Apologies to anyone who was trying to enjoy a quiet evening out in Seminyak this evening. I was just a guest at what must have been one of the parties of the year. The search lights, fireworks and live dance club band were not my idea. But when a L’Oreal model marries the son of a well-off (at least before they paid for the party) Indonesian family, I guess you have to pull out all the stops. It felt a little weird being among all these beautiful people, but everyone was having a good time.

The setting for this little soirée was Villa Atas Ombak, a beach-front estate at the far north end of Seminyak. It’s very private, and there are only five rooms in total. You have to rent the entire estate, for a minimum of five nights. This means that when you’re there, you and any friends you invite are the only ones in residence, so it’s like having your own cottage on the beach, complete with pool, kitchen and all the other amenities.

While there is a kitchen (and probably a cook as well) you are just five minutes from some of the best restaurants in Bali, like La Lucciola, Kudeta and Hu’u. You could probably even walk there along the beach, watching the sunset and working up an appetite.

Yes, it all costs a pretty penny, but if you’re looking for a perfect wedding venue, this place would be hard to beat.