10.30.2018

Stay in a heritage cottage in one of the world’s great parks

For all our fabulous followers you can stay in this iconic location with 25% off accommodation.

Its simple just email The Residences and use the code ‘UNIQUEHOME’

Imagine being able to stay in a heritage cottage in one of the world’s great parks. Well it is possible, and just minutes from the Sydney CBD.

The Residences Centennial Park are set to become an iconic accommodation experience for locals and tourists alike.

We were thrilled to enjoy a night away in Sydney in the gorgeous Rangers Residence with kids in tow.

The homes are beautiful, spacious and so well maintained it has the perfect historic feel to it, yet with all the modern convinces at the same time. It’s so well stocked full of everything you could wish for in the kitchen. We loved the fact you could just pop out the door and find yourself on the Centennial Parklands cycleway loop just a few metres away.

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About The Accommodation

The historic (1890s) Residences are uniquely located in Sydney’s Centennial Parklands.

Featuring two unique Residences – Originally built in 1890-91 from sandstone quarried directly from the site, The Superintendents Residence was the home of the Park Superintendent and his family. The building offers a superb view down Parkes Drive and across Centennial Park to the suburbs beyond.

The Superintendents Residence sleeps up to eight people in four King or twin bedded rooms, ideal for weddings, family, social or corporate groups. It also offers a beautifully landscaped private backyard with a courtyard for entertaining and parking. The house also offers a stunning dining room, study and fully equipped kitchen.

The Ranger’s Residence circa 1890s, is perched on a hilltop inside Sydney’s Centennial Parklands, near the Roberston Rd Gates. With sweeping views across the park, this home welcomes everyone, including the family pet, to experience its hidden charm and see the park at dark.

The Ranger’s Residence has 3 king and queen bedrooms with views into the parklands, 2 bathrooms, full-service kitchen and private garden. The wrap-around verandah overlooks the ancient Morton Bay Figs and parkland lagoons. This nook is ideal for wine with friends, luncheons, intimate garden party, special occasions, or for the bridal party to stay and get prepare for the big day and a family brunch afterwards.

Experience the vast gardens, labyrinth, bike tracks, duck ponds and horse riding adventures during your stay. Watch the sunrise and be the first to say ‘hello’ Centennial Park! While enjoying home-grown honey from your own backyard.

Boasting unlimited park access and close to Sydney’s Eastern suburbs and local beaches, with horse riding, bike hire, native flora and fauna, formal gardens and a vibrant range of community events on the doorstep, The Residences Centennial Park are a truly unique short-stay experience.

The Residences are one of Sydney’s most unique accommodation experiences that is not to be missed.

Amenities

Air conditioned

Dining Setting

Cots Available

Linen and Towels Provided

Non-Smoking

Kitchen

Laundry Facilities

Outdoor Setting

Verandah

Wireless Internet

Views

Barbeque

Bath

Lounge Area

Heating

Cable/Satellite TV

Pet friendly

2 bathrooms

On site parking

Breakfast provided upon request

Tea/Coffee Making

For us one night was just not enough and it’s at the top of our list to revisit one day!

If you have any questions please just drop us a line we love to chat.

Kerry xoxo

Contact www.theresidencescentennialpark.com

This post was written in collaboration with The Residences Centennial Park* but as always, opinions are honest and my own.

Photographer – Anastasia Fua

Wardrobe – Alfaberry

08.04.2018

Our thoughts on staying with Jen – Hotel Jen, Hong Kong

We just got back from Hong Kong and had an absolute blast! Besides the hot hot weather we loved every minute of exploring Hong Kong’s beautifully rich culture. I’ve had a few questions on our accommodation in Hong Kong so thought I would share a little review that will answer all your questions.

We stayed in Hotel Jen Hong Kong, for us staying with Hotel Jen was a no-brainer, our family are obsessed with the Hotel Jen in our home town Brisbane and love to pop in there for a stay-cation whenever possible so as soon as we found out there was one in Hong Kong we knew we absolutely had to stay there.

Hotel Jen Hong Kong is ideally located for anyone who wants to really get to know this amazing city. Featuring a beautiful rooftop pool and 24-hour fitness centre with great harbour views and free high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the entire hotel during your stay. Hotel Jen Hong Kong by Shangri-La is located in the Western District of Hong Kong, with the MTR HKU Station on its very doorstep.

