Travel

Family fun for everyone

22 July 20256 min read

Is a holiday really a holiday if the kids come along? A new wave of kids’ clubs is making sure everyone in the family enjoys their break, as Charmaine Yabsley discovers.

Run to Paradise

If you’re searching for the perfect Gold Coast staycation (or have visiting friends looking for a family-friendly resort), then Paradise Resort is just the place. Voted Australia’s Best Family Resort for the 11th year in a row, there is a reason it’s also known as a ‘cruise ship on land’. The resort’s newly added teen zone is a terrific addition to the Kids’ Club (catering for children 0-12 years) and promises to keep the kids happy and parents even happier! There is plenty of holiday fun to be had, with an ice-skating rink, a waterpark, a kids’ club, laser tag, daily activities, and loads of entertainment offered all year round. If that’s not enough to keep everyone busy, the resort is just a few metres from Surfer’s Paradise’s golden beaches. The resort offers a range of hotel style accommodation with 360 guest rooms catering to families up to eight. Brand new deluxe rooms overlooking the new parents retreat join the accommodation options alongside the always popular junior and king bunkhouses. Cost: Kids Club sessions start from $40 per child. Visit https://paradiseresort.com.au/play/kids-club/  

Putting on the Ritz

Adventure awaits around every corner at the Ritz-Carlton Perth. The fun-filled programme offers locally inspired environmental and cultural experiences, hands-on cooking classes, kid-sized afternoon teas, nature exploration, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and much more. The fun doesn’t end when the activities wrap up for the day. With menus tailored to kids’ tastes, destination-themed activity books, playgrounds, family pools, and in-room “camping” experiences, the exploration lasts from morning to night — and from check-in to check-out. The Ritz Kids’ offerings vary by property. Visit the hotel website or contact the property to learn more. www.ritzcarlton.com  

Treat your darlings

Novotel Sydney Darling Square will again be running its popular Kid’s Club in the school holidays, providing the ultimate staycation destination for a family escape. After a family outing taking in Darling Harbour, just near the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and other family-friendly activities, you can drop the kids off at the Kids’ Club. They will love the Xbox, board games, colouring, and activity tables, as well as a treat station of juice, water, popcorn, and lollies. Each child will also receive a complimentary goodie bag. There are special movie nights, screening hits and classics, to keep even the littlest ones entertained. Meanwhile, you can head next door to the newly renovated Pumphouse Sydney Bar and Restaurant for a free glass of wine. Then, when it’s time for dinner, the smallest members of the family can enjoy two free kids’ meals for every main dish ordered at Pumphouse Sydney. The hotel also offers free breakfast for up to two children per booking – kids basically eat for free across your entire stay! Visit: https://www.novotelsydneydarlingsquare.com.au/special-offers/kids-club  

Fun for all seasons

The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney makes sure every member of the family has a holiday to remember. Their experienced concierge team goes above and beyond to make their guests’ experiences even more memorable. (In the past, they have arranged a life pony for one of their VIP guests and his daughter!) Even if your tastes are a little simpler to please, you and your children will be treated like the very important people they are. Book the family fun package, which includes an in-room tent set-up, a bespoke movie, and their very own snuggly koala toy. You will also enjoy hotel credit for various dining outlets and amenities, an adventure booklet for children with fun Fynn-the-koala themed activities including colouring pages, scavenger hunts within the hotel and more. Visit https://www.fourseasons.com/sydney/offers/family-fun/  

Make it musical

If you loved festivals when you were younger and unadorned with children, then Van Jam may be the perfect way to blend your family with your musical tastes. Van Jam is a brand new music festival and combined caravanning experience coming to Ipswich from September 22-24. The homegrown line-up of talent celebrates Australian rock music, old and new, including Daryl Braithwaite, Eskimo Joe, and Vixens of Fall. A dedicated children’s festival called miniVAN is running concurrently with Van Jam so kids can rock out while participating in a wide variety of crafts and activities, including a meet and greet with Blue. There is also a fully supervised, paid child-minding service to give parents the opportunity to enjoy the music and festivities child-free. Visit www.discoveripswich.com.au/event/van-jam-2023  

