Bali tourism evolves with fund backing family-friendly stays
Sponsored by Geonet
The classic Bali getaway, once associated primarily with couples in private luxury villas, is evolving as families seek more immersive travel experiences that cater to all ages. With growing interest in family-oriented accommodations, the newly launched Geonet Investment Fund focuses on addressing this expanding market.
Chad Egan, director of Geonet Properties & Finance Group, sees this shift as pivotal in Bali’s tourism landscape. Egan says that Bali has traditionally catered to the luxury villa market, but there’s a clear demand for hotels that offer more space and amenities for families.
Visitors to Bali are now prioritising immersive experiences over basic stays.Credit: iStock
“Bali has seen plenty of luxury villa developments, but within the tourism zones there is a lack of purpose-built hotels catering to families and middle-income travellers,” he says.
To meet the market demand, the company is stepping into this space with plans to build accommodations that meet the needs of today’s middle-income tourists.
“As a newly launched initiative, the Geonet Investment Fund was created to fill a critical gap in Bali’s hospitality sector - specifically for family-friendly, luxury hotel accommodations,” says Egan.
Operating under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL), the fund is only available to sophisticated investors. ASIC defines a sophisticated investor as having net assets of at least $2.5 million, or a gross income of at least $250,000 per annum over the previous two financial years.
With an entry investment starting at $250,000, the fund offers investors a unique opportunity to gain exposure to Bali’s thriving hospitality market, benefiting from operational income generated by high-demand hotel assets.
The fund’s strategy also includes a diversified revenue model, balancing development income with revenue from ongoing hotel operations.
“Our investors don’t just own a single unit in a hotel, they gain exposure to the booming Bali hospitality industry through an exciting portfolio of assets.” says Egan “Every meal served, every spa treatment booked, every service provided contributes to their returns.”
Unique environment
The company is building partnerships with globally recognised brands to ensure a reliable operational structure, including the appointment of Cross Hotels & Resorts - wholly owned by Flight Centre, one of Australia’s most trusted names in travel - to manage their properties.
The fund focuses on purpose-built hotels that cater specifically to travelling families, featuring larger rooms and family-friendly amenities. Unlike traditional villa setups, these hotels provide an all-in-one experience, including dining, shopping, and recreation spaces.
“Our partnership with Cross Hotels & Resorts connects our investors with a trusted brand that serves over 20 million travellers each year through Flight Centre’s extensive network,” says Egan.
Geonet Property & Finance Group CEO and founder Chad Egan.
This collaboration gives the fund access to world-class hotel management, while Flight Centre’s reach ensures consistent exposure to international tourists.
“We’re building a bridge between real estate and hospitality, meeting market demand with a secure, familiar investment model, especially for Australian investors who value bricks-and-mortar assets,” says Egan.
Demand for lifestyle & experiences
Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, says that family friendly accommodations in Bali are in high demand, with visitors now prioritising immersive experiences over basic stays.
“Today’s families are seeking more than just a place to stay; they want shared experiences that everyone can enjoy, such as cooking classes and nature walks,” he says.
Thaliwal says that areas like Berawa and Canggu, popular for their unique blend of Balinese culture and modern appeal, are ideal for new family hotel developments that cater to families.
“Berawa and Canggu truly capture the essence of Bali, combining local warmth with a vibrant, modern energy that’s hard to resist. Here, surfers, artisans, and digital nomads thrive together in a genuine community,” says Thaliwal.
“This unique blend makes it the perfect setting for hotels that embody Bali’s spirit without the hefty price tag.”
It’s this community spirit that Thaliwal sees as crucial for new hospitality developments in Bali.
Through its partnership with the fund, Cross Hotels & Resorts is able to expand family-friendly accommodations that balance comfort with authenticity, providing spaces where guests feel both “a sense of belonging” and “contemporary conveniences.” This approach taps into the island’s essence while giving families a more local experience.
Hotels are integrating cultural elements with modern amenities, from family-sized rooms to accessible local excursions, all designed to ensure families feel at home while exploring the island’s unique charm.
Looking ahead, Thaliwal sees both opportunities and challenges in the future of family-oriented tourism in Bali. “The demand for family-oriented tourism is poised to rise, encouraging us to innovate in crafting safe, engaging spaces for all ages,” he says. However, he cautions that managing this growth will require a careful balance to avoid overcrowding in popular areas and maintain the island’s allure.
For Cross Hotels & Resorts and the Geonet Investment Fund, this evolution involves continually adapting their offerings to ensure that family-friendly stays honour Bali’s heritage. As Thaliwal says, “We must adapt by enhancing experiences while ensuring our developments honour and preserve Bali’s unique charm.”
And the future? Egan sums it up by saying, “Bali’s family-friendly hotel segment is just the beginning. The appetite for genuine, accessible experiences is shaping the market, and our goal is to help make this vision a reality, one welcoming stay at a time.“
To find out more, please visit Geonet.