Round, round, get around, I get around...
It’s that time of year again – where the sun is shining, the ocean is calm and teeming with all the wonders Mother Nature has to offer.
Go get that bikini you’ve been dying to throw on, some sunscreen, your snorkels and get packing for that family vacation you’ve been longing for with these stylish suggestions from the team at Lightfoot Travel.
Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius
On the secluded northeast coast of Mauritius, the spacious and stylish family villas at Constance Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius come with their own personal stretch of sand and a heated pool. Paddle boarding and water skiing are available, and there’s also a kids’ club (ages 4 to 11) with a hefty schedule of activities including cookery classes and arts and crafts.
Three hotels and bars, a championship golf course and a luxurious spa will keep parents occupied – that is, when you’re not admiring the sea views from your sun lounger.
COMO Uma Canggu
Boltholes in Bali just got better with the opening of COMO Uma Canggu. You’ll be treated to exceptionally swish rooms, nutritious cuisine and unbeatable treatments at the Shambhala Retreat, along with an exclusive Surf teaching guests of all ages how to catch the waves.
For those with really little kids in tow, all the facilities you need are on tap – large baby baths, mosquito nets, high chairs – and babysitting services are available. Older children can get busy with kids’ yoga, batik painting and mocktail making – which may come in particularly useful.
Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco, Tuscany
Head to the rolling hills of Tuscany where children can roam amongst herb-freckled meadows, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors; and parents can explore the medieval villages, historic sites and vineyards. Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco is home to amazing private villas for families and there’s plenty to keep everyone busy such as hiking, biking and horse riding.
There’s also a wonderful heated infinity pool and spa. The hotel’s kids’ club is especially impressive, offering cultural experiences for all the family, such as Italian cookery workshops, art classes, visits to the kitchen garden and truffle hunting.
Villa Suriyawatta, Sri Lanka
Perched on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Villa Suriyawatta is a brilliant base for a family escape. Offering five-bedrooms, a sitting room furnished with squashy sofas and a fully equipped kitchen (complete with an experienced chef), it’s chic, homely and indulgent all at the same time.
All you have to do is roll out of bed each morning and follow the cascading lawns and private pool of your private garden down to the beach. Away from the shore, you can sip cocktails on the veranda while the helpful staff make sure that your little ones are happy.
One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
Singapore’s proximity to the Maldives and the low season summer rates make this an ideal destination. Dismiss any ideas of there being little to do except for eat, sleep and surround yourself with swaying palm trees, as the One & Only Reethi Rah offers so much family fun that you won’t know how to fit everything in.
This sophisticated all-villa resort packs in everything from yoga to cookery to water skiing alongside private island picnics, dolphin-watching and sunset cruises. If you don’t want to move around much, make the eight dining spots and 12 beaches your base for a break that creates the perfect balance of busy days and down-time.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Vietnam
Located on the pristine white sand of Vietnam’s China Beach is the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, welcoming you with its luxurious Asian architecture and stunning tropical vibe. Utilise the babysitting services, or send older children to the kids’ club (ages 4 to 12) for games, exploration and – if you’re feeling super-cultural – Vietnamese classes.
Meanwhile, you can go cycling in the surrounding rice paddy fields or indulge your zen-side with beach tai chi. Alternatively, stay mostly horizontal by the pool of your private villa a good book in hand and butler nearby.
Lightfoot Travel is a luxury tour operator with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai, specialising in designer holidays around the world | p. +65 6438 4091
