By HTE Founder, Erin Hughes.
The feeling that washes over me when I think of Bali can only be described as a mix of deep relaxation, pure joy, and endless inspiration. For me and our family, it’s more than just a holiday destination. It’s like a second home that we return to time and time again.
“The people, the culture, the warm tropical air, and the slower pace of life – Bali has a way of capturing your soul.”
Before we had kids, my husband and I found ourselves drawn to Bali for its sun, surf, and the incredible people whose kindness and gratitude for life are simply contagious. Every trip left us wanting more. Then, when our eldest was just 11 months old, we took him to Bali for the first time and we never looked back. It quickly became our place, the sanctuary we return to as a couple, as individuals, and now as a family of six.
We’re also incredibly lucky to have built deep connections with people in Bali who feel like family, especially our beautiful nanny, Lukmi, who has been part of our lives for over a decade. These relationships make our visits feel like coming home, no matter how far we’ve travelled and no matter how much time has passed.
Even after countless trips, Bali always finds ways to surprise us. There’s always something new to experience, another reason why it remains our top holiday choice.
Why Bali
For us, the ideal holiday ticks all these boxes:
- Fun activities as a family
- Individual downtime and relaxation
- Quality time as a couple
- The chance to unwind without the daily juggle
- Reliable help with the kids so we can enjoy moments alone
- Beach and pool time
- Great food, drinks, and a vibrant social scene
- Cultural experiences
- A mix of adventure and relaxation
- Affordability (especially for a family of six!)
It’s different for every family, but for us, Bali makes more sense financially than holidaying in Australia. Accommodation, food, drinks, and entertainment are all significantly cheaper, which only adds to the appeal.
Villa vs. Resort: What Works for a Family of Six
With four kids (aged 10, 8, 6, and 2), we always opt for a villa over a resort. At a hotel, we’d need two to three rooms, which pushes costs way up. Instead, we stay in a three-bedroom villa with a private pool, which gives us privacy, space, and the ability to do things on our own terms. The kids always have each other to play with, which eliminates the need for constant entertainment.
That said, if you have fewer kids, resorts can be a fantastic option, especially since little ones love meeting and playing with other kids. The structured activities, kids’ clubs, and social opportunities are definite perks. But for us, the flexibility of a villa wins every time. No stressing over noise levels, no pressure to keep the kids on their best behavior in shared spaces, just the freedom to be.
Why We Keep Coming Back
We live down the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, a stunning part of the world, but one that doesn’t offer much diversity. Bali gives our kids something different: exposure to a new culture, new ways of living, and experiences that shape their understanding of the world. It also provides a lesson in gratitude, an opportunity to remind them how lucky we are, and a chance to embrace a different way of life, even if only for a little while.
There’s also something about the Balinese people that makes this place so special. The moment you step off the plane, you’re met with warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality. Their smiles are infectious, their energy uplifting. It’s impossible not to feel happy here.
For families, Bali is a dream. The Balinese love kids. They welcome them with open arms, making little ones feel completely at home. Then there are the endless activities: beaches, pools, water parks, cultural performances, surf lessons, boat trips, markets, and of course, the beloved tradition of hair braiding (a must-do for any little girl visiting Bali!).
Travelling to Bali with Kids: What You Need to Know
A common worry for parents is your kids getting sick. I get it, believe me. But after years of travelling to Bali, I can say that with a few simple precautions, you can minimise the risks:
- Start your kids on a probiotic a few days before departure and continue it throughout the trip.
- Only drink bottled water (this includes brushing teeth!) – we all remember Charlotte’s major fail in the Sex & The City movie!
- Stick to reputable restaurants and cafes.
- And also be reassured Bali has excellent pharmacies, doctors, and hospitals if you ever need them.
The flight from Melbourne (where we depart from) is about six hours on the way over, and about five hours back to Australia. If you want to avoid the dreaded overnight flight, Jetstar now offers a morning departure to Bali and a day flight home – definitely worth considering!
Da Maira @damariabali
Where to Eat, Drink & Explore
Bali’s food scene is next level. Whether you’re after casual beachside dining, vibrant bars, fine dining, or kid-friendly spots, there’s something for everyone. And it’s all wrapped up in that magical Bali ambience.
Da Maria https://damariabali.com/
Da Maria is where you come for the burrata and stay for the beats, the negronis, and the seriously vibey blue-and-white interiors. Parent win: the kids make their own pizzas—everyone has a blast.
