Category: Asia

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Maldives

Soneva Fushi, Maldives

The island eco resort of Soneva Fushi, Maldives: the epitome of barefoot luxury and the perfect place for toddlers to take their first steps across the beautiful sandy beaches .And when you want some time alone, there’s lots to keep the kids busy.

Why go?

If you want a relaxing holiday in paradise, there’s nowhere more perfect than Soneva Fushi in The Maldives.

One of the world’s original eco resorts it’s philosophy is SLOW LIFE (Sustainable, Local, Organic, Wellness, Learning, Inspiring, Fun, Experiences).  

The resort is designed to complement the natural landscape with tree-top walkways, thatched rooftops and outdoor showers – the epitome of barefoot luxury.

Over the years Soneva Fushi has made a concious effort to improve the resort experience for families. It now boasts the largest selection of multi-bedroom villas (many with private pools) anywhere in The Maldives, from two bedroom villas to unique tree houses. All have stunning views and direct access to the beach.

Activities

Soneva have loads of activites for you to enjoy as a family, from exploring the marine life, to watching movies together at the outdoor cinema, complete with pizza and popcorn.

Dolphin watching from a traditional dhoni is also a must, as well as checking in with one of the resident astronomers for a spot of star gazing. 

And when you want some time alone, there’s lots to keep the kids busy. They’ll love meeting friends at onsite picnics and outdoor sleepovers or at shorter activities like treasure hunts, coconut bowling, beach sports and crafts. 

You’ll even be given bikes to get around, but really this is about kicking off your shoes and enjoying your very own desert island experience.  

Food: To complement their eco ethos the resort has cultivated gardens where guests of all ages can choose organic ingredients and create dishes with one of the chefs.  Dining options include Japanese and Mediterranean, with separate children’s menus, half-portions and specialist foods on request to suit the fussiest of eaters. Whatever your age though, you won’t be able to resist sampling the resort’s homemade icecreams – there’s an amazing 60 flavours. 

There’s also The Den’s kids club, which opens in October 2013.

Don’t Miss: Spa-time is a big part of the Soneva Fushi experience. The Six Senses Spa provides specialist treatments from around the world, many using homemade products such as coconut rubs and papaya wraps. There’s also mini treatments for kids and family yoga sessions. 

The lowdown

Price: Stay from £4,500 for a family of four staying in a Villa Suite, with pool for seven nights. Kids under one year stay free. Early booking and longer-stay discounts are also available. 

How to get there: Fly British Airways; from £818 return.  On arrival, you will be greeted by a Soneva Fushi host and escorted on a 30 minute seaplane cruise to the resort.

Flight time:  A flight from London to Male takes 10 hours.

Best time to go?: The dry season from December-April is the best time to go. Though monsoon season (May-November) still offers a pleasant climate and is less busy. 

What to pack

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Categories
India

Taj Lake Palace, Udiapur

This 18th century palace will introduce children to new and exciting experiences, while you relax in the spa or explore the sights of Udaipur.

Why go?

An ornate palace floating on the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan, all regal white marble and carefully placed artifacts might not scream child-friendly. But The Taj Lake Palace is the perfect example of appearances being deceiving.

As you step off the speedboat that transports you to the four-acre palace, your children will be made to feel at home, with the help of Gili the squirrel and Mor the peacock – the resident wildlife.  

Activities

During the day, a programme of activities introduces kids to India’s rich heritage, one where they are a core part of family life. Traditional Rajasthani puppet shows take place regularly, alongside cinema screenings – with popcorn –, arts and crafts sessions, and camel cart rides. For teenagers there is also the chance to learn the secrets of a royal kitchen in a cooking lesson, or have henna tattoos. Most of the activities are free but some have a small fee (from £2 to £11). 

Of course, adults are not forgotten, and while the kids are at play, you can explore the palace, take in the rich silks, intricate mosaic tiles and elaborate architecture. Feel like a fifties screen siren while you lie by the pool on vintage-style sunbeds or have an Ayurvedic treatment at the Jiva Spa. If you need a little reality check and want to head into Udaipur without the kids, babysitting can be arranged. 

Accommodation

The bedrooms at The Taj Lake Palace are disguised as treasure troves and are kitted out with child-friendly amenities.

