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There are endless benefits to booking your own private villa over separate rooms in a hotel. For starters, you’ll have far more space in which to relax and spread out – an essential if you’re traveling with children or in a large group. A villa additionally allows you to steer clear of crowds and avoid sharing facilities with others, both of which might be important to you in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

What’s more, you’ll find that most villas in our top luxury vacation spots around the world tend to sit within complexes that give you access to stellar dining options and amazing amenities. There’s usually something to suit every age and interest, from tranquil spa and wellness centers to kids’ clubs, sports facilities and various exciting activity and excursion options. 

Like the sound of vacationing in your own private home away from home? Here’s our round up of the best luxury villas for an indulgent getaway with the whole family.

1Te Manava, Cook Islands

A backdrop of the tranquil Pacific Ocean makes Te Manava one of the best luxury villa options for family beach breaks. The collection of 13 stunning villas is nestled along the pristine shores of Muri Beach on the island of Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands. 

The secluded location of the Te Manava villas elevates it to a quiet haven where contact with others is kept to a minimum. The size and design of each villa varies, with the largest accommodating up to six people across three plush suites. Each villa features modern conveniences and a fully-fitted kitchen. You’ll also have access to a grocery delivery service, ensuring that preparing family meals is a breeze. 

Children will love having instant access to the soft sand and warm, crystal-clear waters of Muri Beach. There’s also a kids’ club exclusively for villa guests, as well as a series of exhilarating excursions such as snorkeling trips to the nearby lagoon. Adults can look forward to some downtime in the luxury spa or take a night off from cooking with Te Manava’s private gourmet dining service.

2Alfajiri Villas, Kenya

If a wildlife-themed vacation is top of your family’s bucket list, Kenya certainly won’t disappoint. The nation is a prime spot for safari experiences, in addition to benefiting from a dreamy stretch of Indian Ocean coastline. 

One of our top places for families to stay in Kenya is the Alfajiri Villas. Tucked away in Ukunda, just a short hop down the coast from Mombasa, this plush complex gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to adventure and relaxation. Choose from three ultra-luxurious villas, including the light-filled, four-bedroom Cliff Villa that features its own private infinity pool and uninterrupted views of golden Diani Beach from the spectacular Turret Suite. 

When it comes to filling your vacation itinerary, a stay at Alfajiri Villas offers up far more than snoozing poolside. An 18-hole golf course lies next door, while Shimba Hills National Reserve can be explored during a guided safari or quad bike experience. Guests also have access to a spa, gym and sauna, as well as a wide range of water sports. 

Families who want to embark on more sustainably-minded trips will have the chance to get involved with community projects in Ukunda, including volunteering at a local orphanage. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit villages scattered along the Diani Beach coastline. 

3Villas HM Palapas Del Mar, Mexico

For the ultimate, care-free escape in the sun, this stunning selection of properties on Mexico’s Isla Holbox fits the bill. You’ll find the idyllic isle – that’s famed for its flocks of vibrant flamingoes – north of the Yucatán Peninsula and it is a paradise for those craving total serenity.  

Villas HM Palapas Del Mar on Isla Holbox gives you the chance to enjoy all the perks of staying in both a private vacation home and a luxury hotel. The catered complex boasts several luxurious villas which have been divided up into secluded suites, some featuring intimate balconies, sun terraces and swimming pools. The largest comfortably sleeps four people in two elegantly decorated rooms, each offering up pool and ocean vistas.

If you’d rather not have to cook while you’re on vacation, Villas HM Palapas Del Mar handily has a range of gourmet dining options. Test your chopstick skills at Tamashi Sushi Bar or tuck into mouth-watering Mexican cuisine, including fresh, regional specialties, at the main restaurant. Come nightfall, make your way up to the rooftop Sky Bar for tasty, tropical cocktails with a backdrop of the glittering ocean. 

