GREEN SHOOTS IN PARADISE

Start your family holiday in beautiful Bali with a stay at Komaneka at Monkey Forest in Ubud. The Monkey Forest (just 5km away) is home to around 700 monkeys (and nearly 200 species of tree). It is of huge spiritual significance as well as being a centre for conservation, and there are also three 14^th-century temples here, so there’s something to see round every corner.    As well as the forest nearby, you’ll also be a mere ten-minute walk from Ubud Palace, and buzzing markets, shops and restaurants are on the doorstep. For an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, explore the dramatic backdrop of mountains, forests, rice fields and waterfalls by cycling, trekking, or whitewater rafting on the Ayung River. Back at the hotel, the whole family will love dining at the open-air restaurant and relaxing in the infinity pool – or how about a treetop picnic?

It’s time for some accommodation with a difference – as well as eco-friendly accommodation in a family yurt, the Green Camp, set in Bali’s Green School, offers memorable family experiences which have a focus on helping children learn about the environment and Balinese culture in an immersive, creative and fun way, as well as enabling young people to gain self-confidence as ‘green leaders’. These activities (which are suitable for children aged from seven to 17 - ideally at least five years old) can be tailored with carefully chosen activities to suit your family, and range from learning traditional Balinese dances to climbing coconut trees. As well as enjoying the camp, there is a chance to venture further afield, such as with a hike around jungles, rice paddies and waterfalls, or a visit to a local arts and crafts market.

Finish your family holiday at Belmond Jimbaran Puri, where you’ll have Jimbaran Bay - a 2km-stretch of fine white sand and one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches – right on your doorstep. The luxurious cottages and villas offer plenty of space for the whole family, including your own private pool and garden. There is also a children’s pool, and the child-friendly restaurants are happy to cater to personal requests, making your stay as hassle-free as possible. If your children are water babies, they can learn how to surf, go kayaking on the lake, or set sail on a catamaran cruise. Around the coastline, don’t miss the intriguing Tanah Lot temple, which sits on a rock jutting out to sea and is only accessible at low tide. Just make sure you don’t miss the sunset back at Jimbaran Bay – it is beautiful here, and the hotel’s position in the middle of the bay makes it a prime viewing spot.