There are stays that are lovely, and then there are stays that stop you mid-moment and make you think, this is exactly what a holiday should feel like. Kayumanis Sanur was, without question, the latter. Lush, private, impossibly beautiful — this is the kind of villa that makes you want to cancel your plans and simply stay and relax. Especially when the place has everything you need – an onsite restaurant, spa and daily complimentary activities.
If you’ve been dreaming about the best villas in Sanur Bali, let me save you some time: Kayumanis belongs at the very top of your shortlist. In this Kayumanis Sanur review, I’m walking you through every detail of our stay — the villa, the food, the daily activities, the little surprises, and the one hilarious mistake we made with the cocktails (more on that later). Whether you’re planning a family trip, a group getaway, or just searching for where to base yourself on your next bali itinerary, you’ll want to read this one.
Why Kayumanis Sanur?
Sanur is one of the best areas in Bali for families, and honestly, it’s one that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. It’s calmer than Seminyak or Canggu, smaller than Uluwatu, and has a lovely local, laid-back energy that I think pairs really well with the exhaustion of travelling to bali with a baby (or a toddler, or both, which was our situation). If you’ve already ticked off some of the bigger hitters — the beach clubs in Uluwatu, the rice paddies of Ubud, the surf scene in Canggu — Sanur offers something a little slower and a lot sweeter.
We came to Kayumanis after spending 2 nights at the Hyatt Regency. We were a group of six adults and three little ones: me, Matt, and our son Kylo, plus our best friends Kayla, her partner Jared, and their son Miles. Finding a villa that accommodated all of us comfortably, with space to breathe and a pool big enough to actually swim in, was non-negotiable. Kayumanis delivered on every single front.
If you’re in the early stages of building your trip, I also have guides to the best things to do in bali, things to do in canggu, and the best cafes in ubud — all worth a read when you’re planning your days.
Location of Kayumanis Sanur Villas
Kayumanis Private Villa & Spa Sanur is nestled in the heart of Sanur, one of Bali’s most beloved and underrated coastal villages. Situated on the quieter, eastern side of the island, Sanur sits roughly 30 minutes south of Ubud and about 20–25 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport — making it an incredibly convenient base, especially when you’re arriving with kids and all their gear.
Unlike the busier strips of Seminyak or Canggu, Sanur has a genuinely relaxed pace. The streets are tree-lined, the beachfront promenade is wide and walkable, and there’s a real sense of community here that you don’t always find in the more tourist-heavy pockets of the island. It’s the kind of place where mornings feel slow in the best possible way.
Kayumanis sits within easy reach of Sanur’s main beachfront, Icon Mall, and a handful of excellent restaurants and cafés. The complimentary shuttle service means you never feel cut off — you can be dropped in town, spend a few hours exploring, and be collected whenever you’re ready. It’s also well-positioned for day trips: Ubud, Nusa Dua, and the ferry to Nusa Lembongan are all accessible without a gruelling drive.
For families in particular, Sanur’s location is a real asset. There’s none of the chaotic traffic you sometimes encounter closer to Kuta or Seminyak, and the general energy of the area is calm and unhurried — exactly what you want when you’re managing nap schedules, small humans, and the general beautiful chaos of bali with kids.
First Impressions of Kayumanis Sanur
The experience at Kayumanis begins before you even arrive, which is a lovely touch. They sent a beautiful car to collect us from our previous accommodation, the Hyatt Sanur — it was clean, comfortable, and came stocked with chilled water and cookies. Kylo was absolutely delighted. As transfers go, it set the tone immediately: we are being well looked after here.
The drive was short, which was a relief with restless kids in tow. On arrival, we were greeted with cold towels (essential in the Bali heat), and a beautiful marigold flower arrangement that felt genuinely thoughtful rather than performative. What struck me most in those first few minutes was the staff. Every single person we encountered from the moment we pulled up was warm, smiling, and unhurried. There’s a quality of hospitality in Bali that you just can’t manufacture, and Kayumanis has it in abundance.
We were taken to our villa, and I want to be clear: my first reaction was wow, this is massive!
The Villa – Our Three-Bedroom Compound
Walking through the traditional Balinese doors into our private compound felt genuinely special. You step through and you’re immediately met with the pool — and it is huge. For a three-bedroom villa, the pool size was perfect. I actually really dislike when a villa advertises multiple bedrooms but the pool feels like it’s designed for two people. This was not that. There was room for the kids to properly splash around and for the adults to actually swim laps without negotiating.
