Bali Dynasty Resort

We’re staying in the Bali Dynasty Resort, which sits at the southern end of Kuta Beach. It’s right on the beachfront, but it’s not like a beachfront stay. Instead, it’s more like a compound. As you make your way from the main drag, through the large gates and up to the opulent lobby, you transition well out of the Kuta craziness.

Inside, the lobby splits like a two-pronged fork, with rooms heading down both sides of the property, cradling a safe haven within. Lush grass, palm trees and carp-filled ponds give way to a large open restaurant capped by a rooftop lounge bar, which looks out on a deep, generous pool with a waterfall feature, sizeable waterslide, waterpark, spacious gym and a swim-up bar. There’s also a day spa, where my wife and I tried an hour-long couple’s massage. The spacious room and talented staff, with the help of a great kids’ club, make it easy to vouch for.

Images: An aerial view of Bali Dynasty Resort, The entrance

A resort where kids outnumber parents

It’s only around a one-minute walk to the beach via a side gate leading from the resort. Bali’s many retailers (mobile and shopfront), as well as numerous water activities, are there to greet you. But the kids are confined. Trapped. Which made life so much easier for my wife and I.

And that’s the key takeaway. “Easy” is the best way to describe being out and about with kids at Bali Dynasty Resort. During our stay, I’d estimate 90 per cent of the clientele were families with kids aged 14 and under. The kids outnumber the parents, which is perfect. Our kids (aged seven, 10 and 12) had an absolute ball. They found new friends, enjoyed the near constant activities, and made the most of the kid-friendly buffet. Plus, we felt safe just letting them roam.

Image: Water slide fun

Rooms perfect for families of five

We stayed in a Family Lagoon Pool Access room, purpose-built for families of five. Rare and so, so welcomed! The room is broken into two sections. The first features a bunk with a pull-out mattress. There is enough room for the latter (or a cot) to fit without blocking the hallway. A king bed sits in the next section. A glass doorway can be closed between the two, as well as a curtain, to provide some privacy should you be lucky enough to require it.

All the rooms have a balcony with a table for two beyond, and there is even enough room inside for a desk and chair, plentiful storage space, two TVs (with a great selection of channels), a PS4 and some craft activities. The balcony has a private gate that opens up to a little river leading you into a luxurious, segregated pool, complete with fountains, floaties, music and a bar. We used it a lot! The water is so close you can swim and be in earshot of any kids during day naps. So good!

Image: Lagoon Pool Access rooms

Ideal for young Australian families

Bali Dynasty Resort excels in knowing its audience: young Australian families. It’s close enough to the Kuta chaos for an adventurous walk, but far enough away that you can ignore it altogether. It doesn’t go big on Bali traditional culture, with plenty of western food, yet it retains the sights and smells. The staff are brilliant and very understanding that kids will be kids. Plus, there’s no unnecessary opulence that can get your children into trouble. Nice and easy, Bali Dynasty Resort is a winner.

Walking distance to Waterbom Bali

The Waterbom Bali is walking distance from the Resort. It costs a shade under AU$200 for a family of five, which turned out to be great value for money. Because from 9am to 6pm, we went nuts. There isn’t a massive selection of rides compared to a Wet ‘n’ Wild on Australia’s Gold Coast, but they’re all really good fun. At least a dozen rides are gems you’ll be happy to hit again and again, which the small queues allow. From ages seven to 44, we all had a blast. And between the rides, there’s no shortage of places to eat (prices are up, but not too outrageous), drink (it’s Bali!) and swim, thanks to an excellent Lazy River and a huge main pool. There’s a brilliant toddler water park, too.

Image: Waterbom Bali

Day trip to Ubud

Trade in a day by the pool for the amazing jungle town of Ubud. It’s a fair drive out of Kuta, so hit the buffet early and get up there as soon as possible by hiring a private driver. The winding roads, vibrant streets, multicultural crowd, and delicious food tickle every sense. But there’s plenty to see, too.

My advice would be to overshoot Ubud at first, and to visit the Ceking Rice Terraces. There are swings, ziplines and a lovely view. Then come back to Ubud and spend an hour at the Monkey Sanctuary Forest. But make sure you get a long way from the Monkey Sanctuary Forest before you buy anything to eat or you’ll be set-on by our wily mammalian cousins, just as we were! From here you can walk up to the town centre to explore the shops and palace. Finally, stop off at the spectacular Blangsinga Waterfall for a stunning sunset and a swim.

Images: Pat on a swing at Ceking Rice Terraces, Blangsinga Waterfall