10 reasons why you MUST bring your family to Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa!

Looking for the perfect place for your next family vacation?

My family and I love to travel and we make it a point to go on a holiday at least twice a year to escape the hustle and bustle of the daily grind.

Although we are creatures of comfort and familiarity, it was only recently when we decided that every family vacation we take from now on should be to some place new -- be it another country we have yet to visit, or even a hotel we have never stayed in before -- just to break out of our comfort zones and make pleasant new discoveries.

Collectively, we have lived in four foreign countries and have been to over 20 different travel destinations across the globe, but surprisingly have never set foot in the tropical paradise, Bali (Indonesia) which is just a short 2 hour 45 minutes plane ride from Singapore.

So when we were invited by Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa to stay at their beautiful resort over the weekend, we were completely overjoyed and excitedly counted down the days to our much-needed beach holiday!

Now with a four-year-old daughter in tow, my husband and I are a bit more choosy when it comes to the right hotel for our quick getaways which must be child-friendly and has everything a family needs; but after staying for four days and three nights at this gorgeous resort, we were completely wowed over and can safely say that we now understand why they have been awarded the 'Best Mid-Scale Hotel Brand' in the TTG China Travel Awards for the sixth consecutive year.

If you're wondering where to bring your little ones for the school holidays, then your search is over because we have the top 10 reasons why Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa is the BEST place for parents to relax, kids to have fun and the whole family to create some beautiful memories together!

1. Idyllic location away from crowds

When you're a young family with small children, then large noisy crowds and packed places that are bustling at a dizzying pace with too much chaotic activity might be a bit of a headache for you and your little ones!

This gem of a resort which is a scenic 20 minutes drive away from Ngurah Rai International Airport, is located right on the peaceful and not so crowded Tanjung Benoa Beach where you will be guaranteed a nice spot by the lovely waterfront as you relax and sip on cool cocktails (or a fresh coconut!) while watching your kids happily building sandcastles.

Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa first opened it's doors in 2015 and is conveniently self-sufficient as you can pretty much get everything you need there without ever having to leave the premise, or wander too far on foot.

If you're unapologetically anxious parents like we are, or your child has certain existing health conditions like our little one does, then you'll appreciate knowing there is a doctor on call who can tend to your medical needs right in the comfort of your hotel room -- and that the high standard BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua is a mere 5 ~ 10 minutes drive away.

2. Kids Stay & Eat Free!

When you're trying to a book a hotel for your family's holiday, isn't it annoying when you discover that kids of a certain age are either not allowed there, or there is an additional charge for children (even though they barely take up much space!)?

Well, you'll be delighted to know that Holiday Inn is the first hotel brand in the world to offer a 'Kids Stay & Eat Free' programme, so your little ones under the age of 12 will be able to stay in the same room as you for FREE.

On top of that, if you order at least one main course from the regular menu, then junior can choose his or her very own healthy meal from the Kids Menu which was developed in partnership with Nutrition Australia, also for absolutely FREE!

The creative dishes from the Kids Menu are low in saturated fats, sugar and salt and only fresh ingredients are used. Some of the appetising choices include:

100% Lean Beef Burger Baked Not Fried Fish & Chips Pure Tomato Spaghetti Bolognese Chicken & Pineapple Pizza (with homemade dough) Fun & Fresh Rice Paper Rolls Fruit Popsicle (made from real fruit juice) Hot Chocolate Berry Thickshake Watermelon Crush (no syrup added)

Breakfast will also no longer be a chore because your little ones will be more than happy to fill up their colourful plastic plates with yummy goodies from the Kids Corner, such as cereal, assorted donuts and mini sandwiches -- or they can pick off mum and dad's plate too from the delicious spread available at the daily breakfast buffet!

3. KidSuites® and Family Suites

There are 171 guestrooms available at Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa which are all tastefully decorated with contemporary decor and offer great views of either the beautiful Bali shoreline or the resort's gorgeous pools.

Families with waterbabies will enjoy staying in the Benoa Atrium Pool Access Room where you can step out of your private terrace and immediately take a dip in the serene atrium pool.

You can also choose the Family Suite which features interconnecting rooms so that mum and dad can have some privacy in the deluxe room, while the kids get cosy in their own fun themed area that comes with bean bags, toys and some games.

Or check in to the specially designed KidSuite® where the children get their very own personal bedroom with delightfully themed decor which also includes an in-room TV for them to watch their favourite cartoons and even a PlayStation for them to play video games!

All rooms and suites are fully furnished with at least one wall-mounted 39" LED TV, a DVD player, an iPod dock, an iron with ironing board, tea and coffee making facilities, international power outlets, and a selection of either soft or firm pillows for a good night's rest.

