Family hotels in Bali the kids will love

Bali delivers all the thrills for a memorable holiday for the whole family, whatever it is that you want to do. Alongside its golden sandy beaches, numerous water sports and water parks, the best family-friendly places pack in the action to keep youngsters happy. Take your pick from river rafting, monkey spotting, visiting a cliffside Hindu temple, to scuba diving. Plan your families’ Balinese escape with Novotel, from family suites to beach villas to suit all tastes and budgets. The island culture is warm and friendly and kids of all ages are sure to make unforgettable memories on a Bali family holiday. Here’s our suggestions for an amazing family holiday in Bali.

Dive into Nusa Dua’s stylish coastal scene at Novotel Bali Nusa Dua – Hotel & Residences, where you can enjoy the best of both worlds - all the comforts of home coupled with the services of an modern hotel. This split concept incorporates residential style living and hotel rooms designed for families who seek the comforts of home, paired with the amenities and services expected in a hotel. Set within a gated community in Nusa Dua in southeast Bali, the location offers much more than just another hotel in Bali — it’s a haven with a private Novotel beach club, shopping mall, amphitheatre and beach water sports. Here you will enjoy island style living amidst tropical gardens and fish ponds. Spend sunny days splashing about or sunbathing at the massive lagoon pool which is set on two levels. And young adventurers can enjoy the Kids Club with its fun and safe daily activities including arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor sports and activities inspired by local culture. 

For families, accommodation choices range from one to four-bedroom suites, with a private pool or a terrace. The stylish and comfortable décor extends to each suite, all of which offer a generous sense of space. The four-bedroom suite on the top floor is perfect for families with more than three children. Two of the bedrooms feature a king size bed and the other two bedrooms feature two twin-sized beds. The spacious open-plan layout is modern and functional with a fully equipped kitchen and state of the art appliances. A relaxing living room with dining area comes complete with a flat-screen cable television, private terrace with a jacuzzi and complimentary WiFi.

When the fridge needs to be stocked, there is Coco Supermarket or Nine Mart at Bali Collection Shopping Mall which is set within the multi-use gated community. There is a free shuttle service that will take you to the shopping mall or it is a short walk should you wish to stretch your legs.

The all-day dining, open air Square Restaurant, inspired by Bali’s bustling markets, offers a breakfast buffet with vegan and vegetarian options. Plus, an a la carte menu and themed dining including Italian and seafood specials. The a la carte menu offers a wide selection of pizzas, pastas, burgers and appetisers - perfect for families. There is also an extensive offering of Nasi Mangkok rice bowls and delicious western and Indonesian main dishes. Try the Gindara Sambal Matah, pan seared butter fish with local mixed vegetables, Sambal Goreng Udang, tiger prawns served with a hot chili sambal and Bebek Goreng Rempah, crispy duck served with a spicy sambal.

Coffee lovers will feel as if they have been transported straight to the streets of Paris at Pause Café. Enjoy an array of drinks from café au lait to iced-coffees and indulge in fresh-from-the-oven bread and French pastries like the classic Pain au Chocolat.

Gourmet Bar at the lagoon pool serves international classics, tapas, local Indonesian fare and cocktails. Satisfy cravings with surf and turf or juicy barbecue pork ribs. The 2.28 Beach Club, open only for hotel guests, is an extension of tranquil Mengiat Beach. Here you can expect to enjoy island-inspired dishes in coastal-style surroundings of the Beach Club overlooking the sparkling Indian ocean. Enjoy live music, barbecue nights and fire dances.

When it comes to recharging, relaxing and working out, the In Balance fitness centre includes a boxing ring, TRX, cardio and weight stations. You can join a daily workout class, yoga session, refreshing aqua gym and more. Private trainers are also available to put together a customised training programme for you during your stay. Contemporary, pure and relaxed, the In Balance Spa offers island inspired treatments including sauna rituals, flower baths, warmed bamboo sticks and volcanic stone massages for the adults. Luxuriant body scrubs and wraps leave skin smooth, nourished and richly moisturised.

Junior spa treatments vary according to the package selected, but include nail art, hair braiding,  gentle massage, chocolate scrubs, and bubble baths. 

Novotel Bali Benoa’s pool villas offer a cool retreat for families with views across a private garden. Each Villa comes with its own private pool, although for a change of scenery, you can swim in one of the resort’s three pools – two have a whirlpool for added enjoyment and Penida Pool has a view over the beach and a kid’s pool area. The Pool Villas, set in the resort’s Beach Wing,  are at the top of the accommodation spectrum. The one and two bedroom villas have an open air living room and a private swimming pool, jacuzzi and outdoor gazebo.

Other family accommodation for you and your brood include Family Rooms which are set in the resorts Garden Wing and include a master bedroom with a king size bed and a sofa bed, and a children’s area with one bunk bed for two children. Family suites offer an expansive master bedroom which is connected by a living room to another bedroom with separate bathroom, television and PlayStation.

Set on Tanjung Benoa Beach on the southeast side of Bali Island, there is plenty to experience right on the doorstep of this beautiful Balinese-style resort. The Cocos Beach Restaurant & Bar, offers another way for you to indulge in the resort's beachside setting through the food and vibes. Share meaningful moments at Uluwatu Restaurant, which offers a themed buffet and interactive culinary experience.

