SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
February 2015
5 Family Getaways to Reclaim that Pre-Baby Spark (even with the kids in tow!)
For a parent, going on getaways with the kids is often like — not going on one at all. How many times have you returned home from holidays thinking, ‘Gosh, I need another one to recover from this!’? That is why we’ve put together a list of luxe getaways where parents can relax and reclaim that pre-baby spark — yes, even with the kids in tow.
As Stephan Post, General Manager of the Belmond Napasai, Koh Samui notes: “With limited school and work holidays, families are growing to appreciate the precious holiday time they get together, and recognise luxury travel brands who are able to incorporate the needs of all ages into their offerings and services.”
So these aren’t just your usual family getaways. Set in picturesque surroundings, staffed by service experts and designed for luxury living, these havens of bliss are where everyone in the family can be 200 per cent pampered — even while engaging in exciting new experiences — and return home relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
Enveloped within the bosom of Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Geopark — a geological and ecological wonderland where labyrinthine mangroves mingle with pure rainforest air and ancient rock formations embrace endless beaches — Four Seasons Langkawi is a mystical, magical, haven that breathes luxury and enchantment, just 90 minutes away from Singapore.
Stay
The Family Beach House is steps away from the Andaman Sea. Lounge on your deck’s daybed as the kids build sandcastles, or take a dip in your private plunge pool. There’s ample space for all inside, with two large living areas, in- and outdoor showers, and a family-sized walk-in closet. Children’s bedrooms come with LCD screens, PS3 consoles, beach toys, sandcastle-making kits, and board games. You’d probably have to drag them out!
For Parents
Relax with champers and fruit platters in a private swim-up cabana at the Adult Quiet Pool, cruise to the uninhabited rainforest islet of Pulau Langgun, get urban stresses kneaded away with local oils of love and bliss at the Geo Spa’s award-winning couple’s ritual, Raja and Ratu (King and Queen). Take advantage of resort’s child-minding services to dine beneath a Rajasthani tent for two at the water’s edge, or bid the day good bye in a sea-view Mughal swing at the Rhu Bar.
For Kids
There’s batik painting, yoga, nature excursions, treasure hunts, and an adventure playground to explore at the Kids for All Seasons club. How about trying out a Junior Masterchef cooking class with the island’s top local chefs, or making and flying a traditional Malaysian kite?
For Families
Rock climb and abseil a natural 12-metre limestone outcrop (suitable for kids from five years old), aim and shoot with a longbow at the archery range (from 12 years old), meet majestic eagles and kites, mischievous macaques, fish that walk (mudskippers), colourful fiddler crabs, shy otters and sleeping bats on the Mangroves & Eagles Safari. And have we mentioned tiki-torchlit barbecues and marshmallow toasting under the stars?
We Like
The hour-long kids-only ‘Mangroves & Monkeys Safari’ where young adventurers (four to 12 years old) can join Resort Naturalists aboard a floating classroom for a eco-experience to discover mangroves and mischievous macaque monkeys.
Go
Contact Four Seasons Resort Langkawi at tel: (60) 4 950 8888, email [email protected] or visit the website here.
Belmond Napasai Koh Samui
The Belmond Napasai, set in a grove of cashew trees on Koh Samui’s fashionable north coast, oozes paradisal luxury. It’s not because the Belmond boasts the island’s longest private beach. Or has its own underwater nature reserve where guests can swim out to the reef and snorkel in rock pools. It’s in every little detail, from original Jim Thompson bedroom silks to the use of resort-grown organic vegetables.
Stay
The Villa Suites, with a master bedroom and a living room with two Thai-style sofas, are perfect for families. The Families First includes daily breakfast buffet, private round-trip airport limousine service, and even an in-villa Thai boxing class.
For parents
Go on a sunset cruise in a traditional boat, or dive the Angthong National Marine Park. Attend cooking and fruit carving classes, or try a couple spa treatment at the Napasai Spa. Take advantage of the nanny service to grab a sundowner and enjoy a candlelit dinner at the elegant Lai Thai restaurant.
For Kids
Kids can visit their animal friends at the petting zoo, learn Muay Thai in the resort’s purpose-built ring (for ages seven and up), have a swimming lesson and earn achievement awards and badges.
For Families
Sail around the island on one of the resort’s Hobie Cats or Laser Optimists sail boats. Back at the resort, let the ‘Pirate Samui Gang’ (kids and childcare staff) go off on a treasure hunt! They’ll then fashion a table and benches on the beach, from which they can enjoy their own private dinner party.
We like
The resort’s “My First Job” programme lets children be pastry chefs, gardeners and animal keepers, or technicians helping to paint or fix things.
Go
Bangkok airways flies from Singapore to Koh Samui daily. For reservations, call 626 09 495 or go directly to the resort website.
Club Med Bali
From your daybed in the adult-only pool you glimpse in the distance, lush rice terraces cut in to the slopes of the Batur volcano. As you lie upon the undulating water, cocktail in hand, you may wonder what the kids are up to. Or maybe not. For at Club Med, kids have a life of their own – away from parents. There’s a little piece of heaven for everyone here, from the littliest baby to the sassiest octogenarian. And yes, especially for parents looking for that private holiday moment.
