Our Luxury Family Travel Plans For 2017

Despite having a baby in March of 2016, we have somehow still managed to satisfy our wanderlust and travel quite extensively as a family over the past year, beginning with a trip to Dubai for a relaxing stay at Anantara The Palm, and continuing with a few trips home to the UK and several more to the UAE. Mr Sunshine and I quickly learned the rules of travelling with a baby and with our confidence growing it wasn't long before we were setting ourselves some more ambitious luxury yet family-friendly travel goals for 2017.

Gone are the days when having a child means that you are limited to staying in a Holiday Inn equivalent or local B&B when travelling. Some of the world's best-known and most exclusive hotel brands are starting to cotton onto the fact that downtime-deprived parents are willing to pay that little bit extra to enjoy a touch of luxury while on holiday, and have responded by revolutionising their offerings to make them more inclusive and welcoming to families of all shapes and sizes.

I'm starting to get a little bit excited because we are planning to stay at three of the best of these hotels when we visit the stunning island of Bali this coming Summer.

1. The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

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Moments away from the artistic capital of Ubud, hidden away in a lush paradise beside the Ayung River sits a Four Seasons hotel which has won a plethora of awards over the years, including recognition by the Conde Naste Traveler. With a split-level pool which follows the natural contours of the Ayung River, spa and yoga pursuits for the adults, and the complimentary 'Pici Pici' Kids Club offering all manner of activities for the littles in your life, the resort has something to please everyone.

Most looking forward to: a family yoga session on one of the hotel's beautiful platforms overlooking the stunning Balinese forest below.

2. The Viceroy Ubud

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Consisting of 25 individual luxury villas with private pools within Bali's 'valley of the King's', the Viceroy is a luxury resort frequented by seasoned and sophisticated travelers, yet it retains a personal touch as it remains a family owned and operated hotel. The resort is known for its luxuriously appointed spa and five star dining at CasCades, both of which showcase breathtaking views over the undulating landscape surrounding Ubud. There are also a range of guest activities on offer from cooking classes and dance lessons, sunrise treks and local tours, to ensure that every member of the family remains entertained.

Most looking forward to: leaving Mr Sunshine and Baby Sunshine to splash about in our private pool while I head off for a traditional Balinese massage in Lembah Spa.

3. Alila Villas Uluwatu

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Perched on steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, each of the exclusively-designed luxury villas that make up the resort at Uluwatu offer visitors unparalleled luxury and a serene escape away from the busier settlements around Bali. Traditional Indonesian dishes are served up by some of the region's most acclaimed chefs at The Waring, a staple on Bali's dining and social scene. For larger family groups, the three bedroom villas offer ample space and comfort, with walkways and bridges connecting the relaxation pavilions and pools to the spacious living areas.

Most looking forward to: gazing out over breathtaking ocean views from our private infinity pool and the stunning Sunset Cabana.

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That's a whole lot of luxury that I never thought we would be able to experience with a baby in tow and I'm really excited that these hotels are allowing us to explore Bali as a family in style. But Bali is only the tip of the iceberg - our 2017 is shaping up to be a pretty good year for travel! More on that later...

Where are you planning to escape to this year?

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