Best Family Hotels in Bali
Last Updated on November 23, 2021
In Bali, there’s seriously no shortage of accommodation to choose from, regardless of your budget and style. Whether you’re looking to be in the midst of upscale Seminyak or surrounded by nature in the spiritual hub of Ubud, it’s extremely easy to find a hotel that suits your needs in a matter of seconds. But how easy is it to find a family hotel that is kid-friendly and suits your entire family’s needs? That’s a different story.
Ever since we had Kaleya (our two-year-old daughter), we pay more attention to the type of accommodation we stay in just to make sure we have a peace of mind. Thankfully it’s easy to stick to our budget in Bali and still find something that’s safe and comfortable for our two-year-old daughter. Here’s a complete list of the best family hotels in Bali.
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Best Family Hotels in Bali
Many people think of Bali as a touristy place that’s overrun by party backpackers. But let’s first get this clear: Bali is a big island. While south Bali is dominated by tourism, the rest of the island remains distinctly Balinese, with traditional culture that is largely intact. The unique culture of Bali is resilient, persistent and very much alive.
If you want to get the experience you’re seeking for, then it’s important to find the right area to stay in Bali. The good news is that each part of the island is different and caters to a distinctive group of travelers. Whether you’re a yogi, surfer or trekker, you will find your enclave here on the island.
Most party backpackers head to hedonistic Kuta, while well-heeled vacationers congregate in chic Seminyak for cocktail bars and boutique hotels, and hippies flock to Ubud in search of their own version of “Eat Pray Love”. Family travellers in Bali tend to gravitate towards Sanur for its calm waters and yoga enthusiasts.
Having just spent two months living in Bali as digital nomads, we stayed at every corner of Bali you can imagine: from the southern tip (Nusa Dua and Uluwatu) and the touristy trio (Kuta, Seminyak, Legian) to secret hidden corners (Balian Beach and Nyanyi). We’ve compiled a guide on where to stay in Bali and this list of best family hotels in Bali.
Best Family Resorts in Bali
1. Intercontinental Bali — Jimbaran
For a real Balinese experience, you won’t go wrong at the InterContinental Bali. Featuring beautiful traditional Balinese architecture and furnishing, the resort gives the illusion that you’re entering an ancient palace studded with temples, pagodas and lotus ponds. Despite being part of a global hotel chain, this particular hotel hasn’t forgotten its Balinese identity and has placed strong emphasis on preserving and spreading the Balinese culture.
Located on Jimbaran beach just 10 minutes from the airport, the family hotel is just steps from the famous Jimbaran seafood restaurants that are perched right on the sand, as well as other restaurants and shops. But once inside the hotel, you’ll find the hustle and bustle fading away, only to be replaced by tranquility and serenity of water fountains and manicured gardens.
Beyond the slew of facilities and perfect location, Intercontinental’s design is another reason why I love the resort so much. Other high-end resorts often make you feel that you could be anywhere in the world, but not here. The classic Balinese style evident in every single corner of the resort — from the large high-ceiling reception that spots Balinese teak wood furnishing, to the pools and fountains that are laid with aged stones and terracotta statues.
Why it’s great for families:
The large-scale resort has all kinds of facilities that will keep kids of every age entertained. Planet Trekkers is their dedicated childcare facility, designed for kids aged 4-12 years fully supervised and secure with ample recreational space for both indoor and outdoor activities. The poolside restaurant also includes a kids’ buffet corner, where kids can have a healthy breakfast while playing with educational toys. This was definitely Kaleya’s favorite pool — the water was so warm and the pool so big that she could easily spend hours in it.
2. Villa Sarasvati — Canggu
Looking for a comfortable villa that’s within walking distance from restaurants and shops? It’s quite hard to hunt down a place with such close conveniences, but Villa Sarasvati definitely ticks all the boxes for those looking to explore Bali on foot. This villa is perfect in every sense of the word with respect to location as it’s just steps from hip cafes in Canggu and a 10-minute walk from Berawa Beach. This is probably my second favorite on this list of best family hotels in Bali.
Built on a rare patch of land that overlooks lush green rice paddies, this four-bedroom villa is contemporary in design but still oozing plenty of Balinese character. Its interior is inspired by Indonesia’s cultural heritage, as seen from the teak wood furniture, the thatched roof, batik textiles, lotus ponds and ponds (rice field shelters). Because of the owner’s love for antique, you’ll also find that every corner of the villa is decorated with a piece of artwork that seems to have a story to tell.
