By HTE Founder, Erin Hughes
Lukmi is the name of our beautiful nanny in Bali, but calling her a nanny doesn’t quite do her justice. She’s so deeply woven into the fabric of our family, and I feel forever grateful our paths crossed. It was all about timing. Since the day we met, she’s brought so much love, joy, and calm to our lives.
When I think of Lukmi, I think of her radiant smile, it’s always there. Her warmth, her wisdom… she’s honestly one of the most grounded, kind-hearted souls I’ve ever met.
We first met in 2015. From the moment she began looking after Archie (our eldest son), I knew our connection was something truly special. At the time, Archie was 11 months old, and I was in the thick of new motherhood, finding the days long and the shift in identity hard to adjust to. Without ever needing to say it out loud, she supported both of us, nurturing Archie and gently holding me, too, in a way that felt so intuitive and deeply kind.
Not once has she made me feel guilty for needing help. In fact, she’d often encourage us to go out for a walk, a coffee, or a moment to ourselves. And if I’m being completely honest, all of my children have always behaved better when I’m not around – soul-crushing, I know! But they adore her. She just gets them. And somehow, she always knows what we all need before we even say it.
As that first holiday drew to a close, I remember feeling the dread start to creep in. I’d found someone who truly helped me through a tough chapter, and I didn’t want to let that go. That trip cemented something in us. Bali would become a place we’d return to again and again, not just because of the sunshine and warm weather, but because of the people. People like Lukmi.
The truth is, Balinese nannies can be absolutely life-changing on holidays with young kids. They bring calm, care, playfulness, and deep cultural wisdom that makes travelling with a family feel not just manageable, but restorative. The support and care means you can actually holiday, on your holiday.
Since then, we’ve made it our mission to return to Bali twice a year (not including the COVID years). Each of our children has visited Bali for the first time around the 11-week mark. Those early baby days can be intense – especially when you’ve got other kids in the mix – and Lukmi has been my anchor through it all. She’s helped me be more present, more rested, and more connected to myself during times I may have otherwise felt lost.
The kids absolutely adore her. She teaches them about Balinese culture and opens their eyes to how different life can look for other children. Living in a small coastal beach town in Victoria (in Australia) with very little cultural diversity has always been a concern of mine, so providing our kids these kinds of experiences – through travel and through people like Lukmi – is something I’ll always prioritise.
COVID was hard on everyone, but Bali was hit especially hard. Tourism is the lifeblood of the island. With borders closed, families were doing it tough.
Supporting Lukmi financially during this time was never a question, it was a given. She’s family. In true Balinese spirit, she used those funds to cook meals and help feed others in her community. Their culture is built on generosity and gratitude. Even in hardship, they find ways to give.
When travel finally resumed, reuniting with Lukmi was emotional and beautiful. We had a new baby in tow, the kids had grown, and we were back in our happy place. On our most recent trip, she took the kids to a local orphanage, even our youngest, Dusty, tagged along. They took food, played with the children, and saw firsthand what life looks like when you don’t have a mum or dad tucking you in at night. It was emotional, but necessary. It sparked some really powerful conversations about privilege, gratitude, and kindness.
Our holidays in Bali are about more than just a break – they’re about slowing down, connecting, and reflecting on what matters most. And having Lukmi as part of that experience is something we’ll always treasure.
Sometimes I feel sad thinking about the day the kids might outgrow having her in their lives the way they do now. But no matter what, she’ll always be part of our family. When we return to Bali, whenever and wherever, we’ll always have a place for her beside us.
Until then, I’ll keep soaking it up. Always grateful for Lukmi, who has become our Balinese family.