You’ll also find the villa complex has a full-service spa and a boutique. Spend some time browsing the shelves to find locally-made handicrafts that are the perfect souvenirs of your blissful escape to Mexico.

4Four Seasons, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand is easily one of the most popular destinations to visit as a family thanks to its wonderful beaches, vibrant culture and world-renowned hospitality. 

Why not immerse yourself in nature at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai? The complex sits 30 minutes from Chiang Mai and right in the shadow of the Suthep Mountains, providing access to top cultural sites in the city and outstanding outdoor attractions in the countryside. 

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai features some of the best luxury villas in the region, all of which have been thoughtfully designed to promote relaxation and well-being. Stay in a pavilion featuring traditional Thai architecture, intricate Siamese artwork and wonderful views of peaceful paddy fields. There’s also a premium villa option with its own private pool that’s perfect for romantic couples’ retreats.

Apart from high-end accommodation, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai offers a wide range of incredible amenities and activities. Little ones can make friends and get involved with fun arts and crafts at the onsite kids’ club. Choose between several excursion options that have all been specifically curated for families. Head out into the fields to sow your own rice plants, set off on a cycling tour of the Mae Rim Valley or tempt your taste buds with a Thai cooking class. 

Family dinners are made easy at the Four Seasons thanks to the resort’s private dining service that lets you eat together in your villa. An optional live-in butler is bound to take some of the stress out of going on vacation with children in tow!

Talk to our experts about planning your next family vacation and choose from our curated selection of luxury private villas.

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Dreaming of escaping to Africa? With so many enchanting destinations for wonderful wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture, it can be tricky to know exactly where to go.

Gaining advice from an expert in African travel is by far the best way to decide the right time and place to book your bucket-list trip. To help you out, we’ve put together some tips on how to plan the best safari into the game reserves of Africa.

Here are a few pointers to consider before you book your trip.

1Choose the right time of the year to go

You may already have a specific time in mind for your safari getaway. Nevertheless, certain seasons are better than others for encountering Africa’s diverse wildlife:

March to May 

If you’re planning to visit Kenya or Tanzania, it’s worth noting that this period of the year is East Africa’s rainy season. That doesn’t mean you should shy away from booking a trip during these months, though. There will still be lots of great game drives to enjoy, as well as opportunities to see animals birthing their young. What’s more, bright light conditions make it a dream for photographers.

June to October 

This season is largely considered the best time for an African safari vacation. Look forward to fairer weather and viewing majestic migrations in places like the Northern Serengeti. This is usually peak season for safaris, so you might find certain reserves are a little busier and prices are pushed higher.

December to March 

December through March is Southern Africa’s rainy season. Again, this shouldn’t put you off visiting. Major game reserves such as Southern Kruger will offer plenty of opportunities for spotting the Big Five. The rainy season also offers much better value for money and fewer crowds to contend with.

Note that if you’re visiting a safari destination during the rainy season, you’ll need to be more conscious about what you pack in your suitcase. A waterproof yet lightweight rain jacket is a must and you’ll also want a few layers in case you go on nighttime game drives. Wearing light or neutral tones is recommended as brighter colors tend to attract flies and other unwanted bugs.

2Decide what you want to see

Africa is the natural habitat of so many wonderful creatures. If you’re determined to tick off the Big Five from your list, you’ll have the best chance in larger safari locations like Kruger National Park or Kenya’s Masai Mara. 

Various migrations occur throughout the year and they are spectacular sights to behold. The great zebra and wildebeest migration in the Serengeti typically takes place between May and July, while Botswana’s incredible zebra migration happens from May to November.

Some countries also offer chances to spot rare creatures. For example, Botswana is one of the top places to see African wild dogs in their natural habitat, in addition to huge herds of magnificent elephants. Always wanted to see leopards in the wild? Venture to Zambia’s pristine South Luangwa region that’s brimming with predators.

Uganda is also world-famous for its gorillas, while Namibia’s Etosha National Park is a prime destination for tracking elephants and rare black rhinos through the bush.

