A safari tour in South Africa, skiing in the Alps and whale-watching in Sri Lanka are just some ideas for an epic family holiday
News flash: you don’t have to settle for the usual beach vacay with the kids. Giving families more holiday options without the fuss, award-winning tour operator Scott Dunn –a specialist in creating luxury holidays for over 30 years– offers customisable itineraries that cover a wide variety of destinations across the world. Crafting every itinerary with the needs of each family member in mind, Scott Dunn promises a completely family-friendly vacation. So, skip the ever-so-reliable seafront resorts and explore these memorable adventures instead!
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Get your heart pumping in Sri Lanka
The itinerary: Depending on how active you’d like to be, some highlights include visiting the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, water-rafting on the Kelani river or hiking through the Minneriya National Park. Those visiting in August and September may be lucky enough to spot the awe-inspiring elephant migration, or witness vibrant cultural dances at the Festival of the Tooth. You’ll definitely be bringing home a tale (or two) to tell!
Where you’ll be staying: Kick back at plush hotels such as the Wallawwa in Kotugoda, Ulgalla in the north of the Cultural Triangle, and the historic colonial Rosyth Estate in Kegalle.
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Marvel at the sprawling plains of South Africa
The itinerary: Crossing the globe to Africa? You can’t miss out on a sightseeing tour of their famed reserves. This 10-night itinerary brings visitors through South Africa’s wildlife hotspots, where they’ll be staying in stylish lodges that host personalised family activities. Be prepared to take plenty of photos across the varying landscapes of South Africa, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for a glimpse of the ‘Big Five’.
Where you’ll be staying: Accommodation spans from a private nature reserve in Grootbos, to the Kurland Hotel in the countryside and the Kwandwe Ecca Lodge on a private game reserve.
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Go skiing in the Alps
The itinerary: For those planning a winter wonderland adventure, Scott Dunn operates some of the world’s finest ski resorts in Europe, North America and Japan. With world-class ski runs, off-piste thrills, beautiful blue skies and snow-dusted towns; you simply can’t go wrong with experiencing winter in the Alps.
If you’d like to spend a day without the kids, Scott Dunn also offers childcare services that are available in Val d’Isère, St Anton and Courchevel. In both Val d’Isère and Courchevel, Scott Dunn chalet guests have the choice of a private nanny or the Scott Dunn Explorers kids club, designed to provide the best care and fun for the little ones.
Where you’ll be staying: With convenient and easy access to the bottom of the Bellevarde chairlift, Chalet Papillon is the ideal location for a luxury family ski holiday in Val d’Isère. Stay in a posh Scott Dunn chalet that comes with your very own chef, host, driver and nanny. It also provides a professional chalet service where you can have your host organise ski passes and hire, and have your driver take you to and from the ski lifts.
Located on the slopes at Courchevel Moriond 1650, Le Portetta is a five-star ski hotel that’s only 80 metres from the lifts and is situated at the foot of the nursery slopes – ideal for children who are learning to ski. What’s more, it has an in-house ski rental and fitting service, and a ski-in ski-out location that’s perfect for a family-friendly and hassle-free ski holiday.
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Embark on a cross-country tour of New Zealand
The itinerary: For a family trip of a lifetime, exploring the picturesque North and South islands of New Zealand is a must. You’ll be going on a leisurely drive through the Lake Tarawera and Hawkes Bay regions, before moving on to activities such as whale watching in Kaikoura, touring the wineries of the Marlborough Nelson, shopping in Christchurch, taking a train ride to the coastal town of Greymouth, and getting all pumped up for adventure sports in Queenstown.
Where you’ll be staying: Expect no less than the most postcard-worthy and unique places to stay. There’s the waterfront hotel on the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, the exclusive Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses in Kaikoura, and the Eichardt’s Private Hotel in the alpine town of Queenstown, to name but a few.
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Learn all about the history and culture of Myanmar
The itinerary: When it comes to destinations in Southeast Asia, Myanmar tops our list. The once-reclusive country has recently opened its doors to tourism, so a trip there feels like a step back in time. Now’s your chance to delve deep into the country’s history and culture – from sampling authentic street food, making a pit stop at the floating villages of the Inle Lake, catching the sunset at the famed Shwedagon Pagoda, or taking a cruise down the Irrawaddy River.
Where you’ll be staying: With a combination of hotels, resorts and a cruise over 14 nights (not that we’re complaining), you can zen out at the Villa Inle Resort & Spa that overlooks the surrounding lake and mountains, chill on a luxury cruising boutique hotel on the Irrawaddy River, and lounge by the beachfront pool of Sandoway Resort on Ngapali Beach.
Psst…
We are also giving away a trip for two to Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay! More deets here.
To find out more about Scott Dunn’s personalized luxury tours, visit scottdunn.com or call 3158 6530.
This article is sponsored by Scott Dunn