Elite Traveler Winter 2023/24

FAMILY

Joali Maldives, Three-bedroom Ocean Residence MALDIVES The Maldives is fi ercely competitive for luxury brands, so it’s impressive that the independently owned Joali Maldives has established itself as one of the best, just two years after opening. Up against the biggest names in the business, this resort sets itself apart with particularly beautiful Maldivian architecture and generously sized villas. The Three bedroom Ocean Residence is the most generous of all, o ff ering over 10,000 sq ft of overwater luxury. That includes two pools, a private spa room and an expansive outdoor terrace. Children are well catered to with expansive programming that includes cooking classes, storytelling sessions and even a dedicated Kids Spa. Just ask your dedicated jadugar (butler) to organize it, and say no more. From $29,000 per night. Contact reservations.jomv@joali.com, +960 658 4444, joali.com

The Datai Langkawi, The Datai Estate Villa LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA Buried deep in an ancient rain forest, The Datai Langkawi is an immersive tropical experience. Guests share the 46-acre site with lemurs and dusky leaf monkeys, some of whom have no qualms about joining you poolside. The timber framed buildings are designed to blend in with the surrounding fl ora and guests are encouraged to join daily walks into the dense forest. The Datai Estate Villa, all 37,600 sq ft of it, is the ultimate in in-suite facilities: huge swimming pool, full working kitchen, game room, library and a spa treatment room. With a 24-hour dedicated butler and private chef available, it is the perfect choice for families intent on staying put. There is no kids club here, but the whole resort is a source of wonder for young minds, and child-friendly walks with the resident naturalists can be organized on request. From $12,000 per night. Contact Celine Maginel, director of sales and marketing, celine.maginel@dataihotels.com, +60 495 005 00, thedatai.com

Porto Zante Villas & Spa, Imperial Spa Villa ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE

This under-the-radar boutique hotel o ff ers resort-level amenities for just nine villas. Situated on its own stretch of Zakynthos coastline, Porto Zante takes the privacy of its guests seriously. At 4,500 sq ft, with amazing sea views and two private pools, the Imperial Spa Villa has enough amenities and space to keep everyone happy behind closed doors. The suite’s alfresco dining area, complete with sunset views over neighboring Kefalonia, is as dreamy as it gets. However, most will be lured out by the hotel’s private beach and the impressive Japanese restaurant, Maya. The Kids’ Club is open throughout the day and is sta ff ed by highly experienced childcare providers. The hotel also hosts creative o ff -site adventures for little ones, giving parents the opportunity to make the most of this secret paradise (and the cocktail menu). From $14,600 per night. Contact Panagiota Vatista, reservations manager, reservations@portozante.com, +30 210 821 8640, portozante.com

The Retreat at Elcot Park, The Bushby Bacon Suite NEWBURY, ENGLAND

This charming countryside hotel has turned the interior design dial right to the limit. Each one of its 55 rooms has its own personality. Every detail, whether its hallucinogenic wallpaper or reclaimed furniture, has been purposefully placed. The Bushby Bacon Suite has been designed for families, but is no less stylish. There is a beautiful roll-top bathtub for the grown-ups and a colorful bunk bedroom for kids. The suite comes with access to a stocked pantry, complete with ‘raiding rights,’ and a private mini bar. The hotel also prides itself on its dog-friendliness, with pets allowed to stay in allocated rooms with external access. Since it’s surrounded by woodland and winding walking paths, there’s opportunity to tire everyone out before retreating back to base. From $676 per night. Contact Erno De Clercq, cluster revenue management, edc@signet.ltd, +44 208 979 9988, retreatelcotpark.com