The rule of thumb when travelling with the tribe in tow is that if the kids are happy, everyone is relaxed and has a great time.
So, if the complimentary ice cream parlour and chocolate room, water slides plunging from a bedroom into a pool below and the treehouse-style playground at Thailand’s Soneva Kiri doesn’t put smiles on the dials of your tribe – and ensure your family holiday is a winner – nothing will.
Located on the pristine, ruggedly beautiful remote island of Koh Kood, Thailand’s fourth largest but least populated island in the Gulf of Siam, Soneva Kiri is the brainchild of hotelier Sonu Shivdasani and his wife Eva, who are famous for their playful take on barefoot luxury.
Adopting a ‘no shoes, no news policy,’ this exclusive jungle hideaway, a 90-minute private plane ride from Bangkok Airport, may be one of the world’s most luxurious beach resorts however it is extremely kid-friendly.
There are a host of activities to do as a family like stand-up paddleboarding [SUP], an observatory for stargazing, kayaking, snorkelling, sea excursions and cultural exchanges to the local villages.
However it’s Soneva Kiri’s kids’ club, a manta ray-shaped, bamboo-framed structure called The Den, that has been hailed as the best in the world.
Designed by Dutch architect Olav Bruin and tucked into the native trees, The Den is not only an inspiring place for kids aged one to 13 to hang out but it also has a strong focus on sustainability and creativity.
Gadgets and ipads are thrown by the wayside in favour of educational and environmentally responsible activities like making mobiles and bracelets from recycled magazine paper, art classes and a music room filled with traditional Thai instruments.
While the kids are tapping into their creativity, rest-seeking folks can enjoy luxe spa excursions, the outdoor cinema Paradiso, a treetop suspended dining pod or simply just a book or a snooze by the pool at your private villa.
The only downside? Having to leave.
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