Looking for some advice on the perfect holiday destination for our family (Myself + wife + 2 kids (5 & 4 y.o)).
We are looking to escape Melbourne's cold weather, somewhere between late August to late September for a week or two. My wife's brief is a beachside holiday that is preferably all inclusive and has a kids club for similar to ensure we get some R&R whilst the kids have a ball. We are thinking either FNQ, Fiji, or Asia (such as Kota Kinabalu or Phuket)
We have been to Noosa for our last 2 family holidays which was nice but was within self contained accommodation and we are just looking for a change.
My only criteria is that the holiday is relaxing and leaves some funds in the bank account to spend on other important things....... ;) :D
We did three weeks in Borneo last September (great weather). Nothing too special (or offensive) in Kota. We hired a car and drove around the country. Highlight was a week spent in a very remote (2hrs up from Kota) 'resort'. I loosely say resort as there were only four cabins, meals and electricity at dusk, no hot water. Right.. on.. the beach.. No way in out or out. No way to lose the kids, no way to do anything.. Haven't ben that relaxed so quickly in ages. Owned by a local and Brit who has sent his life backpacking.
Done a bit of Thailand also.. would recommend Krabi over Phuket, it's not that far away and quieter. Or the islands.
Myself I can't wait (dream of) to get back to Minori on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. That was simply the best, most wonderfully rounded, relaxed and beautiful place I've ever been too.
Rio's not bad either... LAN Chile does some cheap airfares around that time.
We've done all thes spots with kids under three, your wife/mileage will vary.
I can say Koh Samui island of Thailand is great...choose Lamai beach over the ever popular Chaweng (mind you when I went on the first two of my four trips to Koh Samui it was great). I also didn't like Phuket, too commercial and my other trip was for business to Bangkok...no no family wise. Otherwise agree with Amalfi coast but suggest coast of Lago Maggiore north of Milan is bliss...just choose the "est" or eastern side so you can get down to Monza in Sept for the F1 Italian GP (so you know you are alive).
Also if you can go extreme south then Taomina in Sicily is amazing...hopefully there will be an ballet on at the ancient amphitheathre, if not just take in the view...breathless...hell it's why the lead singer of Simple Minds, Jim Kerr, bought a hotel there!
For the most relaxing laid back "inexpensive" off shore holiday break,check out the website of Tanjung Lesung Sailing Club,read the member newsletters etc. It's located on the Sunda Straits, on West Java, Indonesia.Great place to unwind at,main focus is on sailing for kids, and half keen adults as well, boat fleet is mainly Lasers, instruction if required.Plenty of activities for kids there with supervision,adults can cycle,jungle trek, swim ,(safely) diving, fishing,( guarantee a catch), driving range (for golfers ,not Alfa punters),not just boats,has all facilities on site,small and large cottages, excellent menu,drinks (anything!) and absolutely No television!But disco fanatics can go 10 minutes down the track for their nightly fix!! Jet Skis too! Quiet unhassled beach(no touts or danger), no high tides to worry sbout,pickup and transfer back to Jakarta airport part of the deal.(Garuda get you there and back cheaply.No problems ,all new aircraft).Does this spiel sound like I have an interest? You Bet! PM for more spiel if interested.........Cheers......Ian. P.S. The owner is a Jano (Pre WW11)Alfa man,still owns one,has done the retro Mille Miglia Nine times.There! you have someone to talk to when you get there!!!!!
Many thanks for some great suggestions (valuable notes taken).
After much research and debating with the boss.................we are off to Malolo, Fiji to defrost ;D
We have definite plans of spending a month or two in Italy in 2014 when our little ones might be easier to eat and travel with.