You can also stay connected with family and friends back home or share your Instagram-worthy pictures with everyone (and make them wish they were there with you!) by using the FREE Wi-Fi which is available in all rooms and around the resort's public areas.

4. Kids Club and other fantastic facilities

At Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa, not only can you enjoy jumping the waves with your tots down by the beach, you can also have a nice swim in the resort's stunning atrium pool, navigate your way around the two beautiful infinity pools on a huge floating pool pillow, relax with your partner in the cosy jacuzzi, or have a splashing good time with your children at the lovely kid's pool which has a water slide and a large water bucket!

Your young ones are bound to squeal with delight as they run around the circus-themed indoor Kids Club which has a mini rock-climbing wall, bouncy trampoline, colourful ball pit with slide, relaxing TV area, cool costume dress-up rack, comfy computer games section, cosy reading and colouring corner, lots of toys to play with and also fun-filled activities lined up.

Fitness buffs can still squeeze in a workout at the well-equipped fitness centre located next to the pool area and have a quick run on the treadmill while enjoying the picturesque view outside.

Complete your tropical holiday with a relaxing traditional massage or other rejuvenating spa treatments at the tranquil Tea Tree Spa, which uses traditional Balinese ingredients for the spa products.

Babysitting services are also available should you need someone to help watch over your little ones as you and your partner want to spend a few private hours together.

5. Sumptuous dining with gorgeous views

BREAKFAST

Wake up to a mouth-watering international breakfast buffet at the Pasar Market Café with the wide array of freshly baked bread, cake and pastries (gluten-free choices are available too); seasonal fruits; savoury local, western and Indian dishes; fresh salad with pasta; a variety of cereal and yogurt; cold-cut platter with chicken lyoner, smoked marlin (our personal favourite!), cheddar cheese and gouda cheese.

There is an outdoor live cooking station that whips up hot pancakes and waffles with maple syrup, honey blossom, berry compote or icing sugar -- or you and your kids can also enjoy the fuss-free way of ordering eggs by simply ticking your favourite egg style on the cards provided at each table (fried sunny side up/ over easy/ over hard, regular or white omelette with a choice of fillings such as tomato, mushroom, ham, cheese, bell peppers or onion, soft/ medium/ hard boiled, or poached) and handing it over to the chef at the indoor live cooking station.

LUNCH

Sumptuous la carte meals such as the Fisherman's Basket (calamari, fish fingers, prawns and fries), Nasi Goreng Pasar (fried rice), Bebek Bertutu (slow-roasted duck), Sop Buntut (ox-tail soup) and more are available at Pasar Market Café which offers indoor or al fresco seating with a view of the pool and the waterfront nearby.

You can also enjoy the cool sea breeze as you sit by the beach at Nudi Beach Club and order tasty tapas such as springrolls, prawn and crab cakes, tortilla chips with meat, or share a freshly made cheese pizza with the whole family!

Go to the next slide to find out about the All You Can Eat specials available for dinner as well as the Happy Hour promo!

Dinner and Happy Hour

DINNER

If you're a huge fan of seafood like we are, then you must head on down to Nudi Beach Club on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday night (6.30pm - 10.00pm) for the tasty Seafood BBQ By the Beach which is grilled right there.

Satay lovers can eat to your heart's content at the All You Can Eat Satay Night that happens every Wednesday (6.30pm - 10.00pm) at the Fire Pit.

Or if you prefer western fare, then check out the All You Can Eat La Pizza & La Pasta Night every Monday and Friday (6.30pm - 10.00pm), also held at the Fire Pit.

HAPPY HOUR

Gone are the days where you'll be dancing the night away in tightly packed clubs that play ear-blasting music as you eventually get into a drunken stupor -- but we know that sometimes mums and dads might still want to have a few drinks to kick back and relax.

You and your partner can enjoy a non-alcoholic drink, cocktail or draught beer at Nudi Beach Club (3pm - 5pm) or Duke's Pool Bar & Lounge (12pm - 2pm & 5pm - 7pm) and get another of the same one for FREE!

There is also a great live band by the beach every Friday and Saturday that plays some nice slow tunes as you chillax on the beach deck chairs or the pool swing chairs.

6. Memorable family bonding activities

Going on a holiday is not only the perfect time to escape from the stresses of work and school, but it's also a great opportunity for your family to reconnect and share some great bonding moments together.

Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa understands that family time is precious, which is why they offer such a great selection of activities everyone can do together!

MUM & DAD

If you enjoy eating delicious local food, then why not learn how to prepare and cook a few of the popular dishes at the resort's Balinese Cooking Class? Under the patient and friendly guidance of the in-house Chef, you can learn how to whip up tasty delights such as Balinese Clear Seafood Soup with Handmade Fishballs, Sate Lilit Ayam (chicken satay) and Bubur Sum Sum with Palm Sugar & Coconut Milk -- after which you will be presented with a personalised and signed Certificate of Achievement, and also get to tuck in to your (yummy) fruits of labour!

