Family https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tag/family/ Informing, connecting and developing the world’s travel industry professionals. Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:35:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Agoda: ‘Family and friends’ group travel is back https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/agoda-family-and-friends-group-travel-is-back/ Mon, 26 Dec 2022 01:15:39 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=758821 The post Agoda: ‘Family and friends’ group travel is back appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Agoda’s Family Travel Trend survey 2022 reveals that four out of five travellers will take a vacation with immediate family in the next 12 months and, while travelling with friends proves more popular than travelling with extended family, still more than half (52%) are keen to catch up with relatives for their vacation.

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With year-end school holidays in full swing, digital travel platform Agoda’s Family Travel Trend survey 2022 reveals that four out of five travellers will take a vacation with immediate family in the next 12 months and, while travelling with friends proves more popular than travelling with extended family, still more than half (52%) are keen to catch up with relatives for their vacation.

Travellers from Singapore (61%), Taiwan (61%) and Vietnam (59%) are most likely to take at least one trip with immediate family.  Meanwhile, people from The Philippines (47%), Indonesia (40%) and Malaysia (35%) are most likely to plan two or more family jaunts in the coming year.  When it comes to vacationing with extended family, its travellers from Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam that take the top three spots, with those from Japan, Korea, and Singapore least likely to take the whole family along for their travels.

“The more the merrier for holidays seems to be the message across Southeast Asia, India and beyond this year as Asia finally reopens for travel. The Agoda’s Family Travel Survey shows people really want to enjoy the company of friends or extended family on their vacations with more than 80% of travellers planning to travel with immediate family and 52% opting to travel with other relatives too,” explained Enric Casals, associate vice president, southeast asia and oceania, Agoda Partner Services.

Friends reuniting
Australians are renowned for their love of their mates, but it seems it doesn’t translate to going on holiday with them, with travellers from Australia ranking only 9th most likely to take a trip with friends this year, knocked off the top spot by travellers from the Philippines, followed by Vietnamese and Indian travellers.

2023 Value hunters
When it comes to travelling with families or in a group traveler worldwide are seeking more value for their trips with Budget Hotels, Agoda Homes vacation rentals and Inclusive Resorts cited as the top three group travel preferences.

“Family travellers often have more complex requirements when choosing their holiday accommodation. Often, they need more space, perhaps with cooking facilities as offered by Agoda Homes, or the services such as babysitting, kids’ clubs, extra beds or interconnecting rooms offered by family-friendly hotels.  Being able to search on one platform, like Agoda, for accommodation, flights, ground transportation and fun filled activities at the destination takes away a lot of the hassle of travel planning, meaning there is more time to relax and enjoy spending time with loved ones,” Enric Casals, continued.

Travellers from Philippines (59%), India (44%) and South Korea (38%) showed a high preference for budget friendly hotels, while those from Indonesia (42%), Malaysia (39%), and Taiwan (38%) preferred vacation rentals which tend to offer additional facilities such as kitchens or separate living and sleeping areas. This is in contrast to almost half of Japanese travellers (43%) who favored chain hotels as their accommodation of choice and 34% of Thai travellers who leaned towards the convenience of all-inclusive resorts.

Border closures continue to concern travellers
Despite travel optimism and growth out pacing pre COVID levels, 77% of travellers globally indicate some concern about international borders closing again while they are overseas.  Travellers from most recently opened markets including South Korea and Japan are most concerned, in comparison to those from markets that quickly removed border restrictions including US, Australia and India.

 

 

 

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Wonder of the Sea: Royal Caribbean welcomes new cruise ship https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/wonder-of-the-sea-royal-caribbean-welcomes-new-cruise-ship/ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/wonder-of-the-sea-royal-caribbean-welcomes-new-cruise-ship/#respond Sat, 10 Dec 2022 16:11:44 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3084331 The post Wonder of the Sea: Royal Caribbean welcomes new cruise ship appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

A celebration fit for the world’s newest wonder lit up Port Canaveral, Florida, last night when Royal Caribbean International officially welcomed Wonder of the Seas into the family. With the ultimate combination of firsts and signature favorites...

