. Delicious and nourishing, a typical Nasi Campur set will be served on a banana leaf or wrapped up in brown paper (and traditionally eaten using your fingers) with a chicken dish, tofu/tempeh and a vegetable dish. These will be accompanied by a sambal for spice and crunchy krupuks. You can buy it on the side of the road or in small restaurants known as Warungs.Teh Jahe, or Ginger Tea is a typical accompanying drink, or perhaps you can enjoy a young coconut drink.
As the ingredients are bought fresh daily you will need to order the day before.
*the “c” is always pronounced as “ch” in Indonesian. Nasi means rice, and campur means mixed. Nasi Campur is rice served with a mix of dishes, and it is enak sekali (very delicious).
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Location

Q18 How near is Akasa Villa to shops, restaurants and night life? top
Akasa Villa is surrounded by some of the best restaurants, shops, beaches and night life in Bali. All are only a short taxi ride away, and for only $2 who would want to walk in the hot sun? Many are also within walking distance, especially with the growing number of delicious restaraunts and shops full of curiosities along Jl Mertanadi. Akasa Villa is located just off Sunset Road giving easy access to all prime tourist destinations on the island. Sunset Road is the main road which links the airport to Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu and beyond to Tanah Lot. Taxis are plentiful and cheap or we can assist with hiring a car and driver. top

Click HERE to see a map on Community Walk showing just some of the local landmarks, restaurants, spas and activities in the area around Akasa Villa.

Q19 Is it safe in Bali? top
Bali is attracting tourists in record numbers however, at times the Australian Government gives out warnings against travel to Indonesia. As well as this, Bad news stories from Bali are sensationalised in the Australian media, and good news stories rarely see the light of day. Drink lots of water, be careful about what you eat, apply lots of common sense along with sunscreen and mosquito repellent, relax and enjoy Bali.

Q20 What is the weather like in Bali? top
Bali is eight degrees south of the equator and has a typical tropical climate with Wet and Dry Seasons. Generally is it warm and there is very little change in the average temperatures across the year. When considering Bali weather and climate, the dry season from June to October is the best time of year to travel with clear skies and lovely warm temperatures. If however you come during the Wet Season which runs from November to March you are in for some warm wet fun. The coastal areas have high humidity during the Wet Season, and along with the slightly higher temperatures means that you will feel sticky and hot and will want to jump back into the pool. A short deluge in the morning can turn a road into a river. The water however goes as quickly as it arrives and is usually gone by the afternoon; a nuisance rather than a danger. Staying at this time of year you may find yourself wading ankle-deep through water to get to the taxi, and the beach may simply be out of the question as it becomes awash with debris brought down by the rivers. Raincoats and umbrellas are semi-useful, and you can expect to get wet if you go out, best to just linger longer at the coffee shop until the rain stops. After the downpour the skies can clear quickly, and it is “another beautiful day in paradise”. The end of the wet season is marked by the Nyepi celebration where monsters parade the streets, which is worth seeing at least once in a life time.

Surfers have 2 seasons to consider. During the middle of the dry season (July to September) the west coast of Bali is favourable for surfing. While in the wet months from November to March the wind turns around and the west side of the island now has the better off-shore breaks.

The month of July can be windy and is perfect conditions for locals to fly their large kites, and the skies hum from the strings. You can attend kite festivals and join the local celebrations. The pleasant winds bring relief from the heat. Some parts of Bali will be very dry, and the lush greenery seems to have vanished as if never to return. However the ricefields always bring that emerald hue to the landscape, and our gardens are always lush and feature a surprising array of flowers.

Q21 What can we do in Bali? top
We highly recommend that you arrive with at least a few ideas about what you would like to do whilst on holiday in Bali. There is so much to see and do, and there really is something for everyone. To give you a start, below are just a few of the things we enjoy about Bali.

Bali Adventure Tours
The Elephant Safari Park is one of our favourite places to visit in Bali and their white water rafting is great fun.

Bali Bird Park
The Bali Bird Park is a great day out for everyone, the Bird Park is also a beautiful garden and has a restaurant and you can also see the KOMODO Dragon. Right next door is the Bali Reptile Park also worth a visit as you do get to walk amongst the reptiles (the friendly ones).

Bali Safari & Marine Park
The Bali Safari & Marine Park is another full day of activities. Don’t forget your bathers as beside the restaurant there is also the Fun Zone and Waterpark. A great place for the kids to use up the last of their energy and for adults to cool down and relax after enjoying the Safari Journey.

Bali Treetop Adventure Park
The Bali Treetop Adventure Park is a great day out. Located within the Bedugul Botanical Garden it is a great opportunity to experience the cooler climate of Bedugual. While there you can also explore the Bedugul Market (don’t miss out on their delicious strawberries when in season) and the Bedugul Ulun Danu Temple picturesquely set beside Lake Bratan.

Desa Seni
Desa Seni is a village resort which you are welcome to visit, enjoy their organic food at their restaurant and cool down by their pool. There are regular Yoga lessons and retreats, so check out their schedule.

Rimba Reptil Park
The Rimba Reptil Park is bigger than it looks and when I visited with my son and Aunt, we were very pleasantly surprised at how much fun and how interesting it was. The rest of the group had decided to relax at the Bird Park restaurant while we took a quick look. Boy did they miss out. I think it has something to do with the warm climate, as I have never seen reptiles as active as these ones and with more than 181 specimens, what was meant to be a quick look turned up to be much longer.

Waterbom Bali
If you come with kids then it will be unlikely that you won’t be leaving until you have spent a day at Waterbom Bali . Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy it too. The lazy river is good start for everyone, the landscaped gardens are lovely and give opportunities to sit on a sun lounge in the sun or shade. There are good options at the food hall and you can even duck out across the road for a little bit of last minute shopping at the Discovery Mall while the rest of the family have fun.

LIVE MUSIC and DANCE

JP’s Live Music 
For live music and delicious food in the heart of Seminyak.

Mannekepis 
Jazz and Blues music Bistro style.

Made’s Warung 
Restaurant and boutique shops set around a courtyard where you can enjoy Balinese Dance while dining at Made’s Warung.

Echo Beach House 
Watch surf dude’s cutting it up while you chow down on a seafood BBQ and enjoy live music at the Beach House.

Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home of a pilgrimage temple, the Pura Tanah Lot (literally “Tanah Lot temple”) and a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography and general exoticism. Beautiful at sunset, you can also see the famous Balinese Kecak Dance which is performed every evening.

Useful information about BALI

History and Facts about Bali
Useful information about Bali compiled by Wikipedia.

Bali Day Trips
Day Trips and things to do in Bali, thanks to tripadvisor.

Things to do in Seminyak
Check out what trip advisor has to say about where to go and what to do in Seminyak.

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Staff
Q22 Should I tip staff? top
By all means tip staff if you feel like you wish to. It is not expected or required but very much appreciated. Rather than tipping individual staff, we suggest leaving a tip with the manager for equal distribution to all staff. We do provide bonuses to staff, and welcome your feedback as a guide to this.