After fifteen years in Hong Kong, Cesar and Ines felt a quiet pull toward something different for their family. Life in the city had been exciting and full, but they found themselves craving more space — for their children, for connection, and for a slower pace of everyday life.
With roots in Normandy and years spent building their life in Hong Kong, they weren’t looking to completely reinvent themselves. They simply wanted to see what it might feel like to live closer to nature and community. So in March 2025, they packed up and moved to Bali for six months — not with a grand plan, just with curiosity.
They settled in Pererenan, where mornings were quieter, neighbors felt close, and daily routines unfolded at a different rhythm. What they discovered wasn’t just a change of scenery, but small shifts in how they spent their time, how their children experienced school, and how their family connected with each other.
Here, Cesar and Ines share what motivated the move, what surprised them most, and what those six months in Bali truly meant for their family.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you originally from?
We carried two homes in our hearts: the green coastlines and apple orchards of Normandy and the electric skyline of Hong Kong, where we lived for fifteen years. We’re a family of 4 drawn to Bali for its nature and a slower, more connected way of life.
When did you first arrive in Bali, and how long do you wish to live here?
We arrived in March 2025 and stayed for almost six months — long enough to live a life we’d only imagined and to test whether Bali could be a longer-term home.
What motivated you to move to Bali, and how did you go about making the decision to do so?
A quieter dream motivated us: mornings of yoga, barefoot children, and a tighter community. We followed that vision and decided to try it for a season to see how it felt in practice.
How did you hear about Our Year in Bali, and what was your experience with Simone’s support?
We discovered Our Year in Bali through research online. Simone was incredibly helpful — offering practical tips on neighborhoods, schools, and markets that smoothed our transition and connected us with people who quickly became friends.
Where in Bali do you live?
We were in local area up north Pererenan. Our house opened onto a lush setting with frangipani trees and jungle sounds and was near a beautiful temple; the neighborhood felt warm and communal, with neighbors who welcomed us and local spots like Village Cafe that became weekend favorites.
As a family, how has the transition been, and what benefits do you think Bali will provide the family?
The transition was rewarding: our children flourished at Matahari School, we had an incredible nanny; we found more time to breathe, and the slower pace helped us teach patience and build real connections with neighbors and local culture.
How has school life been in Bali so far?
School life has been joyful — our kids came home with stories about rice fields, craft projects, and new friends, and the immersive, hands-on environment felt nurturing. Every weekend brought new adventures as we explored various less touristic areas such as Sidemen or Munduk.
How has living in Bali influenced your personal and professional life, and what opportunities have you found here?
We didn’t seek a career change; instead, Bali gave us presence — more space for family, creativity, and community.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Adapting to the island’s unhurried pace and the nighttime chorus of the jungle was challenging at first. There’s also a unique local spirituality that felt a little intimidating in a large home in the jungle, but over time those sounds and rituals became comforting and familiar.
What is a day in a life?
A typical day settled into a gentle rhythm: school drop-off, yoga by a river at Chandra Yoga, a healthy breakfast, then work from a sunlit room overlooking trees, evening on the beach to watch the colourful sunset.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience living in Bali that we haven’t covered yet?
Weekends became discovery — beautiful beaches like Padang Padang, colorful markets, and temples where festivals like Nyepi transform the island into a living tapestry — and we returned home with sand in our shoes and hearts rearranged, convinced that home can be chosen and remade.