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A celebration fit for the world’s newest wonder lit up Port Canaveral, Florida, last night when Royal Caribbean International officially welcomed Wonder of the Seas into the family. With the ultimate combination of firsts and signature favorites for parents, kids and grandparents alike, the cruise line’s latest ship was named by its Godmother and Wonder […]

Wonder of the Sea: Royal Caribbean welcomes new cruise ship

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Gender affirmation policy launched by Accor https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/gender-affirmation-policy-launched-by-accor/ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/gender-affirmation-policy-launched-by-accor/#respond Wed, 16 Nov 2022 23:46:25 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3083278 The post Gender affirmation policy launched by Accor appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Accor Pacific today introduced a new gender transitioning policy to support its employees to navigate gender identity and affirmation at work. Aptly launched during Trans Awareness Week (13-20 Nov), this progressive new policy reflects Accor’s respect ...

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Accor Pacific today introduced a new gender transitioning policy to support its employees to navigate gender identity and affirmation at work. Aptly launched during Trans Awareness Week (13-20 Nov), this progressive new policy reflects Accor’s respect for gender diversity and its commitment to supporting transgender, nonbinary, takatāpui, and gender diverse employees. Support will be offered […]

Gender affirmation policy launched by Accor

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easyJet to upgrade its Airbus A320 fleet with DPO https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/easyjet-to-upgrade-its-airbus-a320-fleet-with-dpo/ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/easyjet-to-upgrade-its-airbus-a320-fleet-with-dpo/#respond Mon, 26 Sep 2022 16:11:05 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3079997 The post easyJet to upgrade its Airbus A320 fleet with DPO appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

easyJet is to upgrade its A320 Family fleet with Airbus’ “Descent Profile Optimization” (DPO) – a fuel-saving enhancement to the aircraft’s on-board Flight Management System (FMS) performance database and “Continuous Descent Approach” (CDA) to reduce n...

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easyJet is to upgrade its A320 Family fleet with Airbus’ “Descent Profile Optimization” (DPO) – a fuel-saving enhancement to the aircraft’s on-board Flight Management System (FMS) performance database and “Continuous Descent Approach” (CDA) to reduce noise impact on the ground. The European short-haul airline will become the biggest operator worldwide using these powerful combined solutions. […]

easyJet to upgrade its Airbus A320 fleet with DPO

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Xiamen Airlines switches to Airbus A320neo https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/xiamen-airlines-switches-to-airbus-a320neo/ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/xiamen-airlines-switches-to-airbus-a320neo/#respond Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:57:42 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3079673 The post Xiamen Airlines switches to Airbus A320neo appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Xiamen Airlines has placed a firm order for 40 A320neo Family aircraft switching to Airbus for its fleet growth, making the airline the newest Airbus customer. The agreement was announced by the major shareholder China Southern Airlines to the Shanghai...

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Xiamen Airlines has placed a firm order for 40 A320neo Family aircraft switching to Airbus for its fleet growth, making the airline the newest Airbus customer. The agreement was announced by the major shareholder China Southern Airlines to the Shanghai Stock exchange. The A320neo Family incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more […]

Xiamen Airlines switches to Airbus A320neo

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easyJet confirms order for 56 Airbus A320neo planes https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/easyjet-confirms-order-for-56-airbus-a320neo-planes/ Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:35:31 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3075378 The post easyJet confirms order for 56 Airbus A320neo planes appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The new aircraft are significantly quieter, with half the noise footprint of the older aircraft they are replacing
easyJet confirms order for 56 Airbus A320neo planes

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easyJet confirms order for 56 Airbus A320neo planesThe new aircraft are significantly quieter, with half the noise footprint of the older aircraft they are replacing

easyJet confirms order for 56 Airbus A320neo planes

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easyJet confirms order for 56 Airbus A320neo planes
Delta Air Lines ups Airbus A220 order to 107 aircraft https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/delta-air-lines-ups-airbus-a220-order-to-107-aircraft/ Tue, 19 Jul 2022 15:00:22 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3075299 The post Delta Air Lines ups Airbus A220 order to 107 aircraft appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Delta Air Lines' total firm order for Airbus A220 jets is now 107 aircraft - 45 A220-100s and 62 A220-300s
Delta Air Lines ups Airbus A220 order to 107 aircraft

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Delta Air Lines ups Airbus A220 order to 107 aircraftDelta Air Lines’ total firm order for Airbus A220 jets is now 107 aircraft – 45 A220-100s and 62 A220-300s

