Hotel or Villa: What’s Best for Your Family Holiday to Bali?
Planning a family holiday to Bali and torn between staying in a resort or a villa?
It’s a common dilemma for many families.
As a former trip planner, who’s holidayed in Bali many times and booked countless trips for others, here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each.
I hope it helps you decide which is best for you and your kids.
CHOOSING A HOTEL FOR YOUR BALI FAMILY HOLIDAY:
Pros:
Location:
For first-time travellers to Bali, resorts can provide a great advantage as they are typically situated in centralized areas, and offer easy access to attractions. A convenience especially beneficial for those unfamiliar with their surroundings or wanting to cram in as many activities or must-try restaurants in as possible.
On-Site Amenities:
As a mum, decision fatigue is a very real challenge, and resorts make things convenient with on-site restaurants, kids' clubs, gyms, spa facilities, and room service. With everything you need at your fingertips, a certain element of stress is lifted.
Not having to research where to eat or how to get there allows you to truly relax and enjoy your holiday. Plus, if the kids fall asleep after a day of swimming, you can easily order room service with a phone call and unwind in your room.
You can never get sick of Satay!
The “Plonk and Drop” Factor:
Over the years, I’ve realized that sometimes I just need a "plonk and drop" holiday - and resorts are perfect for that. While you can still venture outside the grounds and explore, the beauty of a resort is that if you don’t want to leave, you don’t have to!
The Courtyard Seminyak is one of my favorite family friendly resorts in Seminyak. You can check independent reviews of The Courtyard in Seminyak here.
All-inclusive Resorts:
There are quite a good few ‘all-inclusive’ resorts in Bali. For some families, being able to manage the budget in that way is really helpful. We all know holiday costs can blow out, but if you choose a resort that has a lot of your expenses covered, it can help manage that, or you can pay it off week by week prior to your trip!
Club Med, The Melia, Samabe and The Grand Mirage are super popular all-inclusive resort options in Bali.
The Intercontinental in Sanur
Security:
While I've never felt unsafe in Bali, I find that resorts provide an added layer of security. Larger complexes have more staff, and most employ security personnel to monitor access, ensuring that only authorized guests are on the property. They know who comes in and out, which really matters for some families.
Pool Safety:
Resorts offer a more controlled environment for pool safety. Unless you're in a pool access room, resort pools are usually situated away from guest rooms, reducing the risk of young children accessing them unsupervised.
While villas may have lockable doors and the option to hire pool fences, I’ve always felt more at ease in a resort with young children. You don’t have to worry about a pool being right outside your villa door or kids trying to climb over a temporary fence.
Kids Activities & Making Friends:
While I don’t believe kids’ clubs are the be-all and end-all of a great holiday, many families do love them, and they can be a fantastic option for busy kids or only-children. Resorts also give your kids the chance to make friends with other children - something that doesn’t generally happen when you’re staying in a villa.
Note: If your child is under 4, most kids' clubs will require a parent or nanny to stay.
The Grand Mirage, Nusa Dua
Cons:
Cost of Amenities:
One of the primary reasons families travel to Bali is due to its affordability, but the cost of on-site amenities, such as cocktails, meals, and day spa services at resorts, can quickly add up. Yes, you can leave the resort and find things much cheaper, but with everything being so convenient, it’s all too easy to just sign for whatever you need - and quickly go over budget.
Limited Cultural Exposure:
Additionally, staying in a resort may limit your family's exposure to Bali's vibrant culture and lifestyle. Depending on where you stay, resorts can sometimes feel removed from the authentic Bali experience.
Making Canang Sari with Away from Home
Space Constraints:
After a week, even the biggest hotel rooms can feel cramped. Plus, if you experience a stretch of rain (which is rare, but does happen), it can be particularly challenging to entertain kids in limited space. If you hire a whole villa, it will likely feel a lot more ‘homely’.
Nap Time Challenges:
If you have a baby or toddler that needs daytime naps, resort rooms often lack a separate space for them to rest quietly. Additionally, due to resort layouts, rooms are usually quite a distance from the pool, lounge, and dining areas, forcing one parent to stay behind with the baby. This can mean missing out on quality time with other children and the overall holiday experience.
In contrast, a villa allows the baby to nap in a separate room while you enjoy time by the pool with the rest of the family, using a monitor just as you would at home.
Enjoying the Pool at Truntum, Kuta with Nanny Eka. P.S. Trutum is one of the most underrated (and affordable) hotels for families in Kuta. Last trip we paid $115 for 2A +2C.
Overcrowding:
Popular resorts can become incredibly busy during peak travel seasons, resulting in crowded pools, a lack of pool chairs, noisy restaurants and an inability to get into the day spa. This hustle and bustle can detract from your relaxation and enjoyment of the holiday, particularly if you or your children experience sensory overload.
Limited Flexibility:
During peak season, resorts often have strict policies that can limit your family's holiday experience, such as mandatory New Year's Eve dinners costing $100 per person. If you’re travelling during peak holiday periods, be sure to check the fine print on your accommodation booking.
Additionally, verify if buffet breakfast is included and whether or not it’s compulsory, as it may not be the best option if your kids don’t eat much or are likely to sleep in past 10 a.m.
While these things can be great, rigid meal schedules and all-inclusive packages don’t work for everyone, and they can also restrict your freedom to explore local dining options or enjoy spontaneous outings - one of the highlights of travel!
