Bali: A Family Vacation for all Generations

Every night, as the sun’s deepening rays fade into the darkening sky, Bali’s traditional Kecak dance is performed at the ancient cliff-top temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Everyone watching, regardless of their age, will remember the hypnotic chanting of as many as 100, swaying, partially clad men—accompanied by the pounding surf, far below. Just one of Bali’s many attractions, it is always a highlight for families staying at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

Private Residences: A Home Away From Home
The Resort’s nine private residences, with up to four air-conditioned bedrooms, are just the ticket for families on holiday. Only steps from the beach, the indoor-outdoor living quarters of the sprawling thatched-roof villas are easily adapted to accommodate toddlers, older children and grandparents. Each residence comes with a 24-hour butler service and a 20-metre (almost 66-foot) pool, which is plenty big enough for races and family games.

Children also love to hang out at the Resort’s Jimba Club, where supervised activities range from kite-making to Balinese dance and canoe lessons. And the Kids Only infinity pool, complemented by its own infinity-edge Jacuzzi, is a sure-fire hit with the younger set.

Come nightfall, the private residences offer families some enticing options, such as watching a movie together in the library or low-key entertaining among the villa’s soothing Balinese ambience. There is, perhaps, no better nightcap than switching off the outside lights, kicking back and letting the blazing canopy of stars above work its magic.

Bali: Family Travel
Renting a Four Seasons private residence means having a private, air-conditioned car and driver at your disposal. A jaunt to pretty mountain villages is one of the most popular outings, to explore places such as Batubulan, Mas and Kemenuh, where artists create masterpieces in wood, silver and stone.

For children 5 to 14 years of age, the Green Camp Experience provides a marvellous opportunity to learn about river ecology and raft building, explore rice paddies or work with traditional Balinese puppets. The Camp promotes a greater awareness of environmental responsibility and global citizenship among the world’s youth.

And everyone regardless of age loves the Elephant Safari Park, north of Ubud. You can ride these gentle creatures through the rain forest, feed them and even bathe with them in the cool lake. The private villas at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan also provide an excellent base for families wishing to spend more time exploring the jungle.

Multi-Generational Vacations
The Nordmann family from Hamburg, Germany, explains their long-time affinity for Bali vacations. “We are three generations, from 3-1/2 to 70 years old, and have been coming to Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay for years. We love vacationing in Bali and count many good friends among the Resort’s outstanding staff. Having small children, it’s especially reassuring to know that somebody is always keeping a careful eye on our little ones,” says Edgar Nordmann.

What could be a better recommendation for families in paradise?