Delta Air Lines ups Airbus A220 order to 107 aircraft

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Delta Air Lines ups Airbus A220 order to 107 aircraft
New Airbus A321XLR jet takes off for the first time https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/new-airbus-a321xlr-jet-takes-off-for-the-first-time/ Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:51:18 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3072558 The post New Airbus A321XLR jet takes off for the first time appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

New Airbus A321XLR jet takes off for the first timeNew Airbus A321XLR jet takes off for the first timeAirbus’ first A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) has successfully accomplished its first flight. The aircraft, MSN 11000, took off from Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport at 11:05 hrs CEST for a test flight which lasted approximately four hours and 35 minutes. The aircraft’s crew consisted of experimental test pilots Thierry Diez and Gabriel Diaz de Villegas Giron, as well as […]

Click to read the full story: New Airbus A321XLR jet takes off for the first time | eTurboNews

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New Airbus A321XLR jet takes off for the first timeNew Airbus A321XLR jet takes off for the first time

Airbus’ first A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) has successfully accomplished its first flight. The aircraft, MSN 11000, took off from Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport at 11:05 hrs CEST for a test flight which lasted approximately four hours and 35 minutes. The aircraft’s crew consisted of experimental test pilots Thierry Diez and Gabriel Diaz de Villegas Giron, as well as test engineers Frank Hohmeister, Philippe Pupin and Mehdi Zeddoun. During the flight, the crew tested the aircraft’s flight controls, engines and main systems, including flight envelope protections, both at high and low speed.

Philippe Mhun, Airbus EVP Programs and Services stated: “This is a major milestone for the A320 Family and its customers worldwide. With the A321XLR coming into service, airlines will be able to offer long-haul comfort on a single aisle aircraft, thanks to its unique Airspace cabin. The A321XLR will open new routes with unbeatable economics and environmental performance.” Entry into service is targeted for early 2024.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step in the A320neo single-aisle Family of aircraft, meeting market requirements for increased range and payload, creating more value for airlines by enabling economically viable services on longer routes than any comparable aircraft model.

The A321XLR will deliver an unprecedented single-aisle aircraft range of up to 4,700nm (8700 km), with 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. By the end of May 2022, the A320neo Family has accumulated over 8,000 orders from over 130 customers worldwide. A321XLR orders stood at more than 500 from over 20 customers.

Click to read the full story: New Airbus A321XLR jet takes off for the first time | eTurboNews

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New Airbus A321XLR jet takes off for the first time New Airbus A321XLR jet takes off for the first time
Fiji Drops All Testing Requirements For Inbound International Travelers https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/fiji-drops-all-testing-requirements-for-inbound-international-travelers/ Tue, 14 Jun 2022 18:51:23 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3072331 The post Fiji Drops All Testing Requirements For Inbound International Travelers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Top Destination For Families & Multigenerational Travelers Welcomes Back Guests With travel restrictions loosening by the day and more countries fully committed to welcoming travelers again, the south pacific island nation of Fiji has dropped testing requirements for all inbound international travelers.  In step with this decision, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji, […]

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Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Top Destination For Families & Multigenerational Travelers Welcomes Back Guests

With travel restrictions loosening by the day and more countries fully committed to welcoming travelers again, the south pacific island nation of Fiji has dropped testing requirements for all inbound international travelers.  In step with this decision, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji, the premier eco-adventure luxury destination, offers a range of curated immersive experiences for families with children of all ages and multigenerational travelers.

“Families and multigenerational travelers are eager to once again explore and go on adventures together, with these guests in mind we have taken the time to enhance the already superb, curated experiences one comes to expect from the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort,” said Bartholomew Simpson, general manager of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji. “By embracing local traditions and stewardship of the local ecosystem, families and multigenerational travelers will be immersed in the incredible natural wonders of our South Pacific destination and receive a wonderfully enriching summer holiday experience.”

Though no international inbound testing will be required, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort staff are fully vaccinated, trained and committed to exceeding the highest level of Covid-19 safety and sanitation standards while providing professional and welcoming customer service. Staff will greet guests with face covering and all high touch areas will be cleaned and sanitized frequently. Additionally, Fiji created the “Care Fiji Commitment,” a program featuring enhanced safety, health and hygiene protocols for a post-pandemic world as the country reopens borders to travelers.  The program has been welcomed by more than 200 of the islands’ resorts, tour operators, restaurants, attractions and more.

