I didn’t realise how much we needed a break until I arrived at HOMM Saranam Baturiti. Nestled in the cool highlands of Bali, surrounded by misty hills and endless green, the resort felt like a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. The moment we stepped out of the car, the crisp mountain breeze greeted us like an old friend, and I knew we were in for something special.

The kids were already buzzing with excitement, pointing at the gardens, the pool, and the butterflies flitting about. I was just grateful to be somewhere quiet, somewhere that felt far away from the usual rush of life.

A Room with a View—and Space to Breathe

Our family room was perfect. Spacious, warm, and with a view that stretched across the valley like a painting. Two comfy queen beds, a terrace for morning tea, and enough room for the kids to spread out their toys without stepping on anyone’s toes. It felt like a proper home—not just a hotel room.

We spent our first evening wrapped in blankets, sipping hot tea while the kids played cards. The air was cool, the sky was soft, and for once, no one was glued to a screen.

Where Kids Can Just Be Kids

Every morning, the kids woke up with a mission. One day it was swimming, the next it was a garden tour where they got their hands dirty planting seedlings and learning about compost. They loved the Sustainability Garden Tour—especially the part where they got to dig in the soil and chase bugs. It was messy, muddy, and absolutely brilliant.

The Play Play Kids Club became their second home. It’s a cheerful little space filled with games, crafts, and friendly staff who seemed to genuinely enjoy being around children. While they painted and built forts, I snuck off for a quiet coffee and a moment to myself. It was the kind of balance I didn’t know I’d been craving.

Poolside Bliss

The pool was a dream. Fed by natural highland springs, it shimmered under the sun like something out of a storybook. The kids splashed around in the shallow end while I floated lazily, watching dragonflies skim the surface. Even on cooler days, the water was inviting, and the view—rice fields, distant peaks, and soft skies—was pure poetry.

We spent hours there. Sometimes swimming, sometimes just lying back and watching the clouds drift by. It was the kind of simple joy that stays with you long after the holiday ends.

Wandering Through the Gardens

The gardens at HOMM Saranam Baturiti are something else. Winding paths and bursts of colour around every corner. We wandered without a plan, letting the kids chase butterflies and invent stories about fairies living in the flowers. It was peaceful, playful, and full of little surprises.

One afternoon, we stumbled upon a quiet bench tucked behind a wall of bougainvillea. We sat there for ages, just talking, laughing, and soaking it all in. It’s funny how the smallest moments often become the most memorable.

A Feast for All Ages

Food was a highlight—every meal felt like a little celebration. Breakfast at Samiya Restaurant was a daily ritual. The misty views, the clatter of cutlery, and the smell of fresh pastries set the tone for the day. The menu for lunch was amazing—Caesar salads, steak, Spaghetti Bolognese and Sop Buntut—no explanation needed. Dinner was a chance to slow down. We dressed up just a little and shared plates of Indonesian classics.

A Moment for Me

While the kids were off at the club, I treated myself to a session at 8lements Spa. Tucked among the trees, it felt like stepping into another world. I chose an open-air massage, and as birdsong filled the air and the breeze danced through the leaves, I felt something shift. It wasn’t just relaxation—it was renewal.

It reminded me that holidays aren’t just for the kids. They’re for us too—for the quiet moments, the deep breaths, and the chance to reconnect with ourselves.

A Staycation That Stays With You

What made HOMM Saranam Baturiti so special wasn’t just the setting or the facilities—it was the feeling. The sense that time had slowed down, that we were truly present, and that we were making memories in the most natural, effortless way.

It was watching the kids run barefoot through the grass, sharing stories over dinner, and waking up to birdsong instead of alarms. It was the laughter, the stillness, and the joy of being together without distractions.

If you’re looking for a family escape that’s equal parts adventure and tranquillity, where the kids are entertained and the grown-ups are restored, HOMM Saranam Baturiti is the place. It’s not flashy, it’s not loud—but it’s full of heart. And for us, that made all the difference.

www.hommhotels.com/hotels/homm-saranam-baturiti