Anandita means bringer of happiness in the ancient Sanskrit language, and happiness is exactly what the European owners hope guests will discover when they stay at their much-loved four-bedroom beachside haven on Lombok’s north-west coast.

A series of single-storey living and sleeping pavilions leisurely spread throughout an enormous 1.5 hectares of lush green lawns planted with towering coconut palms make up this delicious tropical retreat. Each of the four ensuite bedrooms is housed in its own private pavilion in the gardens; king-size beds and convertible daybeds making these rooms very family-friendly. Kids (and adults too) will be spoiled for choice when it comes to planning their days: will it be a swim in the spectacular, 26m pool, complete with waterfall and jacuzzi, or beachcombing and kayaking on beautiful Sira beach, or an energetic game of soccer or volleyball in Villa Anandita’s gorgeous gardens? Those seeking more languid pursuits can plug in their iPods and chill out to some favourite tunes, watch a movie on the large-screen satellite-channel TV/DVD player, or socialise over a game of billiards in the living pavilion.

As well as taking care of the villa itself, a team of friendly, thoughtful staff will happily entertain guests of all ages, creating coconut leaf toys and decorations with the children, making up numbers for volleyball games or turning tour guide for those who would like to explore further afield – made even easier courtesy of the services of a car and driver included in the villa rate. The kitchen is cleverly divided up for either guest or staff use and the villa cook is skilled at preparing a wide range of delicious local and international dishes – anything from formal dinners in the dining pavilion, to a romantic supper beside the beach, to a casual poolside barbecue.

Despite its idyllic, tropical castaway-island setting, Villa Anandita is very accessible, being about a 2-hour drive from Lombok’s international airport in Mataram.