Cruising kids

Take the kids for an unforgettable adventure on Celebrity Edge, the brand new ship from Celebrity Cruises. There is plenty of fun for the kids to enjoy onboard, including Camp At Sea, the onboard entertainment centre and programme designed exclusively for kids ages three to 12 years. Open every day from 9:00am – 10:00pm, Camp at Sea offers kids the opportunity to participate in several activities, including treasure hunts, arts and crafts, sports, and theme parties, all under the supervision of experienced youth staff. Celebrity has also collaborated with Reshma Saujani’s Girls Who Code to offer educational coding programmes as part of the Camp at Sea STEM experiences onboard Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge. For teen cruisers, the Teen Club is the place to be. They’ll make new friends and participate in events such as video game competitions, teen parties, and culinary classes. Visit www.celebritycruises.com/au/  

Fun-filled Fiji

If you are looking for a truly relaxing break, then the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is ideal for those looking for an overseas escape. The hotel features an award-winning luxury spa, beach-front location, multiple swimming pools, water sports, exceptional dining experiences across four precincts, an 18-hole championship golf course, and much more. Book your children into the Planet Trekkers, the Resort’s signature Kids Club, where kids will enjoy a wide range of activities while the parents relax. Teens are also able to make the most of Natadola Bay’s beautiful surrounds with Teen Trekkers – a series of outdoor activities, including volleyball and pitch and putt. Visit www.fiji.intercontinental.com  

Go green

Taking the ‘kids’ club’ concept to a greener level, Green Camp AYANA offers holistic, nature-immersed programmes for children aged 7-12. Located on the AYANA Estate integrated resort and surrounding areas, the camp is an experiential programme designed to inspire, empower, and raise awareness of sustainability so children can become future change-makers in their own communities, and beyond. While your children are occupied, you can enjoy room discounts, a one-hour Thalassotherapy pool experience, and a 10% discount on food, selected beverages, and spa treatments. While you are enjoying the local fare or relaxing by the pool, your children can unleash their inner scientist, learn creative design and building using bamboo, explore nature, or hone their survival skills and cooking classes. It’s so much fun that even the adults want to join in! Visit www.ayana.com/bali/greencampayana/  

Kids versus Wild

Learn how to light a campfire, tie knots, build a bush shelter, or search for excellent bushfoods like witchety grubs, just like Bear Grylls at NRMA Park and Resorts. In partnership with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy in Australia, this is the ideal adventure camp for your nature-loving kids (while aligning with parents’ wishes to ‘ditch the devices’). The programme, called Shipwrecked, is specially designed for kids aged 4 to 17. Parents are also invited to join in to learn outdoor survival skills. Available every weekend and during school holiday periods throughout the year, The Bear Grylls Survival Academy will initially be available at selected NRMA holiday resorts. Visit www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au

A Blissful Break at Sea: Two Nights Aboard Quantum of the Seas

Sometimes, all a girl needs is a little sunshine, sea breeze, and a few cocktails to reset her soul. That’s exactly what this two-night cruise out of Brisbane aboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas delivered – a perfect mini-getaway filled with indulgence, laughter, and fabulous moments. From the moment we stepped onboard, the ship felt like a floating world of endless possibilities. Stylish, modern, and impressively spacious, Quantum of the Seas is designed with comfort and fun in mind. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat or a vibrant escape with friends, this cruise truly ticked all the boxes. Our stateroom was sleek and inviting, complete with a balcony ideal for sipping morning coffee while soaking in uninterrupted ocean views. There’s something incredibly soothing about waking up to the sound of waves and the sight of endless blue stretching out before you. First stop? The Windjammer Marketplace – our go-to for casual, satisfying dining throughout the trip. With a wide variety of options, from fresh salads and global dishes to decadent desserts, there was something to satisfy every craving, at any hour. Second stop? The Pool Bar, naturally. Because is it even a cruise if you’re not holding a cocktail? We took time to explore the ship’s many amenities, sampling the bars, lounges, and eateries, then danced the night away in the Music Hall to Aussie classics we hadn’t heard in far too long (yes, we still knew every word). On day two, we joined the Sip, Tour, Brunch experience – a behind-the-scenes look at the ship’s galley operations, followed by a refined dining experience topped off with cheeky mimosas. Because where else did we need to be? We soaked up the sunshine on the pool deck, laughed until our sides hurt during the belly flop contest, had a refreshing dip at the Solarium (adults only) and enjoyed more cocktails and conversation as the day melted into a warm, golden evening. The perfect finale came with Sequins and Feathers, a dazzling production bursting with glitz, glamour, and high-energy entertainment. With stunning costumes, incredible choreography, and a talented cast of performers, the show felt like a slice of Vegas at sea. Though it was only two nights, the cruise felt like a full escape – a chance to unwind, reconnect, and rediscover the simple joy of being at sea. Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a romantic retreat, or some well-earned solo time, Quantum of the Seas offers a little slice of paradise just a short sail from Brisbane. As we docked back in port, there was only one thing on our minds: when can we do it all again? Short and sweet — but absolutely unforgettable. Check out the array of cruise options at Royal Carribean Quantum of the Seas