The “My hotel” service offers convenient proximity to key transport junctions – 5 minutes from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal, 10 minutes from Central and Airport Express Hong Kong Station, and just 30 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport. You can also enjoy complimentary shuttle service to Central, Wan Chai, Peak Tram Station, Ocean Park, and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Hotel Jen Hong Kong has an array of differen’t restaurants, bars and lounges, Café Malacca has been named a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the MICHELIN Guides for 2014 and 2015. Transport yourself to the hawker stalls of Malaysia and Singapore for street-style food, all freshly prepared with aromatic spices, herbs and ingredients. There is even a western menu available for any picky eaters you may have on board. But I highly recommend trying as many different again cuisine dishes possible. We were so amazed at the beautiful different flavours and it felt great to get out of our comfort zone and try something new.

The Lobby Bar and Lounge is a great little spot for meet-ups or a quiet coffee. Start the day with a quick pick-me-up coffee, take a pit-stop between excursions, catch up on business, or end your day with a relaxing cocktail from Jen’s Signature Cocktails, Created to reflect Hotel Jen‘s team’s experience and talent in artfully integrating fun with unexpected Asian flavour fusions, Jen’s range of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages offers you refreshing drinks with a playful twist.

At the end of a busy day exploring beautiful Hong Kong, enjoy the simple pleasures of a comfy bed, perfect pillows and a great shower. Each one of the hotel rooms is touched with thoughtful details that make life a little easier. With panoramic views, fast free WiFi to keep you connected everywhere, always, DVD players, Cable TV, full-size executive writing desk, international direct dialling service, electronic safe, in-room order-in from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, tea and coffee station, steam iron with ironing board and a hair dryer along with speciallised Hotel Jen Toiletries its impossible to fault.

My favourite part of our Hotel Jen experience was how great they were with the kids. Any children of registered hotel guests under the age of 6 can enjoy *buffet meals at no extra cost in the All Day Dining venue when accompanied by a paying adult; and this offer is for up to 2 children. For more than 2 children under the age of 6 or children who are 6 years and above but under the age of 12, a 50% discount on the buffet price will be given. Having the kids able to load up on a yummy nutritious breaky before heading off into the streets of Hong Kong to explore was a life saver. It also saved a lot of money on the usual snacks we would buy here and there throughout the morning to tide the kids over till lunch because they were still full!

I hope this post answers all your questions but if not feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to get back to you!

Happy exploring xx

*This post was written in collaboration with Hotel Jen but as always, opinions are honest and my own.

06.28.2018

Scenic World Blue Mountains

We are on the road again (surprise surprise) and this time we are heading to the Blue Mountains! While researching some fun family friendly activities to do in the area I kept coming across Scenic World! Located in beautiful Katoomba, Scenic World is an array of different sight seeing attractions and loads of FUN! With a Scenic skyway, Scenic cableway,Scenic walkway and even a Scenic railway Scenic World is the best way to experience the beautiful mountains and lush rainforest that surrounds it. From the moment the kids saw the Scenic World website they were so excited to experience all of the attractions! and after experiencing it first hand I can definitely say we were not disappointed. It was such a fun day out and really great for the kids to learn about the rich history of Katoomba and how important our wildlife and rainforest echo system is. Here is some information on Scenic World and the attractions it has to offer below.

Scenic Skyway-

Suspended 270 metres above ancient ravines, the Skyway provides a unique thrill as breathtaking views are revealed beneath your feet through the electro-glass cabin floor. For the less adventurous, seating and solid flooring is also available!

With 360° views, the 720 metre journey provides the best views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and Jamison Valley stretching to the horizon.

Following a three million dollar upgrade to improve the visitor experience in November 2017, the new Skyway cabin features 30% more capacity, free Wi-Fi, and improved loading and unloading to make the Scenic Skyway one to remember!

Disembark at the Skyway’s east station to access lookouts over the valley along with bush trails to Echo Point.

Scenic Cableway-

Discover panoramic views of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains from the Scenic Cableway.

The 510 metre journey gently descends into the Jamison Valley and also returns visitors to the top of the escarpment. The Cableway’s fully enclosed cabin provides a unique vantage point for viewing the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, Mt Solitary and Katoomba Falls.

Disembark at the bottom station to access the Scenic Walkway and stroll through 2.4 kilometres of Jurassic rainforest.

Wheelchair accessible with a capacity for 84 passengers, the Cableway is the steepest and largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.

Scenic Walkway –

Discover the tranquility of ancient rainforest – or simply tire the kids out – strolling along our 2.4 kilometre Scenic Walkway.

