In this exclusive interview, we sit down with a family who made the bold decision to leave Europe behind and start a new chapter in Bali. Originally from the UK and Germany, they share their story of how a career break turned into a transformative journey toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. With two young daughters, they sought a place that offered not only a lower cost of living but also a rich cultural experience, excellent international schools, and a slower pace. Settling on the island’s west coast near Cemagi, they’ve embraced Bali’s unique charm, from its close-knit community to its vibrant lifestyle. As they navigate new professional opportunities and personal growth, they reflect on the challenges, rewards, and surprising benefits that have come with their move to paradise.
Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your background? Where do you originally come from?
I’m originally from the northwest of England, and throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of living and working across various countries. My wife, Franziska, is German, and we met while working together in Germany. We’ve been married for over a decade and have two wonderful daughters, Olivia, who’s 10, and Winifred, who’s 4. After years of considering a lifestyle change, we finally decided to take the leap, using a career break to reassess our priorities. We wanted to make this move now before time caught up with us.
When did you first arrive in Bali, and how long do you envision staying?
We made a couple of preliminary visits to Bali, but it wasn’t until December 2023, during a scouting trip, that the idea solidified. I stayed on to lay the groundwork for our relocation, while Franziska returned home with the children and started the process from that end. We’re here indefinitely, embracing the flow of this new chapter in our lives. The goal is to immerse ourselves in a different way of living, one that offers balance and new opportunities.
What inspired your decision to move to Bali, and what was the thought process behind making such a significant life change?
We considered several places in Europe, but Bali stood out for many reasons – the rich and diverse culture, excellent international schools without the lengthy commutes, amazing weather, and a lower cost of living, which gives us more flexibility in terms of work and lifestyle. The warmth and openness of the Balinese people made us feel welcome, which was a stark contrast to some of our experiences in Europe. It’s a unique place where we felt we could live and thrive as a family.
Where are you living in Bali, and why did you choose this particular area?
We’re based near Cemagi on the West Coast, not far from Canggu. Our primary focus was to minimize the school run, ensuring we had more time to spend as a family and for ourselves. Olivia’s school bus stop is only two minutes from our home, and Winifred’s kindergarten is a quick five-minute scooter ride away. We’re close to the beach, which gives the girls an idyllic, relaxed lifestyle—a huge contrast to our previous life.
What benefits do you see Bali offering to your family, both personally and as a whole?
The most significant benefit is the time we have together now. Previously, I spent most of my work week away from home, so our family time was very limited. Here, the short school commutes save us about two hours a day, giving us the freedom to focus on what matters. Franziska is pursuing her studies in Ayurveda, and I’ve been able to start building our real estate development business, Dream Believe Become. Bali has offered us the space to breathe, to grow, and to invest in both our personal and professional lives.
What school does your children attend and how has that experience been for them?
Olivia attends Pro-Ed Global School at the Nuanu Campus, which is relatively new and has been running for about a year. She’s currently in Year 6, and we’re pleased that the school has recently opened its middle school, which means Olivia can continue her education there for another three years. Her class is small, with only about 10 students, and the two teachers really focus on meeting each child where they are, helping them develop in the best way possible.
Winifred goes to Bloom Boutique Atelier, a Reggio-inspired preschool in Cemagi. We specifically chose this school because it emphasizes preserving the magic of childhood, rather than pushing children into an academic system too early. It’s always been important to us that our girls grow up in an environment where learning is about curiosity, discovery, and joy, rather than performance. Winifred could stay there until she’s 7, after which we’ll transition her to a more academic school setting. We absolutely love Bloom—it even has an integrated café, Riviera, which serves great food and coffee, and it’s become a lovely space where parents can meet, connect, and enjoy a sense of community.
How does the cost of living in Bali compare to your previous experience in Europe?
Our main expenses here are housing and international school fees, which can be pricey, though still about 25-30% lower than private school costs in Europe. Housing costs vary, and finding the right place requires quick decisions, as many properties are rented out a year in advance. However, savings on other fronts make a difference. There’s no council tax here, and transport costs are minimal. Gas is just £0.50 per litre, and we don’t have cars, so we save significantly on insurance, taxes, and vehicle maintenance. Eating out can be incredibly affordable too, with meals for a family of four ranging from £15-20, depending on your preferences. Of course, there are a few surprises—imported goods, particularly wine, are much more expensive than in Europe.