Nestled in an exclusive, lush tropical enclave on the island of Vanua Levu overlooking the tranquil waters of Savusavu Bay, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is an unparalleled escape for large extended families seeking to create lasting memories for future generations, relaxation, and adventure.

Top destination for families

With a professional and courteous staff that very few hotels or resorts in the world can match, families will instantly form a bond that goes deeper than expected.

Families with small children, no worries! The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort provides an unparalleled world class holiday experience with its Bula Kids Club for the younger family members.  With changing daily activities and fun educational programming designed to keep younger children engaged and enthralled, every child under 6 years is assigned their very own nanny for the duration of their stay.  Something for the “tweens” too – older kids, in groups of five, get their own buddy!  In addition to the Bula Club, the younger guests can meet school children their age and learn traditional customs, enjoy local faire, and environmental education.

A top destination for multigenerational travel

Perfect for family bonding, returning guests and new adventure-seekers will have the opportunity to sleep in an authentic Fijian bure, dive in some of the most beautiful waters in the world, leisurely snorkel and explore the area via sea kayak, or escape to a private island for a picnic. Designed for travelers of all ages, guests can also visit the mangroves, pearl farm, an authentic Fijian village, or hike through a tropical rainforest and discover a hidden waterfall.

For the underwater explorers in the group, the resort offers a wide range of PADI dive courses with experienced instructors who have logged thousands of hours underwater.  In addition, the resort has a diving course, with certification, that covers the proper mask, fins and snorkel techniques, basic information on skin diving equipment, dive science, the environment, problem management and safe skin-diving practices.  The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has dive and snorkel instruction designed for adventurers of all skill levels and ages.

Prospective guests in the U.S. can book reservations by calling (800) 246-3454 or emailing info@fijiresort.com, and guests arriving from Australia can book by dialing (1300) 306-171 or by emailing sales@fijiresort.com.

Note, travelers returning to their home countries will still be required to book a rapid antigen test 48 hours prior to departure and can register here.

For more information on Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, please click here.

About Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

The award-winning Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is one of the most renowned vacation destinations in the South Pacific.  Located on the island of Vanua Levu and built on 17 acres of land, the luxury resort overlooks the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay and offers an exclusive escape for couples, families, and discerning travelers looking for experiential travel coupled with authentic luxury and local culture.  Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers an unforgettable vacation experience that is derived from the natural beauty of the island, personalized attention, and the warmth of the staff.  The environmentally and socially responsible resort offers guests a wide variety of amenities, including specially designed individual thatched-roof bures, world-class dining, an outstanding lineup of recreational activities, unmatched ecological experiences, and an array of Fijian-inspired spa treatments.

About Canyon Equity LLC.

The Canyon Group of Companies, who own the resort, headquartered in Larkspur, California, was founded in May 2005.  Its mantra is to acquire and develop small ultra-luxury branded resorts in unique destinations with small residential components creating an eclectic yet highly compatible sense of community in each destination.  Since its formation in 2005 Canyon has created an impressive portfolio of resorts, in locations ranging from the turquoise waters of Fiji to the towering peaks of Yellowstone, to the artist colonies of Santa Fe, and in the Canyons of southern Utah.

The Canyon Group’s portfolio comprises such iconic properties as Amangiri (Utah), Amangani (Jackson, Wyoming), Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado (Santa Fe, New Mexico), Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (Fiji), and Dunton Hot Springs, (Dunton, Colorado).   Some new stunning developments are also underway in such locations as the Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica, and a 400-year-old Hacienda in Mexico, all destined to make grand statements in the niche market of ultra-luxury international travel as each one is launched.

Click to read the full story: Fiji Drops All Testing Requirements For Inbound International Travelers | eTurboNews

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Pilot flies final flight for Royal Household https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/pilot-flies-final-flight-for-royal-household/ Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:16:58 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3071630 The post Pilot flies final flight for Royal Household appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

eTurboNews | eTN
Today, Luxaviation UK is announcing its chief pilot Glyn Anderson is retiring from flying commercial flights including his royal duties after a distinguished 25 years of service. Anderson has been at Luxaviation UK since the company’s ...

