The hype
Families worship the kids' club and pool, but everyone agrees the 'Chocolate Hour' is a crowded battlefield.
Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali
$115-230/ night
Book this if You want a 5-star family fortress where the kids are so busy with pirate ships and chocolate fountains that you can actually finish a cocktail.
Why People Love It
- The massive lagoon pool with an artificial sandy beach and waterslides
- Daily 'Chocolate Hour' (4-5 PM) with free Swiss chocolate fountains
- Direct access to Samasta Lifestyle Village for easy dining and shopping
Quick Take: It's a chaotic, sugar-fueled paradise for families that will absolutely annoy couples seeking a quiet romantic retreat.
Reviewed by @Hotel_explorer: I stayed in Room 1530 and it was a total parent hack. I could sip my coffee on the balcony while watching my kids run around the playground below. It felt like high-end luxury but was surprisingly budget-friendly for a family trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Pool water can get murky with leaves and sunscreen during peak occupancy, and service can be slow when the resort is full.
- You are traveling with children under 12
- You want a resort that feels like a self-contained village
- You love buffet breakfasts with endless variety
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent daily service, though some reports of missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. High-quality grout work and no widespread mold issues reported.
- Maintenance: Solid. The resort is relatively new (2017) and feels it, though pool tiles occasionally need repair.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, though one rogue review mentioned '10-year-old towels' (likely an outlier).
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and chocolate; rooms are neutral.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Kids screaming at the pool (daytime)
- Live music from Samasta Village (evenings)
Before you book
Good to know
- Kids under 6 eat breakfast for free; ages 7-12 get 50% off
- The 'Chocolate Hour' line starts forming at 3:45 PM
- You can use the facilities at the nearby beach club, but you'll pay for daybeds
What to pack
- Water shoes (the artificial sand pool is rough on soft feet)
- Mosquito repellent (lush gardens = bugs)
- Universal power adapter (though most rooms have international plugs)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Family Duplex: Two-story layout that gives parents actual privacy
- Jimbaran Pool Suite: Comes with a private pool if you want to avoid the main lagoon chaos
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Pool View rooms on lower floors directly facing the kiddie pool (unless you are the one with the screaming kids)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a higher floor, facing away from the main kids' pool area and the Samasta Village stage to minimize noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it directly on the beach?
No. It's a 5-minute walk through a back path or a quick buggy ride to Jimbaran Bay.
Is the Chocolate Hour really free?
Yes, completely free from 4-5 PM daily, but expect a crowd and a fight for the marshmallows.
Is the pool heated?
No, but in Bali's heat, you won't want it to be. It's refreshing.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, the resort is attached to Samasta Lifestyle Village which has over a dozen dining options.
Is there a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, but it costs extra (~450,000 IDR). Grab or Gojek is usually cheaper.
Do they have a kids club?
Yes, the 'Meera Kids Club' is pirate-themed, two stories high, and widely considered one of the best in Bali.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel lunch and walk 2 minutes to 'Gaya Gelato' in Samasta for the best ice cream in the area.
- ✨
The gym is quietest during breakfast hours (8-10 AM).
- ✨
Request a room in the wing furthest from the Samasta stage if you sleep before 10 PM.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Chocolate Hour' often runs out of the good stuff (strawberries) in the first 20 minutes.
💡Staff sometimes assume Asian guests are locals and speak Bahasa, which some reviewers found awkward.
💡The 'Pool View' rooms often just view the other guests on their balconies.
💡You have to pass a security checkpoint to get to the beach path.
💡The artificial sand pool is fun but the 'sand' is coarser than real beach sand.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali is located and what's nearby.