Villa Santai

We had a fabulous 5 days at Villa Santai. The location is perfect and the food, service and people are amazing. Loved the friendly feel about the place. Local knowledge on the surf breaks was exceptional and for non surfers, the snorkeling and kayaking were great adventures and a fun way to see other parts of the island. There are also a few nice cafes, Ikat weaving and places nearby. We are already planning a return visit in 2025.

Villa Santai is magical in every respect. Dino and Sharon created an exceptional experience the entire 12 days that we were fortunate enough to spend there. The travel time from Santa Cruz, California ending in Rote was worth every second. We felt like family from the moment we arrived (actually, they were fully supportive since we booked with them by answering email questions, setting up transportation, ferry rides, in between hotel accommodations…simply everything.) Once there, the whole staff was 100% warm, fun and helpful. From… the easy boat rides to the incredible surf whenever we wanted, delicious food 3 times a day and a fun bar, gorgeous settings right on the beach with plenty of room to hang out, a beautiful pool, clean and comfortable rooms (The Bombie and Besialu, both in the front with beautiful views)….to Dino setting up a mangrove kayak adventure, organizing a boat ride to fantastic snorkeling, and getting mopeds for us to explore fabulous beaches up the coast….our entire time at Villa Santai could not have been more fulfilling and we were so very sad to have to ever leave. We also loved learning about the community and daily lives of those on Rote. Thanks Dino for all of your awesome stories and happily sharing everything with us. Thank you everyone for your loving care. We cannot wait to return! Sherrie, Harendra, Nimali, Maggie and Nola

We stayed at Villa Santai earlier this month and we miss it already! Transport was organised seamlessly by the owners flying out of Bali. Food was great, rooms generous and clean. Best spot: island vibes, pool, surf and sunset drinks. What's not to love?

What a beautiful place to stay. We spent 14 wonderful days and nights at Villa Santai. What a well oiled machine. Everything we could possibly want and more. Every meal (breakfast lunch and dinner) was outstanding. We had use of the motorbikes, SUP, snorkel/mask, and cycles, along with the gorgeous pool. We adventured to the lagoon for a kayak with a group which was well worth visiting to explore the island. All staff speak some English, and the place is immaculate, hygienic and well manicured. The owners Deano and Sharon have helped us in any way possible including helping us with translation when we experienced a flat tyre in a village when we went exploring. The best part is the surf, and the viewing area at the bar. What an experience at Deanos Indi Bar… so many new friends… good times, so many laughs… A wonderful experience all round! Thanks for the hospitality Sharon and Deano… we’ll be back!

Hard to beat. Magnificent location, excellent diverse food from Indonesian to International cuisine that you will not find match on any restaurant; beautifully taken care gardens by the hands of Dino, your host and the best friend you will ever find in this God blessed part of the world . The resort is magnificent with beautiful Switzerland grade clean bungalows , powerful necessary AC and nice hot shower. Location foot steps distance from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean crystal clear waters. It will create on you the best sensations that you didn’t even know you had . Relax, enjoy the swimming pool, have a beer and see everything else in perspective : Big Aloha to all the Staff: Sharon , Santi, Randi , Obed and everyone else that made this November session everlasting unforgettable . The Highs? Just a glimpse of what I said. The Lows? The heart pain you will feel when you have to go… Hard to Beat. Welcome to your sweetest dream . Rafa

Such a great trip. We will be back for sure. Dean, Sharon and all the staff made our family feel so welcome. Dean was so knowledgeable about the area and recommended things for us to do. Surfing, diving, scooters to a special birthday dinner for my wife. Sunset drinks are great along with awesome food. Make sure you save use a spot on our return! Thanks Villa Santai!

We stayed at villa Santai for 8 nights in the ‘Boa’ villa. For a family of 3 it was perfect, great little private courtyard area with grass for our baby to play on. Very quiet at night. Daily room cleans & fresh towels. Home cooked Indonesian and western food to die for , chief Sanci goes over & beyond to accommodate for everyone even the baby! Great pool area overlooking the beach. Super safe & perfect for families! For first time traveler’s to Rote island Dean & Sharon made our trip going back and forth to Rote very smooth. Everyone at villa Santai made our stay one to remember, all very welcoming making it feel like a home away from home!

…and is our top pic when staying in Nembrala. Sharon and Dean have done an amazing job renovating the property over the last couple of years. From the beautifully designed and maintained gardens, and pathways, upgrades to the villas, including hot water and air con, new beachfront dining/kitchen area, and extra seating at the Indi Bar, with views of T-Land right out front. The new beachfront pool area is stunning and was a big plus for us. Very comfortable new sun lounges and umbrellas, perfect for lazing, reading a book, or having a cocktail or two. The best place to just hang out on the property. This was our third stay at Villa Santai and won’t be the last. Our villa (Besialu) has lovely views of the pool and beach. The staff are great, always pottering around keeping the property immaculate. From the kitchen staff, Sanchi and Randi, Obed the barman, Alfred & Dempsi the boat guys, Andre, Yuppy, Sammy, and Nita and Soni, a big thank you. They have SUPs on site you can use, and motorbikes for rent if you want to go exploring on your own. Sharon and Dean, organize all transfers, ferry tickets at their end and co-ordinate with Michael, the owner/builder at La Hasienda at the Kupang end, so there’s nothing for you to arrange. Everything went so smoothly. If you’re planning Nembrala on your next trip, Villa Santai is hard to beat, so don’t think about it, put it on your bucket list. Highly recommended, as we believe, the best accommodation in Nembrala. But really, don’t tell anyone about this place, as we want to keep this piece of mostly untouched paradise to ourselves!!

8 nights of pure bliss. I would highly recommend villa Santai to couples, families or a group of mates. Amazing food and caters for even the fussiest of eaters. Sit at the bar overlooking the amazing Rote sunsets on the beach. Staff went beyond my expectations of great friendly service. Travelled with a group of 5, 3 experienced male surfers and myself and another non surfer lady. With Dinos contacts with a local surf school I managed to catch my first green wave. Rooms were super comfy, clean and well maintained. Gardens and landscape are beautiful. Sitting on our deck over looking the amazing pool with ocean views. Dino and Sharon arranged a variety of activities on the island for us, Always interacting with the guest and making the experience one to remember.