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eTurboNews | eTN

Today, Luxaviation UK is announcing its chief pilot Glyn Anderson is retiring from flying commercial flights including his royal duties after a distinguished 25 years of service. Anderson has been at Luxaviation UK since the company’s inception in 1996 and, amongst other duties, has been responsible for supporting Members of the Royal Family on official […]

UPDATE for: Pilot flies final flight for Royal Household

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Meliá: Flowers, food and family fun on Koh Samui https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/melia-koh-samui/ Mon, 21 Feb 2022 06:00:29 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=686350 The post Meliá: Flowers, food and family fun on Koh Samui appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

As you wander through Meliá Koh Samui, one of the island’s most recognisable resorts due to its one-of-a-kind boat suites, you’ll notice flower motifs everywhere: as sculptures in the lobby, wall art in the breakfast area and appearing throughout the guest rooms.

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As you wander through Meliá Koh Samui, one of the island’s most recognizable resorts due to its one-of-a-kind boat suites, you’ll notice flower motifs everywhere: as sculptures in the lobby, wall art in the breakfast area and appearing throughout the guest rooms.

The flower, native to Koh Samui, is called ‘mui’ and it has become a symbol of the resort. The small, white flowers are not the showiest of blooms but beloved for their pristine appearance and delightful fragrance. The resort’s owner, Wallapa Traisorat, chose to showcase the bloom to pay homage to Thai culture since these flowers have been used for generations in ceremonies and as house decorations.

The choice of this symbol seems fitting for the resort, the first in Thailand for Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International. Opened in 2020 and featuring 159 rooms and 41 suites, the property was named a Top 20 Resort in Thailand by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler in 2021.

A stay at the resort revealed why the flower may have been chosen as a symbol of the property, one that is not showy but in which each petal is perfectly in place and the result is sublime.

Design Details

Welcome aboard: Meliá Boat Suites

Featuring a blue-and-white nautical theme throughout, it’s the series of 30 boat suites that immediately catch the eye. We were lucky enough to get to explore them all. Each of the refurbished teak boats are retired merchant vessels. They were originally built a century ago and used to transport potatoes and rice down the Chao Phraya River before being rehomed and repurposed by the resort.

Today, the boat suites, at 91 sqm each, take a variety of layouts. Some have two-storey interiors while others sit on one level with sun decks situated above, perfect for those with less mobility. A handful of the boat suites feature sea views while others have direct access to the large, meandering 700-metre lagoon loop pool. The sea view options also feature built-in hammock loungers perfect for watching the sunset after a relaxing day in Koh Samui.

Deluxe room

However, every room category at Meliá seems superbly outfitted, from the Deluxe Room to the Family Suite. The deluxe rooms start at 51 sqm and feature sumptuous beds, oversized bathrooms, outdoor loungers built for two, and spa baths with privacy curtains on the balconies.

With such a high level of design, space and comfort available, guests will be thrilled with their selection.

Features for Foodies

Koko Kitchen

Meliá takes true pride in all of the food and drinks served at the resort. This is likely due, in part, to two key staff members: Executive Chef Azizskandar Awang, hailing from Malaysia and voted Chef Hotelier of the Year in 2018; and Ernesto Osuna Lopez, the Spanish General Manager who’s been on-site since the property began development in 2016.

Osuna’s Spanish roots and passion for food are obvious in touchpoints around the resort. The cheeses and charcuterie are top-notch and he can speak at length about each individual selection. The breakfast buffet at Koko Kitchen includes a selection of cured meats and olives and a Spanish table features fluffy, crunchy churros, Spanish omelettes, and torrijas de mi madre. On a recent morning, guests were so delighted by this unusual breakfast buffet addition that they were taking photos of it with childlike glee.

Chef Awang said, “Our contemporary take on Thai cuisine as well as our Mediterranean influence, paying tribute to Spain’s famed gastronomy, make our food unique. Our signature dishes include ‘Hokkaido Scallop with Chorizo, Raisin Salsa and Ajo Blanco’ and ‘Wagyu Beef with Black Garlic, Parsnip Puree and Port Wine Reduction.”

Location, location location. The Breeza Beach Restaurant & Bar has one of the best positions on the island

Over the course of our stay, we enjoyed several meals at The Breeza Beach Bar & Restaurant. From the tuna tartare mixed with fresh passionfruit to Josper-grilled crab and prawns fresh from the ocean with two housemade takes on nahm jim sauce, we were wowed by the quality and innovation of each dish we tried.

The resort also puts on a Sunday Buffet Brunch that has become popular with locals and guests alike. Featuring a carving station, Japanese offerings and a Raw Bar, islanders flock to the resort to eat well and catch up with friends on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.

