We all know that planning ahead alleviates stress, none more so than the annual family holiday, where booking in advance means huge cost savings on both flights and accommodation, as well as an abundance of choice on hotel options, villa availability and room types. We also know that the bigger the group, the more organisation is needed and indeed, when it comes to family travel, we are noticing a big trend in parents asking advice on where to go with the whole family, choosing to holiday with grandparents, and all.
On the surface, ticking the requirement boxes for those spanning 70+ years with interests ranging from rattles to rocking horses, bungee jumping to bridge, seems like a daunting, if not impossible task. However, with a little creativity, compromise and flexibility, multi-generation holidays seem to be the travel trend of the future. Not only do they provide quality time together, but an opportunity for everyone to have a break, whilst building memories to last a lifetime. After all, travel has no age limit.
Top Five Tips for Multi-Generation Travel
- Always make sure you start your holiday planning with a family board meeting. What are the elements everyone is happy to compromise on, what are the elements they are not.
- There must be space for everyone to relax. Whether this is in private rooms, living spaces, adults-only areas with hotels, kids’ clubs within hotels, it is so important that everyone can take a time out if needed.
- Logistics and journey time are key. Even for the most adventurous families, journeys can be tiring enough to ruin the enjoyment of the holiday. When travelling with a larger group there are more things to remember and more things to lose – don’t push your loved ones to their limits.
- Age-appropriate activities must be taken into consideration. Especially for the children, but also for the parents, and the grandparents too!!
- Make your lives as easy as possible whilst you are away so that you can maximise time together! Ask whether you can have the fridge stocked on arrival, organise private guides, pre-book restaurants at child-friendly times… being organised makes for a stress-free holiday!
Where to Stay for Holidays with Grandparents?
-
Fynbos Family House – Babylonstoren
(Sleeps 10)
This incredible private house sleeps ten across five bedrooms, with its own private swimming pool, kitchen and living room. The views overlooking the Babylonstoren Estate are awe-inspiring. Hop on the house bikes to explore the estate, before stopping off at the restaurant, winery, and gardens, just a few hundred meters from your front door. Elegant gables and lime washed walls pay homage to the rich heritage of the estate, one of the oldest farms in the region, just a one-hour drive from Cape Town. Each bedroom has a four-poster bed, cosy fireplace and free-standing bathtub. Natural light floods in, whilst barn doors and shutters ensure privacy. Children are encouraged to enjoy all the farm has to offer, from feeding the donkeys, kneading bread and collecting eggs, to harvesting fruit and vegetables from the garden – taking them straight to the breakfast table!
-
The Estate Villa – Round Hill Jamaica – Montego Bay
(Sleeps 14)
A timeless Caribbean classic, offering modern elegance and the ultimate in boutique chic accommodation, Round Hill has an array of villas on offer to families of all sizes. For the uber multi-generation holiday, we adore their six-bedroom villa – a rare treat in the world of ‘villas in hotels’. Known as the properties Crown Jewel, the Estate Villa offers unparalled privacy, with an indoor-outdoor living space, two pools, lush rainforest surrounds and views out over Round Hill Bay. Your family will be waited on hand and foot by dedicated staff and breakfast will be prepared daily during your stay. Private chef’s and full board can also be arranged depending on your tastes and plans throughout the week. Five of the en-suite bedrooms are located within the villa and one is in a separate guest cottage, perfect for those travelling with a nanny, or for grandparents who are keen to have some space to themselves!
-
Uplands Homestead – Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
(Sleeps 8)
Uplands Homestead is one of three exclusive use private villas in the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, located 2 hours from Port Elizabeth airport. It is perfect for an intimate and memorable family safari experience. Kwandwe is in the malaria free Eastern Cape, a big five territory boasting 54,000 acres of reserve to explore. An original farmhouse from the 1900’s, Uplands oozes heritage and charm, offering a classic Out of Africa experience with its vintage style safari living. Just as the house was designed for a family over 100 years ago, its purpose remains the same. It has three ensuite double bedrooms with private verandas and guests have access to private safari vehicles, guides, game walks and fishing. Kids of all ages are welcome.
