While vaccinations are going forward, an increasing number of travellers are starting to plan new adventures as for most it has been way too long since their last escape into another world. This also goes for the children that have endured months of online classes, missed playing with their friends or just being able to enjoy the last year to the fullest. So it’s totally understandable that we (as parents) want to treat our kids to a great holiday while not giving in on the luxury or destination we had in mind. Below are some of my favourite resorts, hotels and camps which are perfect to visit with the whole family.
Intercontinental Maamunagau Resort, Maldives
Tell your kids you are planning a vacation on treasure island and they’ll be packing before you even finished your sentence. The Intercontinental resort in the Maldives is just that, and then some. While the Maldives are often associated with romantic getaways for couples it is fast becoming one of the favourites among families that are looking for a destination that hits the spot for every member of the family. Who doesn’t enjoy walks on the white sandy beaches with crystal clear water gently crushing ashore? Or going out on the sea to look for manta’s, dolphins and whales?
It’s all but a regular day here and while the parents most certainly will enjoy the retreat (the adults only part of the resort), the kids will not want to leave Planet Trekkers, which is a club with one specific aim, to entertain the younger guests from the early morning till the evening. No need for bedtime stories as all the activities (some ar also outside the club which makes it even more fun for the kids) will drain the energy out of the little ones and they’ll be fast asleep in no time. Meanwhile, the adults can indulge in the spa, or in one of the many restaurants that serve up some amazing dishes. No worries, if the whole family is coming along, they all have a specific kids menu making sure nobody is hungry when leaving the table.
Belmond Mount Nelson, Cape Town, South Africa
Aah, beautiful Cape Town or “The Mothercity” as locals like to call it. Many might be surprised, but this part of the African continent is heaven on earth for families traveling together. There is so much to see and experience that you’ll be coming back over and over again as it doesn’t all fit in one trip. With so many activities and sights to explore, you want to make sure you have a relaxing place to return to in the evening, and the Belmond Mount Nelson will not disappoint you in any way. One of its main features are the massive gardens which surround this iconic hotel, and even though it is located in the very centre of the city, the only thing you’ll see are the massive trees and lawns that make this place the perfect cosmopolitan hideout.
To welcome its youngest guest the Mount Nelson hotel created the Children’s Activity Centre. Picture yourself a space where there’s a healthy mix of educational games and toys, group activities, storytelling and so much more. Meanwhile, the parents can enjoy some quality time at the spa or in the Planet Bar to taste one of the many incredible South African wines or cocktails. Another “must-do” is the famous afternoon tea which is legendary in and around the city. An endless array of little masterpieces doesn’t only please the grown-ups, it surely also spoils the tastebuds of the little ones.
Four Seasons Langkawi, Indonesia
Looking for a holiday with the family in a lush and green scenery where both you and the kids will have the time of their life? Well, in that case you should certainly consider the Four Seasons in Langkawi. Not only is the location perfect to enjoy activities in and around the resort, it also has everything in store to keep the whole family busy and active while learning about the local culture, environment an heritage. Kids can choose from a special children’s menu, while the youngest guests even eat for free. And you won’t be hungry anytime soon either, cause even when you are having fun at the family pool, there’s always some poolside treats like popsicles and other yummy goodies. Let your kids learn more on an educational eco-adventure in the mangroves where they’ll learn all about the ecosystem and the animals that made it their home.
The resident naturalist is equally eager to take you all on a walk to learn more about this stunning place and its fauna and flora. Another unique experience is a visit to the Rumah Ikan fish house, where you’ll see how the locals have been fishing in the Andaman Sea for centuries. Important for the future of our kids is learning how to make a difference and at the Geopark discovery centre they’ll do just that! Knowing your kids will go back home and have a different look and possible approach to our environment is something you just can’t beat. Enough learning you say? No worries, as the Lutong kids club is all you need to be assured that the young ones in the family can go wild while you enjoy some quality time as parents.
andBeyond Kichwa Tembo tented camp, Masai Mara, Kenya
Experiencing the Lion King in real life isn’t impossible, but you do need the right location, and if you add an amazing and more importantly family friendly lodge to the equation you know the kids (and parents too of course) will have the perfect adventure. &Beyond Kichwa Tembo tented camp fits the bill perfectly. Located in the famous Masai Mara it surely has everything in store to provide you and the whole family with an unforgettable safari. You might be a bit reluctant to stay in a tent as many of us have this idea you need to rough it in the middle of the savannah yet you couldn’t be more wrong. The massive and luxurious family tents are just perfect and you don’t need to give up on any of the everyday comforts.
Of course there are many other reasons why you should consider this as your perfect family getaway. One of them is the kids program call Wildchild which &Beyond has created to make sure the kids have a lifelong memory of their adventures. Teaching them everything regarding the animals, landscapes and also the people makes for the perfect foundation to become miniature conservationists. They’ll surely be up for the challenge when they arrive and receive their Wildchild backpack which is more like a goodies bag filled with material and scrapbooks they can use during their stay. Just be prepared when leaving the camp to receive the following question from the little ones:”when are we coming back”!
Atlantis, The Palm Dubai, UAE
Everybody knows that Dubai is one of the biggest adult playgrounds in the world, yet it also caters for those who bring their kids along for an epic holiday. And what better way to start that journey than staying at the iconic Atlantis hotel, one of the most recognisable buildings in the Arabian peninsula. The theme is unmistakably the underwater world and with an arsenal of 65.000marine inhabitants living different aquariums which are spread out across the hotel, it is hard not to get the message, yet they didn’t stop there.
The younger members of the family will certainly enjoy their time at the Aquaventure water park where you can spend your days cooling of from the hot Arabian weather. No worries for those who prefer to keep it dry, as there are plenty of other facilities to keep you entertained. Besides the endless stream of shops there is also a wide choice of wellness options to be found in the Shuiqi Spa. Getting hungry from all the fun activities? No worries, Atlantis got you (and your tummy) covered with some of the best restaurants in the area. Names like Gordon Ramsay and Nobu are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to gastronomical pleasures which can be found here. And work some of that delicious food off, you might want to go for a swim with the dolphins, as it’s always a hit for the whole family.
As you can see, there’s all kinds of fun filled journeys waiting for you and the whole family, it’s just a matter of picking the one that suits you the best.
