12 Great Summer Adventures for Families

The summer is one of the key moments of the year to focus on quality family time. Family vacations are occasions to create memories to last a lifetime, especially staying at an exceptional and enchanting destination. From floating overwater in Panama to exciting African safaris and from discovering culture and history in Italy to exploring the great outdoors in Canada, our award-winning villa experts have the perfect adventurous summer holidays that will marvel the whole family.

Big Timber Chalet, Whistler BC, Canada

Your family’s days will be packed with thrilling outdoor activities at this phenomenal chalet in one of Canada’s premier mountain resorts, available through our expert Sylvia Delvaille Jones of Villas and Apartments Abroad.

Situated at the end of a private lane and encircled by virgin forest, the 7,500 sq ft Big Timber offers privacy while being right next to the resort. Six of the seven bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and the open concept living room, kitchen and dining room is the gather together and enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the mountains and forest. There is also plenty of outdoor living space with terraces, firepits and private outdoor hot tubs.

“The stunning location in beautiful British Columbia offers a vast range of activities from the tame to the very daring,” says Sylvia. “What’s great is that each family can piece together the right combination of both rugged, daring, fun, and experiences tailored to the level of daring the family can endure.”

Popular outdoor adventures include zipline trekking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking down the slopes, fishing, hiking through the forests, ATV and Rzr touring. There’s also the Blackcomb Adventure zone, ideal for younger children and Sylvia can land a helicopter on an ice cave glacier for lunch and a hike. Over the course of your trip you are bound to spot some birds… and possibly even some bears… from a distance! Back at the chalet kids can let loose playing a game of table tennis or foosball or watch a movie in the evenings in the media room with an 84 inch Apple TV.

Design a Great Canadian Summer Adventure with Villas and Apartments Abroad here.

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp and Bush Villa

A tremendously memorable, exciting and original summer adventure can be throughly enjoyed in Kenya at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp and Bush Villa. Cottar’s is a fifth generation run family safari service, as such, they value family tremendously. They accept kids of all ages and children aged 0-5 years stay for free.

“Rich with family history and the history of Kenya, we return to the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’, the golden era of professional guiding and adventure!” Describes Calvin Cottar, founder of the 1920s Safari Camp.

“Our Cottars family are passionate about Kenya, its conservation and community. We know the wildlife and the people of our area intimately and you are welcomed in and treated as personal friends and we hope you leave feeling like part of our family.”

Cottar’s has a number of fun family activities that the kids will surely love (and most parents too). A very popular family activity is their Masai Warrior School, where participants learn how to make a bow and arrows and then test them out on a target to see who the best shot is. You’ll also learn to make a fire using just sticks and dried grass, dress up like a traditional Masai and get dancing. Active pursuits include swimming and fishing in a nearby waterfall is also on offer, fun rounds of volleyball, swimming in the 25m private pool as well as their unique bush walk or run, getting up close and personal with the wildlife or enjoy a traditional game drive. Activities for the whole family to enjoy!

“The key to our family friendly ethos is that we realise that time spent with your family is so precious and so we do exactly what you want to do, the only thing scheduled in your day is your game drives,” elaborates Calvin. “We listen to you to find out what your individual interests are and then the adventure begins.

“Nothing beats watching a child’s face change from awe to delight as they come face to face with their first elephant or make their first bow and arrow with their guide. They will be immersed into the authentic safari experience and tribal interaction, looked after by our guides who truly engage with children and enjoy teaching them all about their surroundings, flora and fauna and the wildlife.”

Cottar’s Bush Villa has everything you would need to keep your family entertained in comfort and style surrounded by breathtaking views onto the savannah plains that carry the great annual wildebeest migration. The villa is over 10,000 square feet in size, and features a large living room, dining room, a magnificent viewing deck, and five en-suite bedrooms, all with stunning views. It has internet access throughout, satellite TV and DVD, and is powered with electric and solar energy.

For families, both big and small, Cottar’s is the perfect getaway, providing something for everyone. Create family memories to last a lifetime with Cottar’s at this link.

Le Vigne – Tuscany, Italy

This wonderful seven bedroom villa is set on a vast private estate in Tuscany and only 30 kilometers from the beach. Available through excellent.villas by Trust+Travel, it has a fabulous range of facilities to keep the kids and young adults occupied among which is a marvelous riding center.

The beautifully decorated estate includes 800 square meters of indoor space within various buildings and one hectare (2.4 acres) of outdoor space on a vast private estate in Maremma, a lesser known part of Tuscany stretching along the coast.

The main villa is home to a large family kitchen, a bright loggia transformed into a comfortable a living room, a TV room with Satellite TV and surround sound system, a billiards room and six of the en-suite bedrooms. The seventh en-suite bathroom is found in the annex and there is also a pool house with a summer kitchen, changing room, state-of-art hammam and bathroom. On the estate is a wonderful riding facility with a club house for events, a bird sanctuary, and the ruins of the 12th-century Castello di Pia de’ Tolomei, immortalized by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy.

The villa is surrounded by a lawned garden, covered patio and large terrace on the roof for al fresco dining. Guests can enjoy strolling through the paths of the gardens and woods, swimming in the 10 x 5 m pool, challenging each other to a round of ping pong table or tennis (at the court shared with another villa), or doing some riding at the equestrian center which has jumping facility and private riding lessons and guided excursions on the estate or to nearby natural parks, even as far as the sea. Guests also have access to private nine hole Golf Club.

For a seamless, hassle-free holiday, maid service is included in the rent and a cook can be arranged at an additional fee to prepare delicious Italian meals that will appeal to the palates of all your family members.

The villa is currently available June 19th to July 22nd and July 29th to August 25th. Learn more about this fantastic family holiday villa by reaching out to Trust+Travel here.

Aspen House – Queenstown, New Zealand

Whist things might be heating up with the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern is buzzing with a wealth of winter activities for all ages and abilities. Offering plenty of sunshine, majestic lakes, snow-capped alpine beauties, and an unrivalled selection of activities and attractions, it comes as no surprise that Queenstown, New Zealand is as popular a destination to enjoy all seasons. Our experts at Touch of Spice have the perfect villa for your winter family trip Down Under.

