‘A literal oasis for parents and kids': Bali hotel you need to book now
But if there's any inclination to dust off the travel documents and go deep in the wardrobe searching for everyone's cozzies – call it sheer desperation for some form of getaway to break up the chaos of home life – then hear me out.
The biggest questions for any parent with little ones while contemplating the pros and cons of a trip away with the family are always – is it even worth it? Will it be at all relaxing? Will we get a break from the kids? Will we enjoy ourselves? Will everyone get sick? What if the weather sucks and we're all trapped inside?
Basically, will it inevitably just be a 'same sh*tshow, but with a better view and stronger cocktails' scenario? All signs point to yes.
I've always been a big believer in holding off until the kids are a little older. Until nobody needs a daytime nap, everyone can swim confidently, and most importantly, once every child can skip off to Kids Club without a care in the world.
I've braved enough holidays in recent years that turned into an exhausting game of tag team with my husband – one of us watches the sleeping child in the hotel room, while the other wears out the two older kids in the pool or at the beach – to know better.
To some, this may sound like a perfectly acceptable break, but not if you want to actually spend any time with the other family member splitting the bill with you.
Enter Movenpick Resort & Spa in Bali.
At first glance, this five-star resort located walking distance to Jimbaran Beach on the wildly popular Indonesian island ticks a lot of boxes for families with youngsters.
Kids Club? Tick.
Kid friendly pools and activities? Tick.
Kid focused menu? Tick.
Interconnecting rooms perfect for larger families? Tick.
Babysitters on standby for really little ones? Tick.
Amenities for babies such as cots, high chairs and prams? Tick.
A not-so-scary flight time to reach said amenities? Tick.
A 24-hour fitness centre, rooftop bar, Balinese spa and strong cocktails? TICK.
I'd seen this resort on Instagram, with fellow parents singing its praises and sharing idyllic photos of not one, but four outdoor swimming pools, a water slide, jacuzzi, artificial beach, swim-up bars, even a giant inflatable obstacle course floating in one of the pools.
Knowing what we know about the Instagram Vs reality of holidays on social media, I turned to my other trusted source - Google reviews. A quick scan of the five-star resort's some 7,000 reviews confirmed all I hoped to read. Endless comments from guests, many of them parents, all raving about their experiences. 'This is one of those rare places where you can completely relax, knowing you (and your children) are in good hands,' was one such review that stuck with me.
So, we packed the mountain of sh*t you need for a week away as a family of five, braved the 6.5 hour flight with our five, three and one-year-old daughters, and arrived – after what seemed like an eternity – to a literal oasis for parents and kids.
The hotel room
We were lucky enough to stay in a Family Prestige Room, which is two connecting rooms over 76 sqm and the perfect option for travellers with children. Our two older daughters were able to sleep in king single beds in one room, with my husband and I in the connecting room, along with our baby in a cot beside our king bed. Not only were there bathrooms in each room, with a shower and bathtub in each, there was also a (lockable) balcony for each room with spectacular views of the pools. The resort also offers a variety of other rooms, including a Classic King, Classic Twin, a Junior Suite, Family Duplex and a Premium Suite, depending on your needs.
It's all in the details
In terms of cute, kid-friend touches, the staff had thought of everything in our suite. Toddler sized table and chairs, plush toys on the beds for each of the girls to keep, night lights, a step stool and toilet training seat in the bathrooms, non-stick mats in the tubs, and a sweet welcome note with each of their names, along with a fruit and sweets platter upon arrival. Beyond the hotel room, every day at 4pm in the lobby, the resort hosts Chocolate Hour, which is exactly as it sounds (picture stepping into Wonka's Chocolate Factory for a quick sugar fix) and not to be missed.
The kid-friendly features
It would be a crime to not mention hands down my favourite feature, the Meera Kids Club, which is certain to have become the best friend of every parent who has ever stayed at Movenpick Resort. The picturesque facility is pirate-themed and caters to kids from 4 – 12 years old. Children under 4 years can also attend with full supervision from parents or legal guardians – or for a small additional fee, an on-site babysitter.
My bigger kids were besotted with the kids club, and most days raced to the front door straight from the breakfast buffet, ready to be the first ones inside. This meant Mum and Dad got some one-on-one time with our littlest in the splash pool, and occasionally booked her in for an hour or two with the babysitter to enjoy a few mojitos in peace.
Activities at kids club include everything from tie-dye T-shirt design, to ice cream treasure hunts, mermaid hair braiding, jewellery and kite making, dance parties and an indoor playground with a trampoline and ball pit. All super fun options that also mean the kids get to escape the heat for a few hours each day.
