I'M showering under the stars and it's magical.

The open-air bathroom in this secluded beachgoer's haven at Acacia Villas in Bingin, Bali, is stunning.

All tropical splendour, an orange and pink bougainvillea trails along the low walls, while a pandanus tree stands majestic in this spectacular space.

Weathered timber, stepping stones, pebbles, a granite washbasin and a bamboo ladder holding soft, fluffy towels all add to the serene and relaxed ambience.

This is a place to wash away all your cares as you gaze up at a sky studded with hundreds of stars.

Acacia Villas are located on Bali's Bukit peninsula - famed for its dramatic cliff-top accommodation and pumping surf.

It's been more than 20 years since I've stayed in this area, and while some may say that over-development has ruined the peninsula, it's still quiet and relaxed and far from the madding crowds of Kuta and Legian.

As I walk through the wooden front doors of my villa, I'm greeted with a vast expanse of lush, green lawn surrounding a beautifully-inviting pool.

It's huge, lined with gorgeous green slate and even features a small waterfall.

The pool is surrounded by sleek timber decking and I can't wait to dive in and cool off.

There's hammocks slung between coconut trees, sun lounges, market umbrellas and a timber table for alfresco dining.

This is a place for chilling out - where swimmers and sarongs are all-day attire.

The friendly and all-obliging Balinese staff is discreet, but never too far away, with requests for food and drinks met with smiles and a quick response. All meals are taken outside with lunch served on bean-bag chairs under a conical-shaped, open-sided outdoor room.

The food, already delicious, tastes even better, as the sounds, smells and sights of the outdoors make for a magical dining experience.

My two-storey accommodation is everything I'd hoped for.

Relaxed, but luxurious, the open air-top section, which can be closed with wooden blinds at night, contains a king-size bedroom and sitting room, while downstairs there's another king-size bedroom, daybed, television, DVD player and a small kitchen area where tea and coffee can be prepared.

Acacia Villas is managed by the renowned Mick's Place and is only a few minutes' walk from the beach.

There are four, air-conditioned villas, which can accommodate a maximum of 13 people.

Villas can be rented individually or as a group. Interconnecting gates offer complete privacy or access to family and friends.

It's Bali bliss at its best.