This trip was all about family. We flew out to Australia for my beautiful step‑daughter’s Yasmin and Matts wedding in Sydney, then turned the journey home into a mini adventure via Bali and Hong Kong. It ended up being a lovely mix of celebrations, city sights and beach‑and‑pool time.

Sydney: Family Time, Beaches And A Rainy But Perfect Wedding

We all arrived in Sydney and based ourselves at my step daughter’s house for nine days, which made it feel like a proper family stay rather than just a holiday. We had time to slip into local life a bit while also ticking off some of Sydney’s big highlights.

We visited Taronga Zoo, which is such a great day out with its amazing harbour views and a huge range of animals. We also did some classic sightseeing around the city: the Opera House, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, all the places you see in the photos that suddenly feel very real when you are standing there.

We spent time on the coast too, visiting Cronulla Beach and Coogee. Both have that laid‑back Aussie beach feel, with locals jogging along the promenade, people grabbing coffees and families swimming and surfing.

The main reason for the trip, of course, was the wedding. Yasmin looked absolutely beautiful. It did rain, but the weather did not spoil the day at all. If anything, it made it feel more intimate and cosy, and the photos with umbrellas turned out to be really lovely. It was one of those days that just felt full of love, laughter and little moments we will remember for a long time.

Bali: Sanur, Rice Fields And Quiet Ubud

After Sydney we flew to Bali for a change of pace and some tropical relaxation before heading home. Our first stop was Sanur, where we spent two nights at Puri Santrian, right on the beach.

Sanur has a calmer, more traditional feel than some of Bali’s livelier resort areas. It is popular with couples and families who want a relaxed base and an easy beachfront walkway rather than beach clubs and nightlife. There is a long, paved boardwalk that runs along the shoreline, which is perfect for morning and evening strolls, and the sea here is often gentler thanks to the reef, so it is lovely for paddling and swimming.

We walked along the boardwalk from our hotel, stopping at little cafes and just enjoying the views. It is the kind of place where you naturally slow down a bit.

Bali Adventure Day: Quads, Waterfalls And An Infinity Pool

The next day we picked up the pace with a proper adventure. We went quad biking through waterfalls and rice fields, bouncing along tracks, getting splashed and absolutely loving it. It is such a fun way to see a different side of Bali, away from the main roads.

Afterwards we headed to Tiaga Singha, where we relaxed in an infinity pool and had lunch. Sitting in the pool, looking out over the greenery with a drink in hand, was exactly what we needed after all the excitement of the quads.

Rice Terraces, Bali Swing And Photo Moments

Later we visited some of Bali’s famous rice fields. The scenery really is stunning: layer upon layer of bright green terraces, with palm trees and little huts dotted around. It is one of those places where every direction you look feels like a postcard.

We tried the Bali swing, which has become one of those “must do” experiences. They charge extra if you want to wear a long flowing skirt for the photos, which does look very dramatic in the air. There are usually small tips expected for the guides who help you and take the pictures, but they really know what they are doing. The photos were excellent and they know all the best angles.

Ubud: Peaceful Retreat (Loved By Me, Less So By My Husband!)

From the rice fields we transferred to Ubud and stayed at Wapa di Ume resort. It is only around 30 km, but Bali traffic meant the journey took about 90 minutes. That is very typical in Bali: distances look short on a map, but journeys can take much longer than you expect.

We stayed in room 711 and it was stunning. The whole resort felt so peaceful and chilled, surrounded by nature, and I absolutely loved it. It is very much a place for yoga, reading, spa time and good food rather than screens and noise. There are no TVs in the rooms, which for me was a bonus, but my husband was less keen on that part as he always looks for a TV! It just shows how important it is to match the hotel to the person.

I could walk into Ubud town in around 35 minutes, which was great. The town was busy and full of life, with shops, cafes, markets and lots to see and do. I really enjoyed having that contrast: quiet, leafy resort and then lively streets when I wanted a bit more buzz.

Seminyak: Private Pool Villas And Sunset Beach Clubs

After three nights in Ubud we moved on to Seminyak and stayed at The Kayana Villa. It is situated right in the heart of Seminyak, but once you are inside your villa it feels very private. Each villa has its own pool, which felt like a real treat.

If you book here, I would recommend requesting a villa towards the back of the property, as the ones nearer the front can pick up a bit more noise from the road. We ate at the hotel several times; the food was great and reasonably priced.

One of the best things about The Kayana is the location. You can walk to most places within about 10 minutes, so it is easy to reach shops, restaurants and the beach. We enjoyed some amazing sunsets, and visited W Bali and Potato Head, both of which had a great atmosphere and vibe for watching the sun go down with a drink.

Hong Kong: Harbour Views, Rooftop Drinks And Night Markets

To break up the journey home we flew via Hong Kong and stayed at the Harbour Grand Hotel. We booked a deluxe harbour view club room, and for us the “club” upgrade was worth the extra. It gave us access to the club lounge on the top floor, where we could enjoy free drinks and snacks in the evening. The views from up there over Victoria Harbour were incredible.

We took the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak and visited the sky terrace for those iconic views back over the city. We also did some shopping on Sneaker Street, which is lined with sports shoe and trainer shops, and we walked through Temple Street Night Market, full of stalls selling clothes, gadgets, souvenirs and more.

I have always loved Chinese food, so I was really looking forward to the food in Hong Kong. In the end I was a little bit disappointed, but I suspect that was more down to what I ordered and not being brave enough with my choices. It just makes me want to go back and try again.

Why This Trip Meant So Much

What made this trip special was the mix: emotional family moments, new places and a few little luxuries along the way. From Yasmin looking beautiful on her wedding day in Sydney, even in the rain, to quad biking through Bali’s rice fields, relaxing in quiet Ubud while my husband hunted for a TV, watching sunsets from our villa pool in Seminyak and then sipping drinks above Hong Kong harbour, it was a journey full of contrasts.

It reminded me how travel can bring families together, give you stories you will tell for years and help you see destinations in your own way, not just how they look on Instagram.

If you are thinking about combining a big family event abroad with some time to unwind on the way home, or you like the idea of a multi‑stop trip like Sydney, Bali and Hong Kong, I would love to help you plan it. I can tailor the route, hotels and experiences to suit your travel style and budget, whether you are all about quiet yoga retreats, private pool villas, city views or a mix of everything.

Contact me to start planning your own special adventure.