Brilliant in sunshine and even better in the rain, this elevated boardwalk immerses visitors in Jurassic rainforest on the Jamison Valley floor with minimal impact on the environment.

Along the way, explore elements of the site’s coal mining history including the mine entrance, a replica miners’ hut and scale bronze sculpture of a miner and his pit pony.

Learn about local flora, listen for the native lyre bird or taste pure Blue Mountains water straight from Marrangaroo Spring. Enjoy a peaceful moment in the open-air Rainforest Room, or on rest benches located along the route.

Options for various walks taking ten minutes or a full hour are clearly signposted, along with the wheelchair accessible link between the bottom Cableway and Railway stations.

Experiencing the Walkway in the rain is magical; colours change, mist shrouds the towering cliffs above, hidden waterfalls murmur, raindrops cling to leaves and native birds become more vocal.

Protected by the rainforest canopy, the Walkway has its own microclimate which can be quite distinct from the weather at the top of the escarpment. We recommend the rainforest in the rain – don’t let a little weather stop you!

Scenic Railway-

Discover the thrill of a 52 degree incline (128% incline) riding the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway.

Following an award-winning redevelopment in 2013, this unforgettable experience offers glass-roofed carriages with expansive views of the rainforest setting and spectacular Jamison Valley.

Custom designed carriages allow passengers to choose their own adventure like never before, adjusting their seated position up to 20 degrees! Choose an adventurous ‘Cliffhanger’ ride at a steep 64 degree incline, or for those seeking a relaxed journey select the ‘Laid Back’ option. Of course, loyal fans can still ride the ‘Original’ at 52 degrees (128% incline).

The Railway experience descends 310 metres through a cliff-side tunnel, emerging into ancient rainforest at the Jamison Valley floor. Operating since 1945, the Scenic Railway has thrilled 25 million passengers – this is the fifth generation train to ride the tracks since the Hammon family opened the attraction.

Carrying 84 passengers, the train departs every ten minutes. Disembark at the bottom station to access the Scenic Walkway and stroll through 2.4 kilometres of Jurassic rainforest.

The term ‘Scenic Railway’ was first used in the late 19th century in reference to amusement rides at English seaside funfairs. Consisting of simple carriages on rails, passengers passed a series of exotic ‘scenic’ backdrops such as the Swiss Alps or Egyptian pyramids.

As you can see Scenic World has so much to offer, as a family we had so much fun learning new things and trying out all the different attractions and we would go back in a flash! If you have any questions please comment them below or if you’ve been to Scenic World and loved it as much as us!

05.20.2018

Novotel Bali Nusa Dua

Hello everyone!! Well we are back in Bali (Surprise surprise) we had only just gotten back and without realising it had already started planning our next trip there! Addicted is an understatement! Our family are obsessed with the low-key island life of Bali.

When booking our accomodation for the first half of our trip we really wanted to book something with the kids in mind. After searching through the internet and finding out it had won TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2017 as one of the Best Hotel for Family in Indonesia we decided on Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, and goodness are we glad we did!

It’s no secret that Novotel are known worldwide for their incredible family friendly hospitality and Novotel Bali Nusa Dua are no exception with their motto being “Children are our customers for the same reasons as their parents, so we listen to them and serve them” is no exception. From stunning swimming pools to kids clubs, Novotel Bali Nusa Dua really does have it all.

Nusa Dua itself is a very kid-friendly safe area which boasts some absolutley stunning white beaches with crystal clear sea water and vast tropical gardens, Nusa Dua literally means “two island”, the area is well-known as the area for the luxurious hotels and resorts, and is located in the south-eastern part of Bali. Novotel Bali Nusa Dua itself is actually located inside the ITDC (Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation) Complex, Nusa Dua, a 350 hectares secure-gated peninsula on the southern side of Bali.

From the moment we arrived at Novotel Bali Nusa Dua the kids felt more then welcome and we were extremely impressed. Not only were the kids happy but so were we! With absolutely stunning balinese design captured throughout the entire resort and incredible staff that are more than happy to help with anything you may need, we were off to a good start.

As soon as we had checked in the first item to check off the list (well for the kids anyway) were the pools! Surrounded by the vast tropical gardens and greenery bali is so famous for were the stunning big blue pools, the kids were SO excited! We spent most mornings by the pools watching the kids swim, it really was pure bliss.

When the kids weren’t eating, sleeping swimming or exploring the rest of Bali’s magic with us, they were at the kids club! The kids club is available for children aged 4-10 years old and is open from 8:30 till 17:30, Novotel Bali Nusa Dua also have other activities available for the little ones such as Balinese dance, Indonesian traditional games, swimming lessons, cooking class a playground and more..!

