Love the idea of a romantic holiday? Can’t possibly leave the kids behind? It is possible to do both. You just need to be clever about what you book.
Here are 7 ways you can have a romantic holiday with the kids in tow.
1. Go to Fiji
Fiji was voted Best International Holiday Destination for Babies & Toddlers and Primary School-Aged Kids. Picture: Shutterstock
Fiji is popular with families because it offers a great balance between family time and couple’s time.
Fiji’s nannies absolutely love children and most of the resorts have safe, fun Kids’ Clubs. The kids will have the time of their life meeting new friends while you get a few hours to yourselves.
The staff love kids and teach them all about Fiji. Picture: Supplied.
Families can book package deals to Fiji that include Kids Club in the price.
2. Book a hotel with babysitting
If you prefer a city break, add the babysitting filter onto your hotel search. You can often book a babysitter to come and sit outside the room while the kids sleep – just in case. Others may have a creche, daycare facility or Kids’ Club that you can use while you take a few hours to have dinner or a message in the spa.
3. Choose to cruise
Cruises offer so much for kids. Book them into a cooking class, a dodgem car session or one of the Kids’ Clubs and you can take a little bit of time out in the adults’ only area on board. Or time their kids-only session with a visit to the movie theatre, dinner at one of the incredible restaurants or simply time out to snuggle on a lounge together and chat.
Inside the adults-only area on Ovation of the Seas. Picture: Alison Godfrey
4. Go for a luxury villa
My husband and I booked a huge villa at Montego Resort on Batam Island Indonesia for a few days of rest after a hectic Singapore trip. This villa was cheaper than our Singapore hotel room and about 100 times larger.
Sunset swims before the kids went to bed on Batam Island Indonesia. Picture: Alison Godfrey
It had a private plunge pool off the kitchen and loungeroom. The kids had their own bedroom and bathroom. We had a luxury parent’s retreat. It even had a rooftop terrace.
After a full day of swimming in the huge resort pool and our villa’s plunge pool, the kids were completely tuckered out every night. You easily put the kids to bed and then indulge in room-service dinner on the rooftop before retiring to the pool with a cocktail.
Montego Resort Batam Island Indonesia. Picture: Alison Godfrey
5. Pick accommodation that is big enough
It’s often cheaper to squeeze everyone into a tiny hotel room. But you will have more opportunity for romance if you look for family suites, interconnecting rooms or two bedroom hotel rooms. Even just a lounge area where the kids can sleep – away from you.
A four-bed hotel room is perhaps not that conducive to romance. Picture: Alison Godfrey
6. Use technology.
Yes, I know. You don’t want them on iPads or in screens all the time. But let’s be honest. Sometimes that is the ONLY way you are going to get some peace. And you need time to connect. It’s all about balance and moderation. If you want a romantic holiday with kids, bring their devices.
While they have their heads immersed in screentime you can plan some time together to discuss the day and connect. That could be on the train between destinations or after a long day on the ski slopes. Just make sure you set the expectations with the kids on time limits and appropriate content.
The Godfrey family in Japan. Picture: Alison Godfrey
7. Ask the kids
If you tell the kids that you want to find a way to do something nice for the other parent – they will help. Kids have great imaginative brains. Include them, get them involved. You will be surprised how much they love this and how much it makes them feel included.
READ MORE:
5 Nights at the Naviti Resort Fiji
Why families can’t get enough of this cruise ship
5 reasons to ski Japan with kids
Travel allows you to get outside your bubble. It makes you realise there are other ways to do things, and that’s OK. Plus, I am a huge fan of skiing and for the best powder – you need to head overseas.