In what ways has living in Bali impacted your personal and professional life, and what new opportunities have arisen for you here?
Bali’s pace is relaxed, which has had a calming effect on us. Franziska is immersing herself in Ayurveda and yoga, while I’ve taken up Muay Thai boxing, training two hours a day to stay fit. On the business side, we’ve begun developing our vision for Dream Believe Become, which is more than just a real estate venture. We aim to help people design their next chapter—whether that’s finding a home, growing a business, or making an investment. Bali’s dynamic environment has provided us with both the headspace and opportunities to launch this new venture.
You have joined forces with a German architect to develop Tepi Hutan, an exclusive villa development in Pejeng. How did this come about, and what opportunities are available for those looking to invest?
We first visited Pejeng when Olivia attended a winter camp at Empathy School. That’s where we met Alex Ladda, a German architect with an impressive portfolio spanning 15 years in Switzerland. We were drawn to Alex because of his deep understanding of creating family-friendly spaces, which aligns perfectly with our ethos. Tepi Hutan—meaning ‘forest edge’—is a series of family villas designed to be both intimate and expansive, with large patio doors that open into lush gardens and spacious terraces. The villas come with generous pools and are perfect for families looking for a long-term home or a solid investment in a thriving market. With demand for housing in the Ubud area continuing to grow, investors can expect an annual return on investment of around 12%.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered since relocating to Bali?
Relocating to Bali has certainly been a rewarding experience, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Things move at a slower pace here, and you have to adapt to that rhythm—patience is key. There’s also a gap in terms of standards, particularly when comparing certain services or infrastructure to those in Europe. Sometimes, things aren’t done to the level you might expect due to a lack of training or education. And of course, the traffic in hotspots can be overwhelming. However, the slower pace has taught us resilience and patience, which has been invaluable as we settle into our new life.
What are your favourite activities or hobbies in Bali? Have you picked up any new interests?
We’ve been here for almost two months now, and every day brings something new to discover. We find joy in the simple things—like riding our scooters through the vibrant streets. There’s something magical about zipping through the traffic, feeling the breeze, and soaking in the scents of Bali. The rice fields with their workers in triangle hats, the vibrant penjors lining the streets during this season—it’s all a sensory feast. As for new interests, I’ve taken up Muay Thai boxing. Franziska, on the other hand, is determined to master surfing. Between us, her birthday is coming up soon, and I’ve got a little surprise planned—she’ll be catching waves before she knows it!
What do you think are some of the most common misconceptions about Bali, and how would you address or clarify them?
Bali is often portrayed as a perfect paradise, especially in those picture-perfect Instagram shots, and while it is an incredible place, no place is without its imperfections. The reality is that Bali has its challenges—particularly with waste management. Trash can be a common sight along beaches, rivers, and roadsides, which can be quite disheartening. The awareness around environmental care is still growing here, but it’s a tough issue. Another misconception is about the ease of exploring Bali’s beautiful landscapes. Those iconic rice fields and romantic sunset strolls often come with the challenge of navigating heavy traffic. Long walks are rare here because of the lack of sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas. But, like everything in life, it’s all about perspective. Embracing Bali means accepting its diversity—the good and the less-than-perfect—with an open heart and a smile. That’s where you find the true magic.
For families considering a move to Bali, what important factors should they take into account?
One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to seek guidance from someone who knows the ropes. We’ve benefited tremendously from working with Simone at Our Year in Bali, who helped us avoid the common pitfalls that can make relocating tricky and expensive. Bali is a wonderful place to live, but it’s essential to understand the local landscape—especially when it comes to securing housing, navigating school options, and getting the right permits. Understanding the local culture and respecting it is equally important. Patience, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace a different way of life are key for families looking to make the transition smoothly.
Lastly, is there anything else about your experience living in Bali that you’d like to share or that we haven’t covered yet?
Since we’re still so new to Bali, I imagine if you asked me this again in 6 to 12 months, my answers might evolve. But for now, what I can say is this: when we made the decision to move, we knew that if we didn’t take the leap then, we might never do it. And with that mindset, I’d encourage all your clients and readers to reflect on what truly brings happiness. Life is constantly changing—both internally and externally—and it’s essential to embrace those changes. Be grateful for the highs and the lows, and for the lessons they bring. The whirlwind of experiences is what we’re here for. So, whatever your dreams may be, chase them wholeheartedly.