The resort offers an array of water sports including scuba diving, water skiing and glass-bottom boat explorations the kids will love. Other amenities include a fitness centre, In Balance spa and beauty salon, tennis court, bicycle rental and an ice-cream pavilion. The Kids Club offers games and activities, arts and crafts, singing and dancing, sporting fun and loads more. 

If you're able to tear your kids away from all the fun resort activities, Bali offers a natural and cultural retreat perfect for families to indulge. 

Kids of all ages will enjoy Waterbom’s sixteen thrilling waterslides, lazy river and surf waves. This massive waterpark in Kuta offers an AquaPlay water playground, suitable for small children with six winding slides, climbing decks, water blasters, and giant tipping bucket. There are also three small waterslides for toddlers. Older kids and teens will love the high speed Pipeline, Constrictor Tube Ride and Flow Rider Surf waves. If you intend on making a day of it, it’s a good idea to book a gazebo which comes with concierge service and food and drink, depending on which package you book. 

Sukawati Art Market in Gianyar, about 20kms from Kuta, is where you can buy distinctive Balinese paintings, hand carved wooden figurines, toys, souvenirs and handicrafts. Kids will enjoy wandering through the packed alleyways and getting a taste of the local culture.

Bali is a great place for kids to learn how to scuba dive as the waves are gentle and the sea is warm. Children aged ten and over can become certified PADI divers with Nusa Dua Dive Centre. Families can do an introductory half day diving course which includes learning simple safety rules and basic skills in the pool before a sea dive at Nusa Dua Point.

If you’d prefer to snorkel, then the Nusa Dua coral reef is an excellent place to explore the underwater world. You’ll see brightly coloured tropical fish including Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish and butterflyfish. You could also opt for a snorkelling trip in a traditional jukung outrigger canoe with one of the local fishermen.

Hiking is a great way for families to connect with nature. Enjoy hiking trails through local villages and untouched real Bali nature or enjoy easy paved walking routes. Nearby hikes ideal for the whole family include the six km Kuta Beach  Trail and five km Nusa Beach Trail. Further away but worth the trip (an hour and forty minute drive) is the Bukit Campuhan Ridge Trail, an easy four km paved walk along Campuhan Hill. Whilst in the area take in Ubud, Bali’s cultural hub.  

Uluwatu Temple is set on a clifftop, seventy metres above the ocean. This Hindu temple is dedicated to the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva and is best seen at sunset.  It’s about a one km climb uphill to get to the temple via a scenic coastal pathway.  Along the way you will pass an amphitheatre, where you can watch a male-strong troupe of fire dancers perform and chant every evening at sunset – either on the way up or on your way down.  We recommend arranging a private charter if you don’t have a car, as there is no public transportation to the temple. Both men and women are required to wear a sarong tied around their waists. You can borrow one for free when paying at the entrance. 

Where's the best place to stay in Bali with a family? 

The Nusa Dua area is very popular with families holidaying in Bali.  Here you will find calm waters, particularly at Mengiat Beach which is safe for children to swim and snorkel as the swimming area is protected by an offshore reef. Nusa Dua is to the south of the airport, and is about a twenty minute drive away. 

When is the ideal time to plan a family trip to Bali? 

The best time to visit Bali is from May to October, during the dry season when you can make the most of sun-drenched beach days, island cruising and al fresco dining. The daily average temperatures range between 27 degrees celsius to 32 degrees celsius.  

What should I do for a one-week holiday in Bali with my family? 

We suggest setting up a base at either one of Novotel’s family-friendly hotels in the southeast part of  Bali. Where you and your family can enjoy a leisurely pace away from the hustle and enjoy a gentle start to your holiday. Settling into a simple routine - swim in the sea, explore the underwater marine world, laze at the pool, sip on cocktails and milkshakes and indulge in soothing massages. Let your kids enjoy fun-packed activities both indoors and outdoors at the Kids Club. And when you’re ready to dip your toe beyond the beach – go island hopping, learn to scuba dive or enjoy banana boat rides at Tanjung Benoa beach. On your last few days in Bali, take a day trip to Ubud, or spend the day riding waves and racing down waterslides at Waterbom.  

What are some of the best ways to spend your holiday in Bali? 

Venture to the beautiful, lush town of Ubud which is surrounded by jungle, rice terraces and waterfalls. As Ubud is set much higher than the coast, it is infinitely cooler and your kids should find walking around and exploring much easier. You can visit the Sacred Monkey Sanctury, which is very popular with kids, but be mindful that the monkeys are very inquisitive and can get very close. A little way on from Monkey Village is Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) where you can wander around inside the cave, take in the rock carvings and giant lily pond.  

What are the best places in Bali for Children? 

A great activity for children is the Ubud Zipline and Jungle Swing. Both you and your kids will have a blast swinging through the trees and ziplining.  If you have kids aged seven and up then river rafting on the Ayung River near Ubud is a fun experience.

There are several adventure tour operators set along the seventy five kilometre river with different starting points and experiences. Some operators will even collect you from your hotel. Take the kids (six to fourteen) to the Bali Wake Park in Benoa for a fun wakeboarding session. The Cable system allows you to pull off a host of tricks and conquer the inflatable obstacle course. For novices there is a tower station where you can learn how to wakeboard, taught by expert instructors.