ChristingC

There’s something about staying right on the Thames that makes a London stay feel extra special, and Sea Containers London gave us exactly that feeling. Set along the South Bank, the hotel combines a brilliant central location with bold design, great dining and a surprisingly relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

We stayed in a Family Room, which worked perfectly for the four of us. It felt spacious and comfortable, with enough room to properly settle in rather than simply using it as a base for sightseeing. I also loved discovering the hotel’s collection of individually designed suites. From statement interiors to incredible river views and sprawling terraces, there are some seriously unique options if you’re looking to make a London stay feel more memorable.

The location is one of Sea Containers’ biggest draws. You can step outside and walk along the Thames towards Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market, while crossing the river puts Covent Garden and the heart of central London within easy reach.

Food and drink are also a huge part of the experience. We had dinner at Sea Containers Restaurant, where the menu revolves around seasonal ingredients and dishes designed for sharing. There’s also rooftop bar 12th Knot for cocktails with a view and Lyaness, the hotel’s award-winning cocktail bar.

One of the hotel’s most unexpected features is its own Curzon cinema, a beautifully intimate screening room that adds another layer to the stay. There’s also agua London, the hotel’s serene spa, offering treatments and a welcome escape from busy days exploring the city.

Despite its stylish interiors and buzzy dining scene, Sea Containers never felt too grown-up for a family stay. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, and there’s enough happening within the hotel to make it feel like a destination in itself.

For us, it was the kind of London hotel that works on every level: cool enough for the adults, easy with kids, and perfectly placed for exploring one of our favourite parts of the city.

Just a quick train journey over the border from HK, Shenzhen is fast becoming the ideal short getaway.  Now brimming with amazing eats, world class modern shopping malls, art museums, kid friendly amusement parks, and captivating tech you’ll be spoilt with options throughout your stay.  Shangri-La Nanshan, Shenzhen was the perfect choice for our family weekend trip.  Rising high above Shenzhen Bay within the striking Huiyun Center, it feels wonderfully removed from the energy of the city below. The “above the clouds” concept is reflected throughout the design, with calming interiors inspired by Lingnan gardens, natural textures and floor-to-ceiling windows that constantly draw your eyes to the spectacular skyline. Although Shenzhen is a fast paced city, stepping into the hotel immediately creates a sense of calm.

Travelling as a family of four, our Executive Suite was the perfect choice. The separate living room gave us the extra space that makes such a difference when travelling with children, with a large sofa bed where Ever and River could relax after busy days exploring. The bedroom felt beautifully serene, while the oversized marble bathroom, complete with a deep soaking tub and incredible city views, became my favourite place to unwind each evening. Watching the lights come on across Shenzhen from our suite was one of those simple travel moments I’ll always remember.

One of the highlights of our stay was having access to the Horizon Club Executive Lounge. It became our little sanctuary throughout the day, whether we were enjoying a leisurely breakfast, stopping in for afternoon tea or returning for evening cocktails and beautifully presented canapés before dinner. It added another level of luxury to the experience and is something I would highly recommend when booking. We also loved starting our mornings at Café 66, where an extensive buffet features everything from Chinese specialities to Japanese and Western favourites, all served in an elegant dining room overlooking the city. Dinner at Summer Palace was another standout, showcasing refined Cantonese cuisine with impeccable service in one of Shenzhen’s most beautiful dining rooms.

The location worked brilliantly for our family. Being directly connected to RAIL IN made everything incredibly convenient, with excellent restaurants, cafés and shopping just steps from the lobby. One afternoon the children spent hours at Block by Amfun Sports Super Park while we explored the surrounding shops, and it was one of those effortless family travel days where everyone found something they loved. With Shenzhen Bay nearby, easy metro access and thoughtful facilities including a beautiful indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and Executive Lounge, Shangri-La Nanshan, Shenzhen is a hotel I would happily recommend to families and couples alike looking for a luxurious base in one of China’s most exciting cities.