Aspen House is a luxurious villa encompassing four bedrooms, each with its own en-suite, and is privately located enjoying majestic views of Lake Wakatipu, the snow-capped Remarkables Mountain, and Queenstown City. A short distance to Queenstown shops, restaurants and bush walks, explore the area on foot or head out on a scenic 25 minute drive to the Remarkables ski fields for a skiing adventure.

“Enjoy the high altitude experience of a guided snowshoeing walk in complete solid from the outside world, or conquer the back country, only accessible by helicopter, with an afternoon of snowmobiling through the wilderness of the central most inland mountain range in New Zealand,” tempts Kelcey Radford, marketing manager of Touch of Spice.

“For a more traditional winter experience, enjoy dog sledding through the stunning alpine trials of Otago, or experience the overnight tour, staying in a picturesque backcountry hut. Heli skiing, glacier landings, and ice driving are other one-of-a-kind winter thrills, that you can only find in the Southern hemisphere during this time of the year.”

Savor some downtime back at the villa, sitting around the large gas fire, set in a beautiful stone fireplace with TV above, playing chess on the platinum chess set or just snuggling up on a winter’s night with a glass of Pinot or hot chocolate, while watching the sun setting on the snowy mountains. Kids will love tasty meals easily prepared on the barbecue and enjoyed on the outside rustic dining table and chairs. Afterwards they can roast marshmallows on the large outside log fire, or warm up in the outdoor hot tub.

Plan an adventurous wintery holiday to New Zealand this “summer” with the assistance of Touch of Spice at this link.

Happy House, Saint-Tropez, France

On the outskirts of Saint-Tropez, only a 5 minute drive to its Place des Lices, is this delightful family friendly villa, available through Villas Prestige & Services. A children’s paradise, in addition to a large lawn, pool and gorgeous sea views, it has an abundance of outlets for endless hours of family fun.

The vast, air-conditioned 500 m2 villa is surrounded by an expansive 10,000 m2 garden. It sleeps 16 in eight en-suite bedrooms.  In front of the living room, there is the pool terrace with a 12 x 6 meter heated pool, a large dining table and barbecue. There is another large terrace on the other side with a sitting area area and table for breakfast, dinner or enjoying the sunset. The grounds also feature a 22 x 36 meter soccer pitch, a tennis court with night lighting, a pétanque pitch and a play ground for children. Guests can also enjoy the ping pong, foosball and billiards tables. There are beaches and watersport opportunities within a short drive, plus biking, hiking and a wide range of active and cultural pursuits that are found in the South of France.

Guests can arrive via the Heliport or there is covered parking to protect your vehicles from the hot sun. A housekeeper ensures that you are comfortable and have a wonderful and joyful stay at Happy House.

Plan your perfect family vacation on the lovely and sunny Cote d’Azure with Villas Prestige & Services here.

Borgo Finocchieto – Tuscany, Italy

This enchanting, restored medieval hamlet is the perfect summer destination bringing together history, charm and an abundance of activities the whole family will love. With accommodation for up to 44 guests in 22 suites, plus an excellent array of onsite amenities and nearby activities, the Borgo Finocchieto is ideal for a family reunion, birthday celebration, or any other special family occasions.

“The secluded, well-contained nature of the property and numerous opportunities for entertainment (both on-site and easily arranged off-site) have created a place where parents find they can readily relax with their children,” says Pascale Queriot, Sales and Marketing Consultant of the Borgo. “On-site amenities that are kid favorites include the swimming pool (with a shallow end and inflatable toys), tennis, basketball and bocce courts, and a media center complete with DVD player, Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3. There are also several adult-size bicycles for older children.”

In addition, there is a great number of fun outings can be organized from horseback riding to helicopter tours of Siena or hot air balloon rides from nearby Montisi. The Borgo’s chef is happy to cater to younger palates and staff can help you stockpile your children’s favorite snacks. Babysitting services can also be organized should the adults in the group want to enjoy any of the many opportunities for trips or activities off-site.

Please both young and old in a multigenerational group during a special family getaway to the Borgo Finocchieto at this link.

Boca Overwater – Bocas del Toro, Panama

Kids and parents alike will be wowed with an exciting summer trip to this exceptional and sustainable villa which sits on stilts in a gorgeous UNESCO recognized Panamanian archipelago.

The unique property is a seven-minute boat ride from the Bocas International Airport, a 40-minute flight from Panama City. The villa is built on 135 stilts and is connected to a 15 hectares island by a 130 meter dock.

“On a four-year trip around the world, the creator was looking for the right indigenous families to work with, ones that took pride in impeccable work, but also that would truly benefit from the income earned.
 She found the right combination in Las Bocas del Toro,” details Sylvia Delvaille Jones of Villas and Apartments Abroad, who arranges holidays at the villa.

“It was very important to her that everything be socially responsible and handcrafted, so it can tell a story of the local indigenous people. When guests are at the house, you can touch, feel, smell and breathe every object while finding out about each of their stories. In addition, 50% of all proceeds from income from rentals go towards the local school.”

Every moment in this special environmental microcosm is exciting for children. On the island they can pick fruit from the orchard, join in on some farming and spend hours on scavenger hunt to track down baby crabs and rainbow of butterflies. Watersports include snorkeling, swimming with baby turtles, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, kiteboarding and more. Private tours around the islands with our private 30-foot motor boat, jungle expedition and beyond.

Offer your children an amazing opportunity to connect with nature this summer at the Boca Overwater by reaching out to Villas and Apartments Abroad here.

Tarkuni Lodge – Tswalu, South Africa

For those looking for an extremely private and unique safari experience, the Tarkuni is the ideal lodge and it offers numerous attractions for families. Available through cazenove+loyd and set in the magnificent Kalahari Reserve, it is the biggest privately owned reserve in South Africa, spanning over 100,000 hectares. There are some very rare species found at Tswalu and being a very dry area many of the animals are desert-adapted, including the Kalahari lions, white rhino and of course the ever popular meerkat families. You might even be lucky to catch a glance of an aardvark or pangolin on a night game drive.

