Tropical islands, great beaches and adventure holidays seem like a great idea – especially on a Monday morning! But, if you’re travelling with a family, fidgety toddlers and bored older children can turn a holiday into hard work. You need a family-friendly holiday destination that has something for everyone. It might be best to choose a place that’s easy to get to from Singapore if you have littlies; then you can head further afield when they’re a bit older! Here are a few ideas to consider.
Sailing from Komodo to Raja Ampat, Indonesia – Barefoot Yachts
What: Yacht charters in Indonesia
Who: Barefoot Yachts
Where: From Komodo to Raja Ampat and beyond
Why: Whatever your kids are interested in, they can be catered to on a Barefoot Yachts family cruise, whether it’s scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking or standup-paddleboarding. If they’re keen to have a fish, they can do that; or, perhaps they’d like to explore secret beaches and hidden coves. The company offers tailor-made itineraries for families with kids of all ages, so you can sort out the best trip for everyone.
Adding to the appeal is the boat you’ll be cruising on: a traditional wooden yacht called a phinisi. These two-masted schooners still ply Indonesian waters as they did centuries ago – only nowadays they’re outfitted with modern facilities for safety and comfort. Exploring the Indonesian islands on one of these beauties is a bit like travelling back in time – a return to a “classical” style of sailing that gives you a real feeling of discovery.
Special offer: Mention Expat Living and enjoy a complimentary Wine & Cocktail package as part of any cruise booked in 2020 or 2021.
barefoot-cruising-indonesia.com
Enjoying an island retreat in Indonesia – Telunas Resorts
What: Family R&R by the beach
Who: Telunas Resorts
Where: In Indonesia’s Riau Islands, reached from Singapore by boat
Why: Telunas Resorts – made up of Telunas Beach Resort and Telunas Private Island – is an easy getaway that will recharge everyone’s batteries. At the Beach Resort, there’s a selection of overwater bungalows including new three-bedroom villas that are ideal for larger groups. Fun activities include kayaking, badminton, beach volleyball, soccer and a low ropes course. Brave little ones (okay, adults too) will love leaping off the jumping deck, exploring the beach and tidal pools, getting creative at the pottery studio and sitting around an evening bonfire. Meals are served at the resort’s overwater dining room, including veggie options and a menu for young ones.
Over at nearby Telunas Private Island, the overwater villas come with a spacious master bedroom, balcony, living room and a cool kids’ loft with two twin beds. There’s also a range of global cuisine whipped up by the resort’s executive chef at the Grand Lodge, a special spa villa for massages and more. Complimentary activities including waterfall hikes and stand-up paddleboarding. The environmentally-friendly property recently introduced a solar power system.
telunasresorts.com | +62 811 7710951
Exploring South Island, New Zealand – Antipodean Luxury Travel
What: Outdoor adventures in New Zealand
Who: Antipodean Luxury Travel
Where: South Island
Why: There aren’t too many places on the planet that are better for a nature-filled adventure than New Zealand’s South Island. You and the kids can enjoy extensive walking and biking trails, amazing farm tours, thrilling Queenstown jet-boat rides – and, of course, those stunning landscapes and tasty gourmet foods. Add in luxury family-friendly accommodation at each destination and you have a holiday that the littles ones, tweens or teens will remember forever.
From spring through to autumn (September to May in NZ), one of the most popular itineraries available through Antipodean Luxury Travel is the South Island Family Outdoor Adventure. In winter, you can change things up with options on and off the mountains, including hot pools, dog-sledding and even heli-skiing.
Like this? Read more in our Travel section.
This article first appeared in the February 2020 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
