The Cove is a villa that is perfectly situated in it's own little slice of calm that blocks out much of the chaos of Bali traffic that lies just beyond its walls. We were a family (plus guests) of 10 --four couples and two singles. Although the listing says there is space for 13, I wouldn't recommend going beyond ten unless there were some children. Seating at meals and around the patio were just right for 10. The house is comfortable and clean. The layout of all rooms open up to the spectacular grounds and water. The staff was fabulous, but the highlight was absolutely the chef Wayan! Plan on eating EVERY meal at the house for three reasons: 1. The food was phenomenal 2. the traffic and congestion when leaving the villa was just not worth going out to try a restaurant. 3. the price works out to be very affordable.
In planning, you must understand that you need to stock up for your entire stay for items that are not provided (snacks, drinks besides coffee and tea) You CAN get beer at the local "mini-mart", but there is no alcohol or wine, and the drive back into Depensar is at very least 90 minutes to a proper market. I would recommend stopping after airport arrival on the way to the villa. Believe me, no one will want to leave to make a beer run after arrival. The drivers stopped our two vans at a market in the city for us to shop and I don't want to say that we got ripped off, but we did catch a few mistakes when being rung up--an extra case of beer or bottle of liquor. It could have been a natural mistake as we had a large order, but we ended up spending more on drinks and snacks than we did for the entire week of food. I would choose your own market that looks good--we passed several outside of the very chaotic city center that would have been much easier to get in and out of. also get Balian currency--enough to pay chef.
The little beach surf village just 5 min away was lovely, but the trash and plastic on the beach really ruins the zen. Unfortunately, it seems to be par for the course on Balian beaches--even in front of the villa. Nonetheless, we visited that beach every day for some nice waves, a beer at the beach bar and FANTASTIC $10 massages right at the bar (not AT the bar but the same building). Definitely do not miss that! You will spend your blissful week at The Cove trying to figure out whether to swim in the perfect pool, take a nap or wander up to see what delicious smell Wayan has coming from the kitchen!