With the advent of spring comes new life, vibrancy and hope. What better way to celebrate than by spending quality time with the people who matter to you the most on a vacation away from the trappings of the office and the home. Below we have selected four destinations that capture activities for children of all ages but with plenty of attraction for parents too.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
Best for: Families that enjoy modern amenities and plenty of activities for everyone.
Is there more of an iconic Dubai resort than the Atlantis, The Palm? This modern pink palatial structure with soaring turrets and distinctive Arabian archway towers over its neighbours boasting breath-taking views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
The Palm offers an endless list of facilities and activities, including free access to Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion Point, Aquaventure, a vast water park with zip lines and slides through shark-filled lagoons, and the Lost Chambers, an Atlantis-themed aquarium with underwater halls and tunnels housing 65,000 marine animals.
For families, we recommend staying in a spacious Imperial Club Room, which boasts incredible views, access to the VIP Imperial Club Lounge, the Imperial Club Beach and Kid’s Club, each with complimentary refreshments.
As the night draws in, take advantage of the hotel’s babysitting service as you enjoy Atlantis, a live visual, musical spectacular that attracts superstars from around the world.
Giraffe Manor, Kenya
Best for: Families who are culture hounds
Giraffe Manor is an excellent choice for a family holiday. It has everything from charming accommodations to wildlife adventure programmes and helicopter tours with jaw-dropping views.
Enjoy wild scenery, alfresco dinners, star-studded skies and incredibly close wildlife encounters. A visit to the Giraffe Manor lets you and your children experience the finest of Kenya’s dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife through an authentic safari adventure in the African bush.
One of the fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Giraffe Manor can be booked for a single night or as part of a wider tailor-made safari.
For those who opt for the latter, head north after a stay at the Giraffe Manor for a true ‘under canvas’ safari with steaming bucket showers, romantic campfires and a chance to encounter the African wild dog. Spend time in a world-famous rhino sanctuary, relax on the shores of a shimmering freshwater lake and spot the ‘big five’ in one of the most fantastic game-viewing locations on our planet, the Masai Mara.
Four Seasons, Seychelles
Best for: Those seeking short-haul luxury for the parents and children
Excellent service coupled with sunshine all year round make the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles ideal for a luxury Spring family holiday. Set on a secluded tropical hill overlooking the Indian Ocean, this luxury beachfront property offers something for the entire family with its enchanting villas and suites, fine dining and luxury spa.
The Kids for all Seasons at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles features an outdoor playground, play pavilion and air-conditioned relaxation rooms. A dedicated kids programme led by specially trained staff will make little ones feel like island explorers, while the grown-ups enjoy some time relaxing on the white sands of Petite Anse beach.
For the environmentally conscious, Coral Cabana, a reef restoration programme run by marine education and conservation specialists from WiseOceans, encourages guests to explore the wonders of the Seychelles underwater world. For teenagers, there are surf and stand-up paddleboard lessons with professional instructors from Tropicsurf.
Accommodation options are just perfect for family stay: Residence Villas are located on the resort’s hillside setting’s outer edges, giving you the best views and ultimate privacy from the rest of the resort.
Waldorf Astoria, Maldives
Best for: An ultimate exclusivity Spring holiday
This isolated, tropical oasis in the middle of the Indian Ocean is known for its white-sand beaches, reefs, and blue lagoons—making it the perfect place to enjoy peace and tranquillity.
While the adults relax, the kids have a range of immersive activities to fill up their days. Your little ones can enjoy kids-only snorkelling trips with the hotel’s staff marine biologist, Native storytelling with a local narrator and an interactive treasure hunt.
Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park features an exciting water recreation area and enriching activities catered to kids and teens for their very own Maldivian experience.
For those seeking the ultimate exclusivity, Stella Maris Private Ocean Villas are an intimate getaway, exquisite duplex villas with direct ocean access, accessible only by boat. Ithaafushi Private Island is a 32,000 sq. m. sanctuary encompassing private villas and amenities for the utmost luxury.
