Specially designed activities made just for the kiddos!
If you’re searching for a family getaway that allows you to sip cocktails by the pool or relax in the spa while your kids have fun, look no further than these five family-friendly stays, each one offering engaging, fun-filled activities for youngsters. From animal spotting and bushcraft in Australia’s Blue Mountains to kite design and paper-lantern workshops in Vietnam, travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have selected their pick of the best hotels for keeping the whole family entertained for days.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains, Australia
Go in search of wallabies, wombats, cockatoos and kangaroos on an eco adventure – by jeep, bike or even on horseback – in one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. The family-friendly Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley resides in a 4,000-acre wilderness in the Blue Mountains. These luxury lodgings allow adults to indulge at the Timeless Spa while little ones of eight-years-old and over can get stuck into activities devised for curious minds: bushcraft, archery, painting, kite-making, Junior Ranger survival lessons and Polaris all-terrain vehicle rides.
Smith Extra: A gourmet Wolgan picnic hamper for families, to be enjoyed on the reserve
Six Senses Con Dao, Con Dao Islands, Vietnam
If you’ve got little ones who love camping in the garden overnight, they’ll love Six Senses Con Dao, where children can camp out on the beach under the stars while you unwind in the spa and sleep in peace. The Sense of Laughter kids club offers an exhaustive list of free activities, allowing kids to learn new skills, some of them steeped in Vietnamese culture. This might include kite design, paper-lantern workshops or visits to local schools. There’s also pizza-making and smoothie-making classes, or outdoor pursuits like body boarding and snorkelling in the main pool.
Smith Extra: Adults get a half-hour foot massage or body scrub for two; children are treated to a pizza-making class and a cupcake-making class
Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco, Tuscany, Italy
From astronomy to gastronomy, the fun-filled diversions on offer at family-friendly Castiglion del Bosco are a world away from your run-of-the-mill holiday stay. The CdB Kids Club provides weekly changing activities, including treasure hunts and painting classes. Older children can take part in private classes covering cookery, painting, tennis and archery, offered alongside pony rides and farm tours. While the children are kept busy, you can practice your swing on the golf course, retreat to the spa for a treatment or slip off for wine tasting – the estate’s oak-matured reds are well-renowned.
Smith Extra: Free extra bed and entrance to the kids’ club (including activities) every day for all children
Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, Krabi, Thailand
For a Thai family beach holiday off the beaten track, set course for Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, a 90-minute drive south of Krabi. The buzzy beach club and Ayurvedic spa will wow adults, and children will be kept entertained by the dedicated kids’ pool, arts and crafts centre, storytelling sessions and Andaman Sea activities. Older kids and adults will love the dugong encounters, snorkelling and scuba diving on offer through the Sea Bees Diving Centre, or sailing, kayaking and trekking further afield. There are skills to be learned, too: Thai cookery classes and fun language lessons are also available.
Smith Extra: Free access to the kids club; free WiFi; 15 per cent off food, drinks and spa treatments
Nihiwatu, Sumba, Indonesia
Protected from urban development, Nihiwatu is a cluster of rustic-luxe villas perched above a stretch of unspoilt Sumbanese coast – an idyllic setting for once-in-a-lifetime family holidays. Thatch-roofed and sandy-floored, Menara is a separate open-air space with crafts, games, pool tables and beach cinema, making it a laid-back hangout for families. Sandcastle-building competitions, cooking classes, beach games and turtle-release sessions can also be organised. A serene hilltop pavilion offers yoga and Pilates classes for older kids; its ocean views are breathtaking.
Smith Extra: A family outing by open-top jeep to swim at Lapopu waterfall
With Mr & Mrs Smith you’ll enjoy our best-price guarantee, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call toll free at 800 905 326 or visit mrandmrssmith.com.