To help you on your way with little children, you’ll find special lotions and potions, mini towelling robes and a thoughtfully positioned elephant stool to help them reach the sink.

At bedtime, the chef’s tailor-made treats will miraculously appear on their marshmallow-soft pillows. 

The lowdown

Price: Double rooms start from £224 a night for two people. 

Travel time: Flights from London to Udaipur, via Delhi, take 13 hours and 40 minutes (not including transfer time). 

How to get there: Jet Airways flies from London Heathrow to Udaipur; from £787 return. 

Best time to go: Udaipur is hot all year round, but the coolest temperatures are between September and March, when they hover around 30 °C. Monsoon season is from July to September. 

Categories
Thailand

Thai Truck Safari

Jump onboard Western Oriental’s Thai Truck Safari and explore unspoilt parts of southern Thailand’s beautiful countryside.

Why go?

Western & Oriental‘s Thai Truck Safari will take guests into some of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside of southern Thailand.

ACTIVITIES

The five-day package departs from Phuket or Khao Lak heading north towards Khao Sok National Park, passing Takua Pa mangroves and Cheow Larn Lake on the way. It includes a visit to the Old Takua Pa town, to taste food from the local market and explore the colourful temples.

There’s also a chance to meet the bewitching Asian Elephants, go on wildlife tours in search of scampering gibbons, monkeys, and even the lesser-spotted Indochinese tiger, as well as kayak through green waterways.

The lowdown

Accommodation: Stay overnight in luxury bush camps such as the Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp, which floats on Cheow Larn Lake’s emerald waters. After the five-day tour, end your trip with four nights R’n’R at the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket.

Cost: An eight-night package costs from £1,615 per adult and £1,365 per child. This includes four nights accommodation in camps and four nights at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, including flights between London and Phuket, all transfers and activities on safari.

More information: For all holiday bookings, call Western & Oriental on 020 7666 1234 or go to westernoriental.com

Categories
Maldives

The Maldives with Teens

Take your teens to the Maldives for a family holiday of relaxation and sunbathing, snorkelling and watersports.

Why go?

While the Maldives as a whole has an air of romance about it – some resorts are just in the market for honeymoon and romancing couples – if you’re travelling with older children, you can pick an island that is more focused on watersports and family activities.

Who’s it good for? Older children who love the water will love the Maldives: it’s full of watersports and underwater wildlife – great for keen scubadivers.

It’s also the perfect break if you’re looking for lots of relaxation and a feeling that you’re getting away from it all on an island hideaway – especially good in school holidays after a lot of exam stress.

Activities

Activities: Teenagers are hardly likely to be bored with a choice of swimming, snorkelling or learning to scuba dive around the beautiful coast and exploring the colourful underwater wildlife.

In recent years, some islands have begun conservation projects in which they actively encourage guests to participate, including assisting with turtle conservation and planting coral gardens.

Complimentary activities in the late afternoon are provided by some of the resorts, such as a cooking or a cocktail making class (virgin cocktails are part of the menu too). Many resorts also provide entertainment a few evenings a week that often turn into relaxed parties.

Food: Most islands serve buffet meals and offer half board or full board packages. It’s recommended you opt for one of these as teenagers enjoy the opportunity to mill around, choosing what they want and blending in with other guests. It also provides a chance for friendships to be struck up with other youngsters.

Where to stay

Accommodation in the Maldives tends to be villas more than hotel rooms. This means you’re much closer to the beach and living the island lifestyle, but make sure it is suitable for teenagers.

Family-friendly resort Bados Island Resort is great for children and young teenagers, and close to the capital of Malé. Prices start from £519 per night. Another family-friendly option, the luxury hotel Velaa, is just 45 minutes from Malé by sea-plane. A two-bedroom Beach Pool House starts from £2,064 a night.

Angsana Velavaru is an option for older teenagers and the furthest island in the atoll. Rooms start from US$430 (approx. £279) per night including breakfast (extra charges include a service charge and tax charge per person). We’d recommended the Deluxe Beachfront Pool Villa, Velavaru Villa, Angsana Villa or Sanctuary InOcean Pool Villa for families.

Kids’ clubs: Make sure your kids understand that there may not be lots of other teenagers around on your trip to The Maldives. Luckily, the resorts do bring all the kids together with their great kids’ clubs, which offer scuba diving, watersports, and beach games.

