Travelling is often the first luxury to disappear when couples become parents. All that baby gear, plus fidgety toddlers and overactive older children can turn a holiday into hard work. The solution? Try one of our roundup of family-friendly holidays that promise the best for both you and your kids.

AFRICA

Safari Time!
If it’s time for a holiday with a difference – something a bit more mysterious and adventurous than usual – embark on one of Asia to Africa’s (A to A) safari journeys, tailor-made to suit each family. Led by experienced guides, A to A safaris reveal the best of Africa’s beauty (and its beasts!), ensuring both adults and children are well taken care of. For children who are too young to join the adults in certain activities, many lodges provide kid-friendly alternatives, from bushwalks in malaria-free reserves to game-drives where you can see wildlife up close. In the evening, the whole family can gather round the campfire and share the day’s highlights.

Call 6442 7600 or visit www.atoasafaris.com.


JAPAN

Sumos and Sushi
Say “Japan” and immediately samurais, sumos and ninjas come to mind. (At least, to our minds they do!) Country Holidays provides an up-close-and-personal taste of this aspect of Japanese culture and history. Their family-friendly tours allow you to don traditional warrior outfits, learn about weapons and even engage in a short training session. Groups also get to meet sumo wrestlers, watch them train and even try to eat like them! There’s also a visit to the world’s biggest fish market, Tsukiji in Tokyo, with a sushi-making session conducted by a culinary professional. And if Tokyo Disneyland is on your priority list, Country Holidays can arrange specially catered tours to there as well.

Call 6334 6120 or visit www.countryholidays.com.sg.


BALI

Fun for Everyone
Like all good things, the Bali Luxury Villa Collection comes in threes – three villas, that is, each one complete with thoughtfully organised amenities for parents and children. No need to battle with strollers, sterilisers and cots – all are provided; and you can order ahead for nappies, wipes and specific baby foods. Kids get their own menu, beach bags, sarongs and slippers – plus, there are activity centres and baby sitters. How about a 60-minute spa session for a pampered princess, with a mini-footbath, a mini-massage and nail-painting? Parents, on the other hand, can enjoy championship golf courses, poolside cocktails, and their own in-house spa services. Parasailing and white-water rafting can also be arranged. Until July 2010, families can enjoy 10 nights for the price of 8, or one bedroom for up to three children free of charge.

+61 410 324535
www.baliluxuryvillacollection.com


Keen for Green
Located 20 minutes from Denpasar, Green Camp is all about fun and adventure. Open 363 days a year, the camp caters to both younger and older kids. Five-to-11-year olds will enjoy making organic chocolate, exploring rivers, climbing coconut trees, and rock-climbing. Those from 12 to 17 years old can do white-water rafting, bow-making and archery, and other activities. There’s even the option of an overnight stay in one of the camp’s yurts. Green Camp’s programmes stem from a passion to educate young people about their environment and sustainability, while still having a ball in Bali’s rich, cultural landscape. Plus, you get to relax while the kids are off playing.

+62 361 469 875
www.greencampbali.com


Living the Dream
Situated 15 minutes from Seminyak and Legian, and a two-minute walk to Sunset Beach, this private, gated compound features a three- and four-bedroom villa. The two traditional Balinese-style villas are amply equipped with modern-day amenities (cable TV and wifi, for starters). For parents travelling with kids, the villa comes complete with pool-fence, cots, baby monitors, toys and even kids’ menus so they’ll never feel left out. The villa boasts a 15-staff service team with in-villa services extending to baby-sitting, spa treatments and Balinese dance performances. There’s a complimentary car and chauffeur service for easy access to nearby attractions.

www.balidreamvillas.com


Divine Devatas
This five-guestroom estate, hidden along one of sleepy Cepaka’s laneways, is a balance of contemporary designer chic and timeless island hospitality. To unwind, indulge in world-class body treatments or attend a yoga class without having to leave your villa. For an adrenalin rush, try your hand at white-water rafting or downhill mountain-biking. Dining and shopping options are also within easy chauffeured access. Meanwhile, the kids’ club has everything to keep the little ones occupied, including toys, paints and a climbing frame – plus a complimentary baby-sitting service. For the month of February, Villa Devatas is offering all Expat Living readers a 30 percent discount for all direct bookings.

www.bali-villadevatas.com


Family Five-Star
Kemah Tinggi has an established reputation for idyllic family holidays, with exceptional children’s facilities and service, and a stunning backdrop. The villa boasts spacious lawns (bamboo soccer goals included), an enormous pool, relaxing massages (for children too!) and toddler-friendly design. Sterilisers, monitors, an optional pool fence, car-seats, and an imaginative kids’ menu are all available. Up to 6 single beds and 4 cots are available (at no extra charge), and friendly babysitters or full-time nannies can be arranged. Complementary membership of the nearby Canggu Club includes access to a toddlers’ splash park and rainbow room (with gym, tennis and more for mum and dad). KT rents on an exclusive use basis regardless of the number of guests. Located in a quiet traditional fishing village in Canggu, the villa is a 3-minute walk from the beach. Rates include private transfers, a la carte breakfasts, daily laundry, and a 7-passenger chauffeured car throughout your stay. A special discount is available to Expat Living readers up to the end of April; please quote when enquiring.

Call 9871 0334 or visit www.kemahtinggi.com.

Kemah Tinggi has now teamed up with Green Camp Bali (see page 178), the island’s first fun and adventure camp for kids and teens. Parents can choose to relax at KT or enjoy Ubud while their kids are getting stuck into some exciting activities. Enjoy discounts at the camp via Kemah Tinggi on day rates for children aged 5 to 17 years, and residential rates for children over 12 years. Email info@bali-kemahtinggi.com for more details.