CHOOSING A VILLA FOR YOUR BALI FAMILY HOLIDAY:
Pros:
Personal Service and True Tropical Vibes:
Villas come with several perks that can elevate your holiday experience. From your own private pool to villa staff assisting with meals and housekeeping, plus, the indoor/outdoor living space truly captures the essence of tropical island life. It’s a much more intimate and personal experience compared to staying in a large, busy resort. Staff get to know you and your preferences.
Private Pools:
Almost all villas come with private pools, giving your kids the freedom to splash around without worrying about disturbing other guests. Plus, no need to rush out at 7:00 a.m. to "reserve" a pool chair!
Sanur
Casual Dining:
You can easily hire a chef or order takeaway through GoJek (Bali’s version of Uber Eats), making it simple to enjoy delicious meals from a variety of restaurants without the hassle of getting everyone out of their bathers and dressed. Plus, the kids can keep jumping in and out of the pool as they please! Your pool doesn't have to close at 7.00 pm!
Flexible Sleeping Arrangements:
If you have a baby or toddler who needs naps during the day, staying in a villa offers flexibility. You can continue enjoying the pool and sunshine while they rest - without being confined to a small, dark resort room.
Additionally, villas can provide an ideal solution for pre-teens who aren’t quite ready for their own resort room but prefer not to share one big room with mum and dad anymore.
Cost-Effective for Larger Families and Groups:
Villas can be a more budget-friendly option if you're traveling with a larger family, a group, or need multiple rooms. By sharing the cost, villas often turn out to be cheaper per person than booking several hotel rooms, with the added benefit of having your own private facilities.
Sagara Villas & Suites, Sanur - Our current go to family accommodation in Sanur!
More Space for Activities:
Villas provide ample space for activities, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate, there's room to let the kids watch their iPads or work on their Bali Travel Diaries in comfort of a lounge room. There's also room to put toys, should you wish to hire toys from Bali Kidz Hire - we've used their slides, cricket bats, frisbee's, hot wheels garages and more.
Cons:
Location Challenges:
Most villas aren’t located on the main ‘drag’ and often require transport or a scooter to reach touristy spots making it potentially less ideal for first-time visitors looking to explore.
Lack of Pool Fencing:
Nearly all villas lack pool fencing, which poses a safety risk for young children. If you decide to stay in a villa, even if it has lockable doors, I strongly recommend hiring a pool fence for peace of mind. We personally use fences from Bali Kidz Hire.
Sagara Villas - pool fencing hired through Bali Kidz Hire
Accessibility Issues:
Accessibility can be a factor, particularly if you’re traveling with elderly family members. Many villa pools do not have railings which can make it difficult for older guests, or those with mobility issues, to safely navigate in and out of the water.
Increased Risk of Dengue Fever:
The natural indoor/outdoor setup of villas may heighten the risk of dengue fever exposure. It’s essential to mitigate this risk with repellents, coils, and room sprays to ensure your family's safety.
Potential Intrusiveness of Staff:
While having villa staff can enhance your holiday experience by providing personalized service, some families may find their presence awkward. If you prefer privacy or a more casual atmosphere, this is an important consideration before booking.
Security Considerations:
It's important to consider that standalone or boutique villas will likely not have dedicated security staff. Although larger villas or villa compounds often do have independent security measures in place, smaller ones often don't so there could be an increased risk of unauthorized access. Balinese culture emphasizes karma and community, and crime rates are generally low from locals, but it is a consideration.
It’s not generally a big concern, but it’s worth knowing - smaller villas are like a home, just a standalone house, with a brick fence/wall that somebody could climb, and most villas are indoor/outdoor living, so very open plan.
Limited Social Opportunities for Kids:
Unlike a resort, where children can easily make new friends, in a villa setting, your kids may miss out on social interactions, which can be a downside for those who enjoy connecting with other families.
Chilling at Lembongan Island Beach Villas - My top accommodation choice for families on Nusa Lembongan.
Bali Villa Recommendations & How to Book:
If you want to book an independent villa but desire the security of a booking service, I recommend you check out Bali Family Villas or Saudara Villas - Emily and Anna both know their stuff!
If you're looking for a villa on one of the islands, contact Tania or Bulan at The Lembongan Traveller - These guys also price match all online agents.
All three agents have an array of luxury villas in Bali, and Lembongan to suit families, and large groups.
Lembongan Island Beach Villas
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: VILLAS WITHIN A RESORT - OUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE!
If you like the idea of the privacy of a villa but the convenience of a resort, why not go for a villa within a resort?
You’ll get the space and luxury of a villa, plus all the added perks of a hotel—like restaurants, spas, and kids’ activities right on your doorstep.
One of our favorites is Sagara Villas & Suites in Sanur, but there are many other great options that offer the best of both worlds. Check out: Movenpick, Astagina, Legian Beach Hotel, Peppers, FuramaXclusive, or for a real splurge - Ayana.
Final Thoughts:
Choosing between a hotel and a villa for your Bali family holiday really comes down to on what you need most.
If it’s convenience, security, and amenities, a resort might be your best bet. If you want more space, privacy, and a ‘home away from home’ the villa option may be better.
Not sure which part of Bali is best for families?
Check out my blogs: Where to Stay in Bali with Kids? and Family-Friendly Bali: Where to Stay - Pros and Cons by Area!
And don’t forget to order your My Big Adventure Bali Travel Diaries. They can be a great gift to announce to the kids that you’re all going on a family holiday to Bali!