The lowdown

How to get there: British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Malé; from £818 return.

Travel time: A flight from London to Malé takes around 10 hours and 10 minutes.

Resorts can take everything from ten minutes to reach via speedboat to forty minutes on a seaplane from the capital, which you can organise when you book the resort.

Categories
Indonesia

The Yoga Retreat

A relaxing holiday with the kids might sound like a contradiction in terms, but at Alila Villas Soori in Bali, it’s possible. The resort’s three-, five- and seven-day Relaxology retreats involve a schedule of soothing Balinese spa treatments, gentle yoga and pleasantly distracting craft workshops.

While you practise your sun salutations, the kids can discover new experiences of their own with a range of Journeys for Little Ones, which include making traditional Balinese kites to fly on the beach, painting with a local artist or donning an apron with the resort’s pastry chef. Just try not to undo all the benefits of your raw-food menu.

Price: Three-bedroom villa from £416 per night.

Book: alilahotels.com

Categories
Maldives

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

Spend a holiday in the Maldives and let a Majordome or Guardian Angel customize your experience at The Cheval Blanc Randheli.

Why go?

Having conquered the Alpes with its gitzy Courcheval hotel, LVMH has now set its sights on the Maldives with the opening of its lastest property Cheval Blanc Randheli, which opened on 15 November to much fan fare. Here guests can enjoy tailor-made experiences arranged by their very own Majordome or Guardian Angel.

It’s the little details that make the place so special, well that and the seriously luxurious accommodation. Step off the sea plane and into a complimentary jet-lag treatment.

Before guests arrive they will receive a call from the Maison’s team of Alchemists in order to understand the families preferences to make sure all guests have good memories to return home with.

Activities

The Majordome works with the Alchemists to organise individual activities and experiences throughout your stay. Enjoy adventurous desert island explorations and sail to a private beach with a secret hideaway, where a picnic complete will wait, along with a shady spot under which to get stuck into the book, specially selected for you and tucked into the picnic basket. Children can pretend to be pirates and hunt around the island for treasure and then return for a family BBQ.

Le Carrousel is a club for children between three and 12 years of age and offers activities including children’s yoga, island treasure hunts, underwater photo safaris and creating plaster-of-paris footprints in the sand for parents to keep. 

The Paddock Club for teenagers offers watersports and snorkelling, stargazing, yoga and Junior Lifesaver courses, where teens can learn first aid and lifesaving skills.

Accommodation

The villas have specially designed linen for children along with mini-furniture, and kid-friendly food and drink menus. There is also a Magic Bedtime Box provided in each villa to help parents put their children to sleep. The box includes pillow mist and massage cream, a bedtime story and glitter dust to bring about sweet dreams – we secretly wish this came for adults too. Children can also have a cuddle with a Cheval Blanc teddy.

The lowdown

Getting there: British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Male International from £714 return. The flight from London to Male International takes 11 hours. 

Price: One night based on double occupancy on bed and breakfast starts from £795 ($1300 USD).

 

 

Categories
China

Top 10: Activities for Kids in Hong Kong

It’s not the first destination you’d pick for a family holiday perhaps, but Hong Kong with children can be a delight, opening their eyes to many new things, including food, culture and lifestyle…

1. PEAK TRAM

Kids young & old will love a ride on the super steep Peak Tram. Be rewarded by the fabulous views at the top and realize that Hong Kong island is not just skyscrapers but jungle and beaches too. You can either burn some calories by taking the buggy friendly Peak Circular Walk or head up to Mount Austin playground, one of the prettiest on the island.

More info: thepeak.com.hk

 

2. HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY

A perfect wet weather activity is to visit the fabulous Hong Kong Museum of History. You can easily spend a few hours here learning about Hong Kong’s path from prehistoric days to the birth of the modern metropolis. My favourite area is the recreated street scenes where you can wander around an old teahouse, tailor shop, tramcar and more.

More info: hk.history.museum

 

3. HONG KONG PARK

This offers a myriad of things to do from walking through the aviary, turtle & koi watching in the ponds to the wonderful sandpit in the playground. Located at the edge of the park is the Flagstaff House Museum of Teaware that has a playroom filled with tea sets for kids. Neighboring the museum is the Lok Cha Teahouse, serving up delicious vegetarian dim sum in beautiful surrounds.

