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5 family resorts your tribe will love
By Keya KhanvteApril 16, 2018
AMAN SVETI STEFAN SPA POOL
From Montenegro to the Maldives, your family will make sweet memories at these bucket list resorts
1. Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Why: A dose of history in a charming setting
One of the most iconic images of Montenegro is a 600-year-old island attached to the coast by a narrow isthmus. Across the bay from the island is the one-time summer residence of Queen Marija – Villa Milocér – and together these historic sites comprise Aman Sveti Stefan. The resort is an atmospheric setting of cobbled lanes, stone cottages and churches with red-tiled roofs, evergreen trees, pink-sand beaches, a clifftop pool overlooking the Adriatic Sea, a majestic spa and remarkable sea views. The piazza, an open-air square at its centre, is the soul of the village and features a number of dining venues including an enoteca, a taverna and an antipasti bar. Guests can check in to one of the 50 elegantly decorated rooms, cottages and suites on the island, all accessed via individually named stone footpaths and staircases following the organic contours of the village.The property plays host to fantastic family experiences along the coast and in the country's picturesque interior. Try sailing at sunset, visiting the old town of Budva, and exploring the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as cycling adventures that are fun for all ages.
Aman organises personalised treasure hunts on request around this historic island – guaranteed to be a memorable experience for children. Doubles from AED 3,750; 00382-3-342 0000, aman.com
AMAN SVETI STEFAN DELUXE COTTAGE BATHROOM
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2. Azura Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Why: Untouched beaches and community learning
Located on an enchanting island within a marine national park in Mozambique, Azura is an undiscovered gem. Think deserted white-sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, spectacular moving dunes and a diverse range of habitats for exotic and endemic wildlife. Just 20 villas are nestled along one of the world's rare untouched beaches, yet come replete with creature comforts: private pools, local butler-hosts, fresh seafood, an African-themed spa and a fabulous grape cellar offering a selection of the owners' bottles flown in from their château in France. It's also the first eco-friendly resort in Mozambique, hand-built by the local community and operated in partnership with them.
Children and teens at Azura will be enthralled by experiences like enjoying a private picnic lunch at Turtle Beach, home to nesting turtles which they may be lucky enough to see. Other experiences include marine-life walks with a local guide, fantastic snorkelling, the PADI Bubblemaker diving course, fishing, dhow picnics and football matches with the local team, which allow them to interact with those who live here. The spa offers kids' experiences using African ingredients and traditions.
Get your kids to participate in community building by bringing along pencils, crayons and books, then visiting the local school to interact and donate. From AED 2,480 per person per night; 0027-11-467 0907, azura-retreats.com
AZURA BENGUERRA INFINITY BEACH VILLA
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3. Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka
Why: Clifftop vistas and sailing with whales
Panoramic views wait at this Relais & Chateaux property; they're particularly stunning from the crescent-shaped clifftop infinity pool. Also on offer are sun-kissed beaches, in-villa spa experiences with bespoke products made from local teas and spices, and a dive centre that also offers whale-watching in Cape Weligama's own luxury craft.
The resort is the ideal place to reconnect as a family. Rather than a conventional kids' club, here it's more about doing activities together. Guided mountain-bike tours, surfing lessons, snorkelling, walks along the ramparts of the historic Galle Fort, sea-turtle nesting experiences or an introductory scuba-diving lesson are just a few of the options available. Master Suites interconnect with the adjacent Junior Suite, creating a seamless space that is ideal for families with children. These suites also overlook the kids' pool and tropical gardens, with close access to the East Beach.
Experience an authentic Sri Lankan meal on rustic-chic Taprobane, the only private island in the country and just a few minutes from Cape Weligama. Doubles from AED 1,330; 0094-11-774 5700, resplendentceylon.com
CAPE WELIGAMA GARDEN POOL VILLA
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4. The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore
Why: A feeling of peace at the heart of the action
Located amid the breathtaking beauty of Marina Bay, this city hotel stands out as a haven of tranquillity. It has 608 beautifully designed rooms and suites, all with views of Marina Bay, Singapore River or the city skyline. The famed top-floor Club Lounge, their 4,200-piece contemporary-art collection and diverse culinary offerings are some of the features that make this hotel exemplary.
The signature Ritz Kids experience is arguably the best of its kind. From a personalised arrival letter and a kids' check-in desk, to the Playland and the Ritz Kids Pass that entitles them to a free scoop of ice cream every day – it's clear that little ones take centre stage at this property. Children can also go on an adventure across the hotel to collect stamps on their adventure passport. The experience is completed with in-room camping: a tent is pitched at turn down, with amenities including a limited-edition safari animal plush, a torch, a compass and even a little star projector.
Request a corner deluxe Kallang room with a view of the Singapore Flyer. Doubles from AED 1,200; 0065-6-337 8888, ritzcarlton.com
THE RITZ-CARLTON PREMIER SUITE
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5. Anantara Kihavah Maldives
Why: A marine wonderland ripe for exploration
Within a lagoon of jewel-toned hues in the Maldives lies an island fringed by impossibly wide stretches of beach. Enjoying a prime location in the Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is the perfect place from which to explore the underwater world of the Indian Ocean. Eighty spacious private pool villas are either poised over the water with sweeping ocean views or nestled along a pristine stretch of private beach. Indulge in spa treatments overwater, dinner below the ocean's surface or gaze up at the star-filled sky from the Maldives' only observatory. Set within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, snorkelling with majestic manta rays and hawksbill turtles is unforgettable.
There's a range of accommodation options, with family villas as well as beach and overwater residences (the latter best enjoyed with older kids) offering spacious living and dining areas. Young explorers can enjoy Thithi Boli Kids Club, supervised by qualified babysitters, stargaze at the observatory or get fit with the Muay Thai coach who turns the martial art into a playful activity. A rock climbing wall, waterpark with an adventure course and archery are other experiences coming soon.
After a stargazing experience with the Sky Guru, watch a private al fresco screening of ET or WALL-E amid the coconut palms with a sofa big enough for the whole family. Villas from AED 3,430; 00960-660 1020, kihavah-maldives.anantara.com
ANANTARA KIHAVAH FAMILY POOL VILLA