There was also a beautiful bamboo structure with a lounge underneath, overlooking the pool — the kind of spot you picture when you dream about Bali. The gardens throughout the compound were absolutely stunning. I was so curious about the grand trees dotted throughout — they were that impressive. I found out they’re Madagascar Almond Trees, and they’ve been deliberately preserved by the owner, who has a deep commitment to the environment.
I loved learning that the philosophy behind it is that trees are living beings that take far longer to grow than we do — so every single one on the property is protected and cared for. It gives the whole compound this incredible sense of age and permanence that you just can’t replicate with a new build.
We stayed in the Ceng Ceng Villa and I love that detail too. All of the villas at Kayumanis are named after traditional Balinese musical instruments, which is a beautiful way to honour local culture and heritage. It’s the kind of thoughtful touch that tells you a lot about a property’s values before you’ve even unpacked.
One thing I want to be upfront about, because I think it’s genuinely useful if you’re travelling with very little ones: Kayumanis is a stunning property, but the traditional compound layout includes a pond and a small bridge connecting the living and dining areas.
With our one-year-olds toddling around, it required constant supervision — eyes on them at all times whenever we were moving through the compound. It wasn’t a dealbreaker by any means, and we absolutely loved our stay, but I’d say this villa would be slightly better suited to families with kids who are a little older and more steady on their feet. Just something worth keeping in mind when you’re planning!
The Rooms
The villa had three bedrooms across two levels:
- Master bedroom (downstairs): This was ours, and it was beautiful. It had a bath, an outdoor shower, and a daybed. Everything you need for a proper tropical escape.
- Second downstairs room: Where Kylo and our daughter Zadie slept. Also featured an outdoor shower — that lovely indoor-outdoor flow that just feels so right in Bali.
- Upstairs room: Kayla and Jared’s space, tucked above with lovely views over the compound.
The outdoor living, dining, and kitchen area had all the hallmarks of a traditional Balinese compound — just elevated. Thatched roofs throughout, a proper lounge space with a daybed and TV, and a massive dining table where we had breakfast together as a group each morning
That table honestly made such a difference — there’s something really lovely about being able to sit everyone down together without it feeling cramped.
Practically speaking, the villa was incredibly well-equipped. There was a large filtered water dispenser offering both cold and boiling water (so handy, especially when you’re making things for babies and toddlers), and a full-size fridge which we absolutely used — snacks, milk, bits and pieces for the kids. It’s the small things that make bali with kids so much more manageable.
There was also a beautiful grass area beside the pool for the kids to run around on, which Kylo used thoroughly. Honestly, for the whole group of us, it felt like we had our own little private resort within a resort.
Dining at Kayumanis – Gong Restaurant & In-Villa Meals
Food was a highlight throughout our stay, and there are a few things worth knowing before you arrive.
In-Villa Dining
Shortly after check-in, we had lunch delivered to the villa from the on-site restaurant, Gong — along with afternoon tea. The spread was excellent. We had nasi goreng (always a favourite), spring rolls, and a few other dishes that were all beautifully presented and delicious. Eating at the villa with the pool in view and nowhere to be is genuinely one of life’s great pleasures.
Dinner at Gong Restaurant
On our first evening, we kept things low-key and headed to Gong for dinner. With tired kids and a long travel day behind us, the ease of staying on-site was exactly what we needed. I ordered the nasi campur, which was genuinely one of the better versions I’ve had — it came with a pork rib that was so good, grilled prawns, satay, egg, and some beautiful tuna steaks. A little bit different to the standard nasi campur, which I loved.
Matt ordered from the à la carte menu (he’s the one who always diverges from the group), and loved his meal too.
The Satay Barbecue Buffet
On our second evening at Gong, we hit what turned out to be a happy coincidence — it was satay barbecue buffet night. Five or six types of satay, all you can eat, with sides of rice, various sambals, vegetables, and soup. It was incredible, and the kids were very into it. Matt opted for his own à la carte choice (Bebek Betutu with sides, which he raved about), while the rest of us went back for seconds. And possibly thirds.
Breakfast at the Villa
Each morning we ordered breakfast to the villa, and this was one of my favourite parts of the entire stay. The pancakes at Kayumanis are exceptional — I’m not being dramatic when I say we ordered them every morning. The omelettes were also really, really good. Add fresh fruit, fresh juices, whatever the kids needed — and you’ve got a breakfast setup that’s infinitely easier than loading everyone into a car for a café run. Especially when you’re managing naps and schedules, in-villa breakfast is genuinely worth its weight in gold.
This is indonesian food at its most accessible and delicious — the flavours are bright, the produce is fresh, and everything tastes like it was made with care.