Travel

Winter in Inverell – experience the warmth

As the temperatures begin to dip and mornings arrive wrapped in crisp country air, there’s something undeniably magical about escaping to the New England High Country in winter. Just a scenic five-hour drive from the Gold Coast, Inverell – affectionately known as the Sapphire City – transforms into a picturesque winter destination where open skies, rolling landscapes and warm country hospitality create the perfect seasonal getaway. A TOWN WITH A SPARKLING HISTORY Inverell earned its nickname thanks to the rich sapphire, quartz crystal and gemstone deposits found throughout the region. The area’s mining heritage remains a significant part of its story and visitors can still experience the excitement of fossicking and trying their luck at uncovering hidden treasures. The town’s history is also reflected through heritage sites and attractions that celebrate the people and pioneering spirit that helped shape the region. WINTER WALKS AND NATURAL BEAUTY Winter is one of the most beautiful times to experience Inverell’s landscapes. Cooler temperatures make exploring the outdoors even more enjoyable, with walking tracks and scenic lookouts providing stunning views across the region. One local favourite is Goonoowigal State Conservation Area, a scenic granite landscape where low hills and giant boulders create a striking backdrop against the winter sky. The area offers around ten kilometres of easy walking tracks winding through native woodland and alongside small creeks, making it ideal for leisurely strolls and nature lovers. Immerse yourself in history with the Goonoowigal Soundtrail, easily downloaded for the app store and google play. For spectacular panoramic views, head to McIlveen Park Lookout on Tabletop Mountain. From the viewing platform, visitors can take in magnificent views stretching east over Inverell township and beyond to the distant ranges – particularly beautiful during winter when the air is clear and the landscape seems endless. Lake Inverell also offers peaceful walking opportunities, while nearby Copeton Dam is perfect for fishing, camping and nights spent beneath star-filled skies. COUNTRY CHARM WITH A WARM WELCOME Beyond its natural beauty, Inverell delivers everything you could want from a country escape – cosy cafés, boutique shopping, hearty meals and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing weekend away or a longer winter adventure, Inverell combines history, nature and country charm into one memorable destination. This winter, pack the jacket, hit the road and discover the beauty of Inverell – where fresh country air and warm welcomes await. For more information and to plan your next escape visit inverell.com.au