Maybe you're on a babymoon and want to spend a romantic time with your partner before your new bundle of joy arrives, or perhaps this getaway is actually a babymacation (baby-making vacation) and you need a little something-something to reignite the passion in your relationship? Then you should indulge in a couple's relaxing spa treatment at the Tea Tree Spa.

Or book a Romance To Remember dining experience at Nudi Beach Club Upper Lounge to take in the splendid sea view while enjoying the tantalising 5 or 7 course menu and end the night with some sparkling wine (and hopefully some sparks in the bedroom!).

MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS

Mothers and daughters can have a manicure-pedicure together at Tea Tree Spa's nail salon, or you and your little girl can enjoy the special 'My First Package With Mom' which includes a mini massage, express facial treatment and a choice of either hands or feet care.

Go to the next page to see what fun bonding activities are available for siblings and also the whole family!

Siblings and Family Time

SIBLINGS

Encourage your children to spend more time together and build their bond with the young ones taking part in exciting activities offered by the Kids Club such as t-shirt or pottery painting, muffin baking and decorating, pizza or ice cream sandwich making, or even crabs hunting on the beach!

Your bigger kids will enjoy the special spa treatment for teens that's available at Tea Tree Spa or can head on down to the water volleyball net set up in the pool where they can make new friends and have a friendly match together.

Older siblings can also choose to hang out at the cool game zone located at the Resort Centre to just chill and read some books and magazines from the library area -- or play darts, billiard, foosball, air hockey, board games or Nintendo Wii together!

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Rise and shine to the gentle morning sun as you start the day relaxed and focused at the guided Yoga For Family activity which is held at Nudi Beach Club's Upper Lounge.

Bicycles are also available for hire (from 9am - 5pm) or you can book the Cycling Tour Package which will allow you and your brood to leisurely explore the captivating sights along the stretch of Nusa Dua.

7. Thrilling adventures

Are you seeking a bit of thrill for your family? There are many exciting adventures you can embark on which range from mild yet fun all the way to exciting and exhilarating! Just ask the helpful team at Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa to arrange for any of the adventures below:

WATER SPORTS

Daredevils will love the fantastic choices of water sports available such parasailing, jet skiing, diving, underwater walks, and even white-water rafting.

Those looking for something a bit more tame can try fly fishing, glass-bottom boat rides, sailing, banana boat rides, snorkelling or go on a fishing trip.

BALI SAFARI & MARINE PARK

Now here's something suitable for everyone -- if your kids love animals as much as our daughter does, then we highly recommend you spend a day at the impressive Bali Safari & Marine Park where you can go on an exciting safari journey to see many beautiful animals from Indonesia, India and Africa!

Ride on a majestic elephant at the Elephant Back Safari, or hop onboard the air-conditioned Safari Tram and get close up and personal with free-ranging animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, lionesses and more in natural habitat settings.

Various shows are also available throughout the day such as: Animal Education Show, Harimau Show (tigers), Elephant Show, and the spectacular Bali Agung show which is held in a mega-stage theatrical complex.

Treat your family to an extraordinary dining experience they'll never forget at the popular Tsavo Lion Restaurant, where you can get close encounters with a stunning pride of lions, cute meerkats and cool porcupines at this first ever African themed restaurant in Asia! A kids menu is also available for your little ones to power up before heading out again for more safari fun.

Get wet and wild at the Waterpark & Funzone as you cool off from the heat in the streaming water pool and waterslides, or other exciting rides in the water. For little ones at the Funzone, there's a whimsical Merry Go Round, Climbing Car for them to pretend to be drivers, and older kids can scream their lungs out on the thrilling Spinning Roller Coaster and more.

If you are bold enough, then check out the popular Night Safari where you can take an exciting ride in the caged tram and even feed the animals by hand!

Opening hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm on weekdays; 8.30am - 5.00pm on weekends and public holidays; 5.30pm for Night Safari.

8. Amazing cultural experience

The captivating province of Bali is rich with culture and is also known as the Island of Gods. You may also notice many flower offerings all over, intricately designed temples and shrines, and hear lovely traditional music being played.

TEMPLE & ART MUSEUM VISITS

If you want to explore more of the intriguing local culture, you can visit the various Hindu temples which are several centuries old, or the beautiful art museums filled with gorgeous artwork.

There is even a Balinese Dress Up activity available at the Kids Club where your children can don some traditional local attire and then be personally escorted by the resort's friendly staff to the hotel's temple for a quick visit and photo-taking.