The resort is also home to a gorgeous trio of pet dogs (two Golden Retrievers and a Labrador), as well as a family of fluffy rabbits and a stingless bee house sanctuary. Children are always welcome to play with the dogs, and even feed the rabbits throughout the day.
All in all, the kids club was a 12/10 experience.
The dining experience
Admittedly, we didn't venture beyond the resort much during our stay. Parents with older kids would easily be able to book a car and explore Jimbaran in more detail, or even see different parts of the island. The beach itself is only 100 metres away and boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in Bali.
But after a full day in the water or running around with new-found friends at kids club, my three were always cooked and ready for a quick and easy feast by about 5pm. The Movenpick has four options for dining; Anarasa Restaurant, which is the resort's main restaurant for breakfast lunch and dinner; Jejala Pool Bar, offering quick bites, Western options and frozen margaritas by the pool; the Movenpick Cafe, for coffee and tea, baked goods, and of course ice cream.
Our package included access to the breakfast buffet each morning, and while I know this isn't everyone's speed on holidays, I'll just say this - I am STILL thinking about that buffet, weeks later. Quite simply, it was the buffet of anyone's dreams - coffee brewed to perfection as you take your seat, fresh food options from around the world, and - most importantly - a mini breakfast buffet for the kids in their own corner. Meaning you can actually enjoy your meal without a toddler on your lap, while they do laps around their own tailored buffet and catch a quick episode of Bluey or Peppa Pig at the same time. I'm telling you, when it comes to fuss-free, kid-friendly dining, these guys have thought of everything.
Finally, the resort's newest dining experience is the Adriana Cucina rooftop bar, located on level 7 and with a view of the gorgeous Jimbaran Bay that rivals any other in Bali. The urban-style restaurant boasts a fusion of Mexican cuisine with traditional Balinese flavours. Fresh seafood, hot grills, guacamole made by the chef at your table, and a killer tequila line-up. It was so good, and the staff were so accommodating of our three weary little travellers, we ate there three times! My husband even got the T-shirt.
If you're keen on exploring a little, but not jumping in a car, next door to the resort is the Samasta Lifestyle Village, with a handful of shops and restaurants. My kids loved watching the evening Kecak Dance performance in the main square.
One of the things we loved about the Jimbaran area in general is that it's a slower, more peaceful pace than the likes of Kuta and Seminyak, and not as trendy as Canggu. For those hoping to see more of the island, from Jimbaran you've got easy access to places like Uluwatu, Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur.
The details
Movenpick Resort and Spa is approximately 15 to 30 minutes by car from Denpasar International Airport, which is Bali's main international airport. Prices start at around $210 per night, for a classic room accomodating up to three people. Suites and family rooms start at around $350 per night.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
‘A literal oasis for parents and kids': Bali hotel you need to book now
If the thought of hopping on an international flight with small children makes you want to bury those passports in the backyard for the next three to five years, then let's just say you're part of a very big club. But if there's any inclination to dust off the travel documents and go deep in the wardrobe searching for everyone's cozzies – call it sheer desperation for some form of getaway to break up the chaos of home life – then hear me out. The biggest questions for any parent with little ones while contemplating the pros and cons of a trip away with the family are always – is it even worth it? Will it be at all relaxing? Will we get a break from the kids? Will we enjoy ourselves? Will everyone get sick? What if the weather sucks and we're all trapped inside? Basically, will it inevitably just be a 'same sh*tshow, but with a better view and stronger cocktails' scenario? All signs point to yes. I've always been a big believer in holding off until the kids are a little older. Until nobody needs a daytime nap, everyone can swim confidently, and most importantly, once every child can skip off to Kids Club without a care in the world. I've braved enough holidays in recent years that turned into an exhausting game of tag team with my husband – one of us watches the sleeping child in the hotel room, while the other wears out the two older kids in the pool or at the beach – to know better. To some, this may sound like a perfectly acceptable break, but not if you want to actually spend any time with the other family member splitting the bill with you. Enter Movenpick Resort & Spa in Bali. At first glance, this five-star resort located walking distance to Jimbaran Beach on the wildly popular Indonesian island ticks a lot of boxes for families with youngsters. Kids Club? Tick. Kid friendly pools and activities? Tick. Kid focused menu? Tick. Interconnecting rooms perfect for larger families? Tick. Babysitters on standby for really little ones? Tick. Amenities for babies such as cots, high chairs and prams? Tick. A not-so-scary flight time to reach said amenities? Tick. A 24-hour fitness centre, rooftop bar, Balinese spa and strong cocktails? TICK. I'd seen this resort on Instagram, with fellow parents singing its praises and sharing idyllic photos of not one, but four outdoor swimming pools, a water slide, jacuzzi, artificial beach, swim-up bars, even a giant inflatable obstacle course floating in one of the pools. Knowing what we know about the Instagram Vs reality of holidays on social media, I turned to my other trusted source - Google reviews. A quick scan of the five-star resort's some 7,000 reviews confirmed all I hoped to read. Endless comments from guests, many of them parents, all raving about their experiences. 