Visiting Bali with children? For a family adventure that offers the best of Bali’s beaches as well as its jungles, Four Seasons Bali has sister resorts located at Sayan Ubud, in the heart of the jungle, as well as on the island’s beachy south.
This is a long-haul trip. But what might make parents feel it’s worth going that extra mile – quite literally – is the promise of a truly magical family holiday at the end of a lengthy journey. Located at Jimbaran Bay on a picture-perfect beach, and Sayan Ubud in the jungle, two Four Seasons Resorts in Bali offer two very different (but equally fabulous) stays for families.
The Vibe
Accommodation at Jimbaran Bay
Since opening in the 1990s, Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay and Sayan Ubud have stood as beacons of luxury – effortlessly marrying opulent relaxation with a family-friendly atmosphere. Both have been renovated and updated over the years, but retain their own personalities. At Jimbaran Bay expect azure waters and epic sunsets, while Sayan Ubud is set deep amongst lush jungle greenery, with the serene Ayung River hugging the property edges.
Sayan Ubud
Just 60 miles apart, these two sister properties make for the ideal two-centre island getaway; one where you can experience contrasting, but equally wonderful, sides of Bali. Whether immersed in the tranquility of beachside lounging or ready to explore the jungle adventures, families can rebalance and reconnect in settings that consider every child’s age, interests, and desires, all while taking very good care of the adults too.
The Rooms
Jimbaran Bay
Accommodation at Jimbaran Bay
As you would expect from the Four Seasons, accommodation at both resorts is designed with supreme comfort and elegance. At Jimbaran Bay, 147 spacious hilltop villas are sprinkled across the property and you’ll find traditional thatched roofs, teakwood furnishings plus hand-crafted Balinese décor. Families should opt for the Family Premier Villa which has king-sized beds, single beds for the kids, expansive living areas, private spa-like bathrooms, and terraces with infinity-edge plunge pools overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Sayan Ubud
Sayan Ubud
At Sayan you’ll encounter a different vibe. This is a true jungle escape with a selection of nine different room types (including six suites and three villas), each seamlessly blending luxury with the surrounding natural landscape. Interiors here have a sense of traditional Asian style, featuring rich teakwood furnishings, traditional Balinese art, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the lush landscape. In the Family Suite you’ll enjoy a plush king-sized bed for the parents and a trundle bed for the kids (with rollaway beds or cots available on request too), plus luxurious marble bathrooms complete with deep soaking tubs and outdoor showers. Private terraces and plunge pools provide a secluded retreat for everyone to unwind (keep your eyes open for monkeys swinging through the nearby trees).
The Food + Drink
Jimbaran Bay
Breakfast at Jimbaran Bay
Breakfast at Taman Wantilan offers an extensive buffet that serves as a super start to the day and there is a nod to the local cuisine with a vast selection of noodles, broths, and seasonings at the noodle bar that more adventurous little diners might like to try. Failing that you can be sure of an excellent section of freshly baked breads and pastries. As midday approaches, and the children are happily settled into the kids’ club, adults can participate in a zero-waste cocktail class at the TELU Bar, learning how to mix sustainable and refreshing cocktails with a view of the ocean.
As the sun begins its descent, the atmosphere at Sundara transforms. What operates as a vibrant beach club by day becomes a serene, fire-lit dining venue by night. Dinner is an exploration of innovative Asian cooking techniques with dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Families are welcome and there is a great kids’ menu – but should you fancy a night to yourselves, book a baby-sitter and call for room service.
Sayan Ubud
Ayung Terrace, Sayan Ubud
Start the morning in Sayan at Ayung Terrace, where you can tuck into all the classic breakfast options as well as some Balinese favourites like Nasi Goreng. Staff go out of their way to create special dining experiences too, such as the private family picnic in a secluded jungle location. Exciting and adventurous, enjoy a chef-prepared meal of Balinese classics such as chicken leg with Balinese spice and prawn skewers, amid the natural beauty of Ubud – a perfect midday escape that kids will really enjoy. As the sun begins to set Jati Bar, perched atop the main building, is a great spot for sunset drinks. Unwind with a cocktail or tea, accompanied by sweeping forest views and the meandering river, alongside Balinese dance performers.
