Clove Tree Hill

We loved everything about our stay at Clove Tree Hill. The property is a hidden gem in the hills of Bali…. completely removed from the hustle and bustle of the tourist hot spots. Everything about this place is absolutely divine. We are a family of 3 and we stayed in Villa Manggis, which has magnificent views of terraced rice fields and surrounding jungle. Walking around the property, there are stunning views at every turn. There are squirrels in the trees, beautiful native birds and the jungle chickens kept us very amused. As the sun goes down, you hear frogs, crickets and other insects singing, it’s just fantastic! We were looked after so well by Dian and the other staff. The food is delicious and lots to choose from. There is also a waterfall on the property. It was incredible having this all to ourselves to swim in. We had a massage in the open air spa hut… I will remember this massage with the sound of the waterfall behind us for the rest of my life. In fact, we will remember our stay at Clove Tree Hill forever. Absolute perfection! If you want to experience the beauty and peace of the real Bali, away from the tourist crowds, you will not be disappointed.

It is not only that Clove Tree is beautiful, but the people who run it make it even more special. We felt welcomed as one of the family and learnt so much from our conversations with them in an easy, no pressure way. Rice fields and food forests are on your doorstep with easy walks (we loved seeing a monkey in the tree on our rainforest walk), plus you get to swim in a waterfall 5 mins walk away, No transport needed, no other tourists, just you.

Loved the quiet location, beautiful views. Gardens are amazing and each bungalow is very private.

Limited in where you can eat since there’s not much around. We didn’t mind it anyway!

- I love the back-to-nature concept and how immersive it is. Just be aware that you’re essentially surrounded by jungle, so if you’re not comfortable with occasional visits from critters, especially around the balcony and bathroom, this might not be the place for you. They don't really enter the bedroom area though, so don't worry. - It’s a great staycation spot if you want to relax, slow down, and enjoy nature from your bungalow, while still having the option to go outdoors. They have two trekking paths you can follow either on your own or with a guide. I only walked the Green Line by myself, which is the shorter route through the surrounding village, jungle, and coffee plantation. - Communication is mostly done through WhatsApp, whether for food orders or anything else you need. Bu Dian was very responsive. The staff I interacted with were all women, which somehow made me feel safer during my solo stay, though I think there are also male helpers for gardening and other outdoor work. - Overall, it has a gorgeous view and a very relaxing atmosphere. A lovely place to get away from city noise and spend time surrounded by nature.

- The main downside for me (and surprisingly) the biggest issue, was the lack of bidet. Since this is Indonesia, I was genuinely surprised that some properties in Bali still use a more Western-style bathroom setup without one. I understand they probably want to keep the bathroom area as dry as possible, but hygiene is very important to me. As someone who is used to washing with water, especially as a woman on my cycle, relying on tissue alone just doesn’t feel clean or practical. I hope the property owner or manager takes this into consideration. Tissue alone may be acceptable for some guests, but for those of us who are used to washing with water, the lack of a bidet becomes a real hygiene concern especially during certain times for women when proper cleaning is even more important. Having to walk over to the shower or get up to reach the sink every time water is needed for basic bathroom hygiene feels inconvenient and uncomfortable. - The location is quite remote, so unless you bring your own car and are willing to drive out for food, your main option is ordering from the property’s restaurant. The food is on the pricier side, though that is somewhat expected considering the location. Pretty good food overall, with a nice mix of local and international selections. You can check their website as they provide the full menu and information on activities available both at the property and around the area.