Young at heart

It might be the overwhelming colours of breakfast for a five-year-old – the glistening pastries, the vibrant fresh fruit – or learning new skills as a teenager – cooking, history or conservation. Through curated activities, you can pass on important life lessons, such as the benefits of organic, fresh produce and preserving ancient traditions. At any age, this can help form a child’s values as well as the family’s as a whole.

Thailand

The world's best treehouse

Watch your children’s fantasies become a reality as they enter this colossal suspended den, shaped like a manta ray, hovering among the treetops at Soneva Kiri in Thailand. As impressive inside as out, it contains space for individual rooms dedicated to art, music and fashion as well as a library with a catamaran-style netting floor covered with comfy cushions.

Much to the delight of every child that visits, the final flourish is the entrance, which features a real drawbridge that leads up into the ray. Nature is at the heart of this eco-friendly construction: windows in the floor peek down to the forest below and children learn about social and environmental responsibilities, designing and creating from recycled magazine paper. To enhance their awareness of local culture and values (an important part of the den’s ethos), the music room is filled with traditional Thai instruments for them to play.

Mexico

Hidden secrets of Mexico

Parents wanting to support their child’s education on the wellbeing of the planet may have difficulty selling a ‘lesson’ as an activity, but eco-tours at Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico take on a life of their own. Highlighting the importance of a balanced ecosystem, and caring for animals and their natural habitat, experts will guide children on a boat excursion through winding lagoons.

Little explorers are free to marvel at crocodiles, birds, turtles and iguanas as well as a host of other flora and fauna. Adults are welcome too, so get ready for the whole family to be surprised, delighted and spell-bound by Mexico’s native creatures.

Antigua

Water babies

Jumby Bay Island in Antigua is home to The Jumby Bay Hawksbill Project, the longest, continuous-running hawksbill research programme in the world. But monitoring and researching these graceful creatures isn’t just an activity for experienced conservationists.

The Hawksbill Turtle Programme encourages children of all ages to engage in the island’s conservation efforts by watching turtle nesting and hatchings and even ‘adopting’ an endangered turtle to track its progress.

This once-in-a-lifetime and immersive experience involves thoughtfully-curated activities, such as guided tours with experts, beach maintenance in the stunning scenery and a private family dinner on the beach to bond over these amazing insights.

There is nothing more empowering for a child than the breathtaking chance to see tiny turtles make their way to a new life in the sea.

The Maldives

The Power of Imagination

On arrival at One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives every child is welcomed by a Kids Buddy, trained and qualified by Worldwide Kids, a global consultancy with a wealth of knowledge in childcare. Fluent in Russian, Ukrainian and English, the Kids Buddy actively encourages the power of imagination through a bespoke personalised schedule that embraces the surrounding lagoons and white sands.

A firm favourite is the weekly pirate adventure. Bringing to life the excitement of storybooks like Peter Pan, children can hop on a traditional Maldivian dhoni, meet Captain Hook and hunt for buried treasure – all while learning new creative skills and teamwork. One&Only are dedicated to creating personalised moments and, through the Kids Buddy programme, families are brought together by meaningful and entertaining exploration.

Dubai

Play time

Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai holds prime position on the shores of the Arabian Gulf with a private beach and spectacular panoramas. Activities here are endless; a sea-themed kids club, yacht cruises, scuba diving and more than 10 restaurants to choose from. Plus, guests can enjoy unlimited direct access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™, which is themed around the tale of Juha, a well-known character from Arabian folklore.

Everyone in the family will be realising their inner child as they splash and slide around the exciting rides. For a welcome calm after a day of adventure, stay in one of the Beit Al Bahar Villas, with a private plunge pool and dedicated butler.