One & Only Resorts, Ultimate Family Experiences.

Having just completed a few days in Sydney at ‘Luxperience’, a luxury travel industry exhibition, I am inspired more than ever to highlight to you (and wet your appetite) for some of the worlds key luxury destinations and experiences, along with some of the amazing offers and exclusive amenities that I am able to access as a part of SmartFlyer and as a Virtuoso affiliate. (Who doesn’t love a little travel inspo!)

So, I thought I’d start with our wonderful travel partners ‘One & Only Resort’s, and pinpoint some of the ultimate family experiences on offer from within their resort collection around the world.

From Australia to Dubai, Mexico to the Maldives, there is a beautiful family escape just waiting for you at One & Only resorts, and with their dedicated ‘Kids Only’ programs, Mum & Dad will be able to take advantage of some time alone, in some of the worlds most beautiful destinations.

Check out a few of my favourites from their portfolio below, and hopefully it inspires you to start planning your next family holiday.

Don’t forget to look out for the exclusive amenities that you’ll receive when you allow me to plan it for you, so if you are inspired, please contact me on kate@smartflyer.com.au

Kate xx

One & Only, Palmilla – Los Cabos, Mexico

Having just returned from Los Cabos myself (stay tuned for a separate update), this is a destination that was well and truly off my radar… until I saw it myself that is!

It’s only a 2.5hr flight from L.A and a dream destination for families craving some R&R and adventure, with the vibrancy and flavours of the Mexican culture.

Perched right on the tip of the Baja California, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, Palmilla boasts to be Cabo’s only resort with a swimmable beach, making it perfect for families to frolic in the ocean, and this place is first class, all the way!

The suites and villas are light and airy, with an authentic Mexican hacienda vibe. Oh, and they are hugeeee! (the lead in rooms start at 52sqm), so families will find plenty of room to spread out, with all the mod con’s you’d expect from a world class resort.

As far as activities go, Cabo and One & Only Palmilla have plenty on offer.

From Golf to Diving, Surfing to Shopping or Organic Farms to Ice Cream making, there is literally something to keep the entire family entertained. But if that all seems a little too much, then the One & Only Spa’s highly trained therapists are at the ready, with ESPA products and treatments inspired by ancient traditions. #umyesplease!

** As of today (21 Sep 2016) we have some incredible ‘Stay 7/Pay 5’ offers, and Family Suite deals for you to take advantage of, but don’t forget your exclusive amenities when booking with me!

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
• Two 30 minute Virtuoso Exclusive Spa Experiences per booking (One per person, choice of head and shoulder massage, back massage, or foot rejuvenation)
• A set of Aromatherapy Candles (His & Hers)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability.

One & Only, Reethi Rah – Maldives

While I’ve yet to experience the spectacular Maldives myself (I know…. it’s a travesty!), I can say from the bottom of my heart, that every wonderful client I’ve sent here, has had the time of their lives.

While I know it might not exactly be a family holiday destination that would initially spring to mind (did someone say honeymoon hot spot?), you’d be surprised how family friendly it actually is.

One & Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives is a destination that will blow you away. It is, after all spread across it’s own island, with 13o rooms (including 9 suites). They host a list of facilities and highlights that will take up the entire post if I list them all, but some of the key features include:

• 12 beaches (WOW!) and resort pools of course (#infinitypool)
• 2 tennis courts (Championship grade)
• A PADI National Geographic dive centre & watersports centre.
• Sun spa
• Climbing wall
• 8 dining locations (and plenty of sunset cocktail vantage points)
• Artists studio
• Mobile phones and WIFI for guests
• Kids Only, kids Club, teenage programs, babysitting and so much more!

Did someone say woah? I know, It’s phenomenal.

There is no WAY you’re getting bored here.

When it comes to the accommodation, all of the villas are designed with ultimate privacy in mind, and views from every villa. So whether you stick to dry land and opt for a beautiful beachfront villa, or perch yourself above the turquoise ocean in your own water villa, you’re guaranteed to find a sleek and spectacular sanctuary in which to unwind and spend quality time with your favourite people.

** Currently on offer at One & Only Reethi Rah is an unbeatable Stay 7 Pay 5 Offer. Book for 7 consecutive nights and only pay for 5 nights! Offer includes complimentary Half Board and shared return boat transfers from/to Male International Airport **

Plus, your exclusive amenities when booking with me include:

• American Breakfast for up to two in-room guests daily
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Complimentary exclusively designed Reethi Rah Kaftans, (one per guest up to two) coupled with a One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah Signature Organic Candle
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• With a minimum stay of 7 nights guests also receive a complimentary “Secrets of the Thila “Excursion for Two OR 1 Complimentary Dinner for Two in Reethi Restaurant excluding beverages

 

One & Only, The Palm – Dubai

Have you already taken the kids to meet Mickey Mouse, sung along to ‘It’s a Small World’ and screamed your lungs out on a zillion roller coasters at Disneyland?