Cazenove+loyd have been sending families to the Tarkuni, the private house on the reserve, for many years. Recently redesigned to uncompromising standards of comfort and elegance. Its five luxurious suites, each with a magnificent en-suite bathroom, accommodate a maximum of 10 guests in total. Tarkuni also has its own dedicated team including a host and private chef to ensure meticulous and completely personal service.

The lodges guides also run a hugely successful junior rangers programme which gets children involved in numerous fun but educational activities. On arrival, every child is welcomed with a backpack full of guides and tools; they get their own opportunity to chat with our hospitality staff about what they would like to do. Activities include archery (beginning by making your own bow and arrow), spoor identification and casting as well as tracking on foot. Children’s bush walks are hugely educational and often end with a fantastic picnic – parents can come too.

Have an exciting and unforgettable family holiday in South Africa this summer with cazenove+loyd at this link.

La Fattoria – Tuscany, Italy

Our experts at Homebase Abroad have a wonderful six-bedroom Tuscan villa perfect for families looking to mix culture and outdoor activities on a summer holiday to Italy.

Situated near Lucca, the private 55-hectare aristocratic estate is surrounded by perennial beds, cypress trees, well-kept lawns, 1800 olive trees, dense woods and rolling fields. La Fattoria is a 17th-century restored farmhouse found on the estate and flanked by a lovely unrestored and vacant villa dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and another unrestored villa, dating from the 15th-16th centuries, is located in the woodland.

The interior of the villa features original ‘cotta’ floors, though the beamed ceilings have been whiten with ‘calcio’ to give the rooms a lighter, contemporary look. Some large rooms were transformed into oversized, marble-finished bathrooms. There is a spacious living room with linen-covered sofas, a working fireplace, a large plasma TV, satellite TV and DVD player.

Meals can be savored in the refined dining room with a table for 12 and lit by an elegant Venetian chandelier or outdoors under the shaded pergola or in the courtyard with original spring-fed washing tub and a barbecue. The 12 x 6 meter pool, with a diving board and nighttime lighting, is especially appreciated in summer, it’s bordered by umbrellas and sun beds living room under the shade of a white linen ‘curtain’ seats 8.

Popular family activities include visits to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, walking tours of historic Lucca, a trip to Vinci, hometown of Leonardo da Vinci where to you tour a museum containing replicas of his inventions, 4×4 excursion to the marble quarries of Carrara, private boat rides along the Tuscan coast from Forte dei Marmi, horseback riding along the beach in Marina di Vecchiano or enjoying the lovely area around the villa on walks and bike rides.

Spend a spectacular summer in Tuscany with Homebase Abroad at this link.

Athos Barge Cruise – Canal du Midi, France

Our experts at Barge Lady Cruises love welcoming two and three generation families to the canals of France. For a family cruise this summer, they recommend the Athos, a 10-passenger barge which cruises down the Canal du Midi, located in the southwest of the country.

“We know that families can truly relax and bond while floating on tranquil waterways miles away from their homes and usual responsibilities,” says Stephanie Sacks of Barge Lady Cruises. “And the Athos is such a perfect fit for families.”

Cruising the lively waterways of the Canal du Midi, the barge is supremely comfortable and cozy, boasting the largest deck in the region. Ambiance and décor is informal and the cabins are “country French” in feel, with lovely flower bouquets and beautiful tiled baths.

Cuisine is of course gourmet for the grown-ups with goodies and nibbles prepared perfectly by the crew’s private chef for even the smallest of passengers. Adults enjoy a myriad of regional wines and local spirits onboard as well, while “mocktails” and sodas are specially served to the littles.

Best of all, family fun on the Athos is offered every day and coordinated by the barge’s crew, which includes a dedicated tour guide. The itinerary includes kid-pleasing activities such as kayaking on a nearby river, horseback riding, visits to beaches and parks, picnicking, bicycling, tennis – just to name a few! Barge owners Julian and Dannielle Farrant live in the area, and are parents themselves of two children, so their expertise on family-friendly sightseeing in the region is second to none.

Design a fantastic floating family holiday in France with Barge Lady Cruises here.

Martello House, Barbados

The summertime is an excellent time to visit Barbados and our experts at Blue Sky Luxury are making it exceptionally alluring for family holidays to the island with their “Hello Family Holiday… Kids Play Free” promotion. You can save up to 15% on a selection of their superb villas and kids can enjoy a range of complimentary activities from submarine dives to cave tours.

The island is a welcoming, safe holiday environment where visitors and families can enjoy a great variety of summer events while absorbing authentic Barbadian life. Their stylish eight-bedroom Martello House is an ideal option for a summer escape to the island. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it is located on a ridge overlooking the Royal Westmoreland Golf Course and out towards the sparkling Caribbean Sea. The spacious living room opens out to a beautiful covered verandah, infinity edge swimming pool and phenomenal vistas of the coastline.

All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and one of the two master bedrooms is found on the top floor and features vaulted ceilings and folding doors that open out onto a private patio. One bedroom is located in a separate guest cottage. Additional amenities include of a fitness gym, games room, snooker room with kitchenette and a surround sound media room ideal for movie nights. There is a full time staff of a housekeeper, chef and butler.

When you are not relaxing at the villa, the beach is a definitely highlight for the whole family. A few steps away from most of Blue Sky Luxury’s holiday homes are the island’s powdery beaches, ideal for building sand castles, taking to the water paddle boarding or surfing, or on a catamaran cruise. Kids love spotting the island’s array of marine life, especially the baby turtles.

Venturing inland, junior adventurers will be thrilled with off-road safaris and tours to Harrison’s Cave whilst both young and old will enjoy learning about the island’s colonial history at the Sunbury Plantation house, or the 300-plus year old Mount Gay rum plantation. There are also world class golf courses, where kids can enjoy lessons and Welchman Hall Gully, where you can observe monkeys play in the trees.

Enjoy a fantastic beach holiday in the Caribbean this summer with Blue Sky Luxury at this link.

