Family holidays – villas and family-friendly resorts!

Baby gear, fidgety toddlers and overactive older children can turn a family vacation into hard work. The solution? Keep things simple and either go on a family holiday where it’s all planned for you, where there’s plenty to do or where it’s easy to get to. Here’s some help for finding villas and family-friendly resorts in Bali!

The Residence Bintan, Indonesia

If you’re looking for an easy family break from Singapore, The Residence Bintan is one to consider. It’s tucked away on the quieter southeastern coast of the island, far from the usual day-tripper crowds. The journey there involves a 55-minute ferry from Tanah Merah followed by an 80-minute drive – manageable, even with kids in tow.

The resort is part of the Cenizaro group and offers 127 rooms and villas. Options range from one-bedroom garden units to beachfront or two-bedroom villas that work well for families needing a bit more space. There’s plenty to keep everyone occupied – nature walks, biking trails and even a batik painting workshop where kids and adults can create something to bring home.

The kids’ club is a highlight. Open to children aged 3 to 12, the Kakatu Kids Club offers yoga sessions, nature activities and local cooking and dance classes. While the smaller guests are happily entertained, parents can escape to the spa for a traditional treatment using Ila products, or simply unwind by the beach.

There are a few dining options on site, including Rica Rica, which serves Indonesian-inspired dishes with a modern edge, and casual eateries for snacks and poolside meals. It’s a peaceful, easy-going spot – close enough for a weekend, but far enough to feel like a real escape.

Special offer: Families staying three nights or more can take advantage of a Renewal Retreats package, which includes 20% off room rates, daily breakfast, spa treatments, a beachside dinner, a private nature tour, and return land transfers between the ferry terminal and resort. Valid until 27 December 2025 (T&Cs apply).

cenizaro.com/theresidence/bintan

The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi

If your idea of a family holiday involves clear water, sandy toes and plenty to explore, this laid-back island resort in the Maldives might just do the trick. The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi sits in the remote Gaafu Alifu Atoll – known for being one of the largest and deepest in the world. The vibe here is rustic-luxe, with villas set right on the beach or over the water, and most built using natural materials that blend into the surroundings.

There’s a kids’ club, a long list of water activities, and even a house reef where you might spot turtles or reef sharks from your deck. Parents might appreciate the Spa by Clarins, perched over the lagoon, as well as the quieter restaurants like The Falhumaa, which is at the end of a jetty and offers proper ocean views.

The resort is connected to its sister property on nearby Dhigurah Island via a long bridge, and guests can access facilities on both sides. With so much to do between the two islands, you’ll never hear the kids say they’re bored.

Special offer: Book a minimum four-night stay 31 days in advance and get up to 40% off, along with free domestic flight transfers. Late planners still get 30% off. Meal plans are flexible, from breakfast only to all-inclusive.

cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-fm

The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah

Just across the bridge from Falhumaafushi, this larger resort offers a great mix of family bonding time and chances to unwind. Dhigurah is a 2km-long island, dotted with more than 2,500 coconut palms and calm turquoise waters. It’s also home to one of the Maldives’ longest wooden bridges – so you can easily explore both islands on foot or by buggy.

All villas come with private pools and sunrise or sunset views. It’s an all-inclusive setup, so meals and drinks across both islands are covered – a big plus when travelling with kids. There are five restaurants and three bars just on Dhigurah, plus a huge kids’ club, a spa with overwater treatment rooms, and plenty of nature and cooking activities to keep everyone entertained. 

Special offer: Book at least 31 days ahead to save up to 40%, with complimentary flight transfers for families staying in one- or two-bedroom villas. For bookings made closer to the travel date, 30% off still applies. Meal plans are flexible, and families have access to nine restaurants and bars across the two resorts. A minimum four-night stay applies.

cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-dg

Family holiday with villa vibes

Out of thousands of islands that make up Indonesia, the one you’ll hear about most is Bali. And for good reason. This tropical getaway is home to beautiful green rice fields, fantastic surf, coral reefs and a lively culinary scene. Plus, tourists can observe or take part in a plethora of fascinating cultural traditions.

As all parents can understand, accommodation can make or break family holidays – which is where Villa Finder can help. This booking platform removes so much of the planning stress, from time spent investigating reviews to arguing over who has to sleep on the pull-out bed.

You can use Villa Finder to browse a selection of handpicked villas across Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. After you make an enquiry or reservation, expect a call from one of their location experts within about 15 minutes. This is part of the personalised concierge service that help you find a property within your budget and with all the creature comforts your family vacation needs.

Moreover, the team is available seven days a week. They can help organise airport transfers, parties, car rental, baby sitters and more convenient extras!

Why do we recommend the Villa Finder team for a trip to Bali? The company started with villas in this popular destination and are experts at organising where to stay on the island.

Reach out at villa-finder.com to get started.

Family-friendly resort in Bali

The Legian Seminyak, Bali started in 1996 and is one of the island’s iconic properties. Located a discrete distance from the resort is The Club by The Legian Seminyak, Bali, with villas on offer for a more private retreat or a small group stay. These properties are a great jumping off point to explore Bali or for simply unwinding in artfully designed accommodation with plenty of luxury offerings. Here we have a look at what you can experience with the new family package, “Retreat with Timeless Elegance”.

All guests at both family-friendly resorts in Bali will receive a refreshing welcome drink. You’ll also have a private bar in your suite or villa with a selection of homemade sweet and savoury titbits, coffee and tea. During your stay, you can organise The Legian breakfast to be served in your suite or villa, enjoy it in the all-day dining spot The Restaurant. Each day, you can also make the most of an afternoon tea, and full access to Wellness by The Legian facilities. The latter include a gym, morning yoga classes and Pilates class. Plus, you get access to PressReader, daily fresh fruits and Wi-Fi.

There are some additional benefits when you book a stay in a Signature Suite or organise your stay at The Club by The Legian Seminyak, Bali in the One, Two or Three Bedroom Pool Villas or The Beach House. These include return airport transfers in a private hotel limousine, private butler service and daily laundry (excluding dry cleaning). You can also enjoy private hotel limousine for pick-up and drop-off within the Seminyak area between 8am and 11pm. Oh, and daily evening cocktails and canapés in your villa!

The Retreat with Timeless Elegance package is available for stays up until 20 June 2025.

Make a booking at this family-friendly resort in Bali or find out more at lhm-hotels.com/en/familyescape.

Like this article featuring family friendly resorts in Bali and kid-friendly holiday destinations? Find more inspiration for your next holiday in our Travel section!

This article on family vacations first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!