3Decide which part of Africa to explore

Countries across Africa are rife with incredible landscapes, giving you plenty of variety when it comes to stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife.

Botswana is one of the most geographically diverse nations in the region. Spend a couple of weeks exploring huge marshes, swamps teeming with crocodiles, tumbling rivers and expansive deserts in places such as Okavango Delta, Savuti & Linyanti and Chobe National Park. 

South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the biggest African safari parks, with incredibly diverse topography. As well as safari drives through the savannah to spot lions and zebras, you can head up into the Limpopo mountains in the hopes of glimpsing rare birds and elusive leopards. You will also have the opportunity to spot schools of hippos lounging around in the glistening waters of the Letaba River.

4List your must-do experiences

There’s so much room for variation on African safari vacations. One of the key things to decide before you book is exactly what kind of experience you’re after. Do you want to go on an exciting water safari? Or maybe it has always been your dream to walk among zebras on foot.

Botswana is a prime destination for mokoro (canoe) excursions in the Okavango Delta or along the Chobe River. If you’d rather get closer to the action on a walking safari, it’s hard to beat those offered in Zambia. Countries such as Tanzania and Kenya also feature beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for some R&R after a week of exciting wildlife spotting.

If you’re looking for a cultural experience in addition to wildlife viewing, the incredible African Serengeti or the Masai Mara are great options. Both locations also give you a chance to embark on once-in-a-lifetime experiences with local cultures.

5Keep in mind who you’re traveling with

Whether you’re visiting Africa solo, as a couple or with the entire family, your chosen travel companions will undoubtedly have an impact on where you decide to go on safari.

South Africa is a great option if you’re planning a safari vacation with younger kids. The country’s game reserves – including Kruger – have fantastic family-friendly accommodation, many of which include kids’ clubs and fun activity programs. You could also divide your trip between staying in a safari park and enjoying some sightseeing and culture in a large, nearby city like Johannesburg or Cape Town.

For a romantic safari trip, be it an anniversary or to celebrate recent nuptials, you can’t go wrong with a vacation in Tanzania or Kenya. Discover lodges with lovely surroundings and luxurious honeymoon suites. There’s also the added benefit of being close to some idyllic beaches, such as those in Zanzibar, if you’d like to combine safari drives with relaxing on the sand.

Our Africa experts will happily talk all these points through with you in order to provide a perfectly tailored safari itinerary. Simply tell us what matters to you most, and we will provide our recommendations for the best camps, reserves, times to visit and activities based on your travel dreams!

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The post How to Choose the Right Safari Destination appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

The holiday season truly is a time for joy! It’s the perfect occasion to gather with friends and family to celebrate, rejoice and reconnect.

While many of us love decorating our own fir trees at home, why not take it a step further and explore some truly unusual trees around the globe? From towering sequoias to dramatic camel thorn trees that have been scorched by the African sun, there are so many striking and wonderful perennials to admire across the world. Since most of us weren’t able to spend the holidays together in 2020, let’s make up for that lost time with this fun family vacation idea. Need some inspiration? Here are some experiences you and your loved ones might enjoy…

1 Marvel At The Dramatic Salt Pan Trees

An African safari trip is one of our top family vacation ideas. After spotting incredible wildlife in Namibia’s Etosha National Park, take a trip to the undulating dunes of the Sossusvlei saltpans.

This arid yet eerily beautiful landscape sits in the Namib Naukluft and was formed over 900 years ago when the Deadvlei clay pan was flooded by the nearby Tsauchab River. The water pooled, providing much-needed moisture for fledgling camel thorn trees to grow. Over time, the soil dried up and sand dunes slowly formed, ultimately blocking the area from ever being flooded again.

Deadvlei became too dry for plant life to survive. Instead of the camel thorn trees decaying and decomposing though, they were scorched by the sun and became eternal monuments to the region’s harsh climate.  