-
Beachfront Pool Villas – Four Seasons Nam Hai, Hoi An – Vietnam
(Sleep up to 12)
Families looking for the buzz of colour and culture, combined with a sanctuary to escape to, will love the Four Seasons in Nam Hai. In true Four Seasons style, every amenity you could hope for has been thought of and for multi-generation travellers, on a tour of Vietnam or perhaps looking for a central meeting place to meet friends or family living all over the world, this option ticks all the boxes. Although there is an array of suite and villa options to suit all group shapes and sizes, we would suggest the three, four or five bedroom beachfront pool villas, which offer a complete oasis for you and your loved ones to spend time together, after busy days exploring the imperial city of Hue or the bustling city of Hoi An, both a stones through from your beachfront retreat.
-
Four Bedroom Summerhouse with Pool – Jumeriah Muscat Bay
(Sleeps 10)
This stunning four-bedroom abode, set over two floors on a private stretch of beach, surrounded by private gardens, with two plunge pools is a gem for families looking to get away from it all for a fly-and-flop beach holiday. Just over half an hour from Muscat International Airport, and a 7-hour flight from London, access is easy and sun, almost guaranteed. In this up-and-coming area of Oman, activities for all ages are endless, from hiking and mountain biking trails to yoga and spa. The kids club offers daily activities and excursions for all ages and an array of restaurants will mean all tastes are catered for.
-
Mkombe’s House – Lamai Serengeti
(Sleeps 10)
Part of the Nomad Tanzania portfolio, Mkombe’s House is the first and only self-contained private safari house in the Serengeti, designed specifically for families. It is fittingly named after one of Nomad’s former beloved and inspirational guides, Mkombe Mniko, known for his exceptional gift of being able to share his knowledge and love of the African bush with all those he met, particularly families and children. It is the ultimate home away from home in Africa, in the heart of big game country. The House can sleep up to 10 people, ideally made up of four adults and up to six children. Two open-fronted adult rooms with gorgeous views out over the northern Serengeti plains, and two children’s rooms just down a corridor which are completely enclosed to keep the little ones from heading on adventures of their own after dark. The House is equipped with highchairs, a baby bath and even a safari car seat for little ones, meaning that children of any age are welcome. With a little snug equipped with projector and DVD library (as well as Wi-Fi) there is also a place for the kids to escape to, at the end of an exciting day in the wilds. It is the perfect base for year-round Big Five game viewing. July to October sees the plains around Mkombe’s House teeming with the wildebeest migration and being just 20 minutes from the Mara River ensures you’re superbly placed for river crossings. November to June has a different kind of magic when the incredible resident game comes into its own. Lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and rhino are never far away, and while the majority of visitors during these months are chasing the migration further south, this lush, green landscape becomes all yours to enjoy. Mkombe’s House comes complete with your own private guide and vehicle and private house staff too.
-
Pelican House – Blue Waters Antigua
(Sleeps 10)
Another incredible in hotel villa option is Pelican House at Blue Waters Resort & Spa, on the stunning island of Antigua. Located on a peninsula at the tip of the resort, the views across Soldier’s Bay are to-die-for, entertaining all ages from juice and coffee to milk and cocktails. What we love about this villa is its flexibility. There are two neighbouring three-bed villas, which can be taken separately or together, with a shared or private pool, depending on your party size. In design it is your dream Caribbean home away from home, with crisp white linens and bright pops of Caribbean charm. Pre-arrival shopping is encouraged for those travelling with little ones to make sure the fridge is stocked as soon as you step through the front door and the dedicated villa concierge will take care of your group every step of the way – from restaurant recommendations to excursions, spa treatments and babysitting.
-
Heritage Le Telfair and Heritage The Villas – Mauritius
(Sleeps 8)
Both Heritage Le Telfair and Heritage the Villas offer groups looking to go to Mauritius a luxurious home to call their own. If a smaller family travelling together, we would suggest staying on the hotel side, choosing closely located or interconnecting suites. The resort offers free childcare from birth, so even though you are travelling with grandparents/babysitters extraordinaire, it gives you an opportunity to spend some adult time together in a relaxed, child-free environment, knowing your little ones are in extremely good care. Heritage The Villas offer some of the largest and most spectacular villa living options on the island, either fully self-catered or fully-catered, depending on your budget and preferences. This is also a fantastic option for anyone (of any age!) looking to play a round or three of golf, as arguably ‘the best golf course in the Indian Ocean’ is part of the Heritage portfolio.
To discuss your multi-generation holiday plans, get in touch with our special occasion specialists today, call 01494 678400 or make an enquiry.
