Our Grand Hyatt Bali Review: Fun beachfront paradise for a family vacation!

Written by Jiayi Ng

What do you do when life gets too tiring, the kids are fidgety, and your partner is bored? Don’t you simply want to pack up your loved ones and run away to an oasis to recharge and have a blast of family fun?

You may not believe it, but paradise on earth does exist, right here at Grand Hyatt Bali, a 5-star resort in peaceful Nusa Dua, which is also voted as No.1 Family Hotel in 2018 in Smart Travel Asia magazine.

As we stepped into the compound, we immediately felt transported into another world. With its beachfront location, abundance of gorgeous greenery, and water-palace-inspired architecture, everywhere we turned was a view fit for a family Instagram!

Also read: 26 fun things to do with kids in Bali that will bring out everyone’s inner child

The sky might have tried to rain on our parade throughout our three-day stay, but the impeccable service, luxurious stay and well-rounded facilities definitely brightened our days (and took the grumpiness away from the kids)!

So how does Grand Hyatt Bali defy even the rain to give you and your family the best getaway ever? Join us on our three-day adventure and find out!

1. Slide your way into a pool-y awesome wonderland

We all know what the kids look forward to the most at a resort stay – having a splashing fun time in the swimming pool!

Pool time is awesome for family bonding and we know it – joining the little ones for their mandatory playtime in the water is one of the most fun moments of your holiday. That’s when the kids are laughing, happy, and throwing the least tantrums (unless they are hydrophobic!).

And how can you not take some Instagrammable family snaps while you’re at it? At Grand Hyatt Bali, you’ll be kept happily busy with not just one, but five beautiful pools!

1-a. Swim up to oceanfront views at the Lagoon Pool

You can get some of the best views of the ocean from this main beachfront pool, a 75-metre long beauty surrounded by greenery and a gorgeous backdrop of the ocean.

I personally love this one best too!

If you have really active little ones, here’s where the entire family can have fun with water games! Or you can simply sit back and take in the visual experience with a cocktail or two from the Pool Bar, while your kids splash around in the water.

You can even have a really good workout here – the views are definitely worth it!

1-b. Kiddy fun with waterslides at the River Pool

We can guarantee that the River Pool is every child’s favourite.

How can it not be, when it houses two fun water slides, one for both adults and kids, and another for toddlers.

Let your toddler paddle away in the toddler pool, which is specially designed to be both pretty and safe! It’s so adorable watching the babies splash around a little clumsily with innocent bubbly giggles and laughter – you’ll love pool time as much as they do!

I joined the squealing kids in the queue for the adult one (in the main 1.3-metre-deep River Pool), and zooming along with the water flow was so much fun, there’s little wonder why the kids get on it again and again! They are suitable for everyone, just fast enough to be thrilling, yet safe for the young ones!

We know we don’t have as much energy as the kids, so once you’re tired, simply chill at the daybeds right by the pool with a juice, coffee or cocktail. You’ll be able to keep a watchful eye on the kids at the same time.

1-c. Private family time at the emerald Balinese Pool

Now we all know how crazy it is to be in the pool with your little ones if there are a lot more tourists and other kids in the same pool, all laughing and yelling and splashing away.

Well that’s ok if you have very sociable kids – they would love to make new friends! And if you are up for chatting with other parents yourself, that wouldn’t be a problem too.

But if you just want to spend some quiet family time together, or have a child who’s prone to disappearing into crowds, this would be a nightmare.

So here’s the little hideaway you can escape to with the kids – a gorgeous “hidden” pool that not many people know about – the Balinese Feature Pool (In fact, when I was here, there was practically no one else around!)

This emerald pool is a three-tier one that features gorgeous traditional Balinese accents, lending a peaceful and ethereal feel to the area. You’ll find that keeping track of your kids is much easier here, as there are no twists and turns à la the Lagoon Pool.

2. Grand adventures for the little ones at the Kids’ Club

How hard is it to keep a small child entertained without going crazy ourselves? I think we can all agree that the answer is – very hard.

Every parent needs to have a break sometimes, and while there’s not always going to be a KitKat bar on hand, Grand Hyatt’s Kids’ Club is a great alternative.

Even the wildest kids will be kept in their place here – the gated compound will keep your little terrors in, and bigger dangers far away.

The Kids’ Club is well-equipped to keep even the grumpiest kid entertained. Other than musical instruments and toys, your kid will also have a blast with the long list of activities available, including pizza-making (with pre-made dough), a little science programme and even Balinese Dance and Gamelan sessions!

Enthusiastic staff are always on site to care for the children, so no worries even if you have a hyperactive child – their energy will be put to good use as they are brought out on excursions to tour the massive resort grounds.

