Travel

Journey through the breezy and luxurious lobby taking in the expansive view that reaches all the way to the crystal clear ocean. Travel down the cool, glass elevator and drive through perfectly manicured green lanes to your impressively decadent pool villa. The Ritz Carlton Nusa Dua is a immaculately curated experience for your family from beginning to end. The modern and comfortable rooms offer everything you could possibly require including a refreshing private pool and rustic outdoor baths and showers.  We loved their extensive choices of delicious dining, including a bohemian beach front tapas lounge and authentic Balinese buffets and cooking classes. The refreshingly calm beach and sand adjacent infinity pool make for perfect lazy days, and their well equipped and seriously fun Ritz Kidz Club is an ideal spot for the little ones to play out their dream vacation. I can honestly say there is something for everyone here, from family fun to romantic beach dinners and more. If you want to experience Bali in true luxury, this is a must stay resort.

Sometimes you and a place just clicks. I’m really partial to Uluwatu and could pretty much imagine living out my days in a rustic villa with barefooted kids and never giving another thought to brushing my hair again. The Ungasan Clifftop Resort fuses luxury with Balinese charm and gives off a relaxing vibe that is incredibly addictive.  Their infinity pools boast sweeping ocean views that are dizzying impressive at sunset and ideal when mingled with the salty ocean breeze on a scorching day.  Travel down the rocky cliff snd set foot in a bohemian beach paradise otherwise known as Sunday’s Beach Club. We dined on unfussy casual fare while watching the waves crash, and bathed in the shallow clear blue ocean at low tide. Once sunset hit the oaky smell of romantic bonfires swept across the beach, while we sunk into lazy beanbags with frosty cold cocktails in hand.  After dark we travelled the well paved route back to our indulgent villa for wine in bed before waking early to a serene sunrise.  The resort allows you to live out your boho luxe dreams while making sure every luxurious detail has been met.  When it came time to say goodbye, we found it almost impossible to pry ourselves from the dreamy views and accommodating villas.  Can we go back now? 

Set in beautiful Jimbaran, The Leaf Jimbaran is a serene and luxurious oasis perfect for your escape from city life. I usually associate holidays with over indulgence, but at The Leaf you are able to relax and recharge with their unique focus on health and wellness.  Start your day with a hearty breakfast sent to your villa including choices such as Paleo, vegetarian, or Indonesian. Everything is created with low calorie count in mind and dairy and gluten free when possible.  They boast an organic garden on site proving every ingredient use is not only fresh but high quality.  Their restaurants serve unique and delicious health conscious fare, and even the decadent afternoon tea manages to be guilt free. I was able to keep up my workouts at the fully equipped gym and their child friendly facilities include a fun kids club for the little ones.  I found it hard to pull myself away from our luxurious pool villa and loved that it was only a short ride to Jimbaran Bay where we could spend the day at their beach club. I finished the stay feeling refreshed and detoxed after a few days of healthy eating and relaxation in paradise.  

Wearing TulaRosa Santa Fe Jacket, C. by Christing C. Porcelain Slip Dress

A collective deep breath was heard when we pushed open the door to our luxurious space at The Kunja Villas. The glittering swimming pool bathed in sunshine was one of the most inviting we’ve seen and their decadent yet comfortable living spaces gave us a perfect home away from home.  Resort and villa hopping for a month at a time can be daunting with a baby and toddler, but their fully equipped kitchen allowed us to create home cooked meals to stave off any homesick behavior and also served as a great option for delicious in villa BBQs and breakfasts.  Each morning our hungry appetites were greeted with the fragrance of a made to order breakfast spread, and the kind and helpful staff made our stay as carefree as possible.  Although you feel secluded in a private sanctuary, all the lively spots of Seminyak were within easy reach through the complimentary buggy service.  A perfect spot to enjoy Bali’s romantic flair with the privacy and comforts of home. 

Top to bottom: C. by Christing C. Taiya Dress, Tula Rosa Dress from Revolve, Ba&sh Kimono, and C. by Christing C. Positano Dress.

On Ever: Kaftans bought from local markets and beige Zara Dress. 

Each time we return to paradise, otherwise known as Bali, Double-Six Seminyak lingers at the top of our must visit resorts. Nestled at the centre of all the action, you’ll find a plethora of restaurants, bars, beach clubs, and fun activities right on your doorstep.  This was our first visit with our two little munchkins tagging along, and we were happy to experience it all as a family of four.  Our modern, luxurious suite featured 2 spacious bedrooms and an expansive balcony with a sunset view that elicited a breathless reaction each evening.  We spent mornings feasting on their satisfying made to order breakfast, afternoons splashing in the refreshing lagoon pool, and date nights at the always impressive Plantation Grill.  When parental duties became a bit much, we escaped for a couples massage at their indulgent Acqua Perla Spa and loved sleeping late in their insanely indulgent beds. Relaxation at its best. 

Our first stop was Alila Villas Uluwatu, which I can honestly say is one of my favorite Bali spots of all time.  I’ve always been partial to Uluwatu’s decadent cliff side views and this paired with Alila’s modern design and incredible service made for a perfect few days. Ever gravitated daily to the refreshing plunge pool while River napped and observed from the floor to ceiling glass front door.  The beds were so comfy, and I was obsessed with their daily changing breakfast menu.  The main pool was a great option when we wanted an infinity style view and the sunset pavilions are one of the most romantic spots on the island. Get married there if you are planning a wedding.  After such an amazing stay I can’t wait to explore the rest of Alila’s properties in beautiful Bali.  

There are certain comforts that are essential when travelling with kids, which is why since entering the wild world of parenting we have truly appreciated the resorts that understand these essentials.  As much as we love jumping off the beaten path and live by a pretty haphazard schedule, it’s often a relief to step into an organised realm after a long journey.  

After nearly a month in Phuket our final stop was Le Meridien.  First impressions of the spacious suite, lust worthy ocean views, and gigantic comfy bed were overwhelmingly positive and everything that followed met our lofty expectations. Set on a secluded beach, the waters were calmer and warmer than most other Phuket destinations. We loved the gigantic pools which were never crowded, variety of restaurants, and prime sunset gazing location. Ever fell in love with their well equipped kids club, daily baby elephant encounters, ice cream selection, and quiet sandy beach.  It was the ideal spot for a relaxing family trip and they made it so easy to take her along to join all the fun.  If you are searching for luxury and child friendly in the same place then this is a must visit. 
Xx

Paradise is the only appropriate way to categorise this heavenly location. Lifted above Phuket’s Cape Panwa, featuring chill inducing views and the most luxurious villas is Sri Panwa. Waking to candy coloured blue skies and the decadent fresh sea air, while swimming in their cloudy bed is one of my favourite Phuket moments. The infinity bar, Baba Nest, offers dreamy 360 views and is a sunset experience impossible to forget. We found it hard to ever leave our peaceful villa, but when we did it was to luxuriate in a fragrant and relaxing massage at the serene spa or dine at one of their mouthwatering restaurants. I seriously cannot get enough of this place and can’t wait to return.