On a recent Villa Book visit to Bali, it was great to find that the island is definitely back on track as one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. Apparently, tourist levels have almost returned to pre-bomb levels and the only overt sign of recent security problems is an extremely vigilant arrival and departure procedure at Denpasar Airport. Once through this, and out and about on the island, we were once more captivated its overwhelming beauty, the gentle friendliness of its people and the calming and spiritual ambience of its Hindu heritage. There are literally temples everywhere, and a shrine in front of every house has offerings for the spirits, ranging from local flowers to fruit and rice. In stark contrast to these displays of quiet spiritualism, is a vast increase in the number of cars and motorcycles everywhere, with the noise and traffic jams that this entails, and with a less than efficient local transport system, apparently there is no immediate sign of this changing. However, this was just one negativity and it is largely limited to the access roads in and around Denpasar.

Our first night was spent at the idyllic Hotel Tugu, at Canggu, a shrine in itself to Bali’s traditions. Owned by an Indonesian who has been collecting antiques since the early 1960s, the hotel is home to one of the largest original art collections in South East Asia. The main building, the Bale Agung, features distinctive architecture inspired by a secluded village in central Bali, whereas some of the public areas feature original structures, hundreds of years old, and moved in their entirety into the property. The hotel also has an independent villa, Villa Tugu, situated about two kilometres away. Guests here can enjoy the privacy and luxury of a six bedroom villa with private pool and tennis court, yet also, should they want to, take advantage of the hotel’s many dining options and spa treatments.

Most of the private villas represented by The Villa Book are in the popular coastal areas in the south of the island, near Seminyak, Canggu and Kuta. There is definitely a superb choice of hotels here, but judging from the villas we saw, we still think this is the best (and most economical) option to enjoy a stay in Bali. A stay at a villa here really provides the best of both worlds – privacy within your own home with private pool, yet proximity to beaches, restaurants, shops and nightlife. Fully staffed, the services of a cook are included and, if you want to dine in, all you have to do is give the staff a few hours' warning. Most villas are equipped with a stereo, satellite television, DVD player and internet access. Offering particularly good value for money is The Villa Book’s new addition, Villa Jimbaran Beach, a four bedroom property, and a short walk from the beach of the same name. The villa benefits from outstanding ocean views, and its furnishings and equipment are all the highest of standards. Rental prices here start at £2870 per week, a bargain, compared with its European equivalent. At the higher end of the scale is Bali Dream (5 bedrooms), with 1 ½ acres of private gardens and 100 metres of beach frontage on the white sand beach at Legian. Considered one of the most luxurious villas in Bali, it rents from £7000 per week.

An increasing number of private villas are being built on the Bukit peninsula, in the hills south of Denpasar, Many of these offer spectacular views of the sea, Kuta, Sanur and Bali's mountains. They also benefit from a cooler, less humid climate. One such villa is the four bedroom Villa Uluwatu which rents from just £2800 per week. Perched above a steep sided river gorge, and featuring an abundance of glass walls and windows to maximise the spectacular 360 degree view of forest, the sea, this multi level property is just a few minutes’ drive from some of the best beaches on the island.

If total rest and relaxation is what you are after, then the best place to head for is Ubud, in the centre of the island and the showcase for all that Bali represents at an artistic and spiritual level. It provides the perfect physical and spiritual surroundings for those looking for an escape from the stresses of modern life, and there are some wonderful villas where guests can enjoy being pampered in the equivalent of a private luxury retreat. One such place is Kayumanis, set in an idyllically peaceful, green and tropical setting above the Ayung River. Consisting of 23 private villas, linked by winding pathways lined with green foliage, each villa is set within its own tropical compound with a private pool and sun deck, open pavilion living area, air conditioned bedroom and open-style bathroom. Tastefully themed interiors reflect the artistic heritage of the Indonesian archipelago. The Villa Book also offers two private villas close to Ubud, Villa Vajra (three bedrooms) and Villa Sati (one bedroom). Villa Vajra (£2590 per week) is perched dramatically on the edge of a deep river gorge, resourcefully integrated into the natural contours of the hill, while the neighbouring Villa Sati (£1015 per week) appears to float upon its surrounding rice fields.

Perhaps the ultimate in the way of spa retreats is the Como Shambhala Estate, also in Ubud. With its jungle and river setting, it offers a unique residential health retreat combining holistic wellness with state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional accommodation. The Villa Book is featuring four private villas, owned by the Como Shambhala Estate where guests can enjoy their own exclusive surroundings and private pool, yet have access to the many facilities and treatments offered by the Estate.