Set on Bali’s spectacular Bukit Peninsula, Lyvin Melasti is a collection of contemporary private pool villas designed for travellers who appreciate beautiful architecture, thoughtful design and the freedom of villa living. Every space has been carefully curated with clean modern lines, warm natural materials and lush tropical landscaping, creating a peaceful retreat that feels both stylish and welcoming. While it offers complete privacy, its location places guests just moments from some of southern Bali’s most spectacular beaches and the vibrant dining scene that has made this corner of the island one of our favourites.

During our stay, we called one of the beautiful Two Bedroom Pool Villas home. Floor to ceiling glass fills the villa with natural light, while the open plan living spaces flow effortlessly onto the sun terrace and private pool. The minimalist aesthetic is softened with natural wood, stone and earthy tones, creating an atmosphere that feels luxurious without ever being overdone. It is the kind of space that immediately encourages you to slow down, whether that means lingering over breakfast, reading by the pool or enjoying a quiet evening after a day exploring. Despite being so close to everything, the villas are wonderfully quiet and tranquil, making it easy to completely switch off and enjoy the slower pace of island life. The warm, attentive team elevated the experience even further, delivering thoughtful service throughout our stay and making us feel genuinely welcomed from the moment we arrived.

One of the biggest reasons we loved Lyvin Melasti was its proximity to Melasti Beach, which has become one of our favourite beaches in Bali. Framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and known for its crystal clear turquoise water and powdery white sand, it is the perfect place to spend a morning swimming, relaxing or simply taking in the incredible scenery. Being just a few minutes away meant we could visit whenever we liked before retreating back to the privacy of the villa.

The location also makes it easy to discover the best of the Bukit Peninsula, from Uluwatu’s cafés and restaurants to beach clubs and hidden coves, while still returning each evening to a peaceful sanctuary away from the crowds. For travellers looking for contemporary design, generous living space and one of Bali’s most desirable beach locations, Lyvin Melasti is a wonderful base for experiencing this beautiful part of the island.

There is something about Uluwatu that keeps drawing us back. The dramatic coastline, laid back cafés, incredible dining scene and beautiful beaches create a side of Bali that feels both relaxed and effortlessly stylish. Dolce x The Young Villas proved to be the perfect base for experiencing it all.

Our three bedroom pool villa felt like a true home away from home. Contemporary architecture, warm natural finishes and bright open living spaces made it somewhere we genuinely looked forward to returning to after a day out exploring. Travelling as a family, we especially appreciated the fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and spacious layout that gave everyone room to spread out. The team was always just a WhatsApp message away, while 24 hour security meant we felt completely at ease throughout our stay.

One of our favourite things about staying here was how easy it was to experience the very best of Uluwatu. We spent sunny mornings at Padang Padang Beach, where the children loved watching the surfers and there are fantastic surf camps for anyone wanting to learn. We wandered through the lively Sunday market at Hatch Uluwatu, discovering local brands, artisan stalls and delicious food, before slowing down with coffee or matcha at Kayu Café back at the villas. Evenings were just as memorable, with date nights at Masonry and Kala, two restaurants that perfectly showcase Uluwatu’s exciting culinary scene.

After busy days exploring, Nara Spa became my favourite place to unwind. I loved spending time in the recovery area, moving between the sauna, hot and cold plunges and ambient recovery pool before enjoying a deeply relaxing one hour Balinese healing massage. It was the perfect way to slow down and recharge.

For families, couples or friends looking for a stylish base in one of Bali’s most exciting neighbourhoods, Dolce x The Young Villas offers the best of both worlds. You are close to everything that makes Uluwatu so special, while still having a peaceful retreat to return to at the end of each day.

There are some hotels that leave such an impression you find yourself thinking about them long after you have checked out. Viceroy Bali has always been one of those places for us. Having stayed here before, we were excited to return and create more family memories.

