Hilka Birns looks at how establishments cater for couples wanting a romantic experience while travelling with their families.
Are your clients craving some romantic down time while travelling with the kids in tow? No problem! Most hotels and resorts offer a variety of child activities with designated minders, which gives couples the opportunity to break away for sunset cocktails or spa sessions whilst the little ones are kept engaged and entertained.
Wilderness Safaris offers a Bush Buddies service at its family-friendly camps in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, says Business Unit Manager for Africa, Caroline Palazzo. This complimentary service pairs children with a dedicated and highly trained mentor for the duration of their stay, which allows couples to have some time out, knowing that their children are in expert hands, learning about wildlife and the natural environment, while still having fun. The children’s experience is tailor-made to suit the children’s ages and individual interests, she says. “Daytime activities may include nature walks, where the Bush Buddy will explain the minutiae of the natural world often missed during game drives, tracking lessons, bird and animal calls identification, treasure hunts, creating natural sculptures from collected materials, painting with natural dyes and jewellery making. In the evenings, children are introduced to frogging, stargazing and storytelling. All activities are supervised by the Bush Buddy, who does everything possible to ensure the children have a life-changing safari adventure,” says Palazzo.
Forever Resorts caters for couples and families alike, says Spokesperson, Marlandi Kussman. “All our resorts are family friendly with many activities that the whole family can enjoy. For romantic couples with kids, we have relaxing spa experiences for the parents; and mom and daughter sessions with kiddie spa treatments.”
Sipping a glass of the Northern Cape’s finest wine as the sun starts to set, adding first an orange glow and later swirls of pink, purple and dark blue to the sky. That’s exactly what couples can expect from sundowners on red dunes and saltpans in the Northern Cape! The Northern Cape Tourism Authority has put together a three-day self-drive family itinerary exploring the Kalahari Red Dune Route. While the parents can look forward to epic landscapes and romantic sunsets, activities that keep the kids (and their parents) entertained include wildlife spotting in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, sand-boarding and horse-riding on a guest farm, visiting a meerkat sanctuary and spoor tracking with the Khomani San community. More information: https://www.experiencenortherncape.com
