Time for a family vacay, mamas!
The school holidays are almost here – and while we won’t have super early starts (or is that wishful thinking!?), packed lunches to make and schedules to stick to, there’s the small challenge of keeping the family entertained for two weeks. Think a vacation is too late to sort now? Think again – our friends at Lightfoot Travel have put together a few last minute breaks that are guaranteed to give your whole gang that much needed change of scene.
Bali, Indonesia
Now a convenient direct flight away, Bali is just coming out of its rainy season towards the end of March. You will likely have overnight rains, but days should be sunny and cool before the intense summer heat sweeps in. Think about what you hope to get out of your holiday, and let that decide where you choose to stay on the island. Looking for beach, shopping and a vibrant nightlife scene? Stay in trendy Seminyak. Surfers and those looking for epic cliffside villas head down to Uluwatu in the south. Opt for cultural Ubud if you want to potter around galleries or indulge in a wellness getaway, and venture up north to Canggu if you’re keen to experience laid-back Bali away from the crowds. Bali is great for babies and kids alike, with excellent equipment rental companies where you can get everything from cots and sterilisers to prams and pool toys.
Where to stay:
If you’re leaning towards Seminyak, we recommend the new Alila Seminyak that enjoys prime location right on the beach. Sleek and beautifully designed, take advantage of their Stay 3 Pay 2 offer with complimentary room upgrades through Thursday, 31 March, 2016.
Myanmar
With direct flights launching from Dubai towards the end of this year, now might be the time to visit Myanmar before the GCC crowds hit. Temperatures are hot but it’s not quite peak season, so it’s still possible to put together touring itineraries over the Easter holidays. Fantastic for families, this is a holiday for parents looking to get their kids off the beaten track, climbing around temples, cycling through the countryside, interacting with the locals and doing more than just hanging about a resort pool. (Though we can make sure your hotel does have a pool to cool off in after a day of sightseeing!). Start in bustling Yangon with its markets, crumbling colonial buildings and towering golden Shwedagon Pagoda. Next head to Bagan, soaring above the two thousand plus temples and pagodas in a hot air balloon. Head on to Inle Lake with its iconic fishermen who stand on one leg and paddle their boats with the other in order to see above the tall reeds that grow on the lake. And lastly, end your trip down south with a spell on beautiful Ngapali Beach.
Where to stay:
Belmond Governor’s Residence is the granddaddy of Yangon hotels, though it comes at a price. We love its calming gardens, and it serves up a mean gin and tonic to be enjoyed in the afternoons by the pool.
Maldives
Perfect for those who really just want to fly and flop over the Easter holidays, the Maldives is the ultimate beach destination. If you’re looking for convenience, pick a resort that’s accessible by speedboat from the capital, Male. If you want to get further out, where the diving and snorkelling will invariably be better, opt for a property that is accessible via seaplane or even a domestic flight. The Maldives is brilliant for both families and couples, and most properties cater very well to both types of guest.
Where to stay:
Availability is limited at this late stage, but Anantara Dhigu still has availability and is our go-to property for families with its amazing kid’s club and ton of water and beach activities. Jumeirah Vittaveli features stunning suites, each with its own private pool and direct beach or lagoon access.
Sri Lanka
Whether you choose to crisscross the country exploring its plethora of scenic and cultural sites, or situate yourself in a beachfront private villa for a week, Sri Lanka is fantastic over Easter. If you’re the touring type, start in Colombo and head up north to visit the famous Cultural Triangle, before taking one of the most scenic train journeys in the world up into magical Hill Country and exploring its many tea plantations. Next spend a few days on one of the beaches that line the southern coastline, learning to surf, whale watching or simply kicking back in the comfort of your hotel. Lastly, stop off at Galle Fort before you head home, wandering its cobblestoned streets and buying some of the gemstones that the country is famous for. With its beautiful private villas, Sri Lanka is also great for multi-generational family gatherings, and a very convenient option for travelling parents with younger toddlers.
Where to stay:
With four stylish king chalets and a children’s suite with eight bunk beds, Elysium private villa near Galle Fort is perfect for groups of friends or large families. Facilities include a home cinema, a library, a gym and a spa. Elysium’s centrepiece is a stunning jade green pool that features a shallow area for younger guests.
Happy holidaying, mamas!
Lightfoot Travel is a Dubai-based luxury tour operator specialising in family holidays, honeymoons and private villas in countries spanning seven continents. Itineraries are fully flexible based on client’s time, budget and destination preferences.
Please call +971 4 455 8788 or visit lightfoottravel.com to book your holiday now.