Visit at sunrise or sunset to admire the dramatic contrast between the red of the sand dunes and the dark shapes of the ancient trees. For easy access, book a stay at the luxury Sossusvlei Lodge, located near this intriguing skeletal forest.

2Walk In A Forest Filled With Giant Sequoias

For a tree-themed family vacation idea that’s a little closer to home, venture to the stunning wildernesses of California’s Yosemite National Park.

The region in the USA is famed for its lofty rock formations – including the sheer cliff face of El Capitan – and extraordinary plant life. If you’re entering the park from the south entrance, it’s hard to miss the imposing sight that is the Mariposa Grove.

Made up of over 500 mature sequoia trees, this grove is a sight to behold. Experts estimate that the oldest specimens may even be over 3,000 years old. Walking among these majestic trees is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an opportunity to feel at one with nature.

During your stroll through the Mariposa Grove, keep an eye out for some of its most well-known trees. This includes the Bachelor and Three Graces (a collection of sequoias that make for the perfect backdrop for a family photo) and the Grizzly Giant, one of the oldest trees in the park. You might also come across the Fallen Monarch. This toppled tree was made famous in 1899 when it was photographed with several US cavalry officers riding atop its trunk.

3Spot The Lone Willow Tree

Sprouting resiliently up through the waters of Lake Wanaka, this tree is one of the most famous landmarks in New Zealand’s South Island. You’ll find it about 186 miles (300 kilometers) from Dunedin and only a short distance north of Queenstown.

The story of the Wanaka Tree is truly magical. Over 80 years ago, a fence was erected along the shores of the lake and it featured a post made from a thick branch of a willow tree. Instead of staying as it was and acting as a support, the branch took root in the fertile soil and flourished.

Fast forward to 2014 when a photographer from Christchurch captured the tree emerging from the morning mist with the craggy Southern Alps in the background. The photo went on to win the New Zealand Geographic photo of the year award, and the tree shot to fame.

South Island is a great pick for a family vacation. Tick off various iconic landmarks, from the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park to culture-packed Christchurch, before checking into the plush St Moritz Hotel on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It’s the perfect base for a trip to #thatwanakatree and is only only an hour away by road.

4Learn About The Ancient Frankincense Trade

Oman’s ancient history and breathtaking landscapes make it a brilliant vacation option for families with older kids. Among its many attractions is the Wadi Dawkah natural park that sits around 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Salalah.

A chunk of the park is occupied by the Land of Frankincense, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll discover that the vast desert valley is studded with over 5,000 of these trees, some of which are truly ancient. The magnificent forest also forms part of the larger Frankincense Trail, a trade route that’s been used for thousands of years by merchants buying and selling incense.

In addition to gazing at the trees from the Wadi Dawkah viewing platform, visit other ancient ruins in the vicinity such as the port of Khor Rori to learn more about the trade and production of frankincense. April is a prime time to go if you want to see how these frankincense trees are tapped for their fragrant and very valuable resin.

5Visit The World’s Widest Tree

If you want to gaze at a record-breaking tree while enjoying some diverse culture and cuisine, plan a vacation to Mexico.

Arbol del Tule (tule tree) is tucked away inside a peaceful churchyard in the town of Santa Maria del Tule. What’s so special about this tree, you might ask? It holds the title of the world’s widest tree! While it measures an impressive 38 feet in diameter, the tree is reasonably short for its girth, at just 116 feet.

Arbol del Tule is thought to be over 1,500 years old and its gnarled appearance testifies to this fact. Take your time admiring its twisted trunk and see if you – like many visitors before – can spot likenesses of both humans and animals in its knots.

The town of Santa Maria del Tule is accessible by road from stunning Oaxaca, making it a great stop to add to your itinerary on a tour of Southern Mexico.

Get in touch with our experts to plan your family vacation and let us know which tree you’d like to gather around next!

Do you love travel stories from around the world? Sign up for our newsletter or register for one of our free webinars! 

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