My wife and I went to Bali on our honeymoon 4.5 years ago and loved it! We are now going with my wife's family (her parents and brother) over New Years next year. When we were there, we stayed at great boutique style places (Tugu, Kajane Mua, & Qunci) but they might not be as appropriate for a family vacation. My in-laws usually like to stay at large all-inclusive resorts because they are easy, provide entertainment, and feel safe. We are trying to push them a bit outside of their comfort zone so that we are a bit more immersed in the local culture.

We are planning on doing 3 nights in Ubud and then 4 nights on a beach. We could potentially do a villaor boutiquey type place in Ubud since there aren't large resorts but I'm having a harder time picking a place on the beach. My brother in law is 22 and he usually needs a social outlet and access to people his age while my mother in law mostly wants to feel safe and stay in a luxurious feeling place. I have Diamond status with Hyatt and I can get complimentary confirmed suite upgrades which I could let my in-laws have. I am thinking of the Bali Hyatt because it's more affordable (I could also use points to book a few nights) and Sanur seems like it provides a better sense of local culture compared to the Grand Hyatt in Nusa Dua. Another option that I considered was the Conrad because we can use points to book at least one room, but wouldn't get the suite upgrade. The place looks great but I am biased against Nusa Dua as I find it sterile compared to other areas.

I also thought about Seminyak. Any recommendations on these or any other hotels in Bali that might be appropriate for our family?

Thanks!

The Bali Hyatt is lovely. The grounds are gorgeous - award-winning gardens. The pools are some of the nicest on the island. It is located in Sanur, a small town, so you can walk to shopping and other restaurants.

I've visited the Grand Hyatt over at Nusa Dua, and I don't like it. Nusa Dua is a sterile tourist enclave, and the hotel seemed stark in contrast to the lushness of the Bali Hyatt. I've alway stayed in the Regency Club at the Bali Hyatt.

A boutique property near Ubud and the Bali Hyatt would probably make everyone happy.

bali hyatt is an excellent suggestion for your beach portion and so is the pan pacific hotel on the west coast...

for ubud, i would suggest the alam shanti, just a short walk from downtown and also has free all day in town transport if requested.. delivery and pickup...loverly porches for parents to hand out on and relax

You guys gave me great advice in planning my honeymoon a few years back so I'm very confident in your feedback!

Also, is there much nightlife in Sanur to keep my brother in law entertained?

Your b-i-l would definitely prefer Seminyak. I don't know which would be preferable for the rest of your party, but I don't think you would DIS-like Seminyak. Nice long walking beach, big waves, excellent restaurants, shops, spas.

For medium sized, boutique-y resorts in Seminyak I would suggest The Legian (make sure you look at the one in Seminyak) and the Samaya. You should also consider the new W. Do you have Sheraton points that you could use at the W?

If you decide to go with a villa that's not connected to a resort, you'd have oodles of choices in Seminyak. I'd start with the Petitengit area. Look at the Laksmana group, for example.

Except for a few exceptions, villas are not right on the beach, but are within walking distance. If you want beach front go with a resort.

In the Ubud area I'll look at the Alila, the Chedi (both outside of town) and the Uma Ubud (in town).

I will warn you that New Year's is highest of high season and all of the resorts charge a premium. Some even make their own New Year's celebration mandatory.

The Legian has a very nice event, but it's quite pricy.