'This is one of those rare places where you can completely relax, knowing you (and your children) are in good hands,' was one such review that stuck with me. So, we packed the mountain of sh*t you need for a week away as a family of five, braved the 6.5 hour flight with our five, three and one-year-old daughters, and arrived – after what seemed like an eternity – to a literal oasis for parents and kids. The hotel room We were lucky enough to stay in a Family Prestige Room, which is two connecting rooms over 76 sqm and the perfect option for travellers with children. Our two older daughters were able to sleep in king single beds in one room, with my husband and I in the connecting room, along with our baby in a cot beside our king bed. Not only were there bathrooms in each room, with a shower and bathtub in each, there was also a (lockable) balcony for each room with spectacular views of the pools. The resort also offers a variety of other rooms, including a Classic King, Classic Twin, a Junior Suite, Family Duplex and a Premium Suite, depending on your needs. It's all in the details In terms of cute, kid-friend touches, the staff had thought of everything in our suite. Toddler sized table and chairs, plush toys on the beds for each of the girls to keep, night lights, a step stool and toilet training seat in the bathrooms, non-stick mats in the tubs, and a sweet welcome note with each of their names, along with a fruit and sweets platter upon arrival. Beyond the hotel room, every day at 4pm in the lobby, the resort hosts Chocolate Hour, which is exactly as it sounds (picture stepping into Wonka's Chocolate Factory for a quick sugar fix) and not to be missed. The kid-friendly features It would be a crime to not mention hands down my favourite feature, the Meera Kids Club, which is certain to have become the best friend of every parent who has ever stayed at Movenpick Resort. The picturesque facility is pirate-themed and caters to kids from 4 – 12 years old. Children under 4 years can also attend with full supervision from parents or legal guardians – or for a small additional fee, an on-site babysitter. My bigger kids were besotted with the kids club, and most days raced to the front door straight from the breakfast buffet, ready to be the first ones inside. This meant Mum and Dad got some one-on-one time with our littlest in the splash pool, and occasionally booked her in for an hour or two with the babysitter to enjoy a few mojitos in peace. Activities at kids club include everything from tie-dye T-shirt design, to ice cream treasure hunts, mermaid hair braiding, jewellery and kite making, dance parties and an indoor playground with a trampoline and ball pit. All super fun options that also mean the kids get to escape the heat for a few hours each day. The resort is also home to a gorgeous trio of pet dogs (two Golden Retrievers and a Labrador), as well as a family of fluffy rabbits and a stingless bee house sanctuary. Children are always welcome to play with the dogs, and even feed the rabbits throughout the day. All in all, the kids club was a 12/10 experience. The dining experience Admittedly, we didn't venture beyond the resort much during our stay. Parents with older kids would easily be able to book a car and explore Jimbaran in more detail, or even see different parts of the island. The beach itself is only 100 metres away and boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in Bali. But after a full day in the water or running around with new-found friends at kids club, my three were always cooked and ready for a quick and easy feast by about 5pm. The Movenpick has four options for dining; Anarasa Restaurant, which is the resort's main restaurant for breakfast lunch and dinner; Jejala Pool Bar, offering quick bites, Western options and frozen margaritas by the pool; the Movenpick Cafe, for coffee and tea, baked goods, and of course ice cream. Our package included access to the breakfast buffet each morning, and while I know this isn't everyone's speed on holidays, I'll just say this - I am STILL thinking about that buffet, weeks later. Quite simply, it was the buffet of anyone's dreams - coffee brewed to perfection as you take your seat, fresh food options from around the world, and - most importantly - a mini breakfast buffet for the kids in their own corner. Meaning you can actually enjoy your meal without a toddler on your lap, while they do laps around their own tailored buffet and catch a quick episode of Bluey or Peppa Pig at the same time. I'm telling you, when it comes to fuss-free, kid-friendly dining, these guys have thought of everything. Finally, the resort's newest dining experience is the Adriana Cucina rooftop bar, located on level 7 and with a view of the gorgeous Jimbaran Bay that rivals any other in Bali. The urban-style restaurant boasts a fusion of Mexican cuisine with traditional Balinese flavours. Fresh seafood, hot grills, guacamole made by the chef at your table, and a killer tequila line-up. It was so good, and the staff were so accommodating of our three weary little travellers, we ate there three times! My husband even got the T-shirt. If you're keen on exploring a little, but not jumping in a car, next door to the resort is the Samasta Lifestyle Village, with a handful of shops and restaurants. My kids loved watching the evening Kecak Dance performance in the main square. One of the things we loved about the Jimbaran area in general is that it's a slower, more peaceful pace than the likes of Kuta and Seminyak, and not as trendy as Canggu. For those hoping to see more of the island, from Jimbaran you've got easy access to places like Uluwatu, Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur. The details Movenpick Resort and Spa is approximately 15 to 30 minutes by car from Denpasar International Airport, which is Bali's main international airport. Prices start at around $210 per night, for a classic room accomodating up to three people. Suites and family rooms start at around $350 per night.

