![Relax or enjoy the activities on offer. It's up to you at Club Med Bali.](http://web.archive.org./web/20180525020151im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/x/n/f/u/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtxneq.png/1485229238579.jpg)
In eight years since becoming parent, I have learnt one universal truth about holidaying with children in tow - there are destinations where your offspring are welcomed with open arms and other places which clearly do not cater for little people.
But Club Med Bali is the first resort I have visited where kids are so welcome they are provided with their own place at the bar - literally.
The sweet Kids Corner step at the resort's stylish Kintamani bar is utilised by youngsters keen for a milkshake or softdrink to enjoy while enjoying the sunshine. It's presence is indicative of a wider mindset at the 14ha resort where all guests, big and small, are very well catered for.
![Kids are always welcome.](http://web.archive.org./web/20180525020151im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/x/n/g/s/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gtxneq.png/1485229238579.jpg)
This attention to the needs and happiness of every guest is clear from the wide range of activities on offer - from kids club for the youngest family members to an adults-only Zen Pool for parents after some much-needed quiet time.
Club Med was founded in France in the 1950s and has more than 70 world-class resorts around the globe.
The organisation traditionally targeted young singles and couples, however more recently the focus has shifted and "premium all-inclusive packages" have been created with families, wellness and adventure in mind.
The all-inclusive Club Med offering means most resort expenses, including food and drinks, are taken care of as part of the package and guests don't need to worry about carrying money around or keeping a tally of what they have spent.
My visit to the idyllic Nusa Dua resort was my first Club Med experience and, although I realised my time spent there would be special, I didn't really know what to expect.
![It's impossible not to relax at Club Med Bali's Zen pool.](http://web.archive.org./web/20180525020151im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/x/n/1/c/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1485226607189.png)
It's impossible not to relax at Club Med Bali's Zen pool. Photo: Club Med Bali
However it doesn't take long to realise it is Club Med's staff that really set the Club Med experience apart from other resort holidays.
GOs (Gentils Organisateurs, or kind organisers) are considered the ambassadors of the Club Med spirit. They tasked with upholding the company's 5 values: kindness, freedom, responsibility, pioneer, multiculturalism - and they do a great job of that.
While they might be working in any part of the resort, GOs are so welcoming and engaging with everyone they come into contact with that they soon seem more like fellow holidaymakers rather than resort staff.
In fact it is the warm greeting of "welcome to paradise" from one GO on arrival which made it clear that the worries of the world are left outside as soon as you walk through the resort gate.
While this was my first visit to Nusa Dua, it was not my first trip to Bali and I was keen to take a day trip to Seminyak or Kuta to soak up some of the hustle and bustle that I had enjoyed on my last visit to the Indonesian island.
But, with only four days to make the most of my Club Med stay, I found it impossible to drag myself away from relaxation at the resort. Most of my days were spent at the adults-only Zen pool or relaxing with a cool drink taking in the idyllic sea views at the beach bar.
After a long morning walk around the perfectly manicured grounds, I visited the resort's Mandara Spa and enjoyed a Harmony Spa treatment. The attentive and gentle Balinese staff made the spa experience so blissful I walked out feeling even more relaxed than I did when I walked in - if that was possible!
Nights were spent enjoying a cocktail at the stylish Kintamani bar before dinner at the Agung - where a selection of dishes from all around the world is on offer each mealtime - and nightly shows and dancing.
The resort boasts 393 rooms ranging from Club rooms through to Suites. All are tastefully decorated in Balinese style and provide yet another cool place to relax.
![Children of all ages will have fun at Club Med Bali's Kids Club.](http://web.archive.org./web/20180525020151im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/x/n/1/p/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1485226530200.png)
Children of all ages will have fun at Club Med Bali's Kids Club. Photo: Club Med Bali
Of course relaxation isn't mandatory and for those wanting a more active holiday the resort offers more than 15 sports and activities, including flying trapeze school, kayaking and water polo, for those who prefer to be on the move.
And for those parents who might initially feel a bit guilty dropping their children at Kids Club while they spend time at the Zen pool or take part in more active pursuits, there is no need to worry.
According to Club Med Bali Chef de Village Eric Lejeune the Kids Clubs programs are broken down into age groups which means infants, children and teens will all have just as much fun as their parents do during their holiday.
"We have GOs who will look after the children from four months till 23 months for Baby Club, two-years-old till three-years-old for the PetitClub, four-years-old till seven-years-old for the Mini Club, eight-years-old till ten-years-old for the Kids Club, 11-years-old till 17-years-old for the Junior or Teens Club," Mr Lejeune said.
"There are various programmes available for each age group. The activities in the Mini Club Med include learning about the local Balinese culture through arts and crafts, trying new sports with friends (flying trapeze, golf, watersports), and surprising parents with an evening performance.
"The kids club and the kids facilities are very important to bring happiness to the children for them to have a memorable holiday in Club Med."
It's safe to say, that by the end of stay I am won over by the Club Med way and vow to return to either Nusa Dua or another resort in the region sometime soon.
Happily, from there will soon be another Indonesian Club Med for families to visit after an announcement of plans to open Club Med Lombok.
The brand new resort is due to open in 2019 and will be the third Club Med in Indonesia, following Bali and Club Med Bintan Island.
Club Med Chief Executive Officer Henri Giscard d'Estaing said more 80,000 guests from more than 30 countries already visit Club Med Bali and Club Med Bintan Island every year.
"We foresee Club Med Lombok to receive a high volume of international attention and clients, and raise global awareness for Lombok as a premium holiday destination," he said when announcing work on the resort would begin in March this year.
"The opening of this resort will also directly create over 350 jobs locally, contributing to the growth of the tourism industry."
Club Med Lombok will inlcude 350 rooms on a 15ha site featuring 650 metres of pristine aquamarine waters with powdery white sand. Guests will be able to enjoy a wide range of sea activities such as snorkelling, surfing, diving and more.
For more information about a Club Med Bali holiday, visit the Club Med website.
* The writer was a guest of Club Med Bali.