BALI-HIGH

After a solo trip to Bali for some much needed me-time back in 2016, I promised myself I'd come back here with my besties for my 40th birthday two years later. But life, timing and money (or lack of) kept getting in the way and here we are, seven years later and we'd still not been. Chats over the Summer break reignited the idea and we finally said 'fuck it, let's just book it'. So low and behold seven mamas were finally off to Bali and boy did we have the best time!

We weren't here for culture, rice fields or temples, although Bali has plenty of this. We were here to relax, have fun and reconnect. The term 'mums-gone-wild' was thrown around a few times! But whether you choose Bali for fun or relaxation (we clearly went more the fun route!), it's time to trade in the chaos of motherhood for some much-deserved me-time. Thinking about it? Well let me unravel our little adventure for you for some inspo...

Day one - flight and delyas

Look, I wanted to be able to tell you that our flight was amazing, and when we finally got on it, it was! But we had an 11 hour delay so getting on took some time, and yes we were flying Jetstar so that's probably enough said! We did get free inflight entertainment though. I'll take the small wins. By by the time we tackled customs, and found our driver, it was one o'clock in the morning by the time we got to our hotel. So much for an afternoon by the pool grabbing some much-needed sun. Thank god for spray tans! A couple of us did sneak up to the rooftop pool for a quick dip though.

Our first hotel was U Paasha, right in the heart of Eat Street Seminyak. I've stayed here before and it's really lovely, the pool is fab, the breakfast spot-on and it's just so central to great shopping, restaurants and fun.

Day two - getting out Sippy on

We were still one-woman-down as number 7 arrived that night, so trying not to peak too early we had a swim in the roof top pool (and a sneaky Bintang or two), did some shopping in Seminyak Square then spent the afternoon 'sipping' at Mrs Sippy. This spot is super-high on the ‘Instagram-able’ list, and gives good old “Mr Potatohead” a run for his money, but it seems so much quieter than precovid when it used to be heaving. The big draw card here is the fun 5m diving platform that towers over the whole venue and provides endless excitement watching people drop into the deep aqua pool below. But none of these mamas were brave enough this time. I saved that courage for Day four.

By Sarah Cavalier Editor, MamaMag, accompanied by six of her best mates!

Day three - getting out party on

After the late-night arrival of mama-no-7, today we were ready to get this party started! And where else but a beach club. If you haven't been to a Bali beach club, did you even go to Bali?! Ok, so maybe these mid-40's girls were pretending they were more like 30, but when Finns Beach Club invited us for the day, how could one resist? Located in the uberpopular Canggu, Finns have undoubtedly put beach club's on the map, and while there are new ones popping up all over the place, Finns still runs supreme. They even call themselves 'the best beach club in the world' and who was I to argue! Split into three sections, Finns Beach Club, Finns Beach Party and Finns VIP Beach Club, we opted for a huge day bed in the Party area which is dotted with circular pontoons in the pool (making it an Insta-dream) and a fabulous swim up bar overlooking the sea. I'll be honest, we kinda felt like rock-stars! The music was pumping, the sun was shining, and the cocktails... yum! And whilst we weren't quite as skimpily bikini clad as some patrons, I totally rocked my Infamous Swim bikini and have got 225 photos on my camera to prove a brilliant day was had by all. Day three ended with more partying, because whilst we were acting 30, why stop? We hit La Favela in Eat Street Seminyak. You can't find the words to describe this place. It's like a nightclub-jungle with the most intriguing decor. It's got to be seen to be believed. We totally carved up the dance floor, something I hadn't done in a long time, but jeez it felt good!

Day four - time to slip n slide

Taking things down a notch, and nursing sore heads, it was time for some water park fun. Usually high on the family must-do list, we decided that just because we didn't have kids didn't mean we should deny ourselves a day at Waterbom Park and I'm so glad we went. We booked a VIP gazebo which split between the 7 of us was only about $20 each and so worth it to have a spot to relax, eat and lock up our valuables. The lazy river was perfect to relax, but then we decided it was a good idea to go on the Climax. It was a trap door slide dropping me almost vertically down before I was caught and whipped into an inverted loop under 2.5G's of force on the way to being shot out in front of the crowd. It was both terrifying and exhilarating and I'm so glad I just gave in to my usual mumsy 'no thanks, bit much for me' and had a crack!

We celebrated a day out in the sun and water with dinner at my favourite Bali restaurant. Motel Mexicola. For years this amazing, unique venue has been serving the best Mexican food (hello $5 tacos), to-die-for cocktails (I’m all over the Mohito), all set amongst some fabulous and eccentric It's a Seminyak institution and not to be missed.

Day five - Hotel heaven

Today was moving day and time to swap the partying for some R&R with the much-anticipated check-in at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach. This was recommended to me by the fabulous Caroline from Mums Grapevine, and we knew we were onto something good when our driver said "you very lucky to be staying at Indigo" and he wasn't wrong. I was fortunate to be hosted here #mamamagperks, but we split the cost of the other two rooms between the seven of us to make it cheaper for all! I've stayed in nice hotels before, but this was next level divine! Only six years old, our stunning rooms had the most unique contemporary design influenced by the local culture, history, and architecture, giant soft king size beds, a full dressing room and stunning bathroom and balcony. There are several pools including the main pool in the central lawn area with spa section, a smaller kids pool (kids are welcome here, but it's not marketed that way so whilst it's amazing for families, it's not full of screaming terrors!), and the stunning 'secret pool' which was like a secret jungle oasis but still serviced by the fabulous Cave Bar so a cocktail is only a button away!

Day six - Shopping and sun

Today was all about enjoying Hotel Indigo and it's surrounds. Indigo is opposite Seminyak beach, so plenty of action around like La Plancha with its iconic coloured umbrellas and bean bags for a bite and a drink. The shopping was excellent and since we'd left the kids home, adequate gifts would be required for their forgiveness! All the Bali usuals line the streets. Basketball tops, cheap dresses (we even got matching ones!), "designer" handbags, you know the stuff! The hotel is set on magnificent grounds and gardens and a quick stroll across the lush lawn will take you to their beach front cafe/bar complete with yet another pool, Sugarsand. We had sunset drinks here and I enjoyed the stunning a la carte breakfast poolside a few times too, but the hotel buffet breaky was equally incredible. You're going to love it!

Day seven - Brunch and bars

We got the 'good gear' out today and frocked up for brunch. Dubbed as one of the best brunches in Bali, Starfish Bloo's signature Sunday brunch at W Bali - Seminyak is an awesome experience and well worth the pricetag. We were greeted with French Champagne, shown to our table overlooking the bluest sea we'd seen so far, and enjoyed this incredible all you can eat buffet. Seafood (ceviche, sashimi, Nigeri, clams, prawns, mussels, oysters, crab), salads, a huge variety of cheese, Bao buns, satay, a whole pig, not to mention the desert options! It was incredible. We had a quick dip on their beautiful pool after. Not entirely sure this was included, but they happily handed out towel! Then we strolled along the beach home, stopping by the always iconic Potato Head for a quick drink for the girls who had never been. A few more drinks on the beach and the next day it was home time. My cup was full, my 40th achieved (almost 6 years late) and Bali once again has created a special place in my heart. Better book a trip with the kids!