News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
Australian beach crowned world's best in prestigious list
#14 – Temae Beach, French Polynesia: Surrounded by coral and hundreds of species of fish, this is exactly what you think when of the South Pacific region. Photo: istock #13 – Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Spain: The stunning Canary Islands beach has over 3 million people per year visit it. The perfect little bay is known for its warm waters and brilliant golden sands. Photo: istock #12 – Luskentyre Beach, Scotland: Again, not really the place you'd think you'd find one of the best beaches in the world but the Outer Hebrides location is clearly brilliant. It hardly looks like it's from Scotland but the location means it's not often it's fit enough for swimming. Photo: istock #11 – Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands: While it's not quite seven miles long (it's actually 6.3 miles or 10kms long) it's a jawdroppingly beautiful beach. Photo: istock #10 – White Beach, Philippines: While Boracay Island has incredible beaches, White Beach is a step above. The white powdery sand is simply lovely, particularly with the backdrop of palm trees and jungle right on its doorstep. Photo: istock #9 – Sandy Lane Beach, Barbados: Again, if you haven't been convinced by the Caribbean's beauty, here is yet another perfect example. It's no surprise so many hotels and wealthy locals live right nearby. Photo: istock #8 – White Sand Beach, Thailand: Found on the western coast of the island of Koh Chang, the beach is far quieter than the big tourist beaches in Koh Samui and Phuket but the titular white sand is pretty amazing. Photo: TripAdvisor #7 – Le Morne Beach, Mauritius: The African nation of Mauritius is largely known because of its beaches. Le Morne Beach shows exactly why. Photo: istock #6 – Starfish (Sao) Beach, Vietnam: Officially called Sao Beach, it's better known for the starfish that live in the waters surrounding the bay. Crystal clear waters, and coral reefs make this a snorkeller's delight. Photo: istock #5 – Plage de Notre Dame, Porquerolles, France: On the island of Porquerolles, Plage de Notre Dame is a rare gem. It's secluded, separate from more popular islands and about as relaxing as it gets. Photo: istock #4 – Reethi Beach, Maldives: I mean just look at it. The Reethi resort in the northeast region of Baa Atoll is accessible through seaplane or speedboat but is undeniably stunning. Photo: Supplied #3 – Ksamil Beach, Albania: The bronze medal is going to a bit of a left field but breathtakingly stunning Ksamil Beach. While Albania may not be the top of your travel list, the southwestern gem of Ksamil is known as the "Maldives of Europe" and you can see why. Photo: istock #2 – Anse Source D'Argent, Seychelles: For the silver, it's a bit more traditional with Anse Source D'Argent in the Seychelles lining up on the second step of the podium. Famous for its striking granite boulders and clear, shallow waters, the beach attracts photographers and beachgoers alike, yet its spacious layout ensures a peaceful, serene atmosphere. Picture: iStock #1 – Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia: But seriously, who are we kidding? It had to be an Aussie beach to top the list – it's almost unfair to the rest of the world! As part of the Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach regularly tops lists like this and with its glistening white 98 per cent silica sands, it's just indescribably beautiful. Photo: istock

News.com.au
7 days ago
- News.com.au
I lost $1000 after carrying a product I was assured was travel friendly
As a frequent traveller and travel journalist, I feel I have mastered the art of travelling. I'm no stranger to carry-on restrictions or security screenings, and I've got packing my bags down to a fine art. Travelling with expensive camera gear means I ensure it is safely packed in carry-on, and I even take the batteries out for easy inspection. I'm so used to it, I like to think of myself as a pro-packer. The latest backpack that fits all you need, I have it. Suitcases that roll so easily they could walk themselves, I'm taking it. From the latest travel gadgets to make life on the move easier, such as pocket power banks, to water bottles that purify water, and even reversible jeans that give you extra outfit options in one, I have them all. For me, it's all about convenience, comfort and minimising weight (because no one likes lugging around bags when travelling). So, when I saw ghd offered a cordless hair straightener that promised to be 'Flight Friendly', I was sold. No longer would my wild hair that turns into a bird's nest at the mere whisper of the word humidity be an issue while travelling. I could whip out my compact, travel-friendly hair straightener and slick that unruly hair back down where it belonged. It was sleek, compact, and sold