For those staying in pool access rooms and above, the resort features a club building with additional complimentary offerings. The club, called The Level, is boat-shaped to echo the suites and features private check-in and check-out, all-day snacks and barista coffees, afternoon tea selection, and a complimentary happy hour each evening.

Family Fun

Bouncing good fun at Kidsdom

There are lots of families kicking back and reconnecting at Meliá. The expansive loop pool, which meanders through the entire resort, comes complete with buoyant loungers and provides young guests with endless nooks and crannies to explore. They can swim beneath bridges to reach two separate water slides that are gently sloped to be more fun than dangerous – perfect for kids and adults alike.

As young guests explore, they will discover a trampoline suspended over the loop pool, a truly unusual feature attached to the Kidsdom, the resort’s well-outfitted kids’ club, with its own pool and waterslide, loungers for parents, water games and more. Inside, the Kidsdom – also housed in a repurposed boat – is separated into two floors. The quieter bottom floor features toys and games for infants and toddlers while the upstairs features more advanced playthings, tables, art supplies and a large screen tv.

On a recent Sunday, the chalkboard announcing the kids’ activities for the day listed body painting, bag painting, pencil topper making, balloon creations and postcard decorating. Kids also get a happy hour of their own, each afternoon they can stop by the Kidsdom for free cotton candy made to order.

Amenities and Atmosphere

Split level pool = Tough decisions

In addition to the loop pool, the hotel has a 1,000 sqm dual-level infinity pool beside its beach with cabanas, underwater loungers and a Jacuzzi. Situated on Choeng Mon Beach, the fine white sand – with barely a rock in sight – is something unique in Samui. The beach itself features a handful of upmarket resorts making it lively enough to provide people watching and atmosphere but separate enough to feel serene and peaceful.

Yhi Spa, decked out in calming neutral shades and features Harnn products and has a traditional Thai sauna. Treatments include massages, scrubs, wraps and facials that blend Asian healing wisdom with modern wellness techniques.

Yhi Spa

Another thoughtful feature sits beside the gym and spa, a dedicated lounge full of sofas, tables and chairs for people that have checked out of their rooms but have evening flights back to Bangkok.

Overall, the service, rooms and food and drink were well above par for the upmarket island and worth the hype the resort has generated since opening. We encountered staff with a passion for the property who were knowledgeable about all the details. Meliá is a place to return to again and again.

Click here for bookings and to find out more about Meliá Koh Smaui

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The average family spans 2,077 miles around the world https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/british-family-travel-poll/ Mon, 09 Dec 2019 01:18:22 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=529595 The post The average family spans 2,077 miles around the world appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

A poll by IHG discovered the modern family is quite literally growing further apart, with one in 10 having family living more than 10,000 miles away.

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British family holidays - IHG

A poll of 2,000 Brits discovered the modern family is quite literally growing further apart, with one in 10 having family living more than 10,000 miles away.

The research, concluded by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), found that the average adult has relatives they’ve not seen in person for an average of five years. Moreover, one in 10 has loved ones they’ve not seen face-to-face for more than a decade.

The study also found the nation’s immediate family members are living across two countries, with siblings and cousins the relatives most likely to be living abroad. Nearly three in four Brits reckon families have spread further apart now than they were 30 years ago, but 51% think this means many don’t make an effort to get together. More than a fifth of these said it’s too expensive to travel to see family, with one in four in agreement it’s simply ‘too far’.

Furthermore, more than one in 10 won’t travel to see loved ones because they keep in touch in other ways such as video calls or instant messages instead.

“It’s likely families will continue to grow physically further apart”

Karan Khanna, managing director UK&I of InterContinental Hotels Group, said: “With international job and studying opportunities becoming increasingly abundant, and it being much easier to travel and settle somewhere else, it’s likely families will continue to grow physically further apart.

“Emotional bonds may remain strong, but it can be hard to find the time to see loved ones who live far away.”

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British family holidays – IHG
Live like a ‘Maharaja’: City Palace of Jaipur now on Airbnb https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/airbnb-live-like-a-maharaja/ Tue, 12 Nov 2019 04:38:30 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=527718 The post Live like a ‘Maharaja’: City Palace of Jaipur now on Airbnb appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Jaipur’s Royal Family becomes Airbnb’s first 'Royal Hosts' as their family home, the City Palace of Jaipur, becomes available on the home-sharing platform.