The villa has four rooms spread out over two floors, with the main feature of the house being the huge living pavilion. It has a magnificent open-plan space with glass doors that divide the pool and garden for fan-cooled tropical living. There’s lots of outdoor living space — from the large semi-alfresco seating area adjoining the living pavilion, to the two antique pondoks, and private garden sanctuaries. This is one of the four villas that form Dea Villas, and they all share a communal area which comprises of a large playground, parking area, gym and garden.
Why it’s great for families:
The villa’s pool has a separate shallow section ideal for young children. They also have a baby cot and high chair ready for families. The villa shares a communal area with other surrounding villas that include a playground and a big garden. It’s within walking distance from lots of kids-friendly cafes and restaurants in Canggu, an area suitable for families traveling in Bali. The in-house chefs are excellent too and they always have an excellent spread of breakfast ready for us every morning.
3. Samabe Bali — Nusa Dua
For those people who like to steer clear of tourist crowds and be isolated from others, this place is for you. Samabe Suites & Villas shows you the side of Bali that few people know exist — one that’s pleasantly free of commercialisation, and still completely untainted from tourism.
Poised on a cliff top in the southern part of Nusa Dua, the five-star resort gives you exclusive access to a stunning and isolated corner as well as some of the best beaches in Bali. You really can’t ask for a better location to enjoy a quiet and completely untouched part of Bali than at Samabe. Here in this corner of the island, you’ll only find quiet Balinese villages, beautiful temples and empty beaches dotted with local fishermen hauling their catch of the day.
Besides location, its design is another thing that sets Samabe Bali apart from other resorts. The resort features a fusion of contemporary and Balinese-inspired architecture, displaying Bali’s rich traditions alongside its modern, bold present. All of the 81 suites and villas are immaculately designed with touches of Bali: from the black volcanic stone slabs on the private pools to the dark brown teak used on wall panelings and white seashell chandeliers that hang from massively high wooden thatch-roofed ceilings. Amidst this exotic Asian design are high-tech features like flat-screen TVs, automated thermostats, and slick bathroom furnishings.
Why it’s great for families:
The “unlimited privileges” plan at this all-inclusive resort offers all meals, beverages and even their signature experiences (like day trips and cooking classes) which are suitable for families. The villas all have private pools which are great fun for kids. The little ones will also enjoy running around the hotel’s large green spaces and exclusive beach. The steep steps down to the beach aren’t great for kids, but the resort offers an open-air jeep that can bring you right to the beach without climbing those steps!
4. Villa Delmara — Balian Beach
If you’re looking for somewhere truly off the conventional trail in Bali, this is it. Villa Delmara is perched on a small hill with a completely unobstructed view of the raw and rugged Balian Beach — one of the few coastal areas left in Bali that’s still relatively untouched by tourism. Unlike the popular tourist towns in South Kuta, Balian is a secret shared only amongst veteran surfers who know Bali inside out. Even local Balinese don’t know about this hideout!
This eclectic 4-room villa is anything but average — it’s got so much character and unique flair that you’ll be hard-pressed to find any other living space quite like this in the world. With an eclectic design and architectural style, Villa Delmara features Dali-esque styles, retro colors and European elegance all at once. The bohemian atmosphere here naturally makes you relax and want to do nothing but lay by the infinity pool and stare at the beach for hours.
The funky design and decor aside, my favourite thing about Villa Delmara is its location. You really can’t ask for a better spot than at Villa Delmara, just steps from the rugged and spectacular black-sand Balian Beach. It’s one of the best surfing spots on Bali and the best thing is that you can easily spend a day here without seeing any other tourist or fellow surfer. Instead, you’ll probably be warmly greeted by local fishermen and critters like crabs and bats on the natural headlands and hidden caves that fringe the coastline.
Why it’s great for families:
For big families, this villa is definitely one of the best family hotels in Bali. The area around the villa is a natural playground for kids to pick seashells, climb around caves and find crabs and critters. The villa itself has a big pool that’s safe for kids and also an entertainment room with DVDs, books and boardgames. This place is ideal for big families who don’t really intend to dine or shop outside, and who’s more keen to explore nature.
