With its perfect mix of luxury, culture, pristine beaches and adventure activities, laid-back Bali is the perfect destination for families. Bali has a magical power that sucks you in and leaves you wanting more. Whether you are staying for a week or a month, there's so much to see and do.
When you're looking to balance relaxation with kid-friendly fun, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel has it all. The resort has hosted a glittering array of royalty, presidents and celebrities over the years. Perched on 150 metres of private, pristine beachfront and 23 acres of tropical gardens, this hideaway is what Bali dreams are made of. The whole family will have plenty to keep them busy while the adults indulge in a little 'me time' too.
This is a true Luxury Escapes favourite, and many members love this resort so much they come back every year! Spend your laidback first day wandering through the banyan tree gardens, lazing on the resort's private beach or sipping a cocktail (or mocktail for the little ones) by one of the four dazzling pools.
This transfer is included in your package
Relax by the pool and soak up the holiday vibes – you're on Island Time now.
When you've got a moment, head to the always-friendly hotel concierge and organise a driver for your Temple day trip tomorrow. Drivers in Bali are reasonably priced, and the convenience of having an expert driver-guide can't be overstated.
Tonight, head to the Nusa Dua Beach Grill for one of Bali's best family-friendly meals. Boasting spectacular views over the ocean and a menu that caters to seafood lovers and picky eaters alike, it's a dining experience that the kids' will ask for again and again. Try the seafood ravioli – cheesy, creamy, topped with prawns and served with bread, it's an utter delight.
The resort's food is fantastic, but for a change, Nusa Dua Beach Grill isn't far away, and it's a great spot for lunch.
Admire stunning views from the tops of Uluwatu cliffs over the Indian Ocean as you visit this stunning ancient Balinese Hindu temple. Balinese worshipers believe that the site is where the three Hindu divinities – Brahma, Vishnu and Siva – converge.
Beware of the cheeky temple monkeys – they'll sometimes take sunglasses or hats from unsuspecting tourists! If that's not for you, just leave your hat, sunglasses, and any other loose items in your car, and the monkeys will leave you alone.
There's no need to book ahead – you can turn up and visit the temple for a small fee.
White sand, blue water, and stunning cliffs and caves...
Like most beaches in Bali, Padang Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, so know your limits. Going at low tide is generally safest, especially when you have little ones in tow.
For those keen to hang 10 on one of Bali's most iconic surfing spots, there are boards for hire and an easy beginner's wave right out front for big and little kids alike.
While you're out and about, arrange family photos to capture the memories from your trip, at your chosen location. Your local photographer will direct you to all their favourite spots. It's the perfect way to immortalise an incredible trip.
Enjoy today at your leisure – it's the perfect chance to spend more time soaking up the sun on the resort's private beach.
Return in the evening for one of Bali's most dramatic dinners. Set atop epic cliffs and overlooking the infamous Uluwatu surf break, Single Fin is the go-to place for enjoying dinner and drinks while watching the sun set lazily beneath the horizon. The menu dances playfully between international classics and Balinese favourites – we recommend the Nasi Goreng and a watermelon martini.
Make sure to make reservations in advance – Single Fin can get busy.
There's no shortage of things to do on the Island of the Gods. Head to nearby Bali Collection, a shopping mall less than five minutes drive from your resort, for lunch and a variety of higher-end shops. Stop off at a road-side stall and browse for souvenirs. Let the kids get their hair braided, and enjoy a massage or pedicure yourself, at one of the many local beauty salons. It's an easy, low-budget way to glimpse the local culture, learn how to haggle in a low-stress environment and enjoy another side of Bali.
Today's your last day at your beautiful resort.
In Nusa Dua you're in a great spot to explore the rest of the Bukit Peninsula. Check out the nearby Jimbaran Bay, an area famous for its fresh seafood, with more than 30 great restaurants to choose from. It's a beautiful place to go at sunset, so spend the day making the most of the resort facilities and head there for a late dinner for the best experience.
