Get set for a splash-worthy getaway…
The first mention of a family holiday and children’s mind’s dart to the pool. So, to translate their dreams into reality, Mr & Mrs Smith – the travel club for hotel lovers – has pulled together a selection of the best family-friendly pools across Asia, from jungle-shaded dippers in Vietnam to futuristic art-lined bathing spots in Bali.
The adventure at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay begins as you reach the resort – via a private boat transfer across the peacock-hued waters and karst-strewn scenery of this secluded Vietnamese bay. On arriving, the adventure continues as you discover that every villa at this this high-end, rustic-luxe resort has its own plunge pool, so Mr & Mrs Smith can keep an eye on water babies from the comfort of their private deck.
The resort’s main pool is also not to be missed, fringed by tropical greenery with a beachy vibe beside the shore, and an all-important shallow end. The kids’ club also has plenty for children, including arts and crafts classes, a Wii console, sandcastle competitions and treasure hunts – leaving time for grown-ups to indulge at the Six Senses spa.
Smith Extra: A 30-minute foot massage or body scrub for two people
Cape Weligama is a water wonderland for all ages. The Sri Lankan resort has two pools – the first, The Moon Pool, is an adults-only, crescent-shaped, cliff-edge infinity, with panoramas of the Indian Ocean; the second, The Cove Pool, is reserved for under-12’s, with a shallow end and plenty of inflatables.
A host of other waterborne diversions await to keep little kids’s entertained too, including banana-boating, snorkelling, kayaking on Lake Koggala, introductory scuba-diving classes and turtle-spotting. Meanwhile, you enjoy the swoon-worthy views of the Indian Ocean, locally influenced cocktail in hand.
Smith Extra: A romantic candle-lit bath with Ceylon Sea Salts, infused with vetiver, lemongrass and ginger; and your choice of chilled drinks
This beachside boutique hotel is an ode to all things intergalactic, with a playful futuristic design that kids will love. In keeping with the quirky theme, the pool here is lined with art murals proclaiming ‘Shoot to the moon’, as well as armbands and floats to ensure a good time.
Outside, the Waterbom Bali waterpark is a great family day out, while the in-house cinema, surfing classes, cooking lessons and sightseeing excursions will appeal to members of all ages. Once kids are safely in bed, under the watchful eye of a babysitter, you and the hubs can head to the Space champagne and caviar rooftop bar for incredible ocean views, cocktails and live music, before dining at the Orbit restaurant.
Smith Extra: An ‘in-flight’ dining experience for two, including a glass of wine each, delivered by a Luna2 hostess
Reaching this ultra-luxe getaway involves hopping aboard Soneva Kiri’s private eight-seater Cessna plane from Bangkok airport to a nearby isle, then a five-minute boat transfer to reach the resort and its super-secluded Thai island.
Ticking every box for a family getaway, Soneva Kiri boasts an outdoor cinema, treetop dining, delicious Thai food and an out-of-this-world kids’ club, designed by Dutch architect, Olav Bruin. Each villa has a private pool in addition to the main event, so guests can cool off in a range of enviable places.
Smith Extra: One complimentary dinner (excluding drinks), at either the View or Benz’s
With just nine Pacific-edged villas, this boutique resort is barefoot luxury at its best. The sleek infinity pool boasts sweeping sea views, plus a shallow end and floats, so kids can splash around safely. Water babies will also love dipping their toes in the ocean.
Protected by a bay, waters are calm and clear here – ideal for kids aged three and over to try their first surf lesson. Babysitters are available at no extra cost, so grown-ups can enjoy date night in tropical paradise.
Smith Extra: A piece of fibre jewellery for each guest, made by the Compostela Project
With Mr & Mrs Smith you get a best-price guarantee, as well as a free Smith Extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call toll free at 800 905 326 or visit mrandmrssmith.com
