Top six for kids

May 5, 2021 - Short or long haul, vacations offer kids the prized gift of your quality time and attention. To mark International Day of Families, find new freedom together in Turkey, Oman, Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand and Vietnam.

Did you know, two-thirds of our conversations with children are about our daily routines (Elizabeth Buie, TES)? With so much of the past year reliant on screens – everything from shopping to schooling – do you feel like a broken record asking your kids to put them down?

Minimal distractions, maximum memories: Vietnam

OK, you’re on your screen right now, but what better way to feel that life is finally getting back to normal than to break the monotony through a program of reconnecting through disconnection? At Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, for example, you can dedicate a day to reigniting your sense of discovery, making your tastebuds zing and getting your soul singing again! This day is a perfect way to recharge your energy as a family by going back to the basics, being in nature, having fun and not using technology to do so.

A typical day includes a fishing trip, watersports, hatha yoga and a VIP tour of our Earth Lab, where you can also plant a family tree to set a new intention or maybe remember someone special. You might also spot families of our resident black-shanked douc langurs. Gather at the beach just before sunset for a unique water and fire ritual before enjoying a sumptuous barbecue dinner and movie under the stars.

Sail and spa: Bodrum

Six Senses Kaplankaya is offering a full Grow With Six Senses schedule for summer 2021, which includes yoga, meditation and junior spa treatments including a facial, massage, hammam and mani-pedi. For the active and adventurous, our Youth Sailing Camp (groups and private) is just one of the watersports on offer, along with water skiing, jet skiing and swimming instruction. There are also plenty of cardio activities on offer including kickboxing, fitness coaching and tennis.

Look out for special days to mark holidays such as the upcoming Youth and Sports Day on May 19.

• Junior Marine Biology: Maldives

Bath time is never a struggle when the sea is blue and there are turtles bobbing in it! In handy two-hour sessions, during which you can relax with a book or head to the spa, send your budding conservationists over to our Junior Marine Biology program at Six Senses Laamu. They will explore the ocean, learn to make their own conservation videos and hopefully rub shoulders with some of our friendly marine life.

Eco Warriors: Thailand

Following themes of Farm, Nature and Re-creation, the three-day Junior Eco Warrior program at Six Senses Yao Noi aims to educate future changemakers through hands-on experiences and outdoor adventures. Children can collect fresh eggs, meet Kevin the goat, spend time sowing seeds and head to the beach to learn the importance of keeping marine ecosystems clean. They can also have fun turning trash into treasure in a 3Rs Workshop and try their hand at building villas for our hornbills out of recycled timber.

Wellies on, capes at the ready, the quest to save the world continues … and your kids can be part of it.

Natural Wonders: Oman

Six Senses Zighy Bay offers two dedicated clubs to keep your children amused while making your vacation a little more relaxing. Chaica’s Club will suit children aged 4 to 10 whether budding artists, bookworms, animal lovers or beach babies. Al Feetean’s Teen Club encourages children aged 11 to 18 to turn off their devices and turn up the fun with yoga and cooking workshops, spa treatments, beach games and even archery!

More space to thrive: Seychelles

For families, Six Senses Zil Pasyon is a multi-layered playground for nature lovers, with experiences ranging from nature treks to cycling on neighboring La Digue, private picnics, family cooking or Creole classes and – in season – turtle hatching. If you want some adult-time, Trouloulou’s Club will appeal to your children’s innate love of adventure and sense of curiosity. It offers an ever-growing list of activities for children aged 4 and above, including treasure hunts, lawn games, food alchemy, coconut bowling, guided snorkeling, dance classes and stargazing.

For a little extra space, check out the three-bedroom residence at Six Senses Zil Pasyon. It offers a master bedroom with plunge pool on the upper level. Below there is a gourmet kitchen, two further bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and spacious living area opening out to a terrace and infinity-edged pool.

Nature’s gift

Spending time together outside triggers well-being neurochemicals including oxytocin, which helps to reduce stress and activate warm feelings towards each other, along with a sense that all is (finally) well in the world. It’s a wonderful way to emotionally refuel and it’s as easy as building a sandcastle, going on a nature trek in our glorious surrounds, or splashing around together in the pool.