Our first ever trip abroad with our son was in 2010, he was 2 and a half. We chose to travel to Bali with a toddler due to Bali’s close proximity to Perth – only a 3 and half hour flight.
When it came to choosing the right family accommodation for us, we looked for a resort that had good size rooms, easy access to nearby restaurants, and wasn’t in the hustle and bustle of the most popular towns.
We chose the Grand Hyatt Bali located in the resort town of Nusa Dua.

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Whilst it has been a few years since staying here, flicking through my photos has brought back so many memories.
My Grand Hyatt Bali Review
The first thing I noticed on walking into this resort is the lush tropical gardens.
Even when we get to our room we have the most gorgeous view of the man-made ponds and frangipani trees.
We were amazed at how spacious our room felt even with a cot set up and our bulky pram in the room.
They had also made up the day bed as an alternative for Lewis to sleep on but we choose to use it as a great place for him to play with his toys that I had packed in his luggage.
The bathroom was also a generous size and they had included baby amenities such as a baby bath, rubber duck and a baby toiletries pack.
In the mornings we would go down to the breakfast buffet. There were plenty of high chairs, children’s plates and cutlery and separate low buffet for the kids.
After breakfast it was always time to hit the pool.
There was always a shady lounge chair under the frangipani and almond trees. We prefer to sit in the shade as we like to stay sun smart on holiday as much as possible especially with a child.
Even the toddlers pool was shaded naturally by the trees.
We found we got plenty of sun just walking around the chest deep pool holding Lewis, or slipping down the water slide.
This was the first time Lewis had ever been down a water slide and he discovered he loved it – well who doesn’t love a water slide 😉
A couple of hours of walking up the stairs and sliding down Lewis would need his afternoon naps. Whilst Steve would read a book or catch up on some movies I would walk across the road to the open aired Bali Collection shopping mall and get a massage at one of the main day spas.
Later in the early evening we would pop Lewis into his pram and walk back over to find a restaurant for dinner. It was fantastic having this shopping mall right across the road. It was so easy to navigate our way around Bali Collection, as opposed to the narrow crowded streets filled with pot holes in Kuta. Plus there were plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from for dinner, and lots of places to do some shopping – the prices weren’t that different from Kuta.
It was also really easy to navigate around the resort with our pram. There were lots of paved pathways; sometimes we would stop at the playground in front of the kids club, or continue to stroll along the path running along the beach in front of our hotel and getting a glimpse in the other hotels along Nusa Dua.
In the evenings as we would stroll to dinner we would make our way through the little markets set up within the resort that led towards the dinner and buffet show.
Which we enjoyed one evening.
All too soon our first family holiday abroad came to an end.
But we have since ventured back to Bali for another family getaway and plan on returning shortly for a 2 week family holiday where we will explore some fun family activities to do in Bali.
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In the meantime tell me in comments what you liked (or not liked) about this resort.
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We’ve not been to Bali yet, it’s definitely high on my agenda. I love anywhere with sunshine and water.
Sunshine and water – the perfect recipe for a holiday Mandy.
Bali is so, so nice. We honeymooned there and have yet to go back. The kids will love it when we do. We hit Fiji last year and they want to move there immediately. I also had a chuckle at the packet of SAOs in your room. It’s the first thing I saw because we ALWAYS take SAOs whenever we travel too. x
Got to take snacks the kids will eat. My son always returns to the room wanting more food – even if we’ve just returned from a meal.
You will find many changes in Bali and many of them very good ones. Make sure you get to the Kuta Brunch on a Sunday at the Sheraton. Your entire family will love it. I have written about it on our site if you want to have a look. We spent a lot of time touring Bali earlier this year.
Thanks for the tip about the Sheraton brunch Paula. I will check out it out on your blog.
This looks heavenly! I like the way the pools have shaded areas and my kids love a water slide. We tend to look for water slides in hotels now. I’ve only been to Bali years ago as a poor 20-something (when I couldn’t afford the Hyatt!) but I’d love to take my kids there.
There are so many options in Bali Shobha for all budgets, it just requires a little research to find the right moatch for your family.
Looks like a very gentle landing in Bali for you and the family. I’m with you and would be ready to visit again.
We are really looking forward to our up and coming trip Elaine.
Grand Hyatt Bali looks like a fabulous and family friendly resort. I can just picture myself relaxing by the pool and sipping a cocktail. That toddler pool looks great for the kids. Bali is so far away from Texas that it’s considered a really exotic vacation. It’s been ages since I’ve visited, but we didn’t stay anywhere near as lovely as this place. My nephew and his new bride recently returned from honeymooning there.
Isn’t it funny Michele how depending on where you live as to where an exotic location is considered to be. The further away the location the more exotic it becomes.
Lovely post and pics, Looks like a great family vacation spot. Bali is on our wish list as well!
When you get to Bali Privin you will enjoy the very family friendly vibe in this part of the island. There are also more action and party places to stay.
What a great vacation, the hotel is wonderful and they have paid such detail to the landscaping, how nice to have shade over the kids pool. Looks like you had a wonderful time.
Now, I would like to invite you to mine over at OMHGWW
Hope you have a great week!
Karren
The landscaping was one of the main things that made this resort so relaxing.
Wonderful resort!!! You guys are so lucky to live not so far from Bali! From Germany we need to travel at least 16-18 hours 🙁
But I am sure it is worth the effort 😀
Thank you for joining #MondayEscapes
Swings and Roundabouts Allane, I would love to be close to the Mediterranean Coast to pop over for getaways. But yes we are lucky to have such beautiful islands not too far away.
Hi Sally-Ann,
My family and I are travelling to Bali in May this year & we will be staying at the Grand Hyatt.
Last time we stayed at The Westin & my hubby and dad loved the swim up bar pool (typical?), but no matter how much searching I do, I can’t seem to get a clear idea if any of the pools at the Hyatt have one!? I know there is the poolside bar, but do you know if it’s a ‘swim up’ style??
Also, do you have any feedback on their kids club…I have a 4 and 5 1/2 yr old?
Thanks in advance,
Jess ?
Hi Jess, It was a few years ago when we stayed at the Grand Hyatt and my son was then a toddler. There was a kids club with a playground out the front. As my son was young we didn’t actually use the kids club – sorry I’m not much help on that. The breakfast buffet was also well set up for kids with plastic plates and their own buffet section.
I don’t recall a swim up bar, though the service around the pool was good. My son did LOVE the waterslide, great gardens and directly across the road from Bali Collection for cheap evening meals.
The Grand Hyatt was a lovely hotel and we really enjoyed our stay. I’d love to hear back from you and your thoughts are on the resort upon your return. I hope you have a happy holiday.