Now we are into my absolute favourite thing about Novotel Bali Nusa Dua and that is that kids get FREE breakfast!! Yep you read right, breakfast is absolutely free for any 2 kids under the age of 16. For my family food is very important and can ,are or break a holiday. My little ones aren’t too fussy but sometime can be a little iffy when it comes to trying new cuisines. Luckily for me the kids adored the Indonesian cuisines but if you aren’t so lucky you don’t have to stress as their are still plenty of western options available, seriously this place is incredible.

In conclusion our stay with Novotel Bali Nusa Dua was an extremely positive one. The kids were so sad to leave and keep asking when we are going back to see their “friends” (the staff members) from beautiful beaches to exotic cuisines this resort really does have it all. We cannot recommend it highly enough if you’re looking for a family friendly place to stay in Bali and as I said Nusa Dua is a very safe place to stay, and explore.

To explore this beautiful resort for yourself head to here

*This post was written in collaboration with Novotel Bali Nusa Dua but as always opinions are honest and my own.

05.20.2018

Stay in Luxury – Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua

Each week more than 16,000 Australians begin their journey to the small island of paradise, Bali.

Immersed in sun, beauty and enriched with culture when I think of ‘Bali’, lots of words come to mind; blissful health retreats, vibrant nightlife etc.

However, there is one aspect that didn’t come to mind when i thought of Bali, and that was it being a standard “family friendly” holiday, but boy was I wrong!

Although Bali does have has a reputation of being an adult’s paradise, I was pleasantly surprised to find that even when you have the kids in tow, it is an amazing place to visit.

As soon as we stepped off the plane we were greeted with a sense of belonging and an enriching welcome, that really only people who have travelled to Bali can truly understand.

After researching areas to stay, we settled upon Nusa Dua.

A kid-friendly area containing great beaches and huge pools (which for kids, is the most important aspect of a holiday of course). All resorts in this area are within the 4 and 5- star range, which is important when wanting a safe and relaxing vacation.

We stayed in the wonderful Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua. Promised to be fault-less luxury and believe me it was. Among vast tropical gardens, all within a kid-friendly and superb location it’s safe to say we were all very excited.

The kids even have there own garden to work in.

As soon as we stepped a foot into the lobby, this description was fulfilled.

The sheer opulence and utter extravagance, along with the intricate detailing captured us all. If luxury is important to you when looking for accommodation within Bali resorts, you cannot go wrong with the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua.

This resort is a dreamland, far removed from the frenzy of Kuta.

Another aspect I was slightly apprehensive about was whether Bali itself contained enough activities to keep little ones entertained. Although my two are happy to sit on a beach for endless hours, it is nice to have the options of other entertainment. I can now say with great confidence that Bali well and truly delivers with fun filled, whilst also delivering educational activities, for children of all ages.

From tennis, yoga, water-sports, all the way to monkey forests and beach bike rides. There is more than enough to keep everyone entertained and happy.

Archery is just one the family friendly activities.

And, if the activities outside of the resort weren’t enough, the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua offers a Children’s Learning Centre, filled with more than just the usual kids club. Here kids are taught Indonesian dance, language, cooking, and music. It’s safe to say I was beyond impressed with the experiences on offer.

I think almost every parent only has to say this word to their children once before they get excited, FOOD.

Food is such an important part of any family holiday. You want to be comfortable in knowing that this food is not only edible, but will cater also to the fussier palates (of little ones, and adults of course). The world’s best breakfast buffet (I know, big call) could well be at the Kwee Zeen. Filled with fresh fruit juice, made from handpicked fruits, and food that makes your mouth water as soon as you get a smell, this place is AH-MAZING.

The first day I enjoyed perfectly poached eggs on top of grainy toast with buttery mushrooms. Another day I attack the flaky, buttery, almond croissants.

Finally, on the third day I indulge in creamy Bircher muesli.

Not only is their amazing breakfast places on offer, but there is exquisite lunch and dinner restaurants also. The Beach Bar & amp; Grill, located beachside, is on offer for casual bites to eat. Dinner at Cut Catch Cucina is an elaborate affair. Filled with delicately seared scallops, fork-tender lamb and velvety mushroom risotto…my advice is to take to wearing flowy dresses.