We stayed in The Viceroy Villa, an extraordinarily beautiful two bedroom private pool villa that perfectly balances traditional Balinese design with refined contemporary luxury. The villa is wonderfully spacious, with two expansive en suite bedrooms, generous living areas and complete privacy, making it ideal for families or friends travelling together. The recent renovation has elevated the experience even further while preserving the warmth and character that made us fall in love with it the first time.

The master suite is especially spectacular. Its spa like bathroom is one of the most beautiful we have experienced anywhere, and the addition of the outdoor jacuzzi and fire pit made the villa feel even more indulgent. Some of our favourite moments were simply spent relaxing outside as daylight faded, listening to the gentle sounds of the river below, birds calling through the trees and the peaceful rhythm of the surrounding jungle. It is the kind of place that encourages you to slow down and truly switch off.

One evening we enjoyed dinner at Apéritif, which remains one of Bali’s most memorable dining experiences. The elegant art deco dining room creates a wonderful sense of occasion, while the beautifully executed tasting menu showcases exceptional ingredients with creativity and precision. Every course felt thoughtfully composed and the service was flawless from beginning to end. It is a restaurant we would happily return to even if we were not staying at the hotel.

Although the resort feels wonderfully secluded in its lush riverside setting, it is only minutes from the heart of Ubud, making it easy to explore before retreating back to complete tranquillity. We loved spending afternoons by the stunning infinity pool overlooking the valley, and the excellent fitness centre and squash court are thoughtful additions that set Viceroy apart from many other luxury resorts.

What continues to make Viceroy Bali so special, however, is its people. The hospitality is warm, intuitive and genuinely personal, creating the feeling that you are returning to old friends rather than checking into a hotel. It is a place that effortlessly combines heartfelt Balinese hospitality with world class luxury, and every visit leaves us planning the next before we have even packed our bags.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

One of the things we love most about staying in Seminyak is being able to step straight into the energy of the neighbourhood, and Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach puts you right in the heart of it all. Just moments from the beach, the hotel perfectly captures Seminyak’s creative spirit with lush tropical gardens, colourful interiors inspired by Balinese culture, and a relaxed atmosphere that immediately makes you feel on holiday.

Although it sits in one of Bali’s liveliest areas, the resort itself feels surprisingly peaceful. We loved wandering through the beautifully landscaped grounds, where every corner feels thoughtfully designed. There are multiple swimming pools to choose from, whether you’re looking for a quiet swim or somewhere the kids can splash around for hours. Ever and River also spent plenty of time enjoying the games room and outdoor lawn games, making it an easy choice for families wanting plenty to do without ever leaving the resort.

Each morning began with an outstanding breakfast featuring everything from freshly prepared Indonesian favourites to healthy options, tropical fruit, pastries and excellent coffee. We also loved spending time at SugarSand, the hotel’s vibrant beachfront restaurant, where long lunches, creative cocktails and relaxed ocean views perfectly capture the laid back spirit of Seminyak.

For families looking for a stylish, well located resort with fantastic facilities and genuine Balinese hospitality, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is a wonderful base. Whether you’re planning beach days, shopping, café hopping or simply relaxing by the pool, it offers the perfect balance of luxury, fun and effortless island living.

Some resorts impress from the moment you arrive. Raffles Bali is one of those rare places that continues to surprise you throughout your stay. Set across expansive tropical grounds overlooking Jimbaran Bay, with just a small collection of private villas scattered across the hillside, it feels wonderfully peaceful. Even at full occupancy, the resort retains an extraordinary sense of privacy that is increasingly difficult to find in Bali.

We stayed in the Oceanfront Two Bedroom Pool Villa, and it is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious villas we have experienced on the island. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the elegant interiors and beautifully appointed bedrooms to the expansive living spaces that effortlessly bring the outdoors in. Floor to ceiling windows frame uninterrupted ocean views, while the generous infinity pool quickly became our family’s favourite place to begin and end each day. It is the kind of villa you genuinely look forward to returning to after exploring Bali.