Daily Activities & Complimentary Experiences
One of the things that elevates Kayumanis beyond a beautiful place to sleep is the programme of complimentary daily activities. These are all bookable via WhatsApp (more on the WhatsApp system below — it’s genuinely great), and they include:
- Morning yoga sessions
- Balinese offering workshop
- Balinese dance class
- Tours into Sanur town
On our first morning, I joined the yoga session, which was a lovely way to start the day. I’m more of a Pilates girl at home, but there’s something about doing yoga in Bali that just makes sense. When it’s offered as part of your stay, it becomes this easy, natural thing to do rather than a commitment you have to plan around.
On our second morning, the Balinese dance class was on offer — and I genuinely regret not booking in for it. I forgot to message ahead, and by the time I remembered, the moment had passed. If you’re staying at Kayumanis, my advice is to look at the activities schedule as soon as you arrive and book in for anything that interests you straight away. Don’t do what I did!
The WhatsApp system for everything — activities, the shuttle service, ordering drinks, requesting pickup — is brilliant for families. No need to go to reception, no phone calls, just a quick message and it’s sorted. This is exactly the kind of friction-reducing detail that makes travelling to bali with a baby or small children so much more manageable.
Exploring Sanur – Icon Mall, Byrd Restaurant, spa’s
Kayumanis offers a complimentary shuttle service into Sanur town, which runs on request via WhatsApp. We used this frequently and found it incredibly convenient. The usual drop-off point was Icon Mall — and if you haven’t been, it is huge. Much bigger than I expected, and actually a really beautiful building too. There’s a Korean beauty shop inside where I stocked up on some Laneige products (the lip sleeping masks were on sale — I got a few), and a Uniqlo where I grabbed a new t-shirt. Good air conditioning, good coffee, and useful for picking up anything you need for the kids.
Byrd Restaurant
One afternoon, while Kayla stayed back at the villa with Miles (who wasn’t feeling well), Matt and I went out for a kid-free lunch. We headed to Bird, which sits on a stunning beachfront strip near Icon Mall. The views were beautiful, the vibe was excellent, and the food was genuinely impressive. I had a tuna salad, a kingfish ceviche, a mushroom pizza, and we shared a beef burger. Everything landed. The cocktails were equally good — we are on holiday and we absolutely cannot help ourselves.
Bird came recommended by a friend, and I’d pass that recommendation on wholeheartedly. There are also a few other great beachfront cafés in that same strip, which I’ll link separately — it’s a lovely little area to spend a few hours.
For anyone who spends time in other parts of the island too — the best cafes in uluwatu, best cafes in canggu, and seminyak cafes all have their own distinct energy and are very much worth exploring on your bali itinerary. Sanur has a quieter charm compared to the busier scenes in seminyak restaurants or ubud restaurants, which is honestly part of what I loved about it.
Nest Spa
If you’re planning to visit Nest Spa while in Sanur — which I highly recommend — book in advance. They have two locations: a beachfront one and a regular one. Both are popular and you will not get in on the day without prior booking. Give yourself at least a week’s notice, more if you can. I wasn’t able to get an appointment during our stay because I left it too late, which was my own fault entirely.
Instead, Kayla and I found a walk-in massage spot on the street — a lovely little place I couldn’t get the name of but will track down and add to this post. We got a 30-minute foot massage followed by a 30-minute back and shoulder massage, and it was wonderful. Maybe a fifth of the price of Nest. So if you just want a quick, good-quality, no-fuss massage without the booking drama, keep an eye out for these kinds of places — they are everywhere in Sanur and consistently deliver.
The Kylo Day
This is a tradition we started last year when we stayed in Seseh — a full day dedicated entirely to Kylo, where he gets to choose everything and the focus is 100% on him. Last year we took him to Maimain Playground for the day, which he absolutely loved. This time, we did the Kylo Day just the three of us — without Zadie — which made it extra special. One-on-one time with both parents, no baby in the mix, is something Kylo doesn’t get very often and I think it means the world to him.
We started with lunch at Kayumanis Seaside, which had gorgeous views and lovely food. Coffees and a baked dish that was absolutely delicious. Then ice cream at Icon Mall, and then — the main event — Timezone.
Timezone was an absolute blast. Kylo loved the racing games. Matt and I played air hockey (competitive, obviously). We did a lot of basketball. And then Kylo, Matt, and I all had a turn on the VR Paraglider, which… I need to talk about. It was incredible and terrifying in equal measure. You wear a headset and basically soar over the landscape.
The screen is immersive, there’s wind, and at some point it gets genuinely nauseating. Kylo got scared and asked to stop about halfway through, and honestly I was relieved — because I also wanted off but didn’t want to be the one to call it. The videos of the three of us screaming are absolutely hilarious. Would I recommend it? Yes. Would I do it again? Let me think about it.
