Mendira Beach

Villa Talia Vashti is situated on a separate private beach just a couple of hundred yards from Mendira Beach, a small and quiet development 5 minutes outside of Candi Dasa. In the past few years Mendira beach has itself been subject to some subdued development with a couple of hotels and laid back restaurants opening up with the same fabulous views as enjoyed by Villa Talia Vashti. Mendira Beach is a pleasant 10 minute walk from Villa Talia Vashti through the traditional Balinese village of Mendira.

Primary amongst these is Candi Beach Cottages, a large "cottage style" hotel which is part of a luxury hotel chain and has all the typical facilities that you would expect to find in such an establishment. Although the restaurant is large and impersonal, there are a few tables outside on the shore that are a good place for a sunset beer, although the food is very average, and expensive compared to alternatives such as the Amarta.

Next along the beach is the Anom Inn. This appears to have a reasonably pleasant restaurant with an extensive menu but the only time we have been there it was entirely empty so we did not actually give the food a try.

Further along is the Amarta Hotel and Restaurant. The bar/restaurant here has a laid back charm with cushions on the floor and atmospheric lighting and music - a great place to relax and have a few drinks. Alternatively you can always try out the good value Asian and European cuisine at normal tables in the adjoining restaurant if you prefer. There appears to be a strong German connection at the Amarta with German specialities on the menu and when we were last there the restaurant was packed with Germans who were presumably guests staying at the hotel.

Although Villa Talia Vashti is actually on a separate beach you can easily walk to the restaurants and hotels at Mendira Beach through the coconut plantation adjacent to the villa (3 minutes or so only). Alternatively it is an easy and pleasant 10 minute walk inland through Mendira village.