Stay
Choose a Suite connecting with a Superior room for more space to roam around in. You’ll also enjoy privacy with the reassurance that the little ones are just an open door away. Suite bathrooms have tubs, while Superior ones don’t.
For Parents
Feel like a goddess (or god) at the adults-only Zen Pool which is built in theatre-style architecture. Here at this Studio MHNA-designed spot, the spectacular ocean is your only view, its waves the only sound. Dine at the adults-only Deck Restaurant or feast on seafood and indulge your inner gourmand at the newly-added Concept Restaurant. Pamper yourself with spa treatments.
For Kids
The Kids Club will keep them entertained whether they are 4 months old (at resorts with Baby Club Med services) or 17 years. Friendly G.Os (Gentle Organisers) take care of the little ones, escorting and accompanying them from activity to age-appropriate activity like archery, trapeze, yoga, pool games, craft, sports, and more. They’ll never go thirsty either. The main bar has a little ‘step-up’ area where kids can order milkshakes and (kids-friendly) juices.
For Families
Club Med Baby Welcome® is also included in the holiday package at no extra cost. Expect baby provisions such as child-sized equipment, baby food in the Special Baby Corner in the restaurant, strollers and toys.
We Like
The all-inclusive concept where accommodation, transfers, activities, and meals are included in the price. You never have to worry about anything except, of course, where next to have fun.
Go
Call 1800 258 2633 or book online here.
Angsana Laguna Phuket
Set along the shores of Bang Tao Bay, Angsana Laguna Phuket is only 20 minutes from the airport. This means you’re out of the terminal and in paradise in a jiffy — no time for the kid to get cranky! Meditate on lagoon waters, swim in the free-form pool, or splash in the Andaman Sea. Don’t forget to take a ride on the quaint lagoon raft which ferries guests to the Canal floating village.
Stay
The Laguna Premier Room (King) with 45 sqm of living space sleeps a family of four comfortably. There’s a king bed and a sofa bed, and two children (under 12 years) stay free. Selected rooms have sunken bath tubs. Ask for one during reservation, if your children enjoy bubble baths!
For Parents
Relax with a Couple’s Romance Spa Package or the Duet — Room For Two couple treatment. Combine romance and exercise on an island biking date. Chill out poolside Beach Club or have a romantic dinner for two on the beach as the sun sets. Play golf on the award-winning, international standard Laguna Championship Golf Course.
For Kids
There’s always something happening at the Tree House Kids Club, a multi-level play area. Its jungle gyms, enrichment activities and entertainment will thrill kids of all ages. It even has a kids’ spa for the little ones!
For Families
How about a family yoga session? Follow that up with a visit to the elephant park where you can ride an elephant on a trekking safari.
We Like
The Sharing Time package lets kids below 12 stay and dine for free, and includes daily breakfast, access to the Kids’ Club, and free non-motorised water sports.
Go
Call 1800 849 5788, email [email protected] or book online here.
Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood
Dine within the forest canopy in your own tree pod overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Have in a private waterfall picnic. Speedboat to your private helicopter and fly to Angkor Wat. Snorkel in a marine park. Go to Cinema Paradiso, where you can watch movies on an overwater screen set in a lagoon under the stars. The kids? What kids? Just kidding!
Stay
The three-bedroom Private Beach Pool Reserve combines whimsy, rustic-chic sustainable design and dreamy indulgence. It’s perfect for families, with a large master bedroom, and a second bedroom. An air-conditioned living room keeps everyone cool and come nightfall, you can dine at the deck under the stars. Finally, there’s a “tree house” for children — complete with bunk beds and a slide to the pool!
For Parents
Slow down, breathe deeper, and inhale the bliss. Venture on a sensory journey at the Six Senses Spa with Ayurvedic therapies. Learn dosha-specific lifestyle and nutrition tips, address weight-loss needs, challenge yourself with Yogic Detox, and ease physical aches with a water shiatsu session.
For Kids
They’ll love The Den, a giant moulded bamboo playground shaped like a manta ray. Imagination takes flight as they learn to play Thai instruments, dabble in the visual arts, and explore. While younger guests play at the Intrepid Explorers Club (for one to five year olds), older ones can go on excursions and cultural exchanges such as rainforest walks and local school visits.
For Families
Experience Thai fishing village culture at Ao Salad village, where you can see day-to-day unfold on the island. Stroll through a rubber plantation. Visit a local school where the children can enjoy a fun cultural exchange with their Thai peers.
We Like
The Soneva Group’s dedication to the SLOW LIFE philosophy. It features Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences which aim to create unforgettable, enlightening experiences for each guest in a sustainable environment.
Go
Soneva Kiri operates private charter plane (8 seats) daily to/from Don Muang Airport (in Bangkok) at fixed schedules. Book your stay here.
Ready for family getaways?
Family getaways no longer need to be stressful, Survivor-esque episodes of rushing from one place to another. Give yourself the gift of relaxation at these resorts, where family time is just as significant as couple time. If making core memories with the kids and bonding as a family while on holiday is important to you, why not do that at one of these gorgeous getaways?
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