We live in Indonesia and go to Bali three times a year; so our perspective comes from having experienced a lot of what Bali has to offer. We reserved the last three nights of our two week Chrsitmas vacation at the Waka Gangga (after staying in a private villa in Ubud and the Conrad in Nusa Dua). I was not impressed from the onset, but my wife was highly optimistic giving them the benefit of the doubt. But on the third night, she joined me in saying that she will never stay there again.

The Waka group of resorts promote the "minimalist chic" experience; however, the Waka Gangga is about 90% minimal and 10% chic. So, let's start with the chic.
1. Great views of the ocean, with a free sunset drink.
2. Secluded property (great, if that's what you are looking for)
3. Private villas with outdoor bathrooms (there are also downsides to this)
4. The food is pretty good and not so expensive for a secluded resort (but do pick up snacks before going).
5. Free wifi in the lobby and dining room (no Internet in the villas)

Now, the Waka disappointments.
1. Making and confirming a reservation was frustrating because they never answer the phone. Even our Balinese travel agent couldn't get through to them.
2. The property has been neglected. It's run down and unkept. Outdoor furniture is delapitated, as are the off-set decks of each villa. We stayed in villa 8. In front of us was villa 9 that was mostly destroyed and villa 10 which was still standing but unusable.
3. The lack of comfortable relaxation places. This seems odd for a resort that promotes peace and relaxation. The tiny reception has four chairs with pads The dining room has the best views but uncomfortable seating. There are two wooden benches (no padding) that overlooks the ocean for the sunset - one is behind a tree which completely obstructs the view and the other eaten and ocupied by huge ants. I asked for bug spray and had a 45 minute battle of destruction with them. The loungers by the pool were not enough for all the guests and only three had an umbrella. Sadly, there was no comfortable place to relax and enjoy views.
4. The Villas are set in the rice field so expect a certain amount of critters outside. However, at the price you are paying, you do not elect them IN your villa. The villas are cheaply made and poorly designed. Where the roof meets the walls, they did not seal it to block animals from getting in. Also, the door to the outdoor bathroom is louvered which also lets in small things. Let's start with the outside: we watched a cat trot down the main walkway with a rat in its mouth. There were wasp nests above our door and when I stepped out one of the villa door/windows to go to the patio, I almost landed on a 30 cm baby snake. Inside the room were the typical small lizards (many of them) making there noises above your head all night long. Also the huge, think, spotted lizard making his awful noises. Baby flying cockroaches and spiders as big as a child's hand. What put my wife over the edge was the rat that woke her up the last night. I chased it around the room - it crawled up into the peak of the thatched ceiling directly above our bed. Then later, I finally got it out of the room. The downside to an outdoor bathroom is always having to check around the toilet or under the toilet seat for critters before sitting down. Also, when using it at night is a bit scary, not knowing what's out there. Our villa had a broken ac unit - no cool air. Their attempts to fix it were useless. The first night I got no sleep because it was so hot. I asked for a fan but they didn't have one. The villas have no ventilation. So, closed up villa, no air flow, and sleeping trapped under a heavy mosquito net - I was miserable.

Overall, it's a resort with potential but lacks severely in implementation. It was developed cheaply and looks like it is losing money by the lack of sufficient staff and up-keep. I will be surprised if it is still there in a year. Although, upon check out, the receptionist said that in April they were planning a renovation. Until it is greatly improved, I would not recommend it. If you want a nice place (for less money) with a beautiful sunset, ocean views, manicured grounds, and eat a huge breakfast while looking at the Tanah Lot Temple (which you can walk to in 10 minutes)' then stay at the Le Meridian.