The legendary Raffles butler service elevates the experience even further. Available around the clock, our butler anticipated needs before we even had to ask, whether arranging dining reservations, preparing thoughtful in villa surprises, or simply ensuring every detail of our stay ran seamlessly. The service feels warm, intuitive and deeply personal rather than formal, creating an effortless sense of comfort throughout our visit.

Outside the villa, the resort remains equally impressive. The elegant main swimming pool enjoys beautiful ocean views and offers a tranquil setting for an afternoon by the water, while the award winning spa delivers one of Bali’s finest wellness experiences. Thoughtfully designed treatment rooms, exceptional therapists and a deeply calming atmosphere make it well worth setting aside time for.

Dining is another highlight, from refined breakfasts to unforgettable exclusive dining experiences at Rumari and a delicious relaxed grill menu a Loloan. Yet what stayed with us most was the atmosphere. Raffles Bali has mastered understated luxury, where exceptional service, beautiful design and complete tranquillity come together to create one of the island’s most memorable escapes.

Adding to its accolades, Raffles Bali has been awarded Two Michelin Keys, recognising it as one of the world’s most exceptional luxury hotels. As a Fora Reserve property, I can also offer my clients exclusive benefits when booking through me, including daily breakfast for two, a resort credit of up to USD 200 (depending on the offer available during your stay), complimentary room upgrades when available, and flexible early check in and late check out subject to availability.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

Perched above the white sands of Nusa Dua, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is a resort that effortlessly brings together refined luxury and relaxed family living. From the moment we arrived, the warm, intuitive service made us feel completely at home, while the dramatic clifftop setting and sweeping Indian Ocean views provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable family escape.

We stayed in a spectacular Two Bedroom Sky Villa, which quickly became one of our favourite family villas in Bali. Designed to maximise the incredible ocean views, the villa felt wonderfully private while offering more than enough space for our family of four. The expansive infinity pool stretched towards the horizon, inviting leisurely morning swims before breakfast and peaceful afternoons spent soaking up the views. Inside, the beautifully appointed living spaces flowed seamlessly outdoors, while the two oversized bedrooms each felt like their own luxurious retreat. Every evening, the thoughtful turndown service transformed the villa into a peaceful sanctuary. From perfectly prepared bedrooms to every little detail carefully attended to, we genuinely slept as well as we do at home, something that rarely happens while travelling.

There was something for each of us to enjoy. Ever and I loved spending afternoons at the beautiful Missoni Resort Club, relaxing on the colourful loungers before browsing the boutique for pieces from the exclusive collaboration. Both children looked forward to evenings on the beach, watching the spectacular sunsets and roasting marshmallows around the bonfire. Nusa Dua’s calm, sheltered waters also made it one of our favourite beaches in Bali for families, giving the children plenty of confidence to swim and play by the shore.

Dining was another standout throughout our stay. Long breakfasts overlooking the ocean became a favourite family ritual, while relaxed lunches at the beach club were followed by memorable dinners. The perfectly cooked steaks at The Beach Grill quickly became a highlight for both children, while Bejana introduced us to the rich flavours of Indonesia through an elevated Rijsttafel, complete with beautifully prepared tableside sambal.

One of my favourite moments was escaping to the spa for an exceptional Balinese massage, followed by time in the peaceful hydrotherapy facilities. It was the perfect opportunity to slow down before returning to another afternoon by the pool with the family.

Combining exceptional dining, beautiful wellness facilities, heartfelt hospitality and one of Bali’s most family friendly beaches, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is a destination that truly offers something for every generation. It is a place where luxury feels effortless and family memories are made with ease.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

Some places leave such a lasting impression that you wonder if returning years later will feel quite as magical. Alila Villas Uluwatu was one of those places for us.

