Villas and Cottages for the Adventurous Family Holiday

Action-packed getaways for every member of the family…

Dreaming of a getaway to satisfy your desire for relaxation and the little ones’ thirst for adventure? Travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have handpicked a selection of luxurious villages and cottages guaranteed to satisfy every member of the family. From private Yacht Club cottages by the Great Barrier Reef, to homely villas by vineyards in Tuscany, these gorgeous holiday locations offer fresh new alternative to big hotel chains. Whether you’re keen to take a trip in a hot-air balloon, go for a bioluminescent night-swim adventure, or challenge yourself at a rooftop Muay Thai boxing ring, here’s the run-down of five exhilarating (and rejuvenating!) family escapes.

Mr & Mrs Smith gets you the best rates, guaranteed, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel.
To book, call the Smith24 team toll-free on 800 905 326, or visit mrandmrssmith.com.

The Ranch at Rock Creek is located in the middle of mountains, any might be the only sign of life for miles. There’s a weekly rodeo, clay-pigeon shooting, fly-fishing, a bowling alley and acres of big-sky outdoors to keep you all entertained. If that’s not quite enough, there’s also a spa, an ice rink, a giant movie screen and a barn-sized pile of sports equipment for active imaginations. If you need a baby crib or babysitting services, the hotel can organise it (just let them know in advance). The best part? All of it is included in the room rate.

Smith Extra: One $100 Ranch Credit per room to be used at the Mercantile, the Granite Spa, or the reserve!

Wake up to powder-white beaches, kick off your shoes and relax – because everybody goes barefoot on this private island. With the open-air cinema, diving classes, tennis and badminton courts, and family friendly activities, there’s never a dull moment at Soneva Fushi. The resort promises manta rays and turtles across four pristine snorkelling points, and the resident marine biologist can introduce you to the sleeping parrotfishes, lobsters, and bioluminescent plankton during night swims and private sea trips.

Parents with younger children can visit the children’s den and watch them go on quests to conquer the swimming pools, pirate ship and water slides. There’s also an ice-cream parlour and cookie-making classes – the perfect pastimes, allowing mamas to disappear into the world-beating Six Senses spa, set around a jungle pond and waterfall.

Smith extra: One dinner (at Nine or By the Beach) and a cookie-making class for children.

Panacea retreat emulates its Greek namesake – the goddess of healing. With restorative sea views, lush vegetation and divine living spaces, all you have to do is take your pick between one of the five generous villas. Larger groups will fall in love with the Praana Residence – almost a private resort in itself – with six bedrooms, two infinity pools, plus nightclub, karaoke machine, and cinema room in the basement.

There is even an exclusive spa with a dedicated massage studio for traditional Thai, oil and deep tissue massages. Guests dine in the comfort of their own villa, served by staff who will customise the menu to your liking. Perfect for picky tiny tots. Younger Praana guests can have a blast in the Kids Club, with games consoles, a billiards room and table football. Meanwhile, try your hand at Muay Thai in the boxing ring on the roof or boost your culinary skills with a Thai cooking class. No adventure is out of bounds.

Smith extra: A bottle of sparkling wine and a Panacea special gift per booking.

Take laid-back luxury to the next level with the Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas. These coastal-chic holiday houses offer spacious areas for groups seeking an action-packed beach retreat. Take your pick from quad-biking, go-carting, target-shooting, sailing, jet-skiing and scuba diving (all water sports equipment is free for guests – from catamarans and paddle skis to windsurfers and snorkelling equipment). If indoor time is called for, then you can indulge in a rejuvenation session at Spa Wumurdaylin or get your retail fix at Marina Village. Say goodbye to the agony of keeping your young ones entertained: children under 14 are guaranteed action-packed adventures at the Clownfish Club. Oh and children under 12 dine for free at selected eateries!

Smith extra: A bottle of Robert Oatley wine on arrival

Surround yourself with hills, valleys and vineyards at Castello di Casole. Original stone walls, antiques and Etruscan artifacts add sophistication, whilst the wine-cellar-turned-spacious-luxury-spa, Essere, adds a bit of relaxation.

This boutique hotel lets guests embrace Italian culture by making pizza, ceramics or exploring the countryside and vineyards by bike. Adventures abound, too: hot-air ballooning, wine tastings, saffron-picking, and horse-riding are all nearby. The chefs at the hotel restaurant, Ristorante Tosca, are well-prepared with a children’s menu and are more than happy to adapt main-menu dishes for your young ones. Within the grounds themselves, you can set out with the team to explore olive groves, cycling and trekking trails, and a private cinema – a sure way to guarantee some quality family time.

Smith extra: A pizza-making class for one adult.