Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali

Few hotels on the island feel quite as thoughtfully designed for young travellers as Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali. This intention is first signalled upon setting foot in the lobby, where kids are welcome to join their parents at the check-in desk with a whimsical step stool.

Arriving a bit earlier than the scheduled booking arrangements? There’s no need to worry; a slide gives the little ones space to play. Even better: settle into the Katha Lobby Lounge & Library to sample a diverse array of Indonesian coffees, embrace the laidback island life with an exotic cocktail, or browse its afternoon tea offerings for later in the day.

Checking in brings guests to one of the 297 accommodations; the obvious best bet for the whole ménage is the Family Duplex Room, which includes a lofted kids’ bedroom with guard rails to protect the climb up. The Family Prestige Room offers a flexible alternative for those with older kids, as its setup of two connecting Classic Rooms allows for a little more privacy while still keeping proximity.

From there, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure journey to explore all the resort has to offer. Parents can spend downtime at Arkipela Spa & Wellness with a signature treatment or keep their active habits at the 24-hour fitness centre. Really, though, it’s the younger guests who will be getting the most out of this resort’s in-house amenities.

There’s plenty to explore at the pirate-themed Meera Kids Club, one of the largest in Bali. Spanning two storeys, the facility is replete with recreational avenues: exhilarating play zones with trampolines and ball pits, movie screenings at the amphitheatre, cultural activities and art workshops, or even recharging in the sleep room; and that’s just the first floor. Upstairs is designated for teens, designed as a social space with bean bags and gaming consoles.

Children looking for a fun soak can find the dedicated kids’ pool, swirling slides and all. The Giant Inflatable, a floating bounce house, adds splashy fun and an orange-and-blue pop of whimsy to the glimmering waters. But, if they’re up for the challenge, the expansive lagoon-style pools welcome natural swimmers of all ages. A tip for older guests who like spicing up their poolside afternoons: grab the frozen margaritas from JeJaLa Pool Bar.

When the occasion calls for family time, it’s best to do so while sampling the resort’s delectable edibles. In an homage to the Mövenpick brand’s Swiss roots, the daily Chocolate Hour afternoons are perfect for sweet tooths to indulge. Stroll through the adjoining Samasta Lifestyle Village to explore some more dining options, including Mövenpick Café and the rooftop Mexican restaurant Adriana Cocina & Bar. Still not to be missed is Anarasa Restaurant, where diners can get a taste of the hotel chain’s worldwide staples: Zürich-style Veal, Riz Casimir, and Swiss Carrot Cake.