5. The Longhouse — Bukit Peninsula
With a spectacular 180-degree panorama of the coast, The Longhouse has a wow factor unlike no other. The narrow estuary that separates the Bukit Peninsula from the rest of the island is clearly visible over the tree canopy and a chain of majestic volcanoes loom in the distance. As night falls, the view of the island’s southern plains shining with twinkling lights is equally spectacular.
The six-room villa has a timeless design that perfectly blends modern features with the natural contours of the Bukit Peninsula. As its name implies, The Longhouse has an elongated design that Because of all that space, the villa can easily accommodate up to 12 people (and even more with some smart arrangement) and makes for a perfect place to host a wedding party or birthday bash.
I had the privilege to stay at The Longhouse with my husband, our two-year-old baby, and my in-laws — and we were ridiculously spoiled by the villa’s team of 14 staff. From the moment we arrived, we were lavished with an endless stream of drinks and fruit. The chefs also whipped up amazing breakfasts and decadent meals that made us want to stay in more than head out and explore.
Why it’s great for families:
The Longhouse is an enormous place with more than enough room for kids to run around. There’s a kids’ play room in the lowest level with small bikes, trains and toys for toddlers and infants. The villa’s butlers also take great care of the kids and make sure they’re having the best time of their lives. Their signature Longhouse breakfast really won me over!
6. Villa Umah Wa Ke — Tanah Lot
Surrounded by lush jungles and tropical foliage, Villa Umah Wa Ke gives a truly unique experience that few other accommodations on Bali can rival. A river flows just beneath the villa, and different types of tropical vegetation — from fragrant frangipani to banana trees and swaying coconut palms — envelop the villa in a garden-like assemblage. It gives the sensation that you’re immersed deep in rural Bali, but you’re actually just a 10-minute drive from the world famous seaside temple Tanah Lot and 15 minutes from the beach town of Canggu.
Umah Wa Ke means “my home” in Balinese, and its name truly brings out the essence of the villa: it feels like a home away home. My family and I felt right at home here, waking up to the sounds of birds chirping and the river flowing underneath, and watching the sun’s rays pierce through the jungle foliage right outside our windows. In the mornings, we would take a dip in the infinity pool, and then head out in the afternoon to explore the surroundings before reclining on the veranda in the evening with our favourite drink in hand, watching the jungle inhabitants frolic and play.
Just 50km from Denpasar Airport, the villa is found in Tabanan on the western coast of Bali — a calm and serene area far from the chaotic traffic and tourist crowds of Seminyak and Kuta. Although it’s a quiet area, there are meany activities and interesting sites to explore nearby, such as the world famous seaside Tanah Lot temple, which is also one of the most photographed temples on Bali. Within an hour’s drive away are the spectacular UNESCO Heritage Site of Jati Luwih rice terraces, which are just as stunning as the more popular but crowded Tegalalang rice terraces.
Why it’s great for families:
The villa is surrounded by nature and there are trails all around the property. While the living area boasts an open concept, there’s a glass wall that separates it from the swimming pool area, making it safe for kids. In the play area, you’ll also find plenty of board games, books and toys for the little ones.
7. Watermark Bali Hotel & Spa — Jimbaran
Located in Jimbaran just 10 minutes from the airport, Watermark Hotel & Spa Bali is a four- star hotel strategically located midway between the sandy coastline of Kedonganan and the main Jalan Ngurah Rai highway that runs through South Bali. Although the hotel doesn’t enjoy a beachfront location, it provides a free shuttle service on a buggy to its exclusive beach club.
The Bali family hotel boasts 143 modern and stylish rooms designed in the contemporary Japanese style featuring slick lines and a clean look. Each of its rooms and suites are uniquely designed with all-glass sliding doors, shiny teak wood flooring, a thick tatami-style bed, and an open concept with the living and sleeping area in one big space.
All of the rooms and suites at Watermark Bali are very spacious, with the smallest room at 64 square meters and the biggest suite at 84 square meter (including its own private pool). They are all tastefully designed to give that simple yet elegant look. I particularly like the industrial-style furniture and the egg-shaped bathtub that add a new-world touch to this hotel. You definitely feel that you’re in the 21st century here at Watermark Hotel.
Why it’s great for families:
The suites are all very spacious and the tatami-style beds on the floor make it fun for kids to jump around. The hotel also has a kids’ play room on the ground floor that little ones love. The Japanese food here are a healthy and fun dining option for kids.
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The Comments
Jolene Ejmont
great read, thanks for your advice :):)