You come to Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua to holiday at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua. Grab a bike and take a cycle around the grounds or beach walk, head over to the great shopping centre within walking distance, The resort is huge, with fountains and pools almost everywhere. Along with a semi-private beach (I know, amazing). From the food, to accommodation, to the grounds, to the activities, everything was plush, comfortable and luxurious.

Sofitel Nusa Dua is a fabulous resort. Please do not be put off to travel to Bali. Nusa Dua is a very safe place to stay, and play.

Made even happier by the wonderful people at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua.

To view hotel deals available now click on www.sofitelbalinusadua.com

*This post was written in collaboration with Sofitel Nusa Dua but as always opinions are honest and my own.

01.22.2018

The Atlantis Resort – The Palm, unparalleled luxury

An experience of pure paradise and unparalleled luxury, whilst still having countless of
entertainment for the kids; sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong!

The Atlantis Resort on The Palm in Dubai offers exactly that and so much more. As one of the most iconic
resorts on the planet The Atlantis has a lot to live up to, but boy does it deliver.

As soon as we arrived we were greeted with exquisite service whilst still trying to take in the pizazz and
breathtaking views of the resort itself.

With so much to see and do in Dubai and so many great Cheap holiday packages available right now its the perfect time to take the family.

Travelling with little ones, whilst being very fun and interesting, can be tough. It is sometimes hard to find a place that will satisfy their ever-busy mind. However, The Atlantis sure delivers. With over 46 acres of property, the resort has its own 17-acre waterpark! Guests are entitled to unlimited access to both the Aquaventure Waterpark, as well as the Lost Chambers Aquarium (yep, this resort also has its very own aquarium, home to over 65,000 marine animals). This access allows guests to skip queues for the duration of their stay at both of these amazing places. This gives the kids loads more fun time, and a lot less queuing time.

If the waterpark and aquarium wasn’t enough The Atlantis also offers complimentary day access to the Atlantis Kids Club. This kids club is offered to kids ages 3 to 12. It provides countless amounts of activities including pirate games, candy challenges, relay races, chocolate games, as well as scavenger hunts. Whilst the kids club is for children ages 3 to 12, children from the ages 13 to 17 aren’t left out, as the Atlantis offers a cool hangout for them to. Known as Club Rush, this club offers video games, internet café, mocktail bar, a chill out lounge and a dance floor. Perfect for those kids that bit older.

Whilst all the experiences on offer for the children sound great, you are probably thinking “Where can the parents go to relax or have some fun?”. Well, not only does The Atlantis offer amazing opportunities for children, but they are parallel to the experiences on offer for the grown-ups. Whilst the kids are entertained, you can treat yourself to relaxation at the resorts in-house ShuiQi Spa. This spa features steam, sauna’s and jet-pool facilities. If you’ve had a bit too much relaxing, then you can always go and get your retail fix at The Atlantis’s boutique shopping outlets.

Whilst all this relaxing and adventure is fun, it is hungry work. Luckily every morning is off to a perfect start with the delicious daily buffet breakfast on offer. It truly is a feast with an exquisite selection of hot and cold food, pastries, fresh juices and cereals. As well as traditional Middle Eastern food to add a touch more of culture to your stay. The Atlantis also offers free all day snacks, afternoon tea and canapés for their guests, perfect for a quick
snack before getting back to a jam-packed day. Alternatively, you could go for an amazing, relaxing meal at any one of the 23 acclaimed in-house dining venues. All of which are filled with exquisite foods, and amazing decoration, design and service.

The Atlantis Resort on The Palm truly is a once in a lifetime celebrity-style retreat. With so much on offer and so much to do, it seems like any time spent there isn’t enough. This resort boasts such a large area, with so many opportunities, whilst still delivering high standards and service in every aspect. It is a perfect place to house your next getaway, whether it be kid-filled or kid-free

Our Hot Tip is when booking look into booking a room with Imperial Club access and I would recommend families investigate this option when considering staying. Here is the rundown of some of the entitlements, taken from the website:

Imperial Club lounges are accessible from 7:00am to 11:00pm daily
Breakfast is available in one of the lounges or Saffron or Kaleidoscope restaurants from 7:00am to 11:00am daily
Afternoon tea is available in one of our Imperial Club lounges from 2:30pm to 4:30pm daily
A selection of complimentary beverages and canapés are served in our lounges from 5:00pm to 7:00pm daily
Light sweet and savoury snacks are available throughout the day including juice, tea, coffee and complimentary soft drinks in our lounges
Complimentary daily access to Kids Club for children 3 – 9 years of age from 10:00am – 6:00pm (lunchtime meals are charged between 1:00pm – 2:00pm and no activities will take place during this time)
Dedicated high-speed Internet is available to Imperial Club guests complimentary