Sokasai, Sayan Ubud
For dinner, choose between two distinct culinary adventures. Sokasi transforms select evenings into an exclusive culinary theatre, where the chef’s table experience plunges you into the heart of Balinese cooking traditions for a memorable feast. The Riverside restaurant offers a more laid-back vibe by day with salads and pizzas – perfect for eating with children – transitioning into a sophisticated dining space by night, with an extensive Mediterranean menu.
The Child’s Play
Spread across the indoors and outdoors, both resorts offer exceptional kids’ clubs that provide engaging and educational experiences tailored for young guests: children will learn and play in beautifully designed spaces that reflect the aesthetic and cultural spirit of their surroundings, whether crafting their own Balinese masks, exploring the gardens, or participating in educational games.
Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran Bay
At Jimbaran Bay, the Umah Rare kids’ club runs a daily-changing programme of activities that help introduce little ones to the surrounding culture and environment. Designed for four to 12 year olds (under fours are welcome with a guardian or babysitter) and with sustainability in mind, activities aim to inspire creativity, with crab hunting and coconut bowling on the itinerary. The hotel can arrange babysitting in the day as well as the evening, meaning those with very young children can have a bit of time off by the pool too.
Sayan Ubud
Sayan Ubud
In Sayan Ubud, the Pici Pici kids’ club – for children aged four to 12 – offers a similarly dynamic and culturally enriching environment for children, where young guests can engage in a variety of activities that highlight the local culture and lush landscapes of Ubud. From traditional Balinese arts and crafts sessions to environmental education programs that teach the importance of conservation, the club provides a comprehensive curriculum that encourages curiosity and respect for nature.
Wellness
Once the children are happily occupied at the wonderful kids’ clubs, mum and dad can check out the spas – and they are both worth a visit.
Jimbaran Bay
The Spa at Jimbaran Bay
The Healing Village Spa at Jimbaran Bay is a sanctuary for rejuvenation. The highlight is the detox spa treatment which begins with a personalised chakra alignment. This intuitive massage responds uniquely to your body’s tensions, melting stress into tranquillity. Guests are invited to select a crystal to be incorporated into their massage, enhancing the therapeutic experience. You leave not just relaxed but transformed, feeling like a new woman ready to enjoy all that Bali has to offer.
Sayan Ubud
Yoga at Sayan Ubud
In Sayan, the Sacred River Spa is equally comprehensive, offering yoga, gym facilities, a sauna, and hot, warm, and cold plunge pools overlooking the jungle, providing a complete wellness journey. For something a bit different check out the fun laughter yoga sessions available. This informal class provides a unique and uplifting way to unwind as a family. Or there’s the option of easy yoga classes which are a great introduction to the basics of yoga for beginners and ideal for slightly older kids to join in with.
The To-Do List
Both Four Seasons resorts have an ‘anything is possible’ attitude, and are more than willing to make arrangements to accommodate your family’s favourite activities. Speak to the concierge teams who will help pack your stay with a special sense of adventure.
The pool at Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran Bay
With slightly older children in tow, there are plenty of aquatic escapes to choose from for a family day out on the water at Jimbaran Bay. Hire a private boat for the snorkelling experience to discover the local, exotic marine life for yourself, or opt for the fishing experience for the thrill of catching your own lunch, and to uncover a day in the life of a Jimbaran fisherman. Back on dry land, soak up the local culture with one of the traditional Balinese rituals – Ocean Blessing, Goa Gong Cave Blessing, or Fire Blessing – each fascinating for little ones to watch. Or, simply take a walk along the resort’s private beach before heading back to your family villa.
Sayan Ubud
Water Rafting at Sayan Ubud
Sayan Ubud will be a real winner with adventurous, older kids with activities including thrilling water rapid boat trips. But for something more relaxed, take a guided bike ride through local villages and rice paddy fields; there are a variety of different routes to choose from to suit your children’s ages – all varying in difficulty and with kids’ bikes on hand.
All image credit: Jimbaran Bay and Sayan Ubud, Bali, Four Seasons Resorts
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