Who knows, your child might even get into big adventures like catching rabbits from the ground with their bare hands, as recounted by one of the kids we met at the club! We’d take his story with a pinch of salt, but it’s always nice to know that your kids are in a safe place, where their imagination can take flight.

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3. Stay in oceanfront luxury with sweeping views: King Room with Ocean View

Fancy waking up to the gorgeous view of the sea crashing onto the beach? Your wish is about to be fulfilled.

Rooms come in many kinds (13, to be exact) at Grand Hyatt, but they’re all serious about giving you the best views possible. From ground floor rooms bordered by a lotus pond to my third-level room with aerial views towards the sea and beyond, you’ll feel like you’re waking up to a painting every single day. I know, because I sure did!

When you’re not out having fun in the sun with the little ones, chill out in absolute luxury in the comfy rooms that come tastefully decorated in Balinese tones, and are just spacious enough for an average family of four. Rooms are also located a mere two minute walk from the beach, so if the little monsters are tiring you out, why not sneak back for a nap?

While Grand Hyatt does not offer any family rooms, interconnecting rooms are also available for bigger groups, so no worries even if you’re coming with all ten extensions of your family. The daybed is comfortable enough to double for a second bed, so you don’t even need a makeshift one!

My favourite part of the room has got to be the large bathroom, the perfect place to unwind after a long day. The bathtub sits next to shutters that you can close or leave open, and soaking in the marble bath while watching TV was just about my favourite moment of the day. Better yet, you can keep an eye on the kids even while you’re relaxing in the tub – watching them play happily while having a hot bath has got to be the perfect end to any day.

4. Enjoy a spa-cially sweet time with the little ones: Kriya Spa

We know you won’t think of spa when you’re looking for family bonding activities with children, but guess what? It can be!

Kriya Spa is truly the best place for you to shake off any parenting blues and escape into a world of relaxation.

The 24 independent spa villas all come with their own plunge pools, yoga massage mat, outdoor and indoor treatment stations, as well as a fully-equipped bathroom.

I personally tested out the 60-minute Balinese Massage, and the therapist even took the time to sit down and ask about my preferred pressure level, and areas to avoid or focus on. It was a small touch, but one that clearly showed the level of care and attention that the spa showers on its patrons.

But what’s luxury when you can’t enjoy them with your loved ones? At Kriya Spa, you and your family can try out spa packages together (yes, even with the little ones!).

Enjoy some relaxing bonding time with your children (only for age 5 and above) with the Precious Prince(ss)* and Chill Out with Dad* options, which include yummy treatments like Vanilla Chocolate & Caramel Aromatherapy massage or Vanilla and Chocolate scrub. They are so delicious, your little ones might even be tempted to lick them off! 😉

Now you can get some much needed rest and relaxation, while your little ones have fun! Who says kids and relaxation can’t be in the same sentence?

5. Enjoy fun family mealtimes with night markets and poolside delicacies

With 5 restaurants and 3 bars, your tastebuds are in for a treat at Grand Hyatt Bali. And if you love food as much as we do, you won’t be disappointed!

5-a. A taste of tradition under the stars: Pasar Senggol

Special memories are made when you’re on holiday, and what could be more special than a night of entertainment and good food under the stars?

Pasar Senggol is the most iconic dinner event at Grand Hyatt Bali. Inspired by traditional Balinese night markets, you and your kids will both love the wonderful world of outdoor dining, with live food stalls serving freshly cooked (or grilled) Indonesian and Balinese food, as well as craft stalls located outside the restaurant (where artists sell handmade crafts such as bracelets) and cultural performances ready to entertain you as you dine.

We were so looking forward to this experience, but unfortunately, it rained on both nights when we were there, and Pasar Senggol was moved indoors to the Watercourt Restaurant instead (this is their usual rain plan).

Although the night market’s unique atmosphere was a little different indoors, it was still an interesting and entertaining experience. You can find all sorts of traditional food from the extensive buffet spread, including our favourite Babi Guling (roasted suckling pig – the pride of Bali) and the super tasty sambal matah (raw spicy shallot salsa).

The seafood spread of marinated squid and fish was also a taste to remember, and the specialty Pandan cake was incredibly fluffy, just sweet enough to cleanse the palate after an extra savoury meal. From savoury and sweet to spicy and cool, there’s a unique taste that will appeal to everyone here, so don’t worry even if your child (or you) is a picky eater!

You won’t even have to clown around to entertain your child throughout dinner, as Pasar Senggol comes with nightly cultural performances (a different one every night)! We saw an entertaining Kecak Dance performance that enthralled not just us but all the kids in attendance.

