New YouTube post of Villa Bretani

Gracie (our very able manager in Bali) model one day, film-maker the next, has posted a little snapshot of Villa Bretani on YouTube. Thanks Grace, we love your work!

Suicide glam launches new collection!

Gracie as part of the Suicide Glam shoot @ twice bar

To get the look, walk into Suicide Glam on Poppies 2 in Kuta. Suicide Glam are known as Bali ‘s purveyors of punk and rock ‘n roll fashion. Dices, plaid patterns, animal prints, skeleton motifs, chains and boots are on display. It would be a waste of time to walk in this store and come out looking the same… this is the best place to show your individuality! 

If you find your way to suicide glam you will spot a small bar to your left side packed with guys in rock outfits, dressed in black from head to toe, with tattoos and piercings to boot – this is Twice Bar.

Go in and check it out – they won’t bite and they do have cold beer!

Twice Bar is owned and managed by Jerinx, singer of local band called Devil Dice and drummer of famous Indonesian punk band Superman is Dead. Twice Bar is the launching ground of indie bands from all over Indonesia still building a name for themselves; most play punk, hard core & punk. Think The Ramones, The Rolling Stones, AFI, Rancid, and Social Distortion, to name the few.

The Villa Bretani family are bigs fans of Twice Bar and Suicide Glam. Congratulations on the new collection guys!

love annie x

Beautiful Book, Congratulations Mark!

Bali by Mark Jekabsons | Make Your Own Book

The Jekabsons stayed at Villa Bretani in April, they were beautiful guests and we hope to see them back in Bali very soon. Mark has created this book of high quality, gorgeous images of Bali. Give yourself a treat and watch it in full screen. Thanks Mark!

love annie x

Amazing, particularly for parents and teenagers!

Watch out for Dengue in Bali

Dengue Fever is something that can ruin a perfectly great Bali holiday. It is transmitted by mosquito’s. Cases in Bali are increasing and so it’s something to think about and take precautions against. Interestingly the type of mosquito transmitting dengue is the one that usually bites during the daytime and is found indoors. We haven’t had any cases at Villa Bretani. We follow all prevention guidelines and make sure the house and garden are mozzie trap free!

For most people Dengue is like a really bad dose of the flu. Symptoms vary from person to person but can include fever, severe headache, aching joints and muscles, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting and a rash. The symptoms usually occur within three to 14 days of being bitten. To avoid being bitten, travellers should:

• Ensure accommodation is mosquito-proof (yes we are!). Use mosquito nets, flying insect spray, mosquito coils or plug-in insecticide mats in rooms (yes we do!);
• Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured protective clothing;
• Use personal repellents containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin. The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions or gels. Some natural or organic repellents may provide lesser protection, and
• Ensure infants and children sleeping or playing indoors during the day are adequately protected. Only infant-strength repellents should be used on children.

For further information and travel advice visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s travel website: www.smartraveller.gov.au

Congatulations to Coco and Ginger!

Our good friends at Coco and Ginger have updated their website with their new season for 2010. It’s fabulous and definately worth a look. Cocco and Ginger produce beautiful, high quality children’s wear in Bali, Indonesia. A quote from Saffron at Coco and Ginger “Wherever we can we try to make Eco and sustainable choices as we do in our personal life as well. We source hand-woven fabric and unique prints. Our embroidery is all hand-stitched, smocked and crocheted. We have a fair pay policy and employ seamstresses and tailors in small family-run businesses.”

Coco and Ginger has a range of stockists on their website http://www.cocoandginger.com/ which you can check out during your next Bali holiday or there are plently of international and online options as well.

Have a great day!

love annie x

Trying to figure out this blog!

Hello everyone!

A big shout out and thanks to all that have stayed in the villa so far this year. We’ve had some fantastic reviews on tripadvisor and we’re working constantly at improving the service and expanding the network of Villa Bretani fans. Thanks so much to our staff, Gracie (manager) Ketut (housekeeping) and Gede (driver & maintenance) for all of your hard work this year. It’s a steep learning curve and we couldn’t do it without you. So thanks!

love annie xx