The Shrubbery began the way most family projects do: out of need. After a run of holidays spent hunting for villas that actually worked with small children — the right layout, a safe pool, a kitchen you could use at 2am — we started writing it all down. What we learned became this journal.
Everything here is written for families choosing a boutique stay in Bali. We cover how to read a villa listing, which beaches suit toddlers, what a staffed villa is really like, and how to shape a day around a child's nap rather than a driver's schedule. It's practical, opinionated and entirely our own experience.
The journal is edited by Eleanor Whitfield, who has spent more Balinese wet seasons than she'll admit chasing toddlers around infinity pools. If you'd like to get in touch, we'd love to hear from you — write to [email protected].