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Five Luxury Holidays for Families over the UAE National Day Holidays | Lightfoot Travel Dubai

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For families looking to travel during the upcoming UAE National Day Holidays, our friends at tailor-made travel company, Lightfoot Travel, have picked their top five luxury destinations that are fantastic for families and parents alike!

#Maldives

The Maldives is best known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and plethora of luxury hotels – each on its own private island no less (the best ones anyway)! There are activities for kids of all ages available from the moment you step out of your beach or overwater villa – snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, dolphin cruises and fishing, and many properties have their own diving schools for older kids who want to learn to scuba dive. Maldives hotels are also known for their phenomenal Kid’s Clubs, with many having specific facilities for both younger children and teens.

Where to stay: One&Only Reethi Rah

A property with some of the most beautiful villas in the Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah is also known for its family friendliness. There’s a dedicated KidsOnly Club (ages 4 and up) with its own pool, clubhouse and plenty of outdoor activities such as treasure hunts and sports. Older kids can keep busy with a separate roster of activities such as tennis and swimming lessons, sushi-making classes and lifeguarding lessons. Reethi Rah is also a large hotel, giving families ample dining choices and plenty of space to explore, with none of that stuck-on-an-island feeling.

#Sri Lanka

For such a little country, the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka sure packs a big punch when it comes to diversity – from the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle and wildlife-rich safari parks, to colonial hill stations and golden beaches. Properties range from big brand hotels and beachfront resorts to private luxury villas and charming boutique accommodation – there is something to fit everyone! Travelling within Sri Lanka is safe and convenient, there are none of the food safety scares that are widespread in neighbouring India, and Sri Lankans are exceptionally warm, welcoming and love children.

Where to stay: Taylors Hill and Last House

Taylors Hill is a lovely five-room boutique hotel in Sri Lanka’s tea region. Two of the rooms can accommodate extra beds for families with young children, and the chef will happily adapt meals for young palates. There’s an infinity-edge swimming pool with views over the hills, tennis and badminton courts, croquet lawn and a children’s playroom. Sister property, Last House, is a six-bedroom seaside escape set on two acres of grassy lawn that is perfect for picnics and games. The Cinnamon Suite is particularly well suited for families with a large double bedroom upstairs, and two twin bedrooms downstairs for the little ones. Lightfoot Travel has a special Family Offer for combined stays at these two properties during the National Day break. This includes Stay 3 Pay 2 at Taylors Hill with a family lunch on the house, followed by a complimentary cooking class or head massage with three nights spent at The Last House.

#Kenya

With majestic animals, sweeping grasslands, vibrant culture and first-rate lodges and camps, Kenya gives you a safari experience like nowhere else. Cap off your time spent in the bush with a few days on the beach, and you’ve got yourself the perfect combination of safari and sea for the National Day holidays. For something that the children will never forget, an overnight in Nairobi at the beginning or end of the itinerary could mean a stay at the legendary Giraffe Manor, where these peaceful, iconic animals will join you for breakfast!

Where to stay: Sala’s Camp

Sala’s Camp is one of the few places in Africa where children of all ages are welcome. Special safari programs see spotters teaching young guests the secrets of the bush, and children are able to join game drives with their parents and see the animals up close. Parents will enjoy sundowners overlooking the incredible natural scenery that unfolds over the Masai Mara Game Reserve, and dinners served outdoors under the brightly starlit Kenyan skies.

#Phuket, Thailand

While no stranger to tourism, Phuket still tops our list of favourite family beach destinations due to its incredible mix of properties, clear and calm beaches, impeccable service and simple convenience – once you arrive you can literally kick back and not have to lift a finger until you leave. With direct flights from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this is the ultimate in easy “fly-and-flop” relaxation.

Where to stay: Trisara Phuket

Trisara’s kid’s club, located in a dedicated pavilion for those between the ages of 4 and 16, and is supervised by qualified child minders. Outdoor activities include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and island hopping cruises. Meanwhile, parents can indulge in a couple’s spa treatment, play a round of golf at a nearby course, or head into town for a parent’s night out. The infinity pool villas are also some of the best we’ve seen on the entire island!

#Seychelles

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the resorts in the Seychelles, this island nation is an eco-tourism paradise with lush jungle trails, countless native bird species and world-class diving amongst rainbow-coloured reefs full of marine life. Properties are often situated on larger islands than in the Maldives, which bring added opportunities for hiking amidst the forested interiors. Additionally, being just a 4.5-hour flight from Dubai, it’s incredibly easy for families with even very young children to make the flight over.