 Or are you just looking for a family holiday destination that has a little more to offer than a kids club & a pristine beach?

I urge you to consider Dubai!

While Dubai is often overlooked by us Australian’s as merely a transit destination, it truly has SO much to offer for families, and I can tell you from experience, it will blow your children’s minds (in a good way).

One and Only, The Palm (as the name suggests), is located on The Palm. Three artificial islands on the coast of Dubai, with a plethora on offer for families with kids of all ages.

Aside from the destination itself, One & Only the Palm has kids facilities with a range of age appropriate activities, encapsulating the traditions of the Arabian culture, with activities including camel riding, henna painting, belly dancing, sand sculpting, Arabian camping and more! There are water sports on offer as well, including sailing, kayaking, water-skiing and hobby cats.

Outside of the resort, Dubai is host to SO many activities and ‘World’s biggest’ attractions, that you will have no trouble finding engaging, out of this world, tailored experiences for your family to enjoy. From Dune bashing to Desert Safaris, Indoor snow skiing to a visit to IMG Worlds of Adventure (The worlds largest indoor theme park), Dubai is the ultimate family destination.

The rooms at One & Only, The Palm are perfect for families, with even their lead in rooms starting at 65sqm! But, they also have suites and interconnecting options in their Manor House, Palm Beach Mansions or their Beachfront villas.

** Offers as of today (21 Sep 2016) include free passes to Aquaventure for families when booking specific room categories, or their massive 20% OFF special, when staying for 5 consecutive nights or more!

Your exclusive amenities here (when booking with me of course) include:

• Welcome cocktail upon arrival
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests served in restaurant
• A complimentary dinner for up to two people per room per stay based on table d’hote menu and availability in Zest, 101 and STAY restaurants. Excluding alcoholic beverages
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

 

PS – If Dubai is on your hit list or you want to know more, stay tuned, as I’ll be doing a cheeky feature on Dubai in the coming week or two, featuring more of my fave travel partners.

One & Only, Hayman Island – Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Oh Australia, you’re a beauty!

Why not take your next family holiday a little closer to home, and look at the stunning  One & Only Hayman Island.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, it’s located in the spectacular Whitsunday’s and has recently been awarded the Best Australian Family Property, in the Luxury Travel Gold List Awards.

As with most island resorts they offer a massive range of activities, both on and off the reef, but what sets One & Only Hayman Island apart is the level that they go to, t  make these experiences, more exclusive, more breathtaking and just MORE, than any other island resort like it… almost anywhere.

From Reef Tours with world class diving and snorkelling, Sea plane excursions, Private island ‘drop off’s’ (ooh la la), Golf, Day spa’s, Kids clubs, Teens clubs, Helicopter tours, Fishing excursions, Hiking, Nature walks, Basketball, Squash and so so much more, there is also little chance of anyone saying ‘Mum, I’m bored’ here.

With four key resort buildings scattered around the resort, from the Pool wing to the Beach wing or a Penthouse to accommodation the whole tribe, there is a price point for all families, and their rooms are SLEEK! They’ve gone for stylish elegance that doesn’t impact on the beauty of the views from your bed.

So, if a shorter flight and an idyllic beach resort holiday is just what the doctor ordered, then One & Only Hayman Island is the remedy.

** Currently on offer is their ‘Suite Escape Package’, which will see you enjoy a stay in a luxurious suite, and receive complimentary yacht transfers when you stay prior to April 2017, and your exclusive amenities when booking with me include:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
• Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
• One Island Escapade valid for two people (maximum), per stay
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

 

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So, If you’re a Mumma in need of some R&R, whilst sipping on a cocktail, putting your feet up and letting someone else look after the kids for a few days (or a few weeks), perhaps one of these One&Only properties have taken your fancy.

Or if you’re a Dad who wants to spoil the family to some fun, culture and adventure, why not choose a destination that is jam packed full of activities, where you can enjoy one another’s company, laugh all day and experience new things together.

If any of these destinations have caught your attention and planted some ideas of where you might like to go next, reach out to me, as I would love to tailor the perfect package for you and your loved ones. Or, if there are any other destinations that you think you’d prefer, let me know as well. The world is full of exceptional experiences and all kinds of family friendly hot spots that we can uncover together.

Until next time, mwah!

xx

** Specific travel dates and room categories restrictions may apply, but get in touch and I’ll find you the perfect package to suit your requirements. kate@smartflyer.com.au

** All photos courtesy of One&Only resorts.