Please also take note that Dubai is expensive, once you arrive and have paid for you flight and accommodation you will need to keep on paying, only restaurant quality food is available (it is fabulous) but it is expensive. There is no grocery shop near by where you can stock up, so you need to be prepared to pay for lunch, snacks, drinks and dinner. You easily need to budget $400- $500au (a day) for food and that’s if your careful. Plus when planning your trip look into some of the fabulous tours available and budget them into your stay as you really can’t visit Dubai and not take a safari into the desert. (I’ll have a blog post up on our desert safari shortly)

If you have any questions on our Dubai trip just message me and I’ll be happy to help you out.

You can check out prices and availability HERE

*please note that some of my blog content is sponsored but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.

12.23.2017

Best Family Hotel in Manly Sydney – Novotel Manly Pacific

Looking for a fabulous staycation hotel by the beach?

Travelling with little ones can be very tough, especially on long haul flights. Luckily
for all of us within Australia, we are able to reach places that are both family friendly
and luxurious (I know right, sounds almost impossible), within just a few short hours.

The Novotel Manly Pacific is one of these amazing places – Superbly located beachside in beautiful Manly in Sydney it’s just minutes’ walk to all that this wonderful area has to offer.

*Space to sit and relax in the foyer watching the world go by.*

As well as being right on the water and just a short walk to some unique shopping and cafes it offers easy access to the ferry terminal so it’s just a short trip across the harbour to Circular Quay and the heart of Sydney.

The Novotel Manly Pacific ticks ALL the boxes.

*Located along Marine Parade is the lovely Fairy Bower rockpool it’s one of a number of historic pools cut and blasted along the New South wales coast.*

When searching for kid-friendly accommodation, it’s a given that the Novotel brand is worth checking out. Each hotel aims to provide families with a comfortable and child-focused stay.

The spacious layout of the 213 luxurious rooms includes a mini bar, workspace, television and floor-to- ceiling windows as you just can’t go past the exquisite views over looking iconic Manly beach.

*Manly Beach is situated among the northern beaches of Sydney.*

*Manly surf school runs classes for kids and adults daily.*

Although it is important that rooms contain comfy furniture and space, when travelling as a family it is the little family-friendly touches that make stays homelier. The Novotel Manly Pacific contains so many of these, in the bathroom, there is an all-important bathtub, and essential when travelling with little ones.

But, family-friendly doesn’t just end with the room, a digital games table and arts and craft table keeps kids entertained during check-in and check-out.

Plus sand toys, buckets and spades, boogie boards, beach chairs, umbrellas are all available FREE to borrow in the reception area, just as long as you rinse and return. For me this is the best thing a hotel near the beach can offer, to not have to pack and lug the beach toys or worse still tell the kids you couldn’t fit them in the suitcase can make or break a beach trip for us.

*Free beach toys are available to borrow.*

Like all Novotel family friendly accommodation the family promise is upheld, where kids under 16 years stay and eat breakfast for FREE (one of a parent’s favourite words) for two children who share a room with their parents or grandparents. The kids menu offers meal options that are both affordable, and healthy. The breakfast buffet
selection located at the Zali Restaurant includes an ‘Eggs Any Style’ station, as well as a pancake machine. Both of which, of course, are major hits with the kids.

Filled with kid-friendliness aspects from beginning to end, as well as its location being perfectly ideal for a beautiful family getaway.

If you are looking for a fabulous staycation hotel by the beach, that offers both a luxurious and relaxing feel, as well as being 100% kid-friendly then Novotel Manly Pacific is most definitely for you and your family.

You can check out prices and availability HERE Novotel Manly Pacific

*This post was written in collaboration with Novotel Manly Pacific but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.

10.04.2017

Melbourne Zoo – We’re going to the zoo, zoo, zoo. How about you, you, you?”

Come on, who doesn’t love the zoo!

It’s fantastic for kids of all ages.

Even as an adult, I LOVE visiting the Melbourne Zoo there’s a great diversity of animals on display and plenty of interesting things to see and do.

Even though we don’t live in Melbourne, we have been quite often, and try to fit in a trip when we visit a couple of times a year, as it never gets boring!

At the zoo you can move around and tire out the little ones, there is a playground and lots of spaces to sit and rest, food, coffee and lots of different animals to see.