Where to stay: Desroches Island Resort

One of the most spectacular properties in the Seychelles, Desroches Island Resort is also one of the best for families. Its Kid’s Haven provides educational activities in a wonderful outdoor setting, and encourages parents to get involved as well. The island is incredibly safe, and parents can rest assured that it is malaria-free, which means no vaccines necessary. There are no dangerous animals, insects or snakes; and you don’t have to worry about cars as there are no tar roads. The whole island is essentially a parent’s dream when it comes to providing a safe and fun-filled environment for kids of all ages. Plus – it is home to an impressive number of giant tortoises, a Seychelles speciality that will enchant children and adults alike!

Lightfoot Travel is a Dubai-based luxury tour operator specialising in tailor-made family holidays, honeymoons, private villas and corporate travel to countries spanning seven continents. Visit lightfoottravel.com or call +971 4 455 8788 for further details.

Favourite Books for Boys
Children's Education

Favourite books to read for boys 6 years and over

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As a mum, it is easier to figure out what girls like to read but often I am not sure what boys like to read and I researched a bit and now these are household favourites.  I know many people ask me when do boys change from ‘baby picture’ books with great stories like the Gruffalo to real boys stories.  Obviously it depends on the child but my son switched around 5 years-old to boy books but it doesn’t mean he still won’t sit around and still listen even now at 6 years-old to some old favourites with his 3 year-old brother.  Mix it up for them.

Share with us some of your favourites in the comment section too!

Love

Edwina

xxx

Travel

Four Seasons Singapore | Organised with Quintessentially Dubai | Travelling with children

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Our stay at the Four Seasons Singapore was a breath of fresh air.  It was understated luxury at its best and located right in the hub of Orchard Road, the main shopping district.  After a tedious flight in from Phuket on Silk Air and 4 extremely tired children, our pick up at the airport was on time, and the ease of checking in with the hotel manager who arrived personally to take us, her ‘Quintessentially’ booked guests to our rooms on the highest floor to check into  our adjoining suites.  It is a relief not to be waiting in the lobby with hungry and tired children.  For any mother, a luxury.

Food

The hotel’s buffet breakfast is more like a professional feast with freshly baked breads, fresh sliced smoked salmon as well as a spattering of local breakfast dishes to try and there is such a large variety to cater to the fussiest child guest.  The restaurant is looked after by an Italian head chef so that made the Italian side of our family extremely happy.  The breakfast is popular and busy with business meetings and families but the staff always appear to have everything under control and are extremely helpful and accommodating with young children.  The service could not be faulted in anyway.  No staff is too snooty to serve you, from waiters to senior managers passing by who will still stop to assist.  It is really Five Star service attention to detail at its best.  The room service menu is large to satisfy all international pallets and the quality of service amazing – try their wonton noodles, satay and pizza.  Also, do try their special martini bar if you can’t face going out after putting the children to bed as their bartenders are extremely specialised in the fine art of making martinis, and they have a selection of Japanese whiskeys with knowledgeable bar staff to assist.

Rooms & Facilities

The rooms are immaculate and practical for families with adjoining rooms and their beds are extremely comfortable.  We also had to desperately wash some major items after 10 days in Phuket for the children, and you will be delighted to know that clothes could be sent and returned the same day.

There are two swimming pools, one for adults only and one for children, which are quite small but sufficient to please the children.  They also have a business conference centre to hold meetings as well as a well-equipped gym which I did try out – a morning run to help ease the holiday eating.

Quintessentially

Booking as members of Quintessentially made a huge difference to the service we received on arrival, with special surprises for the children, upgrades and discounts.  An efficient concierge service and worth the sign up especially for those who travel a lot with families. For more information on Quintessentially Dubai Click Here.

Location of Four Seasons Singapore

The hotel is located on the back of Orchard Road but you are able to walk through the connecting shopping mall into the Hilton and come straight out onto Orchard Road (8 minute walk).  For mums who need baby items, you can head down to Tanglin Mall (15 minute walk with children, 10 on your own) nearby to pick up anything that the children might need.  Also, head to Wheellock Place and Ion – Wheellock Mall has Marks & Spencer if you have forgotten to pack anything and Ion has all designer brands, but if you like stationary there is a beautiful stationary shop right next to the art galleries on the top floor, and there are great shops in the underground sections of Ion Mall including Kikki_K stationary.  There are also many food retails areas.  For more to do in Singapore check out my other feature. Click here.