Our first visit was almost ten years ago, when River was just a few months old. Looking back at those photos, it feels like another lifetime. Returning now, with older more adventurous kids, was incredibly special. What we discovered was a resort that has aged beautifully, remaining every bit as elegant and inspiring as we remembered.

Perched high above Uluwatu’s dramatic limestone cliffs, Alila Villas Uluwatu is still one of Bali’s most striking resorts. The architecture feels timeless, blending contemporary design with natural materials and open spaces that frame the endless Indian Ocean. Our One Bedroom Pool Villa quickly became our sanctuary, offering complete privacy, a generous infinity pool, and peaceful moments that made it difficult to leave each morning.

One of the things we appreciated most was how effortlessly the resort balances luxury with genuine warmth. The service is polished without ever feeling formal, and every interaction felt thoughtful and personal. It was the little things that stood out, from the team remembering exactly which juices and smoothies the children liked each morning to greeting us so warmly throughout our stay. After many years of travelling extensively as a family, those thoughtful details are often what stay with us the longest.

Breakfast at CIRE quickly became one of our favourite daily rituals. Sitting outdoors with sweeping ocean views, we lingered over freshly brewed coffee, tropical juices, Balinese specialties, beautifully prepared Western dishes, and what may just be the best chocolate croissants we’ve had at a resort breakfast. One evening we enjoyed dinner at The Warung, where elevated interpretations of traditional Balinese cuisine showcased the richness of Indonesia’s culinary heritage. Ever completely fell in love with the beef rendang, while the wonderful selection of house made sambals encouraged all of us to compare flavours and spice levels throughout the meal.

My own daily ritual became starting each morning in the excellent fitness centre before returning to the villa for a leisurely swim, while afternoons were spent unwinding beside the main pool or enjoying the tranquil spa.

Returning after nearly a decade reminded us why Alila Villas Uluwatu remains one of Bali’s true icons. Some hotels impress the first time you visit. The truly exceptional ones welcome you back years later and somehow feel even more memorable.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

Stepping into Hotel Tugu Bali feels like entering another era. Nestled beside Canggu’s Batu Bolong Beach, this extraordinary boutique hotel is far more than a place to stay. It is a living museum dedicated to preserving Indonesia’s rich history, art and culture, where every pathway, courtyard and beautifully curated space tells a story. Home to one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable collections of Indonesian antiques and cultural treasures, every suite and villa has been individually designed, creating an experience unlike anywhere else in Bali.

During our stay, we checked into one of the hotel’s Private Pool Villas, which quickly became our own peaceful sanctuary. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the villa blended traditional Indonesian architecture with luxurious comforts, offering complete privacy while remaining immersed in the character that defines the property. Every detail felt thoughtful, from the handcrafted furnishings and historic artefacts to the tranquil outdoor spaces centred around our private pool.

What truly makes Hotel Tugu so special is its atmosphere. Despite sitting just moments from the vibrant cafés, boutiques and surf beaches of Canggu, the property feels wonderfully secluded. Wandering through lotus ponds, centuries old wooden pavilions and candlelit gardens, it is easy to forget the lively neighbourhood waiting just beyond the gates. The warm, intuitive service only adds to that feeling, with every member of the team making us feel genuinely welcomed throughout our stay.

Dining is another highlight. From leisurely made to order breakfasts showcasing Balinese favourites alongside international classics, to generous Indonesian feasts enjoyed in the restaurant, beside our villa pool or in one of the hotel’s romantic garden settings, every meal celebrated the incredible diversity of Indonesian cuisine. One evening we experienced the Cultural Dinner at IWA Restaurant, where beautifully prepared regional dishes were paired with captivating traditional music and dance performances, creating one of the most memorable evenings of our Bali trip.

Hotel Tugu Bali is unlike anywhere else we have stayed. It offers not only beautiful accommodation but a genuine connection to Indonesia’s heritage, brought to life through remarkable design, exceptional hospitality and unforgettable dining. It is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you leave.