Head there early and enjoy a market tour and cooking class – there's no better way to get to grips with the island's vibrant cooking traditions – and finish with a soothing massage treatment at the beautiful Mövenpick Resort.
With its abundance of ornate and ageing temples, lush green rice paddies and dense, wild jungles, Ubud is a fantastic place to relax and unwind. But don't worry, there's still lots of action for those looking for it.
Depending on traffic, it's a couple of hours' drive from Nusa Dua up to Ubud. Break up the trip with a swim at Tegenungan Waterfall on the way. The epicness of this free-flowing fall crashing over your head like a natural shower is an experience everyone should have at least once (and what a memory for the kids!).
Check-in to the Kayumanis, a serene villa retreat deep in the jungle. This luxury retreat is home to just 23 elegantly appointed villas, each offering butler service and private pools. Hidden within a tropical forest overlooking the Ayung River, this heavenly resort radiates tranquillity – yet it's just five minutes from Bali's vibrant cultural capital, Ubud.
There's plenty of action in Ubud for those looking for it. Today, head to the beautiful Ayung River for an adventure the whole family will remember for years to come.
White Water Rafting is much less extreme than it may sound, and suitable even for young and timid children, particularly in the dry season (April to October) when the river is less full. The water can be cool, so wear a wetsuit if you've got one. Don't forget your camera, the Ayung river is absolutely stunning!
Please note that most operators require a minimum age of five.
Ubud's Monkey Forest is an Ubud must-see! Filled with cheeky, scandalous and oftentimes irritatingly clever monkeys, the forest is beautiful and the monkeys are cute.
You'll no doubt hear stories of the usual monkey business – simians stealing hats, sunglasses, and bananas right out of tourists' hands.
If you're up for more action, check out the nearby Campuhan Ridge Walk, or visit one of the many waterfalls close by.
There's some great cafes nearby to unwind afterwards. Clear Cafe is a picture-perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure, featuring some of Bali's best organic plates. Grab a latte or try the Bali Berry, a refreshing smoothie made wholly out of berries taken straight from Ubud's lush fields.
Get ready for more sun, sand, and surf! Seminyak is one of Bali's tourist hot spots, with a lot of hustle and bustle, street markets, and the island's most electrifying foodie scene.
Surrounded by designer boutiques, top-notch restaurants and easygoing bars, The Trans Resort Bali nevertheless never feels crowded – extensive grounds, luxurious facilities and plenty of good vibes make it feel perfectly tucked away.
Drop your bags and spend some time either lounging poolside or exploring Seminyak's countless super-cool spots.
Waterbom is truly a trip highlight, and not just for the water slides (or the kids)! The family will be enchanted by the waterpark's lush greenery, delicious food and drinks and wild slides.
There's something at Waterbom for everyone, from lazy river rides and kids fun and splash areas, to volleyball and cocktails at the swim-up bar, to extreme trapdoor slides. We recommend arriving early, and planning to stay the full day. Make sure to bring sun screen and to apply liberally throughout the day!
Book a gazebo online through Waterbom's website – they tend to book out quickly, and are well worth having as a place to keep your belongings and take a break out of the sun.
Head down to Double Six Beach, grab a bargain at the many street-side stalls or treat yourself to a massage or a pedicure. If your kids are keen, today's the perfect day to get 'Bali Braids' for her hair before going home (if you haven't done so already).
Or, simply relax and read the afternoon away while the kids have a swim in The Trans Resort's stunning pool.
This is your last full day in Bali!
Spend today exploring the beautifully clear waters of Nusa Penida, with plenty of sea life around us. This is a great experience including transfers to and from your resort. No scuba licence needed for this one! Just show up with a sense of adventure. It's the perfect way to cap an wonderful fun-filled family adventure.
You'll see many unsuspecting tourists checking in for their flight in shorts and a singlet, only to shiver through a sleepless, air conditioned flight home. Don't be one of them! Pack long pants and a sweater for a comfortable flight. And don't forget warm clothes for the kids!