Viel family:

Will we go back? Most definitely.  Our new favourite hotel in Singapore.

Good for children? Amazing.

Top tip:  Book with Quintessentially Dubai and get yourself on the 19th floor for the view.

Singapore

Singapore is located in South East Asia close to Malaysia and Indonesia, and is 6 – 7 hours by air.  Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly directly to the city, and upon arrival you will be hit with the all year round humity but you will very much enjoy the luscious green City.

Food: Singapore has become a blend of many nationalities.  Some top favourite national dishes include chicken rice, laksa, pepper or chilli crab, mee siam, char siu noodles, and DURIAN (if you dare eat the King of the Fruits)

Visa: No visa is required for Philippines Passport if you are travelling with your nanny.

Currency: Singapore Dollars

Temperature: 25 – 35 degree celsius

Weather: Humid all year round with monsoon rains.

Tips: Bring cardigans for the children especially for the air conditioned malls that are especially chilly during the monsoon rains

Travel

Travel | Phuket, Thailand | Indigo Pearl Luxury Resort |Review 3 of 3 | Spa & F&B

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Photo credit:  Seahsellsonthepalm

Spa

We tried the couples massage at the spa – you can’t ever go wrong with a Thai therapist.  The Thais and Indonesians are born with an inherent sense of how to perform some of the best massages.  What is unique about this spa is their Cocoon spa which you will need to experience for yourself.  They are these beautiful weaved cocoons set in the jungle that make you feel that either a unique tribe has taken over.  We had two lovely therapists with strong hands, and the traditional massage ending with a good body stretch.  Comparing with prices in Dubai, they are much more affordable AED350 at the hotel.

Food & Beverage

There are 7 food & beverages outlets at the hotel offering a wide variety of food from local Thai to pasta to fine dining:

Room Service

The menu is rather limited, and naturally the local food was much better than the pasta – so choose the Pad Thai on any menu if in doubt as it was very good.  The pasta was probably a little over cooked according to my husband’s taste. The children tried the lamb and grouper fish, and they were happy with the lamb but the grouper fish was not the best.

Rivet Fine Dining

We had an adult only dinner at Rivet, which was a dark eccentric room that would have been a good bar or restaurant in London or New York with great fine dining style food.  We tried a set menu of tuna tartare, truffle risotto and a main course of grouper fish.  Very nicely presented with a good selection of wines, and after Dubai prices, most of the wines seem more affordable.

Black Ginger – highly recommended

This is Indigo Pearl’s signature restaurant, and probably the first hint that you are in Thailand – the restaurant looks very traditional with the continued running of Indigo Pearl’s dark and metallic theme.  The whole set up is stunning as your enter the lake through a corridor of blue lit steel shields.  Fire torches light the path, and for the children this was so exciting – it really felt like a mini-adventure.  The only way to get to the restaurant is on a movable platform on the water that you are pulled over by an old pulley system onto a old traditional looking Thai house set on the lake.  Every Saturday night, this restaurant serves a traditional Thai buffet that is exquisite and uncompromising to western pallets so you really get a feel of foods eaten by the Thai people from a wide range of curries to desserts and traditional street food.

Children’s Menu

The children’s menu could have been a little more varied, and I think children should be offered more food that hasn’t been fried like steam fish, rice and soup or maybe organic chicken.  The hotel was subjected to my family’s hardcore food tasting – the pizza was a bit disappointing as the base of the pizza had more of a biscuit consistency.  We would love to see a wood oven pizza station which is easy to do, and the pizzas will taste even better.

Outside the hotel

We love this hotel because there is the option of walking out of the hotel into the local village on the beach where there are several outlets mainly catering to the hardcore Kite Surfing crowd.  Outside the main gates, our family went often to The Sands, a reasonably priced restaurant that served Phuket and Canadian lobster, or Pad Thai, and the children loved the menu that was named after the different Disney creatures.

Hotel & Accommodation Review 1/3 – Read more ….

Indigo Pearl Facilities for Families Review 2/3 – Read more….

Indigo Pearl is a luxury resort located 10 minutes away from Phuket International Airport.  For more information go to www.indigo-pearl.com