Most Australians book package tours to Bali which have them staying in a tourist hotel. On the suggestion of a workmate, we (2 families each with 2 kids) tried a different style, booking a villa for ourselves. We booked one near to the beach in Seminyak. Seminyak is just a $3 and 10 minute taxi drive away from the shopping action in Kuta and Legion. The kids never ever got bored as the villa had a large sparkling pool and airconditioned ‘theatre room' with giant image DVD player for them to look at the multitude of 'less than one dollar' DVD's.For the adults, the villa became our luxury haven of tranquility behind high security walls. To come home to this perfect environment after a day of frantic shopping, bartering and motor bikes was heaven... especially when the staff offered you an ice cold Bintang.
Before you book your package, check out staying in a villa. We chose Wilsana2 and loved everything about it. For 2 families, the costs are only a little more than staying in 4 star hotels, but with lots of extras thrown in... a free massage, a free day trip, 2 dozen Bintang beers in the fridge, your washing done every day, breakfast included too. With Bali being fairly quiet at the moment, you should be able have the rates substantially discounted.