Travel

Winter Escapes start in the Glen Innes Highlands

Cool days, warm welcomes, and countryside charm. Swap traffic for open roads, noise for nature, and busy schedules for a slower pace. Hidden within the heart of New South Wales’ New England region, the Glen Innes Highlands become something truly special during winter. Crisp mountain mornings, rolling mist, sparkling frosts and genuine country hospitality create the perfect setting for a memorable escape. If you’re searching for a destination that blends breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, fascinating heritage and authentic local charm, the Highlands offer all this and more. Winter in the region brings together the best of both worlds. Embrace cosy moments beside an open fire, enjoy unique farm stay experiences and wake to frosty mornings before setting out to explore nearby national parks and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or simply taking time for yourself, Glen Innes Highlands invites visitors to slow down, wrap up warm and immerse themselves in a season filled with comfort, character and a little winter magic. Warm Up, Head Out and Discover More Spend your days relaxing beside a crackling fire in a charming country cottage, or venture outdoors to explore ancient rainforests, scenic walking trails and country roads leading to unforgettable views. You might even catch a glimpse of snow or uncover a sparkling sapphire treasure along the way. Adventure feels different here. It doesn’t demand attention; it quietly invites you in. Instead of crowds and queues, you’ll discover meaningful moments, friendly faces and experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. If you’re travelling through and need a place to stop, recharge or check in with the office, the Glen Innes Highlands Hub offers the perfect space to reconnect and work remotely while enjoying the charm of the Highlands. Ideal for digital nomads, remote workers, travelling professionals and business owners, the Hub provides fast Wi-Fi, flexible coworking spaces, private meeting rooms and a welcoming environment right in the heart of town. It’s the perfect place to answer emails, jump on a video call or reset between destinations before continuing your journey through the New England region. gleninneshighlandshub.com or call us (02) 67302409 Comfort Food and Country Flavour After a day of exploring — or simply unwinding with a good book by the fire — there’s nothing better than enjoying food designed to warm both body and soul. Think slow-cooked meals, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, hearty country favourites and delicious paddock-to-plate dining experiences. Pair local flavours with regional wines, handcrafted gin or award-winning brews while soaking up the welcoming atmosphere found throughout the Highlands’ pubs, cafés and eateries. If you’re staying in self-contained accommodation, stock up on local produce and create your own cosy feast at day’s end. Need a coffee before heading out? You’ll find plenty of cafés and artisan stores ready to fuel your next adventure. Around here, you’ll quickly discover that the only thing that happens fast is how quickly the place begins to feel like home. Stay Your Way The Glen Innes Highlands offer accommodation to suit every traveller and budget. Choose from boutique stays, heritage cottages, welcoming bed and breakfasts, farm stays, caravan parks, family-friendly motels and self-contained accommodation ideal for groups and extended stays. Whether you’re planning a solo retreat, a romantic getaway or a family escape, you’ll find the perfect place to settle in and unwind. Some stays even come with stories and history almost as memorable as the experience itself. For something a little different, explore the Glen Innes Highlands accommodation guide or contact the Visitor Information Centre. The Heart of the Highlands While the landscapes are spectacular, it’s the people who truly make this place memorable. From local shop owners greeting you with a smile, to talented makers creating handcrafted treasures, to friendly locals who make you feel instantly welcome — this is where connection happens naturally. This is Glen Innes Highlands. Where warm welcomes come easily, unforgettable memories are waiting to be made, and breathing in the fresh country air feels good for the soul. Come for the cool mountain air, stay for the connection, and experience the warmth for yourself. Get in here. Discover more and plan your winter escape at Glen Innes Highlands. Gleninneshighlands.com