Schloss Kogl, Austria

Austria’s lake district, Salzkammergut, offers an extraordinary collection of activities for families and our experts at the gorgeous baroque Schloss Kogl, can help you design a thrilling family getaway to the area. Here’s what the castle’s owner Monika Mayr-Melnhof recommends for a perfect family day:

“After breakfast at Kogl, pack your swimsuit, walk five minutes to the tiny “Kogl“ train station and jump aboard to go to Attersee. Walk through the little village until you reach the “Teehaus,“ our private place at the lake with all facilities to spend a relaxed day at the lakeside. The kids will adore swimming in this pristine lake, taking a ride in the row-boat and lying in the sun. On windy days you can watch hundreds of sailing boats or maybe rent one yourself.

“Around lunchtime we can drop off everything you would like for a nice picnic at the lake. The fridge will already be well stocked with cool beverages. After lunch you could make your way to the mini golf course, rent electric boats to see the shore from in the village,or have an ice cream at Rohringer’s, or spend some time on the public beach with playground and giant slide and french fries as an afternoon snack.

“It is nice to stay there also for the evening, when everything around calms down a bit and the mountains start to become a beautiful blue.”

Other than the lake, guests can enjoy many sports in the area including golf at the Attersee 18 hole club, biking the 345 kilometers of trails found at Attergau, hiking, horseback riding, tennis.you can play your private matches on our sand court in the park , when the weather is nice and dry, or on rainy days indoors public in Sankt Georgen and right at the castle you can swim in the pool, play table tennis or table football or do some bowling in their historic alley. There are also many beautiful towns in the area for sightseeing and a day in Salzburg is a must!

Enjoy a fabulous outdoor holiday in this gorgeous part of Austria and at the splendid Schloss Kogl castle at this link.

Taking an African Safari can be one of the most memorable travel experiences of a lifetime, that is, if it’s planned properly. Knowing the best time to go and where, which local guides to use and what experiences will elevate your trip from a vacation to a life-changing trip is not something that can come from doing a little research online. We hear from acclaimed Africa expert Henrietta Loyd and her regional team at cazenove+loyd about the invaluable benefits of working with a seasoned travel specialist to design the perfect bespoke safari holiday for each traveler.

Insider Expertise & Experience

There are many elements to factor in when planning a safari from which camps and lodges to stay at to the best adapted activities to include. Cazenove+loyd was born in Africa after founder Henrietta Loyd’s time living in Botswana over 30 years ago. She and her team experience have accumulated over sixty years experience living, working and planning extraordinary holidays in Africa.

Their Destination Experts are intensely passionate about Africa and strive to make all of their clients fall in love with the place they have spent their lives exploring. They have built a carefully selected repertoire of on the ground contacts which allows them to ensure that each trip is entirely seamless. They even go as far as calling ahead to make sure their close-knit group of trusted local camp owners and guides know when a cazenove+loyd client is staying with them so that the clients are guaranteed to have an extra-special stay.

Access to the Top Luxury Lodges & Camps

The cazenove+loyd Africa team has all stayed and even worked at the best safari lodges and camps. They tend to select small and owner-run lodges and camps which have first-class facilities, a diverse range of activities, the very best resident guides and which are located in the most breathtaking places. They also have the perfect venues for those looking for additional luxuries like gyms, wifi and even spas. They have fostered personal friendships with the owners, who add on specials touches that make a big difference to creating a trip exceeds expectations.

Tried & Test Network of Exceptional Guides

Securing the most inspiring guides for their clients is cazenove+loyd’s highest priority. Having the right person to introduce visitors to the country, while at the same time reveal its soul, is immensely important on safari. Cazenove+loyd’s guides are gifted storytellers who are also highly-skilled at tracking animals – both key attributes to a safari experience. The best guides know exactly when a wild animal is nearby and even how to communicate with it. There is no way to feel more connected with Africa than discovering it with someone whose life has been dedicated to unlocking its best and cazenove+loyd can connect you with the top guides who live and breathe their work. They match guides to clients based on their personal interests, from conservation to birdlife. The team is especially attentive to pair families with guides who are the most engaging and exciting for children while a different personality might be better suited to couples. A private guide can also be arranged to accompany guests on multi-country safaris.

Access to the Best Exclusive Experiences

People often associate safaris with game-drives, however, there are so many other amazing ways to experience Africa. Cazenove+loyd’s Destination Experts have been out riding, fishing, trekking, flying and quad-biking to know which are the very best experiences available for clients and to able to tailor the perfect itinerary for them. You can read more about their flying safari in Namibia at the bottom of this article.

Knowing the Best Times to Go & Where

Nature’s cycles and rhythms can vary dramatically in Africa. With their extensively first-hand experience living and working over the whole continent, cazenove+loyd’s Destination Experts can advise clients as to which destination is best visited depending on the month, what they are would to see and what are hoping to get out of their trip. The dry season is generally prefered by families and traditional safaris with big game viewing, like witnessing the phenomenal Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania. That said, the drama and lush landscapes of the rainy season, such as the stormy skies creeping over Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, are equally awe-inspiring. A true specialist will focus in on the options with you to help you decide.

Environmentally & Socially Responsible

Poaching and other environmental disturbances have lead a number of endemic species to be critically endangered and has threatened various ecosystems over the continent. Travelers to Africa can play a positive role by traveling with sustainably minded companies. All of cazenove+loyd’s safari and wildlife vacations are based around conservation, as without responsible tourism, the projects that protect animals and their habitat would not and could not exist. They are actively involved in projects from cheetah conservation to saving the Waterberg Rhino – efforts in which clients can get directly involved on safari with cazenove+loyd. The thrill of encountering animals in their natural habitat can be matched by witnessing the conservation projects that protect these majestic creatures.

Learn more about any of the above experiences or start planning an exciting, meaningful and memorable African safari with Henrietta Loyd and her Africa Destination Experts here.

One of UltraVilla’s directors, Andrew Loyd of Loyd and Townsend Rose vividly narrates his recent voyage to Oman with bespoke luxury holiday specialists cazenove+loyd. Amble along the sandy dunes, wander the ancient cities and savor the culinary delicacies of this unique country with him below.

