How to perfect your family holiday in Bali
What is the secret to perfecting your family holiday in Bali? Are you adventurous enough to look past the big family-friendly resorts?
Most parents won’t dream of staying anywhere else. And I totally get the appeal. Access to the on-site incredible kid’s clubs, nannies and all of the pampering and cocktails by the pool you can handle. You can’t get it any easier. The kids have their fun while parents get their much-needed rest, rejuvenation and a bit of peace. It’s a win-win.
However, if you’re like me and up for a big adventure with your little ones in tow, I highly recommend staying in a Bali luxury villa with your family instead. There are plenty of benefits, it’s unique and it also gives you the chance to experience the Bali expat lifestyle, if you’ve ever considered it.
INCREDIBLE VILLAS OF BALI
Stepping away from traditional large scale hotels and resorts, you enter into the incredible world of luxury private villa stays. There are many factors that will instantly draw you in. Firstly, a beautiful spacious home to call your own while on holidays. Somewhere to settle in, immerse yourself into local life and get acquainted with the local community, if you wish to venture out. In Bali, you’ll be met with friendly hellos. You’ll find locals very respectful and non-intrusive. Not to mention the privacy of staying in a private property. With multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, living areas, outdoor living, gardens, a private pool and a fully-equipped kitchen (a real drawcard for families) plus more. There’s space to live, rest and enjoy together as a family. Villa holidays gives you the chance to connect in your own space, and the freedom to retreat when you just want some me time.
In Bali, there’s no shortage of beautifully designed homes inside and out. Each villa tends to have its own unique Balinese characteristics, some with blended cultural influences and personal touches by the owners that make your stay even more special. Another benefit includes the villa staff available at your service. Then comes the final perk, the price of a villa stay is typically less than the price of a hotel stay. Most cases, it’s more affordable and far better value when weighing up the options.
VILLA STAFF & PERSONAL SERVICES
It is one of life’s ultimate luxuries. Having a team around you to take care of all the things that need doing. You know, the day-to-day stuff when you’d rather spend valuable time with loved ones especially on holidays; and time for yourself and your interests. In Bali, this luxury is extremely accessible, inexpensive and very reliable. There’s no shortage of willing and able helpers. You might just need some guidance on securing the best (enter… Wander & Be).
It's common to find a team established at each villa. They keep the property looking top notch and of course, there to attention to your needs. Typically, there’s a villa manager, a butler, a private driver, chef, cleaners and gardeners. Additional services are also available. Add to this: nannies, masseurs, hair and make-up artists, personal shopper, etc…you name it. The difference here is that the service feels more personal and relaxed in a villa setting, rather than a formal hotel setting. You’ll likely get very accustomed to having your amazing team around you, it’s going to be tough leaving.
NANNIES
High on the holiday must haves for most parents is undoubtably to enlist a nanny. Despite the usual parent guilt, we know how crucial the life saver in the form of a nanny is. The beauty is that you can organise for the nanny to work half days or full days, particular evenings to fit around your holiday itinerary. Importantly, you get the much-needed time to yourselves while the kids love having a wonderful new friend to play with.
Once again, we are truly spoilt having access to exceptional Balinese nannies. They speak very-well English, have plenty of experience with Western children and the different age groups. To make matters more appealing, their typical fee is around A$7-10 per hour (paid in local currency). At that rate, it might be worth booking the nanny for extra hours, just to be on-call. Don’t you just love Bali?
POOL SAFETY
It’s a given in the tropics, every luxury villa features a private pool. I mean, it’s one of the main reason families go so they can hang by the pool all day. This equals ultimate holiday vibes.
Though this ideal gets flip on its head when you’re travelling with small children. No doubt you’re worried about pool safety. You’ll soon realise that pool fencing is completely foreign in Bali, you won’t see it anywhere.
Thankfully, a few Australian-owned businesses operating in Bali offer temporary pool fencing. The bamboo fencing is by far the more attractive, rather than steel fencing. It typically costs around A$25 per day plus an installation fee. Money well-spent when your children’s safety is on the line. Not to mention the constant worry and having to watch your kids every move while trying to relish your holiday!
INDEPENDENT KIDS CLUBS
No doubt, big resort kid’s club are hugely popular. Some parents would feel a little anxious if they booked a holiday without one included. The amazing thing about Bali is that they take family holidays seriously. There’s a long list of things to do with kids across the island, outside of staying in a family-friendly hotel. This means you don’t have to stay in one of these hotels to keep the kids entertained.
In recent times, a few independent kid’s clubs have cleverly popped up, mostly in affluent and trendy Canggu. They saw the opportunity and hit the mark. Cubbyhouse is part of the Finns Recreation Club. Their sitters will take care of your children around the many play areas within an indoor centre. Allowing parents to drop off their children at any time during the day, charged at around A$10 per child per hour. Giving you enough time to go for spa treatment, a peaceful bite to eat, experience one of nearby beach clubs or wander around the boutiques. Just what you need!
Even more thrilling is the kid’s club, Parklife. They know how to make parents and kids alike very happy!
There’s an indoor playground, with slides and big ball pit. There’s a jumping castle, mini-water park, and outdoor play equipment dotted around a beautiful garden. What’s more is their incredible restaurant, serving up delicious food and drinks. Parents can sit back and enjoy a beer or cocktails as they watch their kids having the time of their life.
Parklife even offers a kids club and holiday programs, where you can arrange a drop off, and have a sitter take care of them for as many hours as you like. For the kid’s club, they charge around A$5.50 per hour per child. Amazing! Yet another brilliant offering that makes you love Bali even more.
CONCLUSION
Australian families flock to Bali every year for some R&R and time to reconnect. No surprises why it’s so popular, given the laid-back tropical lifestyle, incredible places to stay, friendly service and the long list of things to do.
Most families arrive and are driven straight to one of the big all-inclusive resorts where they stay put, making the most of its family friendly facilities. It’s easy, it’s fun and stress-free. A win-win for both kids and parents alike. However, if you’re like me I yearn for more adventure and want to experience some of the real Bali. Choosing to stay in a luxury villa in Bali, you get the best of both worlds.
You can’t go wrong planning some quality family time in beautiful Bali.
Sure, the big hotels and resorts provide a great time, ease and relaxation. But, if your family are adventure seekers who want more, renting a luxury villa will raise the bar. You’ll never look back. Bring Wander & Be on-board to perfect your next family holiday to Bali, the best yet.
At Wander & Be, we seek out the best, most stylish and unique things our world has to offer. Specialising in utterly individualistic travel adventures. Itineraries that are carefully sourced and booked just for you, by one of our trusted and highly experienced travel stylists.
Do you always gravitate towards beaches and islands? Do you thrive in nature? Are the ski slopes your happy place? Or are you drawn to the bright lights of a bustling city? Perhaps you’re celebrating a special occasion or getting hitched away from home…
Whatever your travel style, we’d love to curate the extraordinary for you!