The dancer playing Hanuman (a white monkey Hindu deity) was particularly friendly with the children, even taking the time to interact and joke around with them. Needless to say, he was the most popular star of the night when the time came to take photos with the cast.

If you have kids with you when you are in Grand Hyatt Bali, be sure to take them for this unique dining experience like no other – you might even enjoy it more than they do!

5-b. Beachfront dining with the family: Salsa Verde

Fun pools mean excited children, which translates to tired parents. And tired parents need food. So thankfully for you, the Italian restaurant Salsa Verde is located right next to the lagoon pool and beach, where you can dine to the soothing sounds of manmade waterfalls.

The restaurant’s open concept makes it easy to see what’s going on at the pool, so if you just want to grab a quick bite while your children splash it out, feel free to do so! On especially hot days, sit back with the resort’s signature drink, Lemonana (a lemonade concoction) – the perfect refreshing choice to chase away the heat.

And because good things are meant to be shared, the restaurant serves up a mean Octopus Salad, as well as a yummy Margherita Pizza and a drool-worthy Squid Ink Risotto that’s much cheesier than it looks! Just remember to bring baggier clothes especially if you’re a foodie – this place really isn’t “belly” friendly.

Also remember that you love your kids even while they’re trying to steal a bite from your plate!

5-c. Panoramic ocean views for a date with nature: Salsa Bar

After a long day running after your kids, sometimes you just need a place to chill at. And if you love the ocean, you’re bound to love Salsa Bar, the rooftop bar above Salsa Verde that offers views of the blue sea for miles and miles.

Lounging up here on a comfy sofa after a tiring day is the perfect way to unwind, as the sea breeze brushes through your hair and you sip an ice-cold cocktail.

It’s incredibly relaxing at this chill bar, perfect for a short date with your partner or even your kids! (But we won’t judge if you choose to leave the little ones napping in your room, promise.)

You’ll have to climb a flight of stairs to get to the bar, so perhaps it’s not a good idea to bring the pram along, though we have seen families who’ve managed to lug the monster contraption all the way up!

It almost seems a little selfish to keep views like these to yourself, don’t you think?

5-d. Breakfast like a king in a water palace: Watercourt Restaurant

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – it fuels your body and gears you up for all the crazies your children can get up to for the rest of the day.

For gluttons like us, the perfect start to a day would be eating like a king. And you can feel like one at the Watercourt Restaurant, a gorgeous establishment modeled after the water palaces of Bali, surrounded by serene water ponds.

Stepping into the restaurant already feels like a trip back to the Bali of old, as you cross wooden platforms and stone paths, gliding over the flower-filled water pool. (Just make sure you let your kids know that they can’t walk on water.) It’s a different kind of beauty when you dine here in the morning, as the flowers here only bloom in the morning!

But we know it’s difficult to pay attention to the beauty around you when you’re surrounded by a scrumptious spread of international breakfast dishes, with creamy croissant and fragrant scrambled eggs paired with chocolate cupcakes and savoury sausages. With everything from sweet to savoury, both you and the little ones will love this breakfast spread. Just be sure to guard your food though – we saw a hungry bird make off with a stolen croissant!

6. Pose with exotic animals at the Instagrammable garden

We know how important it is to capture every special holiday moment with your child, so we’ll help you out here. 😉

You will love snapping away in the scenic ponds and gardens in the resort’s huge grounds – the perfect place for kids to run around happily and you can catch some Insta-worthy pictures too.

As the kids burn off their energy (and don’t they always seem to have a limitless supply!), you’ll know this is definitely worth it – especially when your kids are so exhausted they sleep through the night, and you’re counting your likes on Instagram.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch some of the resort’s resident animals, including goats, storks, ducks and even lizards! These are rare sights that city kids don’t get to see often, something that will get them excited!
Check out this super adorable video of kids having fun with these animals!

Since you’re in Bali, why not give the little ones another window into the world and a chance to get close to nature? Not too close, though – keep a tight hold on them, as there are no fences around the ponds. We’re not too sure you’ll want a wet duck for a kid….

Psst – older kids will probably enjoy the giant chess set on the lawn! It’s also another gorgeous photo spot, with the ocean as a backdrop. Family portraits in the studio are so yesterday – especially when every single shot here is 10 times nicer.

If you want to have a memorable family holiday, where you can bond with your partner and kids, and have the time of your lives right by the beach, let yourselves be pampered by Grand Hyatt Bali.

From the young’uns to the young-at-heart, it’s actually a challenge not to have fun at this beachfront resort!

Comment and share with us your experiences if you planning to stay or have stayed here before and we will PM you a special offer for this hotel!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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