In early November we were lucky enough to experience a wonderful eight day trip to Oman organised superbly by cazenove+loyd. Flying club class anywhere is a treat and Oman air is no exception. Long flights are always a drain but they looked after us beautifully, although the cabin was a little stuffy. Arriving into Muscat from drizzly, cold London into that heat was a jolt but after the usual immigration muddle we met our drivers and embarked on a 2.5 hour drive into the mountains, for our first four nights in this amazing country.

The Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel sits in Al Hajar mountain range, one of Oman’s most beautiful regions. Perched over 2,000 metres above sea level, the hotel overlooks a dramatic gorge and is surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Al Hajar Mountains. We returned down the mountain one day to visit the ancient city of Nizwa and some other local forts, stock up on dates & silver from the local market and had a very amusing lunch where we were put into a rather eccentric cubicle, with a bird chiming bell to summon the waiter. Otherwise we mainly stayed in the mountains to walk and explore the area, combined with some wonderful time spent in the infinity pool gazing across the gorge and the odd spoiling massage. Being in situ for the US election results was a bit surreal and I spent the early hours of the morning in the hotel’s gym watching its huge TV as the results trickled in. Our US guest was rather depressed at breakfast! We all thought the hotel was incredibly stylish, the food delicious and the staff delightful, especially our guide Ali, who was a very impressive man.

From here we took another long drive into the desert for a night under canvas and after another slightly eccentric but delicious lunch we arrived, having let some air out of the tires so our driver could put his foot down across the desert, at our camp suitably called Desert Nights. Each couple had their own tent/cabin which came with safari style plumbing but more importantly excellent A/C. We had time to freshen up before an evening camel ride to see the sunset, led by two charming Bedouin boys who encouraged a singalong on the way home. The sunset was a magical site dropping below the dunes and we all loved being in the desert. The open air dinner was rather magical and an amazing buffet was laid on, including a lot of very non Arabic puddings! After any equally delicious early breakfast, the next day we had a very exciting high speed quad bike ride across the dunes, which was a brilliant way to further explore the desert.

We then rejoined our drivers and guide and raced back across the desert, to the nearest town, refilled the tyres and then headed for Muscat. Another long drive but the Sultan has built fantastic roads, an achievement even more amazing considering that when he came to power in 1974, there were only five miles of paved roads in a country the size of Britain. Now you can travel in comfort across the country. We stopped off after a couple of hours for a much needed swim and some lunch in a famous wadi, where some of our party were led by local boys into diving into the pools from terrifyingly high rocks. After another 2 hour drive and a quick ice cream stop, we eventually reached Muscat and the famous Al Bustan Palace hotel for our final 3 nights. The Chedi is often spoken of as the city’s best hotel but the location of the Al Bustan is hard to beat, being a minute from the private yacht port, where we had hired a boat and five minutes from the dive centre. The hotel also has amazing beaches, although my wife and I managed to quite badly cut our feet on some rocks during low tide, which was a slight bore.

However the boat trip for snorkelling was amazing and we saw some wonderful fish. A later diving trip was equally successful. Another sightseeing morning spent in Muscat was equally enjoyable and the Grand Mosque was amazingly beautiful. We had the most charming retired policeman to drive us who kept on referring to the three McDonald’s we passed, as the ‘American Embassy’. The garden restaurant of Kargeen produced some of the best food we had eaten all week and is a must. The staff were incredible. The Al Bustan is a slightly faded hotel and not a place my wife would normally choose preferring less opulent places but they do look after guests brilliantly and the slightly dated rooms are large and offer great views over the gardens and out to sea. I have never eaten some much hummus as on this trip but it and indeed all the food was always so delicious.

We were incredibly impressed with the beauty of Oman and the warmth of its people. The Sultan seems genuinely loved and his oil wealth seems to have been wisely spent. We saw no run down housing and 84% of Omanis own their own home, the infrastructure is excellent and there is virtually no unemployment. The male section of the grand mosque is unbelievably opulent compared with the rather dreary ladies section but by middle- eastern standards, this seemed a well- integrated society and one confident about its future. Cazenove & Loyd organised a very special trip for us and arranged everything beautifully. – by Andrew Loyd of Loyd and Townsend Rose

Plan custom designed holidays in the Middle East and many other global destinations with cazenove+loyd here.

We don our safari hats and journey to the African bush with Henrietta Loyd, our regional expert for Africa. She reveals how a first trip to this magical destination led to her to co-found the award-winning company cazenove+loyd, one of the world’s top specialists on safari tours and luxury holiday rentals across the African continent.

“I will never forget my first experience of Africa. I was a pretty naïve twenty-year-old when I first set foot in the African bush in South Africa and I can still see in my mind now, all these years later, my first glimpse of a giraffe as I drove into camp from the airstrip. It was a life-changing moment, as I could not believe that I was actually seeing for real and in the wild, such a magnificent creature. I never looked back.

“What I love about being on safari is the pure connection with nature and wildlife. It is the smells of the bush, the space and the lack of people in the areas that we choose to send our clients. I always feel a complete sense of calm and freedom when I arrive and go on my first game drive or walk. There is also the adrenaline rush when one comes across one of the cats – especially on foot!

“Susie Cazenove and I were inspired to set up cazenove+loyd twenty-five years ago, because we wanted to share our love of Africa with a wider audience and enable other people to share some of the experiences that we were lucky enough to have. It also gave us an excuse to talk about our favourite subject day-in/day-out and regularly go there ourselves to source new product and experience the safaris our clients were to go on and still do over twenty years later. Latin America and Asia and the Middle East, our further two divisions were formed by my other business partner Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell with the same ethos. We are passionate about travel and creating memories that will stay forever etched in the mind.

“Marrying our personal experiences and expert knowledge with our client understanding is how we are able to deliver the best every time. Our meticulous planning and incomparable contacts on the ground mean that we have exclusive access to some of the most spectacular private houses, residences and villas in South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania. We can also offer stunning beach villas in Mozambique, the Seychelles, Mauritius and Morocco.

