Our Luxury Family Travel Plans For 2017

Sunday 1 January 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



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



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



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.


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?



33 comments:

  1. It's so nice that luxury hotel brands are clocking on about families and being more accommodating for kids. The FS Bali looks amazing, hope you all have a great trip! How lucky.

    Aftab

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    1. I see luxury travel getting better and better for families in the months ahead. Can't wait to see some of the changes! We are definitely lucky to be able to experience it, soo excited :-)

      Polly xx

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  2. This sounds utterly wonderful, and I feel like it's only the tip of the iceberg!

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    1. Oh yes, there's plenty more where this came from ;-)

      Polly xx

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  3. Oh wow these places all look amazing Polly! I'm trying to plan some trips for this year too but I can't see us having as much luxury as that! Swoon :)

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    1. Soo pleased you're still planning on traveling with the baby when they arrive! It's seriously so much fun and not nearly as difficult as everyone makes out.

      Polly xx

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  4. So many amazing spots! You have me browsing luxury hotels right now :)

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  5. Your trip sounds amazing. I am still trying to figure out all my plans for 2017.

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    1. Can't wait to hear / read about them in due course!

      Polly xx

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  6. Polly, that's quite a fabulous list. Since Japan is quite close, we are also looking at taking a trip down to Bali at some point in 2017, it looks too good not to. xoxo, nano | www.travelwithnanob.com

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    1. Ahh, good call. When you're in that neck of the woods it would be a shame to miss out! Let me know when you end up going, would love to hear all about your plans

      Polly xx

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  7. OMG You're going to love Bali! I can't wait to follow you and see you visit hotels that I loved too!

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    1. Ahh I can't wait Angie! Thanks for your recommendations. I'm looking forward to re-reading all your Bali posts to swot up on what to do and where to go :-)

      Polly xx

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  8. PS I've always thought FS do great kids club and special activities.

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    1. Yes!!! They're amazing. So accommodating xx

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  9. Those resorts look so great! I'm glad more family-friendly options are starting to become available. Pinning to remember when that "someday" trip to Bali finally happens ;)

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  10. Bali was one of the friendliest places I've ever been Polly and you get so much for your money out there so you'll love it and it's such a lush gorgeous destination for a long haul break with the little one!

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  11. Oh wow, that first hotel looks amazing! We're planing on going to Bali in 2017 or 18 and I want to add that hotel to my list too but I'm scared of looking at the price...!

    Nicola // pink-confetti.co.uk

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  12. The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan looks fabulous Polly...infact they all do especially those pools!! I visited Bali a long time ago now, way before I could afford to travel in style so I would love to return at some point! The people are lovely and there is so much to see and do if you get bored of relaxing in the hotel etc

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  13. Your Bali trip sounds AMAZING, Polly! I'll be following your Instagram and blog closely! Happy New Year to you, Mr. Sunshine, and Baby Sunshine xoxo Jaime

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  14. Ooh, sounds wonderful. I've been to the Four Seasons at Sayan - it is gorgeous. Apparently lots of guests burst into tears when they see the view from their room for the first time... Enjoy!

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  15. That sounds like an incredible trip. Having just stayed at an Alila in India, the company is fantastic - really chilled but still luxury, it was one of our favourite places and lived up to the Oberoi's standards! Looking forward to following along

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  16. WOW those resorts all look stunning - can't wait to follow along for this trip! :)

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  17. Oh my gosh this looks heavenly! I want to go to paradise too :)

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  18. Wow! You have an amazing 2017 planned already. I can't wait to see what else you get up to :)

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  19. how amazing! I absolutely loved Bali, such a beautiful place, and the food was incredible. what a lovely destination for a family hol x

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  20. Those look spectacular! We're trying now to decide our plans for the year - Sprog will soon be requiring his own seat but has zero ability to sit still so I'm thinking of slightly shorter flights this year - no mammoth treks to NZ for us for a while :)

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  21. WOW the four seasons in Bali looks insane!

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  22. I'm excited for your Bali trip - the Viceroy in Ubud is fantastic and I hope you have a fantastic time! :)

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  23. I just love how much of the accommodation in Bali has its own infinity pool. It's crazy! The places you've picked out look beautiful, looking forward to reading about them. I am planning a trip to Bali for the unspecified future (maybe late 2017...maybe 2018) so will be following along with interest!

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