When editor in chief Sarah decided our May issue would be about travel, Bali was always her No. 1 destination to include. Bali is perfect for families, accessible (6hr flight), affordable and full of fun. So of course she enlisted the help of Jemma Reynolds, owner of Little Bali Love and total ‘kids in Bali’ expert, to ensure she explored all the best bits. Here Jemma gives us her top picks (and mama Sar gave them all a pretty big thumbs up too!).
Our top 3 places to EAT in Bali with kids:
1. Biku – Petitenget
High tea here is a fave! With a glass of bubbles for the mamas and a special menu for the tiny diners including fruit tea in little teapots, pretty cupcakes, mini gingerbread men and finger sandwiches. Also great for brekkie, lunch or dinner with healthy kids meals, highchairs, toys, coloured pencils and colouring-in sheets.
2. La Lucciola – Seminyak
An oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the heart of Seminyak. At night it’s incredibly romantic with the cool ocean breeze, cocktails, candles and fresh frangipanis (hire a babysitter for that!). But by day this restaurant is the perfect location for families for brunch. The kids love the colourful icy granitas and the huge grassy lawn and clean sandy beach in front that offers plenty of space to run and play.
3. Sunset dinner on the beach – Canggu or Jimbaran
The simple things in life are often the best! A fresh young coconut, tropical fruit juice, or cold Bintang to start off. Plus some hot buttered BBQ corn, a splash in the waves, and happy little sandy feet. Followed with some nasi or mie goreng, an ice-cream and perhaps a helium balloon or two!
Our top 3 places to PLAY in Bali with kids:
1. Bali Equestrian Centre (BEC) – Berawa
Enjoy a pony ride at BEC followed by lunch or an ice-cream and an afternoon hanging out swimming in the pool and playing in their gorgeous spacious grassy garden complete with cubby house, sandpit, swings and slide.
2. A day at a Beach club
If you love the beach, get away from the grey sands of Kuta/Seminyak and head for a day of fun in the sun at a swanky beach club further around the island. We love Sundara located at the Four Seasons in Jimbaran as well as Finns Beach Club and Karma Beach in Ungasan.
3. Sunday Family Dayze at KUDETA – Seminyak
Sunday is the day when little people rule at KUDETA! Brunch is served up along with chilled DJ tunes plus all kinds of fun activities on offer including face-painting, jumping castles, balloons, magicians, games and an amazing kiddie-craft area. There is pizza, sushi, dips and other nibbles for the family to share, or there is a healthy kids lunch menu. Take your togs too for a splash in their pool!
Our top 3 places to SHOP in Bali with kids:
1. Coco & Ginger – Batubelig, Seminyak
This shop is just heaven… so much prettiness, happiness, colour, and love all under the one roof. Hand embroidery, soft silks, smocking, lace, unique floral prints and hand woven fabrics – every piece in the collection has been ethically made on the Island of the Gods with love. The Little Bali Love girls wardrobe is full of Coco and Ginger dresses!
2. Indigo Kids – Seminyak, Legian and Kuta
A Bali institution that has been dressing kids in their wares for over 20 years! On-trend casual, easy to wear fashion for babies and little boys and girls with playful designs and colourful prints.
3. Markets – All over the island
The stalls on the beach or a local market such as the Seminyak Flea Market on Oberoi or the Ubud Market are great places for spending pocket money and buying treasures for friends back home eg; friendship bracelets, little purses, fans, trinkets and sarongs.
Our top 3 places to STAY in Bali with kids:
1. Sea Shanty – Jimbaran
Luxury 4 bedroom family-friendly villa including fun kids room with bunkbeds, toys, books and chalkboard wall. Fabulous team of staff, stunning pool and garden and just a few mins walk from our fave kid-friendly beach.
2. Peppers – Seminyak
You get the best the both of worlds here – your own private villa but with resort facilities onsite including main pool, restaurant (with a great kids menu), bar, spa (with kids treatments) and gym. Great location close to the trendy Petitenget shops and cafes and the beach.
3. Westin – Nusa Dua
A big and beautiful resort right on the beach in Nusa Dua. All the ticks for families are here – family rooms, waterslide, kids club, playground, kids spa, kids menus, plus activities for the whole family such as star gazing on the beach at night. Delicious Sunday Family Brunch at their onsite restaurant Prego too!
By Jemma Reynolds
Little Bali Love
www.littlebalilove.com