“We are still owner-run and our philosophy is the same today as the day we opened our doors – we are about being the best rather than the biggest. We are particularly proud to have recently been voted the second best ‘Specialist Tour Operator’ in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, awarded for our ‘incomparable knowledge’.

“I am thrilled to be working with UltraVilla as their regional expert for Africa, at a time when the continent has developed so rapidly, and the proliferation of lodges and camps means that there’s more need than ever for help and guidance in designing a luxury holiday in Africa that’s exactly right for you.” – Henrietta Loyd

Start planning your dream African safari holiday with the vast expertise of Henrietta Loyd and her team by reaching out to cazenove+loyd here.

With its exotic charm and fabulous range of high end riads and villas, Marrakech is the perfect destination for a luxurious holiday in Morocco. It sits near the base of the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, beyond which extends the start of the vast Sahara Desert, both popular excursion destinations from the “Red City.” However, to truly experience the desert one should stay over night. Our experts at cazenove+loyd, top international specialists in luxury African holidays, whisk us off to the Skoura Valley and then into the desert to show us how to have an authentic, magical and comfortable desert camp trip.

“The experience starts in Dar Ahlam is located in Skoura in the province of Ouarzazate,” explains Daphné de Vogüé, Destination Expert for Africa and Indian Ocean at cazenove+loyd. “This area is famous for its palms groves and its kasbahs (it is also known as the area of the Thousand and One Kasbahs).

“Dar Ahlam, the ‘House of Dreams’ is an ever changing experience. It is at once sumptuously luxurious and yet focuses on the simple things. Both traditional and contemporary, rooms feature tadelakt plaster floors and adobe mud walls rather than phones or TVs, yet the baths are deep, and showers powerful. Expect to be delighted at every opportunity by the exquisite offerings from the kitchen. The phrase ‘a moveable feast’ has rarely been so apt. Never will you eat twice in the same location or even with the same crockery.

“You can take advantage of the swimming pool and pamper yourself with unlimited spa treatments or a whole range of magical excursions: explore the almond tree valley (the trees blossom between February and March) and stroll to the breath-taking viewpoint, which overlooks the landscape and the salt mines, enjoy a picnic on the shores of the lake in Ouarzazate, have your breakfast at sunrise or nibble on sunset snacks at the Ksar Ali viewpoint overlooking the Skoura Valley, discover the Sidi Fla volcanic basalt gorges, explore the picturesque, crumbling Kasbahs this area is so well known for, hop on a quad bike, a motor bike, a donkey, a camel or even an Arab stallion.

“From here, your private guide will take you on a 4×4 drive of five hours into the surrounding desert to their private overnight desert camp for under the stars. The journey will take you through the Valley of Tazenakht to Foum-Zguid, passing amazing scenery along the way. Arriving in the area of Tassetift, you will stop for a break and a gastronomic picnic lunch.

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The question has been popped and the answer is an astounding yes. However, planning your dream wedding is not an easy task. You will want everything to be perfect down to the last detail and one of the most important elements is definitely the venue. If you’re seeking an exceptional venue that’s personal, intimate and original, you’ll definitely be tempted by one of these phenomenal private islands.

Isola Santa Cristina – Venetian Lagoon, Italy

Hidden in the Venetian Lagoon, the private Santa Cristina island by Siglinde Fischer / Charming Places is a sublimely romantic venue for a small destination wedding, especially with its ancient stone chapel for the ceremony and its proximity to possibly the most romantic city in the world: Venice.

The island is a 10-minute boat drive to Burano and Torcello and a 25-minute ride to Venice. Santa Cristina provides absolute privacy being completely surrounded by the waters of the lagoon. This, coupled with its nature beauty, provide a relaxing and magical atmosphere to celebrate your special day. A laneway bordered by cypresses leads to a tiny centuries’ old chapel. Alternatively, the stunning pool area can also be set up for a romantic ceremony or you may decide to pledge your vows instead right next to the lagoon with views of Burano, Venice and the setting sun.

The newly renovated villa sleeps 16 in two suites, five double bedrooms and two single bed rooms (all with ensuite bathrooms). The rooms have been decorated in a very inviting, light, Mediterranean style. If you have a larger guest list, accommodation for your other guests can be provided in nearby hotels.

Gather with your guests on the terrace, with its own open fireplace, an extension to the spacious living room and the lush tropical gardens. A menu of fine Venetian cuisine can be arranged by Isola Cristina or you can bring in an outside caterer. They can also organize entertainment by local classical musicians or contemporary bands and DJs.

Once the wedding is over and the guests have gone, the island is the ideal love nest for your honeymoon, with no disruptions except the local birds of the lagoon.

To say yes in this Venetian romantic haven, contact Isola Cristina via Siglinde Fischer / Charming Places here.

Calivigny – offshore of Grenada, Caribbean

There are many beautiful islands in the Caribbean, but you can have the gorgeous Calivigny Island, just off of Grenada, all to yourselves to tie the knot with an intimate group of friends and family.

Available through Villa Concierge, the 81-acre private island, boasting six white sand beaches and can accommodate up to 50 guests in two private residences and three beachside cottages. The graceful yet vast Calivigny Island Beach House, with nearly 140,000 square feet (13000 square meters) of living space, blends Balinese influence with French Colonial design. The residence offers 10 spacious bedroom suites, various dining areas both formal and casual, a massive rotunda roofed salon with floor to ceiling windows all around, idea for a wedding reception.

The Overhang House takes advantage of Atlantic ocean views on one side, and the Caribbean on the other, and boasts direct beach access. Contemporary furnishings and interiors by Christopher Guy mark this private island residence. A heated freshwater pool, a beach bar and beach kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining and lounging areas, full kitchen, and an ample pool terrace with 360 degree views. The Overhang House hosts nine bedroom suites.

The three two bedroom beach cottages also provide direct beach access. Each cottage boasts a living area, mini-kitchen, two spacious ensuite bedrooms, spacious terraces for outdoor dining and lounging and an outdoor jacuzzi.