More info: lcsd.gov.hk

 

4. STAR FERRY

You can’t beat a trip on the iconic Star Ferry. As the ferry ride is only 10 minutes, combine it with a walk along Kowloon’s Avenue of the Stars (buggy friendly). Don’t forget to return to the same spot at night to see the daily 8pm light show where you can watch HK’s skyline come to life with lasers & music.

More info: starferry.com.hk

 

5. THE ISLAND OF LAMMA

The laidback island of Lamma is the perfect place for a kid friendly hike. Take the ferry from Central Pier 4 and enjoy the 30-minute journey across the water to Yung Shue Wan. Follow the Family Trail, which will lead you to the village of Sok Kwu Van via beaches and a coastal climb (approx. two hours with toddlers in tow). This is the perfect place to relax post hike, with a huge number of seafood restaurants to choose from. My favourite is Rainbow, which even offers a free ferry back to Hong Kong Island.

More info: discoverhongkong.com

 

6. KOWLOON

Kowloon has many dedicated markets from flowers to birds, jade to clothes. My favourite place to hit the markets is at Sham Shui Po where there are streets filled with colourful shops selling beads, ribbons and haberdashery galore. Kids will love Fuk Wing street which houses cheap toys shops, perfect for party bag fillers or a quick bribe!

More info: discoverhongkong.com

 

7. SAI WAN HO

Access the promenade at Sai Wan Ho for a lovely waterfront walk. A buggy friendly path hugs the water, giving you fantastic views across the harbor of and of the various boats bobbing along. Your kids will love the Alexander Grantham fireboat, which is parked at Tai Koo where you can climb aboard and pretend you’re a pirate. Cross the overpass to the Tai Koo playground and if you want to escape the heat/rains, head into the large mall.

 

8. OCEAN PARK

Hong Kong is blessed with it’s own Disneyland but if you’ve ticked that box elsewhere, you might want to try the fantastic Ocean Park. Not only is it filled with rides for all ages but it also has an aquarium, daily shows and you can even get to see real life pandas. Check the schedule for the daily shows and it’s worth getting there a bit early to beat the queues.

More info: oceanpark.com.hk

 

9. SHEK O 

Hong Kong has many beaches but sadly the water can be polluted at times. My favourite is Shek O on the southern side of Hong Kong island. After you’ve had your fill of the beach and surf, eat delicious and cheap Thai and Chinese food at the shack (as far as I know this place has no name but you’ll easily spot it!). If you like to hike, you can also combine a trip to Shek O with a walk along the amazing Dragon’s Back which starts close by.

More info: discoverhongkong.com

 

10. LANTAU ISLAND

Head to Lantau Island and ride on the cable car to the Big Buddha. The duration of the cable car ride is fairly long (5.7km) and offers incredible views over the airport, Lantau island and moments of vertigo if you’ve chosen a glass bottomed car! The Big Buddha is fairly touristy but fun to climb nonetheless. If you feel the need to escape the crowds following your Big Buddha adventure, hop on a bus to Cheung Sha beach and eat at one of the beachfront restaurants.

More info: discoverhongkong.com

Categories
Sri Lanka

Wanderlust: Thalpe, Sri Lanka

This month, we’re dreaming of the white-sandy beaches and palm-lined shores on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

The lowdown

How to get there: British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Colombo (Bandaranaike Intn); from £495 return.

Travel time: 10 hours and 45 minutes flight from London. It’s then a 2 hours drive from Colombo to Thalpe.

Where to stay: Transindus organises tailor-made nine-to-14-day tours to Sri Lanka.

To book: Visit transindus.co.uk or call 0844 879 3960.

Why go?

On the southern coast of Sri Lanka, the palm-shrouded sands of Thalpe’s beaches slip gently into the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

The beaches are clustered around the coastal village of Unawata, where locals fish using the traditional ritipanna method, in which they drive stilits into the seabed and drop lines into the water from their perch – an activity that makes them look like hungry storks.

There’s no need for anything quite so energetic on this beach though. These soft sands positively demand relaxation. 