Kylo cashed in all his game tickets for a Hot Wheels car, which he carried around proudly for the rest of the trip. The shuttle collected us when we messaged on WhatsApp and whisked us back to the villa. A really, really special day.
Massages, Downtime & Late Checkout
On our last morning, we treated ourselves to in-villa massages, which were a lovely, relaxed end to the stay. Then there was one final swim, some time letting the kids run around on the grass, and the gentle unwinding that happens when you know you’re heading home soon and you’re trying to hold onto every last bit of it.
One practical note for anyone travelling with little ones: we requested a late checkout at Kayumanis, and they were very accommodating. Our kids both nap at midday, and checking out at noon — only to have nowhere to take them for two or three hours while they’re overtired — is a particular kind of travel nightmare.
Late checkout (around 2pm for us) meant Zadie and Miles could get their sleep, we could pack at a reasonable pace, and we left the villa feeling calm rather than frazzled. The drive to our next destination Family Nest Villas in Uluwatu was about an hour, so we could check straight in on arrival.
I’d strongly recommend requesting late checkout at every property when you’re travelling with babies and toddlers. Most places will accommodate it, especially if you ask when you arrive and mention the babies naps. It genuinely changes the energy of our day.
Also — the tea selection at Kayumanis deserves a special mention. Most hotels give you English breakfast and Earl Grey and call it a day. Kayumanis had a beautiful range of herbal teas: Roselle pineapple, jasmine green tea, chamomile, peppermint. I drank so many cups of chamomile at night. Such a small thing but nice thing, and such a nice one.
Our Honest Verdict: Is Kayumanis Sanur Worth It?
Yes. Emphatically, unequivocally yes.
Kayumanis Sanur is the kind of villa that works for everyone in the group — adults who want to feel genuinely looked after, kids who want space to play and swim, and parents who want to actually relax rather than spend the whole trip stress-managing logistics.
The combination of a beautifully designed compound, excellent food, warm and attentive staff, complimentary activities, and the practical little touches (WhatsApp bookings! Filtered hot and cold water! A pool big enough for six people!) makes it stand out from so many other villas I’ve seen and stayed in across Bali.
Here’s a quick summary of the highlights:
- The villa compound – Spacious, private, and genuinely stunning. Grand trees, a massive pool, beautiful thatched roofing, and all the space a large group needs.
- The food – Consistently excellent across in-villa delivery and the on-site restaurant, Gong. The pancakes and nasi campur in particular.
- The staff – Warm, unhurried, and genuinely lovely. You feel like you matter here.
- Daily complimentary activities – A really thoughtful touch that adds depth to your stay without costing extra. Book them early!
- The WhatsApp system – Simple, seamless, and a game-changer for families.
- The free shuttle into Sanur – Removes any friction from exploring the area.
- Late checkout flexibility – Made our final day so much more relaxed.
If Bali is on your radar — and it absolutely should be, it consistently ranks among the best places in indonesia and the best things to do in indonesia list is genuinely endless — Sanur is a wonderful base. And within Sanur, Kayumanis is a genuinely special place to call home for a few days.
Bali Beyond Sanur – Other Places We Love
Since you’re here planning your Bali trip, a few other spots and stays worth knowing about:
- Wapa di Ume Sidemen – Our top-rated stay of 2025, set among rice terraces in the breathtaking Sidemen Valley. The definition of pure Bali magic.
- Merusaka Nusa Dua – Incredible for families, with stunning beach access and impeccable service.
- Nusa Lembongan – One of the most beautiful spots in all of Indonesia. The nusa lembongan beaches are simply breathtaking — crystal clear water, nusa lembongan has a completely different energy to the mainland and deserves at least a day trip if not a full stay.
- Uluwatu – The best beach club in uluwatu scene is world-class, the uluwatu beaches are among the most dramatic on the island, and there’s no shortage of incredible best accommodation in uluwatu options. The best things to do in uluwatu could fill days.
- Ubud – A complete ubud itinerary is its own post, but the ubud restaurants scene is wonderful, the best cafes in ubud are some of the best on the island, and the cultural experiences are endlessly rewarding.
- Seminyak – Seminyak restaurants and seminyak accommodation are both strong — it’s a great area for a night or two if you want to be close to the action.
And if budget is on your mind, I’ve also written about bali trip cost to give you a realistic picture of what to expect across different travel styles.
Plan Your Bali Trip
- Ultimate Guide to Bali
- Bali Itinerary for 10 Days
- Travelling to Bali with a Baby
- Best Things to Do in Canggu
- Wapa di Ume Sidemen Review
- Best Cafes in Seminyak
- Best Beaches in Uluwatu