Calivigny Island is fully staffed; including private chefs to create memorable dining experiences from your special wedding night dinner to beachside picnics and anything in between. A great holiday will be had by all guests with the various activities right on the island as well as access to several watercraft including a 44 ft. Hinckly a 27 ft. Boston whaler a 38 ft. Munson Landing Craft and VideoRay RVO submarine, jet skis, bikes, quads and more.

Start planning your perfect Caribbean destination wedding by reaching out to Villa Concierge at this link.

Punta Pájaros Island – Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico 

Across the Caribbean, Catherwood Travels have an extraordinary private island off one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines: breathtaking Punta Pájaros island nestled off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It’s found within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a 1.3 million acre UN World Heritage Site, making it the perfect destination for nature and beach lovers.

Punta Pájaros’s properties offer understated elegance, a perfect blend of beach informality and all the comforts sophisticated travelers demand. These include three separate guest properties: Casa Blanca Lodge, Playa Blanca, and Casa Redonda which combined accommodate up to 52 guests. Casa Blanca has ten seaside rooms and can accommodate twenty-two people. On the same property is the smaller Casa Redonda for groups of four to six people or it could be ideal for the bride and groom. It has two large private suites with oversized private baths, a full service kitchen and a large water view living & dining area. Casa Redonda has a spectacular waterfront deck overlooking the Caribbean. Ten miles along the Island’s coast is the Playa Blanca Lodge which features seven large duplex cabanas, sleeping 14, spaced among the palms near the beach. The main lodge building has a deep-set covered porch, perfect for reading and relaxing, as well as a rooftop sanctuary for stargazing.

The islands offers almost infinite activities on land and water. Explore its two archaeological sites, tunnel through mangrove forests by kayak or canoe, tour the island on a bicycle or in a launch, or try your hand at the island’s world-famous fly-fishing. The sanctuary’s dozens of animal and bird-life species mean there’s something new to see on every outing. All the while, exquisite white-sand beaches make for great swimming and sunning. The island’s coral reef, the second most pristine on the entire planet, means unbelievable scuba diving.

Whether you’re lounging on the beach or plunging to the deeps of the crystal waters, you’ll have the beauty of Punta Pájaros all to yourselves for this trip of a lifetime.

Check availability for Punta Pájaros via Catherwood Travels here.

Vamizi Island – Mozambique 

For serious beach lovers looking to commemorate their love on an endless, pristine, powder-white sandy beach, then look no further than cazenove+loyd’s Vamizi Private Island, a hidden romantic treasure in the Indian Ocean.

Found on a remote island in the Quirimbas Archipelago in Northern Mozambique, Vamizi is surrounded by dramatic coral reefs and requires a private charter to get there from Pemba on the mainland. The decor is chic and simple with hints of Arabia.

This spectacular island retreat can accommodate 60-70 guests, the six romantic beachfront villas are big, bold and beautiful and sleep between 10 and 12 people each. Each villa comes fully staffed, including a host and chef, giving you total flexibility.

Guests can take part in a host of marine and land activities including kayaking, dinghy sailing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, birding and guided nature walks and of course snorkeling over the amazing coral reefs or be exquisitely pampered with an array of spa treatments.

Fall in love a second time during your wedding and honeymoon at this stunning island by contacting cazenove+loyd today.

Amilla Fushi – The Maldives

Celebrate the union of your love at the most beautiful and picturesque destinations in the world in the whole world: the private island of Amilla Fushi in the Maldives. The exclusive resort also has some carefully created wedding packages that make your trip to this island home completely unforgettable.

Located in breathtaking Baa Atoll, one of the 26 natural atolls in Indian Ocean and a UNESCO declared World Biosphere Reserve, Amilla Fushi is only a 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport. The private island resort is made up of stunning and spacious residences each with a private sanctuaries that either hover over shimmering waters, cling to the treetops, or hug the shores of pristine white sand.

Amilla’s eight Beach Residences, which have four, six or eight bedrooms, are extremely well suited for destination weddings to accommodate families or groups of friends traveling together. They are sleek and comfortable featuring individual pools, fully equipped kitchens, and expansive living spaces. The 59 one and two bedroom houses sleep 130 and are have various locations along the lagoon, beach, ocean reef as well as the unique wellness treehouse.

Their attentive staff can take care of every detail of your wedding from hair and makeup to flower arrangements and from a decorated wedding buggy to a Maldivian blessing at the ceremony. Then after the big day, newlyweds can enjoy an unforgettable private dinner on the beach, a romantic sunset cruise while sipping the finest champagne or experience an elegant and unique, over the water dining experience with breathtaking ocean views.

With so much to discover at Amilla Fushi, activities are abundant and will have you diving in the resorts’ own Blue Hole, snorkeling with manta rays and white sharks at Hanifaru Bay or enjoying a cheese and wine tasting evening to name a few. Or spend a day or two focusing on your wellbeing at their amazing Javvu Spa which provides a variety of treatments and programs including the innovative Bodyism system.

For more information on Amilla Fushi’s wedding packages, see their profile here.

Vatuvara Private Islands – Fiji

If you’ve always dreamt of getting married in paradise, your dreams will come true at Vatuvara Private Islands. What could be more romantic than a desert island lost in the South Pacific?

Situated in Fiji’s pristine northern Lau waters on Kaibu Island, guests have a completely secluded romantic refuge. The island features three luxurious one-bedroom villas which is an excellent match for a no-fuss escape with a select set of friends or family. Additional accommodation can be arranged on nearby islands.

Each villa features elegant South Seas furnishings, an extra-large king bed with a double vanity ensuite, a lounge with flat screen satellite television, apple tv, Wi-Fi, kitchen, stocked bar and wine fridge, additional bathroom, library with computer, and indoor spa with Jacuzzi. Outside you can relax on your private veranda with an infinity bionized heated pool surrounded by lush local vegetation. A garden path leads to a private beach, dining gazebo, activities and outdoor shower facilities.

You can exchange your vows directly on one of pristine white sand beaches and the endless turquoise waters of the Pacific and enough a generous candlelit feast of succulent seafood and freshly grown organic fruits and vegetables.