Categories
Adventure Asia News Story

Take Your Family on holiday to Asia Next Winter

Planning ahead for a warm, unique family getaway next winter? Consider booking a trip to Asia with the St. Regis Hotels and Resorts Family Traditions Programme. This progamme offers special deals (including accommodation and activities) for families in Japan, Indonesia, China, and more. Asia is the perfect place to take a respite from the cold UK winter and relax in the sun and sand.

This bespoke programme aims to provide unforgettable holidays that the entire family will love. St. Regis Hotels and Resorts will take care of each member of your family, including the kids. Children will receive special treats (varying on the location of the hotel and age of the child), ranging from board games to bedtime stories. Each St. Regis hotel or resort is also supplied with family necessities like strollers, baby wipes, cribs, and more, so you don’t have to worry if you forget any essentials. Additionally, the concierge team at each hotel and resort maintains a list of qualified local agencies that can provide expert care for young guests in the convenience of their guestroom.

Families that are part of the Family Traditions Programme will have access to childcare services, butler services, and a wide range of dining options – including private dining 24 hours a day (including children’s menus).

Here are some more unique opportunites that the St. Regis Family Traditions programme has to offer:

 

St. Regis Osaka – My Cup Noodle Factory 

Your little ones will love learning about the history of ramen at the My Cup Noodle Factory and being part of a hands-on creative experience at the Instant Ramen Museum.  They will also have the opportunity to create a custom noodle soup from a variety of toppings and design their own cups. Admission also includes tickets to 28 of the most famous attractions in Osaka, such as the Tennoji Zoo, Botanical Garden, and the highest ferris wheel in Osaka.

 

St. Regis Bali – Back to Nature

You and your family can visit the Eco Learning Park, serving the local community of Nusa Dua. With a focus on fun and discovery, this park provides an interactive and immersive experience to show how it is helping to preserve the area’s vital natrual heritage. This experience includes round-trip transportation to the park, a two-hour tour, and a picnic lunch.

 

St. Regis Lhasa – Be Closest to Heaven

The largest lake in Tibet is also the highest saltwater lake in the world. With St. Regis, you can experience Namtso Lake for yourself along with yak and horseriding. This excursion includes round-trip transportation, a three-hour tour, and a picnic lunch.

 

St. Regis Beijing – One Night in Beijing

You and your family can climb aboard a traditional Chinese rickshaw for an exciting tour of the historical Houhai Lake area, where incredible views at the old Prince Gong’s Mansion and countless activities await. Ascend the ancienct Drum Tower, and your kids can even be part of the drum performance. You can also join a local family to hand-make dumplings in the traditional way before enjoying each and every one. Finally, enjoy the Houhai Kungfu Spectacle. This entire six-hour experience includes transportation, entrance tickets, set dumpling dinner, and an English-speaking guide (if required).

  

The lowdown

Price: Family Traditions packages start at £191 + 15% service charge. Book online using promo code “RFT” to receive extra deals and services. 

More information: stregisfamilytraditions.com.

Categories
Adventure Asia Beach News Story

Sunshine, Surf and Yoga in Kerala, India

SURF AND STRETCH 

Sun, sea, surf and yoga – what else could you possibly need for an idyllic Indian getaway?

At Soul & Surf you can surf, stretch and relax as a family. The surf and yoga combo is the brainchild of British couple Ed and Sofie Templeton, who love nothing more than welcoming families to the retreat.

Surf & Soul is located on the coast of south west India, just an hour’s drive from Trivandrum International airport and just outside of the town of Varkala. As well as a team of expert instructors, Soul & Surf boasts secluded beaches and tropical waters – perfect for beginners as well as seasoned surfers.

BREATHE DEEP

After a day in the waves, you’ll welcome a chance to experience full mind and body relaxation by joining in with the retreats’ yoga and wellness activities. 

Price: Seven nights cost from £840 for a family of four (two adults and two children aged 6-12) sharing two Quite Nice Rooms. The package includes breakfast, a daily guided group surf trip for adults and competent child surfers and yoga mats. One-to-one children’s surf lessons cost £124 for three 1.5-hour sessions, including board hire.

Find out more: soulandsurf.com

More of what you love…

A holiday should be about relaxing, but it’s not always easy to leave the stresses of daily life behind. Take a look at the 7 best ways to switch off on holiday. For a family surf adventure a little closer to home, check out these fabulous surf lessons in North Devon.