The family holiday use to be pretty simple, pack the station wagon and head up or down the coast for the annual trip. It all seemed a lot less complicated. While the traditional holiday on the coast remains popular, time is now the new luxury and the choice has never been greater.
In a recent study of 5,000 VISA customers, the majority of affluent Australians see luxury as defined by experiences, not owning luxury goods. So enjoy the luxury of time with your loved ones these school holidays with a family holiday that is simple and uncomplicated.
It’s not about separating kids from their parents in a resort kids’ club, it’s about selecting a holiday house or resort in a destination with fun activities and facilities that cater to your needs. Look for houses or apartments with kitchens for preparing healthy meals (especially if your kids have allergies and intolerances) and in-room laundry facilities to avoid expensive dry-cleaning or washing smelly socks in the bathroom sink.
A recent trend has seen the extended family heading on holidays together, often taking grandparents away to allow them time with their grandchildren (and to share the childminding, giving Mum and Dad some time to themselves as well).
To save you time, we’ve gathered alluxia’s Top 10 Family Holidays:
East Hotel & Apartments, Canberra ACT
There are a plethora of activities for kids in our capital and many of Canberra’s major attractions are free, or have a low admission fee. The most affordable way to see some of Canberra’s best family attractions is a 3 in Fun ticket. The ticket includes entry to Questacon, Cockington Green Gards and the Australian Institute of Sport. Buy your tickets from the Canberra Visitors Centre. Stay at East Hotel & Apartments and book a Kids’ Cubby room interconnecting with the parents retreat. The kids’ room includes bunk beds, bean bags, XBOX with the latest games, games & toys and kids mini-bar items!
Adventure Bay Retreat - Bruny Island, TAS
Adventure Bay Retreat is located on idyllic Bruny Island, 45 minutes from Hobart followed by a fun family ferry ride to the island. The island offers a host of natural attractions or simply relax in your luxe lodge offering three bedrooms, one with bunk beds a kids loft style playroom and outdoor playground. Complimentary bikes are included to explore Adventure Bay and beyond.
Seven Surfside, Sunshine Coast QLD
With stunning views of Sunshine Beach this luxury holiday house has a downstairs kids’ room with bunk beds and pool (pool table or swimming pool?) for hours of fun. There’s a BBQ and great entertaining spaces to enjoy quality time with the family for an unforgettable holiday on the coast. You’ll feel like a local with Sunshine Beach having a wonderful village atmosphere.
Shoal Bay Resort & Spa, Port Stephens NSW
Shoal Bay is a personal favourite family destination. Think sunshine, unspoilt and uncrowded beaches and a quiet pace to just relax. Shoal Bay Resort is the perfect base to explore the region with apartment style rooms and lots of dining options with children’s menus. It also boats Occie’s Kids Club during the NSW School Holidays offering a detailed schedule of activities from face painting and cake decorating through to camel ride excursions.
atBlue Horizon, Whitsundays QLD
Whitsundays is a great family destination with lots of opportunities to be active and explore the Great Barrier Reef. The resort’s modern, Balinese inspired 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments are well equipped, with an emphasis on comfort and warm friendly service making it your home away from home. The toddler wading pool and play room helps to keep the little ones occupied, while the heated swimming pool provides year round fun for all.
Vantage over Byron, Byron Bay NSW
Vantage over Byron delivers the ultimate luxury family getaway in laid back Byron Bay. With dual living areas, pool and even a playground and cubby house the whole family will have fun in this incredible house. It’s just sandy foot steps away from local favourite Top Shop for a burger and chips treat and then on to local beaches for a day of fun in the sun.
Yering Gorge Cottages, Yarra Valley VIC
Relax and be at one with nature at Yering Gorge Cottages. Set in a private nature reserve on the banks of the Yarra River, with well over 200 kangaroos and animals such as echidna, wombats, wild deer, koalas and possums you will have nature at your doorstep. Cottages are thoughtfully appointed and freshly baked bread & generous breakfast provisions are delivered to your door – bliss!
La Maison Pacifique, Casuarina NSW
Set in Casuarina, between coastal towns of Cabarita, Salt Village & Kingscliff you’ll enjoy a beachfront location and absolute luxury. Stylishly sleeping 10 guests the region is a great destination for families. Try paddleboarding, hire bikes and explore or enjoy an early dinner at the host of family friendly restaurants nearby.
Coconut Grove, Port Douglas QLD
A heavenly retreat awaits at Coconut Grove Port Douglas. Located right on Macrossan Street, you’re spoilt for choice with Port Douglas’ best restaurants a short stroll away. Opt for a rooftop apartment incorporating private plunge pool, spa and outdoor entertaining area for an indulgent stay. We like the extra touches such as pre-ordering groceries to be delivered and packed into your gourmet kitchen and port-a-cots are complimentary or hire a luxe white wooden cot for just $50 per week.
Stay Bondi, Bondi Beach NSW
Designed & furnished by Robert Plumb and landscaped by William Dangar, both Bondi 113 & Bondi 100 have raised the bar in holiday beach houses. Just footsteps from the world famous Bondi Beach, you’ll be ensconced in luxury & coastal cool.
Browse our full collection of family friendly accommodation or email us at info@alluxia.com for further details.
