Back in 2018, we had the chance to visit Bali, and I’m excited to share our experiences with you. We were so excited when we planned our trip, Bali was a destination we had been talking about for years at the time. We flew from Hamburg with Emirates, with a stopover in Dubai before continuing to Denpasar. Upon arrival, we had arranged for a driver from our hotel to meet us at the airport. It was a bit pricier than a regular taxi, but after a long flight, it was such a relief to have someone waiting and ready to take us straight to our accommodation. I just wrote an email to the hotel, and they arranged the transport for us.
Since our children were quite young at the time, I had prepared small gifts and activity packs for the flight—little bags of sweets, colouring books, and other activities—to help keep them entertained during the journey. I booked our flights through Momondo about seven months in advance, which, in my experience, is usually the sweet spot for the best fares. I had been monitoring ticket prices for a while and snapped them up as soon as I noticed a rise in cost.
When we landed in Denpasar at 11 a.m., we were absolutely exhausted. But instead of giving in to sleep, we forced ourselves to stay awake until about 7.30pm. A long swim in the pool and an early dinner at the hotel restaurant helped us push through. Once we finally went to bed, we all slept for a solid 12 hours – and by the next day, the time difference was not an issue anymore.
For the first five nights, we stayed in Nusa Dua. If you’re not familiar, Nusa Dua is a resort area in the south of Bali, known for its pristine beaches, calm waters, and a more tranquil atmosphere compared to the busier tourist areas. It’s perfect for families and anyone looking for a slightly more relaxed start to their Bali adventure. We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard, which was absolutely wonderful. The hotel itself is modern and comfortable, with spacious rooms and excellent facilities. Their breakfast was a particular highlight—fresh, varied, and perfect for fuelling up before a day of exploring. I booked our stay through Booking.com, which made the whole process smooth and straightforward.
Relaxing in Nusa Dua: Our First Days in Bali
The Courtyard by Marriott in Nusa Dua was a lovely place to arrive after our long flight. The resort is almost like two hotels in one, and guests can use both pools and restaurants, giving plenty of choice and space to relax. The atmosphere was really calm, and there were always sun loungers available by the beautiful pool area.
Ready for your own slice of paradise? Check prices and availability here.
Since we had just arrived and our children were adjusting to the time difference, we spent the first couple of days mostly at the hotel. We also made use of the free shuttle bus. One day we went to the beach, where the Marriott had a small café. We strolled along the shoreline, enjoyed some ice cream, and had a refreshing drink – simple pleasures, but really lovely.
Another day, we visited Bali Collection, the largest shopping centre in Nusa Dua. It’s an open-air complex with a mix of Balinese and modern architecture, perfect for wandering around, having lunch, and picking up a few souvenirs. The relaxed vibe made it easy to enjoy with the children.
Overall, we let the kids set the pace during those first days. We just took it easy, enjoyed being together, and soaked up the beautiful surroundings – the perfect way to start our Bali adventure.
Thinking about going? Check out the hotel here.
Other Places to Stay in Nusa Dua
If you’re considering Nusa Dua for your holiday, there are plenty of excellent hotels and resorts to choose from. Here are four options that cater to different budgets and styles, each offering something a little special:
1. Paradisus by Melía, Nusa Dua
This is true luxury on the beachfront. The suites are elegant, many with private balconies or jacuzzis overlooking the ocean. The service is impeccable, and the resort boasts infinity pools and children’s facilities, making it a great choice for families who still want a touch of indulgence.
2. Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
A French-inspired resort set right on the beach, with lush tropical gardens, lagoon pools, and a dedicated kids’ club. It’s a great balance of relaxation and luxury, with plenty of family-friendly amenities to keep everyone happy.
3. The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
A large five-star resort perfect for families. It has a wide range of rooms and suites, several restaurants, and multiple pools. The kids’ club and activity programme make it particularly appealing if you’re travelling with little ones, while adults can enjoy the spa or fitness centre.
4. Hilton Bali Resort
For those seeking comfort and value, Hilton Bali Resort is a solid option. It offers a private stretch of beach, spacious pools, and plenty of facilities for children. It may not be quite as exclusive as some of the ultra-luxury resorts, but it’s very family-friendly and often more budget-friendly too.
Travel Tips from Our First Days in Bali – Nusa Dua
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Book flights early: Around seven months before departure is often a good time to secure the best fares. Keep an eye on prices and book once prices start to rise.
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Choose a reliable airline: We flew with Emirates via Dubai, which made the long journey more comfortable.
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Plan airport transfers in advance: Arranging a driver through your hotel may cost a little more, but it’s worth it after a long-haul flight with children.
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Keep kids entertained on the flight: Prepare small surprises like sweets, colouring books, or little activity packs to break up the journey.
- Fight the jet lag wisely: We landed at 11am and, despite being exhausted, we made ourselves stay awake until around 7:30pm. Swimming and dinner at the hotel restaurant helped us adjust to the new time zone more quickly.
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Start slow: Allow time to adjust to the new time zone. Relax at the hotel and let the children set the pace for the first few days.
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Make use of hotel shuttles: Free shuttle services are a convenient way to explore nearby beaches, cafés, or shopping areas without stress.
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Bali Collection in Nusa Dua: A relaxed open-air shopping centre where you can find restaurants, shops, and souvenirs – great for finding a souvenir
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