Kiddy & parent paradise..win, win!
Photo Credit: Sea Shanty
The Sea Shanty is the vision of the Griffins, an Aussie family with 3 kids, who have designed their beautiful and breezy villa with kids in mind. Not only is it functional, it's fabulously stylish. The Sea Shanty is the kind of place that caters for everyone - from the little tykes to the grandparents, and everyone in between! It's perfect for a family reunion or a getaway with other families. ​
After recommending the Sea Shanty to a friend, he took the plunge and booked it for a special holiday with his extended family who hail from all corners of Australia. I was keen to hear all the gossip. Here's what he had to say!
Who did you travel with?
We were three families altogether, with three kids (7, 9 and 12) and the grandparents.
What made it special and unique?
The Sea Shanty feels like you have entered another world when you walk through the huge wooden doors to the villa. It is tucked away from any traffic and was quiet and peaceful. The gardens are beautiful and lush. Jimbaran beach is a 2-minute walk away, and is one of the most kid-friendly beaches in Bali. My kids loved boogie boarding on the gentle but decent rolling waves at the beach.
It really was the perfect base to catch up as a family, and to explore Bali!
Photo Credit: Sea Shanty
The hosts, Lina and Supri really have perfected the art of hosting. They are always there when you need assistance or advice but also give you lots of space. Lina was so easy to communicate with and nothing seemed like a hassle. She really does set the tone of a relaxed and comfortable stay.
We loved having meals at the villa because it was so relaxed and Lina’s cooking was always superb. The kids loved her nasi goreng (fired rice), pancakes, chicken nuggets and they even tried some rendang, and papaya salad. Her breakfasts were a big hit, especially the perfectly rounded pancakes! But, if you do want to eat out Jimbaran Beach has it all from low key beach cafes in the sand to upmarket joints.
Photo Credit: Sea Shanty
Is the layout family-friendly?
The villa is set-up perfectly for three families to stay comfortably. It catered well for the mix of ages in our group. The common areas were great to share stories and to catch up on old times, and the bedrooms were large and very private, each with their own Balinese style bathroom. It was just a really well designed place. We always felt very secure within the house and it was a very spacious and free environment for our extended family.
Photo Credit: Sea Shanty
Why you think it rocks for families?
There is a really comfortable TV area with lots of kids DVD's for those times when the kids just want to relax. There is a lengthy pool with a shallow area for small children and some basic pool toys. I believe they have a pool fence they can put up, cots, high chairs etc. The kids room has bunk, books and some toys, books and a black board wall. The kids bathroom has a quirky octopus mural on the wall. The hosts were very friendly with my kids and made them feel very comfortable. They can also baby sit too if you want to go out for dinner without kids.
Photo Credit: Sea Shanty
Style notes - the design, decor and vibe?
There are lovely personal touches everywhere. I would describe it as relaxed and stylish.
Can you tell us the basics about the Sea Shanty?
There are three living areas which is great so that everyone can spread out if need be. There are four bedrooms all with their own bathroom. Three bedrooms are set-up with huge king-size beds and spacious outdoor bathrooms. One is set up with two double bunk beds. The beds were all super comfortable. The house and bedrooms are full of bi-fold doors that are opened up during the day and closed up at night with air-con and ceiling fans.
Photo Credit: Sea Shanty
There is a lovely kitchen and open living areas. There is also an outdoor bbq and you are welcome to cook yourself but why would you when Lina provides such lovely and diverse meals that cater for the variety of tastes. There is a TV and DVD player, Bluetooth speaker for music and wifi. The dining table seats12 comfortably, and there is a lovely garden for kids to run around.
Who would it suit?
The house would suit a range of situations - it was particularly good for 3 families that wanted to catch-up. It would suit babies, toddlers, teens and grandparents for that matter. The house felt pretty luxurious and is pretty close to all the busy areas of Bali but still allowed some time on the beach.
Photo Credit: Sea Shanty
Any issues, or concerns?
None that I can think of.
Tell us a bit about you!
We have 3 kids, aged 7, 9 and 12. We are not big holiday-makers but have lived overseas in Samoa for a few years where we did stay at local beach hotels. We like hiking, outdoor activities and spend most holiday time catching up with extended families. We do want to access some South-east Asian destinations as the kids get older.
Paul with his lovely family!
Photo Credit: Paul
Thanks heaps Paul for sharing your insights!
The Sea Shanty supports the Kupu Kupu Foundation
The Sea Shanty supports the Kupu Kupu Foundation, a small independent school in Ubud providing education and support to disabled people in Bali. Donations of clothes or educational items such as books and pencils are welcome, so when you book, ask what they need. You can also visit and even stay in their bugalows for the night!
The Sea Shanty also have a Facebook Page where you can find out about the latest happenings, including any specials! I'm also a bit of a fan of their Instagram feed.
Thank you to the Sea Shanty for giving me permission to use some of their fabulous photos.
Growing up Troppo is about people sharing their little gems, their favourite places to stay, eat and place with kids. I'm not getting any freebies or incentives to profile the Sea Shanty. I haven't stayed here (yet!), but I've read every review of the Sea Shanty and have been following these guys on Instagram and Facebook for ages and have been in contact with the owners.
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Libby Larsen - Growing up Troppo
Growing up Troppo provides independent an honest advice from parents about special and unique places to stay, play and eat with kids (that parents love too!). I'm not sure about you but when I'm heading somewhere a good friend has been to, I always ask, "Where did you stay? What did you do? Got any top tips? I trust their advice and insights and know they will give me the honest lowdown from a friend's and parent's perspective!