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Airbnb - Maharaja 1

Jaipur’s Royal Family becomes Airbnb’s first ‘Royal Hosts’ as their family home, the City Palace of Jaipur, becomes available on the home-sharing platform.

From 23 November 2019, the Gudliya Suite at the City Palace will become accessible to outside guests and will be available to book for the first time ever on Airbnb. His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh will become the first Maharaja to offer a stay at his palace on Airbnb, in order to help support the women’s empowerment initiatives of the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation.

“The splendour of Rajasthan to life”

“I’m thrilled that my family and I are partnering with Airbnb to bring the splendour of Rajasthan to life for travellers from around the world,” said His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh.

“My own travels with Airbnb have made me feel very welcome in new cities and cultures, and I’m happy that the experience of quintessential Indian hospitality will be shared with others.”

Airbnb - Maharaja 2

The 300-year-old City Palace of Jaipur, home to Jaipur’s Royal Family, has played host to numerous guests over the centuries. Steeped in history, and located in the heart of Jaipur, capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, the City Palace is one of India’s most iconic buildings.

Guests will be able to book and stay in the luxurious Gudliya Suite, located within one of the private sections of a royal palace that, until now, has been used for the royals and their special guests. The Suite includes its own lounge, kitchen, luxurious bathroom and private, indoor swimming pool.

Proceeds from each booking will go to the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in rural areas and artisans in Rajasthan.

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Sharjah promoted as a family destination https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/sharjah-promoted-as-a-family-destination/ Sun, 28 Jul 2013 06:33:47 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=195048 The post Sharjah promoted as a family destination appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Sharjah Tourism and Development authority has identified the significance of special events and exhibitions organised by the emirate during the holy month of Ramadan. This was announced by HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, director general, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).  These events play an important role in boosting the economic sector and […]

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The Sharjah Tourism and Development authority has identified the significance of special events and exhibitions organised by the emirate during the holy month of Ramadan. This was announced by HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, director general, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). 

Family offerings galore in Sharjah
Family offerings galore in Sharjah

These events play an important role in boosting the economic sector and commercial activity in the emirate and help tourist movement raising occupancy rates of hotels and restaurants, Al Midfa said.

He pointed out that Sharjah builds on its family tourism destination, attracting more families this time of the year. Al Midfa also lauded various initiatives and efforts by various government and private sector players as well as cultural and religious heritage.

The Ramadan and Eid fair at Expo Centre, Sharjah and Ramadaniat Al Qasba help in attracting large numbers of visitors and shoppers and in stimulating the tourist flow into the emirate. The Sharjah Ramadan Festival this year covers a wide range of areas and 15 activities including social, religious and cultural heritage and sports events celebrating the values, principles and noble customs and traditions of the Emirati society.

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Sharjah Family Family offerings galore in Sharjah
Queensland promotes family-friendly holidays https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/queensland-promotes-family-friendly-holidays/ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/queensland-promotes-family-friendly-holidays/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:16:46 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=123197 The post Queensland promotes family-friendly holidays appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

With the summer fast approaching, Queensland Tourism has launched a couple of initiatives. The first is an exclusive offer with Al Rais. The summer package offers flights with Emirates and 12 nights’ accommodation in Queensland. The 12 nights are a combination of seven nights in the south of Australia; three nights in Cairns and two […]

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With the summer fast approaching, Queensland Tourism has launched a couple of initiatives. The first is an exclusive offer with Al Rais. The summer package offers flights with Emirates and 12 nights’ accommodation in Queensland. The 12 nights are a combination of seven nights in the south of Australia; three nights in Cairns and two nights in Tangalooma.

Talking to Travel Daily ME, Andrew Oldfield, marketing manager GCC, Tourism Queensland (Represented by OMG) said: “Queensland is a great family destination but we are trying to get people to explore beyond Gold Coast. There are several family-oriented activities one can experience.”

Subsequently, Queensland has also launched a Gold Coast Muslim Visitors guide. The guide highlights the Ramadan lounge at the new Hilton Hotel on Surfers paradise. The lounge will have Arabic speaking staff to man the information desk and a range of Iftar food and beverage.  “The lounge looks over the ocean and opens at Iftar three days a week. Since the past few years, we get around 200 families over the month of Ramadan and this lounge specifically caters to visiting GCC nationals,” added Oldfield.

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