with promises of 'hybrid co-lithium technology' and 'flight-friendly' status in line with IATA guidelines on carriage of portable electronic devices. Additionally, it fully charges in just two hours and comes with a heat-resistant case for safe storage. And all for a starting price of $475 AUD. It was in my cart and purchased faster than I could say ghd. Perfect! I tried it out at home first, and it did everything it promised. So, it was the first thing I packed in my checked-in bag ahead of my trip to New Zealand. I used it daily throughout my week-long adventures around Northland, and when it came time to fly home to Brisbane from Auckland, I had it packed safely in my checked-in bag again. This is where my lesson in lithium batteries, international regulations – and why even 'flight-friendly' doesn't always mean airline-approved – began. I returned home to Brisbane and discovered a note in my suitcase from the New Zealand Aviation Security Service, saying they had 'confirmed the inspected item was unsuitable for air carriage and the item was removed', listing 1 ghd Hair Straightener. I was devastated, not only at the loss of a $475 personal item (gulp), but also that I'd lost my handy travel companion. Undeterred (and still committed to good hair days on the road), I replaced the confiscated unit with the same model before a trip to Japan. This time, I decided to follow what I believed were IATA-aligned guidelines more closely and packed it in my carry-on bag. Departing Australia, there was no issue. The straightener passed through security at Brisbane Airport, and I used it during my stay in Tokyo without trouble. But when I went to fly from Haneda to Sapporo, I was stopped at screening. The ghd straightener was swiftly and unapologetically confiscated. Two hair straighteners down and a day into Hokkaido's 40-degree summer heat with a frizzy mass of hair, I decided to go sleuth on the subject of 'what can and cannot be taken on a flight'. According to the Aviation Security Service (AvSec) website, they now prohibit certain cordless hair straighteners from being packed in either carry-on or checked baggage — unless they meet specific safety conditions. Under the new guidelines, cordless styling tools without a flight-safe mode — such as the ghd Unplugged — are no longer allowed on flights from New Zealand. The issue stems from their battery configuration. If a device doesn't have a way to disconnect the heating element from the battery (either via a removable battery or a flight-safe tag), it poses a potential fire hazard. By contrast, devices like the Dyson Corrale, which include a flight mode that isolates the battery, are permitted on board — provided the flight-safe tag is removed before travel. Standard plug-in hair straighteners powered by mains electricity are unaffected by the changes and can continue to travel in both checked and carry-on luggage. It seems several other airports are following suit, with these updated policies focusing on the fire risk posed by battery-powered heating devices. Many airlines and airport security agencies have strict and varying rules around battery-powered devices, particularly those containing lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries, due to fire risk. Even if the device is powered off, certain types of lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage at all. And in carry-on luggage, regulations can differ by country and even by airport. When I put my recent experience to ghd customer care, while they were 'sorry' for my experience, the decision whether the device can be taken on board or not 'rests with individual airlines and airport authorities, whose policies may vary.' 'The ghd unplugged fully complies with IATA guidelines for portable electronic devices,' the statement read. 'As you've experienced, some security teams may confiscate devices containing non-removable lithium batteries despite compliance. Unfortunately, this is outside ghd's control. As outlined in the safety guidelines included in the packaging, we recommend contacting your airline prior to travel for advice on how to carry your ghd unplugged.' What this experience taught me is that 'flight-friendly' doesn't mean universally accepted. Even if a brand markets a device as compliant with international air travel guidelines, interpretation of those rules can vary dramatically between countries — and airport security has the final say. Had I known, I likely would've saved myself the cost of two cordless straighteners and the inconvenience of dealing with inconsistent enforcement. For travellers who rely on styling tools, consider packing a corded straightener or one with removable batteries instead. And always check your airline's dangerous goods information page before packing. Because the only thing worse than a bad hair day … is losing your favourite straightener to airport security, twice.