With a fabulous setting within the Laksmana enclave and just 200 metres from the beach in Seminyak, this luxurious cul-de-sac of four fully staffed one and two-bedroom villas, each with private pool, is ideally located for exploring Bali's cosmopolitan hub.

The iconic beach club Ku De Ta is just a short stroll away, as are some of the island's most acclaimed dining venues. Each villa is built to a stylish tropical design incorporating open-plan living area, spacious bedrooms and swimming pool fringed by lush gardens.

The one and two-bedroom villas are equally suited to couples and small families, while larger groups can rent the entire complex, giving a total of seven bedrooms.

Set within an enchanted courtyard garden brimming with frangipani, heliconia and hibiscus, Solo is the most intimate of the Lakshmi villas, and also the most romantic, making it an ideal hideaway for honeymooners. Its tranquil setting belies a convenient location right in the heart of Seminyak; a district famed for its sweeping sandy beach, world-class restaurants, trendy bars and designer boutiques.

The villa takes its name from the historic city of Solo in Central Java, known as the cradle of Javanese culture and renowned for its distinctive batiks. A contemporary Balinese design celebrates tropical living, with an open-sided living pavilion with soaring ceilings overlooking the swimming pool fringed in lush greenery. A spacious air-conditioned bedroom comes with sitting area, satellite TV and DVD player and delightful garden bathroom. Those looking for extra space can rent Villa Solo in conjunction with the adjacent two-bedroomed Villa Kawi, connected by a garden door.

Long-standing staff provide a warm welcome and a discreet professional service. The villa has a guest kitchen, with mini bar and complimentary tea and coffee, while an executive chef prepares tasty meals in the staff kitchen from an extensive a la carte menu that includes western and Asian dishes. He is also happy to accommodate any special requests from kid's meals to four-course feasts and pool-side barbecues.

Whether you want to stroll down to the world-class dining venues of "eat street, shop till you drop, lounge on the beach, or sip cocktails at sunset, the opportunities that come with a stay at Villa Solo are endless.

LAYOUT:
This single-storey villa is entered via a stone pathway leading into a walled courtyard garden with swimming pool. Designed in an L-shape around the pool, the villa has an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area and a large bedroom.

Bedroom:
Elegant and expansive, Villa Solo's air-conditioned and fan-cooled bedroom overlooks the pool. Smooth marble floors give way to creamy walls and soaring ceilings, while the King-size bed is draped in an ivory mosquito net, with green and gold soft furnishings concealing crisp white linens and deluxe pillows.

The bedroom also features a desk, flat-screen satellite TV with DVD player and a daybed (which could sleep a child). A beautiful semi-outdoor bathroom has marble floors, walk-in shower, twin vanity and customised amenities. A bathtub is set in a picturesque courtyard amidst blue pebbles and fernery, while a narrow pathway leads to a small temple hidden amongst the foliage.

Living areas:
The villa's open-sided, fan-cooled lounge and dining pavilion has soaring ceilings supported by stout timber columns, and a pale stone floor. Two rattan sofas piled with colourful cushions make a cosy lounge area arranged around a wooden coffee table. A glass-topped dining table seats four, while a sideboard displays flower-filled vases and an iPod dock.

A guest kitchen with granite counters is conveniently tucked into one end of the living room and provides all the essentials for tea and coffee-making, cool drinks from the mini bar, or for whipping up a quick meal.

A wooden pool deck in the corner of the garden is topped by two deck chairs shaded by a parasol.

The locale:
Lakshmi villas are part of the Laksmana Private Villas enclave, and are located along a picturesque tree-lined lane. Many of Seminyak's attractions are within easy walking distance. A gate at the back of the estate grants quick access to Seminyak Square, where there area number of restaurants and boutiques, as well as a bakery and gourmet supermarket.

Alternatively, wander down the lane and turn left for the sandy beach at Oberoi, legendary beach club Ku De Ta still the island's hottest sunset spot, and a number of boutiques and restaurants, including Teatro Gastroteque which provides one of Bali's most exciting dining experiences.

Turn right for the stylish neighbourhood known as Petitenget, and enjoy a cocktail or dinner at the restaurant Petitenget aptly named after this charming area. Or stroll to the ancient sea temple, where alongside is La Lucciola with atmospheric beachfront Italian dining, and Motel Mexicola which serves Mexican-themed food in colourful retro surrounds.

Restaurant "Urchin" is literally on your doorstep and serves an array of world- class seafood whilst wine lovers can stroll to Vin+, a restaurant and wine boutique offering the most extensive selection of retail wines on the island. While those in search of a decadent spa or salon treatment can pop into Body Works one of the Bali's most renowned day spas.