Your October Travel Inspiration
Are the natives getting restless? Avoid cabin fever this October midterm (it’s creeping up on us far too quickly, BTW) with just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Your family’s far-flung fantasy mini-breaks are closer than they appear in your rear view mirror. Go on then, have a look at these little holiday inspirations. Don’t say we didn’t tempt you.
Wildlife Holidays
For the last minute bookers who love the bush, why not head to Kenya to a world of pristine beaches and graceful animals? Kenya is the optimum place to experience real safari life, where you can combine tough treks through the undergrowth with five star luxury back at camp. Below are some of our top picks for accommodation: Loisaba Lodge, Laikipia – perfect for children, they can go quad biking in the morning, river rafting in the afternoon, ending with a night safari by starlight! Going from bush to beach in one holiday is the perfect combination, so why not end it by heading to Beach House Kilifi? Stay in their private villa or suites and bask in the Indian Ocean sunshine, whilst the children try out the watersports.
Perhaps Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, closer to home, is more your cup of tea? As one of Australia’s secret heritage sites, Ningaloo Reef epitomizes ‘wild bush luxury’ offering superb marine experiences. Known for the best chance of swimming with the majestic whaleshark in June, October in Spring is still a great time of the year for marine activities such as kayaking and snorkelling on the Reef. Time at Ningaloo Reef is not all below the surface as gorge-walking in the Cape Range National Park are splendid before relaxing by the pool.
But with a three hour flight you can be in Chiang Mai, for what we feel is Thailand’s authentic elephant trekking experience. Northern Thailand is at the end of its rainy season, and your last chance to be trekking amidst the lush verdant greenery until next year. Anantara Golden Triangle’s Elephant Camp rehabilitates mahouts and their elephants by rescuing them from the streets and then providing them with comfortable employment at the resort teaching guests the true mahout techniques of ‘driving’ an elephant. Kids will have fun feeding elephants, bathing them, getting into a big water fight with these playful giants, and going elephant trekking through unspoiled foliage. The resort complements the experiences with interconnecting rooms available, and suites able to accommodate a family with two young children.
Culture Holidays
Are you more of a sightseeing family? Why not head to Siem Reap to explore the sprawling temples of Angkor? It may again well be your last opportunity to take those amazing shots of Angkor Wat and its shimmering reflection before the dry weather takes over. Victoria Angkor is a firm favourite for the interconnecting rooms, friendly baby-sitters and a toy-filled children’s club that accepts youngsters from two!
The largest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobodur, is a short flight away and well worth visiting. Surrounded by impossibly green paddy fields and imposing volcanic peaks, it’s unsurprisingly known as The Garden of Java. Amanjiwo is our top pick in the region, with breathtaking views and an amphitheatre-style pool.
If your children are in their teens and enjoy trekking, Yunnan might be more appropriate for you. With staggering mountain ranges and gushing rivers, forget polluted air and city claustrophobia, this is the side of China that hardly makes the news. After hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge, rejuvenate your limbs at Songstam Retreat’s spa. If you do take younger children with you, baby-sitting and connecting rooms are available upon request.
Beach Holidays
If it has been a busy start to the term, perhaps all you need are those white sandy beaches, guaranteed sunshine and a bit of downtime – or maybe a week. Laucala Island, Fiji offers all those things, and more. This breathtaking paradise will replenish your growing children with home-grown ingredients, both meat and vegetables –setting the ultimate benchmark for luxury green travel. The boys can fish, play golf and waterski whilst the girls pamper themselves in the spa and ride down the beaches on horseback.
Is a fly and flop holiday more of what you had in mind? If so, head over to the Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay. With a great children’s club, amenities and even menus, this will allow you to fully relax. Surrounded by lush gardens, private pool and a personal courtyard, their Balinese-style villas are just the thing to get the Unwind button to trigger.
But if you’re a little tired of Bali but still looking for a direct flight, an hour’s trip by luxury yacht from Malé will take you to One&Only Reethi Rah – a stunning all-villa resort offering an exclusive and private escape. It is exceptionally family-friendly, offering plenty of baby-friendly facilities. Your older children will be occupied by tennis, swimming lessons and sushi-making whilst you sample some of their renowned restaurants or find your secret spot on one of their twelve beaches.
This content was contributed by Lightfoot Travel.
Image credits (from top to bottom): Anantara Golden Triangle, Loisaba Lodge, Ningaloo Reef, Anantara Golden Triangle, Victoria Angkor, Amanjiwo, Songsam Retreat, Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay, One&Only Reethi Rah.