If you can remove yourselves from the beach, a number of activities beckon like diving over one of the world’s best-preserved coral reefs, boat trips, hiking, teeing off on their 4-hole golf course or trekking through the tropical jungle to discover the red-prawn caves.

Learn more about organizing your Robinson Crusoe ultra private wedding on Vatuvara Private Islands at this link.

You have virtually nothing but blue skies overhead during the summer in Morocco. While this is extremely pleasant to the eyes, the high temperatures hovering around 35-40 degrees can make touring in the country’s vibrant cities, like popular Marrakech, often unbearable. But, it doesn’t have to be if you take strategic breaks at some of these prada replica refined restaurants, cafés and country clubs.

Lunch at the Pool Garden – Mandarin Oriental

Surrounded by a 20-hectare garden, the Pool Garden restaurant at the luxury 5-star Mandarin Oriental is the perfect place for a sophisticated lunch in a cool setting. The dior replica restaurant encircles the hotel’s main pool and is shaded by pergolas crawling with colorful bougainvillea. Its Mediterranean-inspired menu uses local products and home-grown organic vegetables in delicious dishes like sea bream ceviche drizzled in yuzu dressing, organic quinoa taboulé or prime beef fillet and Jerusalem artichoke purée.

Website | Address: Route du Golf Royal | Tel: +212 5 24 29 88 88

Lunch and a swim at the Beldi Country Club

After a morning of sightseeing, let loose and cool down at the Beldi Country Club. Open spring through autumn, here you can have lunch at the poolside restaurant then rent a lounge chair, dip into the pool, have a game of tennis or tee off at the golf course. Situated next to a vast 35-meter pool with a backdrop of olive trees, rose bushes and the peaks of the Atlas Mountains, the country club’s El Badia restaurant offers a seasonal menu of both Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes. In addition to the large pool, they have a smaller one specifically for children, plus the Beldi has a well-renowned spa and a variety of shops selling local handicrafts.

Website | Address: Km 6, Route de Barrage. “Cherifia” | Tel: +212 5 24 38 39 50

Ice Cream or tea at Le Bar Menzeh – Mamounia

A trip to Marrakech wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its legendary Mamounia Hotel. It has several classy restaurants and a fabulous spa, but if you’re looking for a cool mid-afternoon pitstop, make your way to its Bar Menzeh. Lost in the heart of its vast gardens, you can sample their delicious ice creams, with such flavors as Medjool date and lemon and ginger, or opt for the Moroccan and French pastries accompanied by some refreshing mint tea. Afterwards toss some balls at the boules pitch or have an early apératif at the Pastis bar, which also has a selection of chanel replica board games.

Website | Address:  Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid | Tel: +212 5 24 38 86 00

Moroccan Afternoon Tea – Royal Mansour Marrakech

One of the best places for afternoon tea is the opulent Royal Mansour Marrakech hotel. You can soak up the luxurious ambiance while enjoying your high tea in the Loggia, the lobby or in one of the lounges. For a more local experience, order the Moroccan afternoon tea which includes local tea or “nos-nos” coffee, a plate of sweet Moroccan pastries and a selection of Moroccan pancakes flavored with thyme and honey. Alternatively, you may prefer a more traditional British tea served with scones, muffins and finger sandwiches or the gourmet French tea which comes with cheese, “foie gras” and classic French pastries. Tea is served daily from 3:30 to 6:00 pm.

Website | Address: Rue Abou Abbas el sebti | Tel: +212 5 29 80 82 82

Aperitivo – Grand Café de la Poste

A popular meeting point in the new town district of Gueliz, the atmosphere of the Grand Café de la Poste mixes the best of authentic Marrakech with Western influences. Located in a former mansion, the classy 1920s decor evokes the bygone colonial era, also found on its mainly French menu. The best time to visit is between 6:00 and 8:00 pm for the happy hour when you can enjoy reduced-price cocktails, free aperitivo snacks and indulge in excellent people-watching on its busy terrace.

Website | Address: Corner of Boulevard el-Mansour Eddahbi and Avenue Imam Malik | Tel: +212 5 24 43 30 38

Dinner at Villa des Orangers

Located near Jemaâ El Fna square, the Villa des Orangers is a peaceful oasis from the chaotic Medina. A traditional noble riad, classified by Relais & Châteaux, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic dinner on its beautiful candlelit patio. The talented French chef, Jean-Claude Olry, highlights local ingredients in his refined classic French dishes and modern takes on Moroccan specialities. Treat yourself to tangia of rabbit with new potatoes, Rhamna region free range chicken m’kali with olives and peas purée, or grilled beef tenderloin, gnocchis and Rif’s mountains chanterelles.

Website | Address: 6, Rue Sidi Mimoun –Place Ben Tachfine | Tel: +212 5 24 38 46 38

 

Drinks at the Sky Lounge – Pearl Marrakech Hotel

If you want to chill out at the end of a long hot day, head to this comfortable and stylish rooftop lounge at the Pearl Marrakech Hotel. As its name indicates, the Sky Lounge has amazing views of the Medina, the Red City, the Agdal Gardens, the Imperial Ramparts and the Atlas Mountains. Relax with a crisp cocktail on one of the daybeds by its circular pool, and if you have your swimsuit, take a refreshing dip. Stay to savor the sunset or dance the night away under the stars.

Website | Address: Corner of Avenue Echouhada and rue du Temple, Hivernage | Tel: +212 5 24 42 42 42

General tips on surviving the Moroccan heat:

• Get your day started early to beat the heat, that way you can have a rest in the afternoon during the hottest hours from 1.00 to 4.00pm
• Always have a bottle of water with you
• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you go out and top up throughout the day
• Wear a hat or head covering to protect yourself from the sun
• Eat olives! The salt can help fend off heat stroke and exhaustion

Where to stay in Marrakech

If you’re looking for the best place to stay and keep cool in Marrakech, our Morocco experts at Villanovo, Kensington Morocco and cazenove+loyd have a fabulous range of luxury villas in and around the city.