We usually spend about 4 -5 hours there, its not a place you want to rush, we take our time and have a picnic lunch under a big shady tree around midday. A packed picnic lunch and snacks really helps minimises the cost of the day, food is expensive and isn’t of the best tasting I’ve tired in places like this, so I highly recommend bringing your own.

We find the location easy to get to, we normally drive to the zoo and parking has never been an issue but I’m told that it can be a nightmare if going on the weekend. We have caught the train also a few times which drops you right out the front of the entrance and makes for a fun and easy travel solution with kids.

Make sure you find out the show times upon entry so you can catch the shows on throughout the day, they teach you more about the particular animals, the ‘Meet The Keeper’ has a lot of information and may even allow you to pat an animal they have been talking about.

The thing I like most, beside the animals of course is that most of the zoo is shaded by trees, so even on a hot day you can enjoy the visit you don’t feel like you are in a concrete jungle.

It does get busy and can be very tiring for little ones so if they are walking its a good idea to pack the pram and lots of water, each time we have gone it has taken us around 4 plus hours just to walk around the zoo, that’s a lot of steps for little legs.

Price as of October 2017

Children 3 years and under receive FREE entry every day

Children 4 – 15 years FREE weekends and Victoria school holidays but Mon – Fri (outside holidays) $18.00

Concession $27 and Seniors $32.50

Yearly Zoo Membership is available for Melbourne zoo, Werribee zoo and Healsville and locals tell me it’s definitely worth the money for an adult pass as children are free with that ticket and it gives you unlimited entry to 3 zoos, kids register for FREE and access to VIP members only events.

I love the zoo and will be going back again on our next visit as its always a highlight of our Melbourne trip.

For more information visit the official zoo website Click Here

10.03.2017

Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach – Phuket Paradise

I have had so many questions on where we stayed in Phuket recently and I have no hesitation in recommending the Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach

They have all the bases covered for an active holiday, regardless of weather conditions.

Just how Marriott has managed to keep the personal touch in such large grounds is a mystery, yet also a welcome surprise.

Located on a secluded stretch of Tri-Tang Beach it’s close to the excitement of Patong close by, but the serene surroundings make it seem a world away.

Take advantage of the Phuket weather and relax by one of the three outdoor pools, while the kids enjoy some time at the kids club with an all day activity program available from 8am to 8pm.

I can’t speak highly enough of all the staff, they were all fantastic and so very welcoming, the whole resort is just so beautifully set out and clean.

Of course you get all the little extras that 5 star offers like slippers and bathrobes and the cute towel animals on your bed every day but the main thing is being able to walk straight into the pool from your room. It is such a nice touch to wake up, open the curtains and step into the pool for an early swim before heading over to a huge breakfast at one of the two buffets available.

The private beach was right on our doorstep and if that’s not enough beach for you the hotel has a free bus that leaves 4 times a day that can drop you down to Patong for some local shopping and lots and lots of food plus more beach!

Below are a couple of real highlights that you can do with out even leaving the hotel.

Indulge At The Thai Pantry

Dinning at the Thai Pantry at the Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach is a must do! You must order the chicken and pork satay, papaya salad and vegetable rolls topped off with some fresh mango juice. Good value for top class cooking in an elegant restaurant, service was so friendly and professional we ate here on the first night staying at the hotel and knew straight away that another visit would be needed before we left.

Learn To Cook

While in Phuket, there is no better place to learn to cook world-renowned Thai food, what an awesome experience it was to learn to cook three dishes, all of which were simple to make, and exploded with taste.

The Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach classes provide a fascinating insight into Thai life, beliefs and culture through learning about its food, cooking and culinary myths, we learnt about the exotic herbs and spices used in everyday dishes.
Classes are part demonstration, part hands-on and are held in the Pantry restaurant at the Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach a couple of times a week. We had a blast, the staff were amazing teachers and very patient with me (someone with pretty lousy cooking skills) but the best bit is getting to eat the lavish feast you have prepared at the end.

Visit The Butterflies

It is always fascinating to learn how nature works her magic turning the caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. If you want to see lots of butterflies, this is the place to come. There are also a large numbers of insects and other creepy crawlies and educational displays. We had an enjoyable hour getting hands on and learning from our guide Katy. Located in the heart of the Marriott Merlin Beach it’s available for in-house guests and made for a great educational experience for us and the kids.

It’s a great resort that I highly recommend for families with children, the best thing is the kids are asking when we’re going back and I’m ready to go anytime.

*This post was written in collaboration with Marriott but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.