DEVDAN SHOW: TREASURE OF THE ARCHIPELAGO

Prepare to be amazed and have your jaws dropped at this magical Devdan Show where the story of two young local children unfolds when they somehow lose their way in Bali's jungles only to make a wondrous discovery, which brings the whole audience on a fantastic journey filled with entertaining traditional as well as modern dances, exquisite costumes, impressive sets, hauntingly beautiful music, peppered with some comedy that's just right for the whole family!

Not only will you be visually treated to various traditional Indonesian dances such as Lesung, Kecak, Saman and Bedyaya (just to name a few), you will also learn about Indonesia's rich history and culture through other performance segments that feature Shadow Puppetry, Pecut (traditional whip for herding cattle), Udeng (traditional headdress for men), Odalan (festival of the fertility Goddess Uma), Songket Weaving (handmade textile) and Kris (traditional dagger with wavy-edge blade).

This uniquely artistic experience is only a short 10 minutes drive away from Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa, so just ask your friendly concierge to arrange for transport to help bring you there and back!

Show days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday (7.30pm - 9.00pm)

9. Hassle-free shopping

Want to pick up some souveniers for your loved ones back home and your colleagues at the office? Or are you looking for some local treasures to bring back as a memento of your fabulous family holiday? If you don't feel like dragging your poor kids out to over-crowded touristy shopping strips, fret not because there are a lot of shopping opportunities for you around Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa!

Grab some snacks and sundries (slippers, toys, cigarettes, etc) from the Resort Centre Mini-Mart located at the lobby near the main lifts.

Or head out to the streets in front of the resort where you will find ATMs, money changers, convenience stores, salons, small eateries, and roadside stalls selling local snacks -- all within walking distance and in safe well-lit areas.

Right in front of Nudi Beach Club on the sandy beach there are a few quaint little beach huts selling flowy sarong or tie-dyed dresses, pretty beaded necklaces, colourful beach toys, cute canvas bags and more. You can spot the occasional beach pedlar walking by selling unique kites and other charming trinkets there as well.

The resort also offers a FREE shuttle bus service to three different shopping spots:

BALI GALERIA

This is a huge shopping mall with a great selection of brand name clothing and footwear, accessories, eateries and also has a hypermart.

Duration of ride: 30 minutes

Shuttle bus timings: 12.40pm, 2.40pm, 4.20pm, 6.40pm

BALI COLLECTION

This long shopping stretch has boutiques, souvenier stores, restaurants, art and craft shops, ice cream parlours and even a SOGO department store (remember that from back in the day in Singapore??). It is stroller-friendly and has nice quiet resting areas away from pedestrians in case you need to breastfeed your bub.

Duration of ride: 10 minutes

Shuttle bus timings: 10.20am, 11.20am, 1.20pm, 2.20pm, 3.20pm, 4.20pm, 6.20pm, 7.20pm, 8.20pm

HARDY'S

Although this isn't an upscale supermarket, it is a great place for tourists to drop by and pick up almost everything you need that boast "paling murah" (the cheapest) prices! Grab a cute Bali t-shirt or dress for your little one for under SGD$5, or a lovely Batik shirt for your hubby that's a little over SGD$10, and be spoilt for choice with the wide array of souvenier magnets, keychains, soaps, candles, essential oils, accessories, snacks and more.

Duration of ride: 10 minutes

Shuttle bus timings: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 7pm, 8pm

10. Service with heart

The final reason why we think you would absolutely love staying at Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa is the excellent and warm service you will receive there from every single one of the resort's team members.

It was a great experience for us to have the pleasure of staying at this well-known family-friendly hotel brand where we were constantly greeted by genuine smiles.

The resort is kept spotlessly clean (yes, even for a Singaporean's standards!), everything is well-maintained and you can see the meticulous effort put into every tiny detail -- from the prompt clearing of fallen leaves in the swimming pools, to the careful placement of fresh towels and flowers at every pool chair each day, and even the raking of the sand by the deck chairs on the beach in the morning!

The food and drinks are always beautifully presented and you can see that everyone takes pride in their own jobs there, be it the chefs, the gardeners, the bartenders or the staff at the spa.

Whether you need a quick break from the little ones and want to drop them off at the Kids Club for an hour or two in the capable hands of the staff there, or you're spending quality time together as a family around the resort, you can rest assured that friendly and attentive service is available at every corner and someone will be quick to jump in and lend you a helping hand when you need it.

Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa is certainly a home away from home and the fantastic staff there are so wonderful that they feel more like family -- so pack your bags, book your plane tickets, and treat your precious loved ones to this great memorable experience which they will be sure to treasure in their hearts forever.

For more information about Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa, please visit: www.balibenoa.holidayinnresorts.com

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Written by
Dew M. Chaiyanara

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