Travel

The New Luxury Escape

Words: Charmaine Yabsley Travel is no longer just about escape, but about feeling good. And hotels are responding by creating experiences that prioritise longevity, mindfulness and emotional wellbeing over extravagance alone. We visit two London hotels to check in and chill out. For years, hotels competed on thread counts, rooftop bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. Now, the new luxury is health and relaxation. This month, Get It magazine travelled to London, where hotels are increasingly being designed not just as places to sleep, but as sanctuaries where guests can restore, recover and recalibrate. From meditation rooms and plant-based menus to thermal suites, sleep programs and biohacking treatments, wellness tourism has shifted from niche indulgence to mainstream expectation. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is now one of the fastest-growing sectors of travel, with travellers increasingly seeking experiences that support physical and emotional wellbeing, whether it’s after a long day of travel, meetings, or merely as city breaks with a healthy twist. West London wellness One of the pioneers of this movement is the boutique chain Inhabit. Their Queen’s Gardens address is described as London’s first “mindfulness hotel” and created around the idea that urban travel does not need to come at the expense of mental and physical health. (The chain also has a sister hotel nearby – Inhabit, Southwick Street. Both are just 15 minutes to the West End.) Nadira Lalji, co-founder of Inhabit says: “Inhabit was created to inspire healthier habits long before wellness hospitality became a trend – supporting how people rest, move, eat and live more consciously in an age of excess and burnout. There’s been a clear shift in what people want from escapism to restoration – guests want to leave feeling genuinely better, calmer and more connected than when they arrived and we hope that a stay at Inhabit makes them feel just that.” As soon as you enter, you’re whisked away from the bustling Marylebone Road to an oasis of calm. It’s a world of neutral palettes, natural textures and quiet communal spaces designed to encourage reflection. The spacious bedrooms are designed to improve your sleep quality, with clutter-free interiors, soothing aqua shades, and natural materials. Rooms include bespoke aromatherapy products, wellness books, phone lock boxes (ideal if you’re cutting down on screen time), and the luxurious Inhabit sleep kit complete with a magnesium sleep spray, a silk eye mask and cashmere bed socks. The large family rooms also offer a comfortable sofa and enough space for the entire family to unwind. The spa, Inhale, is inspired by four pillars – Calm, Balance, Awaken, Strengthen – designed to create equanimity. Downstairs, in the Zen-like workout space, yoga sessions, Pilates or guided meditation, and take advantage of the wood-paneled gym, which has a Peloton bike for live or virtual workouts. If nature walks are more to your taste, nearby Hyde Park is just around the corner, where you can also rent bikes to explore. After a day trawling the wares of Portobello Road, the steam and sauna room were a welcome retreat. We’d also had the foresight to book a massage at beauty spa, which offered divine Gaia treatments. Food is also a continuation of the nourishing theme. The restaurant, a bespoke offering of plant-centric cuisine restaurant Yeotown caters to all health and dietary requirements (don’t miss the morning smoothies!). Guests can skip the greasy fry-ups in favour of homemade granolas, chia and oat waffles, smashed avocado toasts or their classic Yeotown eggs Benedict. Lunchtime brings an abundance of fresh salads, hearty curries and colourful grain bowls, while dinnertime offers a wide range of family friendly meals such as gluten free pizzas – ideal for all tastes. City Escape At the luxury end of the spectrum, The Westin London City demonstrates how major international brands are also embracing wellness as a defining feature rather than an optional extra. Opened as Westin’s first UK property, the hotel was designed around the brand’s six wellness pillars, which include sleep, nourishment, movement and mindfulness. The design itself feels intentionally calming from the moment you enter. Think soft neutral tones, oversized windows flooding the interiors with natural light, pale timbers, textured stone and contemporary furnishings that soften the pace of the city outside. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views across the Thames, creating an atmosphere that feels surprisingly serene for central London. What sets the property apart is its extensive spa and fitness offering. The hotel features a 12-metre indoor swimming pool – still something of a rarity in London hotels – alongside a vitality pool, sauna, steam room, sensory showers and an ice fountain. Children of all ages are welcome (at set times). Having space to swim, splash and burn off extra energy makes an enormous difference to your family’s overall enjoyment of a holiday. Being able to return to the hotel for a dip in the pool and soak in the spa before heading out for the evening turned our break from exhausting to restorative. And for the adults, there’s further escape on offer. The Heavenly Spa by Westin is a destination in itself: it’s open to overnight guests the general public (you do need to book your treatments in advance). Treatments focus on stress reduction, sleep support and recovery, while the fitness studio and wellness programming encourage guests to maintain healthy routines while travelling. If you’re a keen runner who likes to stick to their routine while on holiday, the hotel offers a ‘run club’ for those keen to explore the city streets on foot. Prefer silence? The spa offers a floating sound bath session where your body and mind are treated to sensory bliss Dining also leans into the hotel’s wellness philosophy. The hotel restaurant, Hithe + Seek, pairs panoramic river views with a menu built around seasonal produce, small plates and carefully curated wines and cocktails. Breakfasts are particularly impressive, with fresh juices, nourishing options and generous hot selections that cater equally well to wellness-conscious travellers and hungry families preparing for a day of sightseeing. The family rooms are a size that’s rare in London. Two double beds, plus the requested fold-out single bed, would cramp a typical hotel space. At Westin, we still had room to relax and watch the boats sail serenely along the Thames while planning our itinerary. The location itself is also a treat for little legs. Positioned near the Millennium Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, it’s a short walk across the river to the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market (go early before the crowds), London Bridge and the water taxis that spirit you to the southern pockets of the city. The riverside promenade is lively without feeling overwhelming, filled with buskers, cafés and pockets of green space that make exploring London on foot feel

By Charmaine Yabsley