09.21.2017

Amazing Thailand – Our top 6 to do while in Phuket

Phuket guarantees an unfading vacation memory for parents and children, being one of the most family-friendly destinations with a wealth of attractions and activities for all ages to enjoy. This joins the wonderfully friendly people and culture which are present for the parents.

With so much to see and do in Phuket and so many great Thailand Deals available right now its the perfect time to take the family.

Here are just a few of the things that we got up too.

1. Visit A Temple

Wats – or Buddhist temples – are among the most important symbols of Thailand, partly because the majority of Thais are Buddhist and partly because they are so beautiful. In Phuket alone, there are 29 Buddhist temples spread around the island. They have been extending a warm welcome to visitors for over a century, locals come to pray and westerners come to learn something about Buddhism. The temples are open from seven in the morning till five in the afternoon and are a great way to get a feel for the country and mix with the locals. I would suggest visiting Wat Chalong, it’s the biggest and most important temple said to shelter relics from Budda plus it’s surrounded by local markets complete with roaming chickens, dogs and cats so there is something interesting for everyone to see at every turn.

2. Get Up Close With Some Monkeys

We just took a drive to see if we could find some local monkeys – The best place to start is “Monkey Hill” (real name is Khao To Sae) on the north side of Phuket Town – it’s the hill with the aerials / radio masts on top, easy to spot from much of the south of the island, being around 270m above sea level. There are lots of monkeys here, mostly they are found near the top of the hill. Local people come up to feed them, it’s not really a tourist attraction but we had a great time wandering around and checking out the monkey’s but I do suggest you don’t try and feed them yourself they did get quite aggressive with Piper when they found out she didn’t have any food for them, if you have small children I suggest even observing them from inside the safety of your own car.

Rang Hill

Also on the north side of Phuket Town, Rang Hill is quite popular as a viewpoint, we found a great place to eat with the locals and got some fresh air and exercise. We found monkeys a-plenty playing in the trees which was great to watch while we dined, again worth the visit and an experience we will never forget.

3. Check Out The Magnificent Beaches

Few islands can boast such an abundance of sandy beaches and clear waters as Phuket. The winding coastal roads along the west coast of this 540-square-km island offer stunning views and easy access to some of the world’s finest beaches.

Whether you want to sample the frenetic pace of Patong or find solitude on a remote stretch of sand in the north, Phuket’s beaches have it all for the sun seeker. Remember the sunscreen and bring bottled water for a fun day in the sun.

4. Visit The Protected Turtle Sanctuary

The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation is actually part of the wider JW Marriott Resort in Phuket and sits on Mai Khao Beach. The foundation was started in order to protect the nesting turtles in the area as well as to promote clean seas and beaches on the island.

The foundation is located within the grounds of the JW Marriott Resort in Phuket, but you do not have to be a guest of the hotel in order to visit. There are information sessions held daily here from Monday to Friday at 11:00 to 12:00. At one of the sessions, you will be able to learn all about how the foundation started as well as hear the story of the turtle population in Phuket. The emphasis here is on educating the public on how to sustain the delicate ecosystems that the turtles live in and promote their protection. There is also a feeding session where you will get the chance to see some of the resident turtles who live at the foundation and who have disabilities which mean that they would not thrive in the wild. The sessions are free to hotel guests and the general public, although donations are appreciated and all proceeds go towards to wellbeing of the turtles.

5. Learn To Cook

The classes provide a fascinating insight into Thai life, beliefs and culture through learning about its food, cooking and culinary myths, we learnt about the exotic herbs and spices used in everyday dishes. Classes are part demonstration, part hands-on and are held all over Thailand in many different hotel and restaurants. We had a blast, the staff were amazing teachers and very patient with me (someone with pretty lousy cooking skills) but the best bit is getting to eat the lavish feast you have prepared at the end.

6. Visit The Day Spa

A visit to a Day Spa is a must while in Thailand it’s the perfect place in which to unwind. You will find them everywhere throughout Phuket set away from the crowds, the luxurious treatments they offer in a serene space give guests a sense of calm, tranquillity and rejuvenation. Enjoy a post flight pick me up or treat yourself to a signature treatment, you will find it all and I can class myself as an expert as I was sure to do my research on this one having three Thai massages in 7 days stay.

Have you been to Thailand? Or are ready to book? Book a Tour

We would love you to share your experiences with our readers, so please leave a comment below and share with other.

Any questions on our trip just let us know and we will be happy to help you out.

Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo

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*This post was written in collaboration with The Residences Centennial Park but as always, opinions are honest and my own.