Bali Break - Yeah Baby!
After returning from a week’s break in Bali with two young kids and a 10-month old baby, I can't help but promote the place to exhausted families in need of a bit of R and R. For the very first time it was a real holiday where Mum and Dad got a break too! Sure in Australia we have some of the best beaches in the world only a short drive away but the beach isn't a holiday for me. Having someone cooking and cleaning and the option of affordable child minding is a holiday!!
You don't go to Bali for beautiful beaches, you go for the relaxing vibe, dreamy day clubs, fantastic food, and the whole villa experience!! It's also wonderful for the kids to be immersed in a completely foreign culture.
Why Bali is a great family break.
1. It’s a direct flight away.
Bali is only about 6hrs away (less on the return) .... look ahead for the best deals. The flight is direct and mid morning flights are available for both the departure and return so no killing yourself to get everyone up and out the door to the airport. With inflight food and entertainment the holiday starts here.
2. A culture that loves kids
The Balinese people love children so wherever you go you are welcomed with a warm smile and the kids get loads of attention as opposed to the glares you can get when eating out with kids elsewhere.
3. No cooking
To get a break on holiday there has to be no food preparation involved .... no buying, cooking or washing up! All the good Villas in Bali come with house staff so cooking and cleaning is taken care of and often child minding as well.
4. Affordable Childcare
Bali has very affordable childcare (~$6.50/hr) as well as having children's clubs at a lot of the resorts and Beach Clubs. Many of the Villas provide for Babysitting but if you are not comfortable with this you can also hire an affordable experienced nanny through Bali Baby Hire.
Bali Tips
Bali Baby Hire Megan and the Team at Bali Baby Hire can help you with all sorts of things to make you're Bali Break more relaxing ... from child minding to delivering the essentials like a porta cot, high chair and play pen to extras like bouncers, blocks and walkers. They can also erect a temporary pool fence which is common practice in Bali to help Westerners feel comfortable with the open plan Villas and private pools.
Top Restaurants
You won't be disappointed with any of these!
Barbacoa, Metis, Sardine, Sarong, La Lucciola, Bambu, Mamasan,
Beach Clubs and Restaurant for Parents and Kids
Mano Beach Club, Da Maria, Mrs Sippy, W Hotel, Potato Head, Finns Recreation Club
Two Must-Do Activities for the Kids
1. Hire a driver for the day and head up to Ubud. Stop at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary then keep going up to the Royal Palace then just up the hill from that is a lovely Restaurant 'Lumbung' with a serene outlook. After lunch the kids can run around at the luxe rural resort Desa Visesa where there is an abundance of animals; ducks, fish, eels, roosters, horses, cows and an amazing owl! And a seriously beautiful playground with all play apparatus made from solid wooden beams. There is a bar there for you and some relaxing hammocks that look over the amazing property. I would seriously look at staying here too. Heavenly for young children.
2. Hire a driver for the day and head to one of the sea temples 'Tanah Lot'. On the way home stop in for lunch at Sawah Restaurant Mengwi. It is a hidden gem, owned and operated by a local Balinese surfer. The kids can run around the rice paddies while you indulge in the very tasty Indonesian food that rivals the best restaurants in the city.
Best Coffee
Expat and Grocer and Grind
Villas
Villa Lulito Seminyak - For a total spoil. An elegant colonial retreat designed by Australian interior designer Stuart Membery with a tribute to Ralph Lauren’s polished Caribbean style.
Villa Suar Seminyak - Located in the most fashionable and trendy area of Seminyak and around the corner from Grocer and Grind Coffee Shop!
Villa Senja Batu Belig - 100% of the profits of the Villa Senja Group are donated by Wheelton Philanthropy to projects helping the children of Bali
Good Living Asia Have some very specific requirements? Contact Good Living Asia, they can tailor your Villa escape.
Happy holidays!
This blog was created or shared for the enjoyment of visitors to Little Kisses baby gifts and baby hampers www.littlekisses.com.au.