Ba Barbacoa https://barbacoa-bali.com/
Leave the kids at home and enjoy smoky Argentinian BBQ, low-lit vibes, and killer cocktails – Barbacoa is your grown-up escape.
La Luciola https://lalucciolabali.com/
La Luc (IYKYK) is a Bali institution, and it’s no wonder it’s so popular. Think barefoot luxury – delicious Italian food, uninterrupted ocean views, and a sunset that’ll keep you coming back again and again.
Yuki https://www.yuki-bali.com/
Cool, coastal, and a little Tokyo-by-the-sea, Yuki serves up modern Japanese with serious style and a cocktail list that’ll make you consider a second dinner.
La ca sita https://www.lacasita.com.au/
Bright, breezy, and bursting with Latin flair, La Casita is the Peruvian playground where mamas sip pisco sours while the kids go wild in the colourful garden.
Watercress Cafehttps://www.watercressbali.com/
Watercress is the brunch spot that nails both smashed avo and soul-nourishing salads. It’s equal parts wholesome and cool.
Nook Bali https://www.nookbali.cloud/home
Rice fields, rattan everywhere, and a menu that keeps both your inner-wellness-goddess and your hangry toddler happy.
Finding Your Perfect Spot in Bali
Bali is not one-dimensional, it offers so much more than just the tourist areas of Kuta and Seminyak. Bali is made up of so many beautiful areas, each offering something different, depending on what you’re looking for:
- Seminyak – Bustling, vibrant, full of great restaurants and shops.
- Umalas – A quieter expat community with a relaxed vibe.
- Uluwatu – Spectacular beaches, cliffside views, and world-class surf.
- Ubud – Lush greenery, rice paddies, and a slower, more spiritual feel.
- Balian – Black sand beaches and laid-back surf culture.
The best location for you will depend on what you’re looking for – considerations like the age of your kids, what you enjoy doing on a holiday (relaxation vs adventure vs culture), and perhaps, like me, you’ll also want to experience a few different spots in the one trip.
Travelling with Kids: Helpful Services
Gone are the days of packing everything when travelling with kids. Bali has plenty of services to make family travel easier.
Here’s some of my fave go-to services that we rely on every time we go:
- Bali Baby – Equipment hire (toys, prams, pool fences, nappies, formula, and more).
- Zero Waste Bali – Organic baby food delivered to your door.
- Bali’s Best Babysitting – Trusted babysitters and nannies.
- Grab App & Gojek – The easiest way to book transport or get food delivered.
- Bali Family Villas – Specialising in family-friendly villa rentals.
- The Bali Bible – Your go-to guide for everything Bali.
Whether you’re travelling with kids, on a girls’ trip or looking for a romantic getaway, Bali really does have something for everyone.
La Lucciola @lalucciola
Some of my top places to stay:
Bali Family Villas https://www.balifamilyvillas.com/
Curated family-friendly stays with all the luxe touches (and none of the chaos)—think private pools, multiple bedrooms, and kid gear sorted before you land.
Jelly Fish Villas http://www.jellyfishvillasbali.com/
Stylish beachfront villas in dreamy Bingin, perfect for sandy feet, slow mornings, and sunset cocktails with the baby monitor close by.
Villa Mana https://www.villamana.com/
Six spacious bedrooms, epic rice field views, and a rooftop made for wine o’clock—this is the kind of stay that makes you rethink going home.
Uluwatu Surf Villas https://uluwatusurfvillas.com/
Perched above the waves with surf out front and yoga at sunrise—this is barefoot luxury for the salty-souled crew (with or without the kids).
Komune Resort https://www.komuneresorts.com/
Beachfront, eco-conscious, and packed with perks like a kids’ zone and world-class surf—Komune is where wellness meets “wow, the kids are actually occupied.”
Add these straight to the top of your “must-visit” list!
Amo Day Spa – https://amospa.com/
Massages, mani-pedis, IV drips and a post-glow espresso? Amo is your one-stop self-care reboot.
Spring Day Spa – https://www.springspa.com/
Sleek, serene, and seriously good – Spring is an elevated day spa experience that is a must for any holiday visit.
Jungle Fish – https://www.chapung.com/ubud-restaurant/jungle-fish-pool-bar/
A pool bar in the jungle, with views that make you forget your inbox and food that makes you stay for hours.
Karma Kandara – https://karmagroup.com/
Private beach vibes, cliff-top cocktails, and a cool little cable cart ride that feels like a movie – this is luxe Bali at its best.
Ku De Ta https://kudeta.com/
A beach club icon for a reason – epic eats, beachfront beats, and a cocktail menu that hits just right every time.
