EUGENIE KELLY
Mother of two, Deputy Editor and Beauty & Features Director of Harper’s Bazaar Magazine
“We’ve been lucky to stay in some amazing family-friendly resorts that are brilliant for kids AND adults. Which is rare, because you normally get one or the other.”
FEATURED DESTINATIONS
FIJI & IRELAND
FIJI
Fiji is such a cliché but it’s an old family favourite because I know I can totally switch off when I need downtime.
The Islands
Vomo Island in the Mamanuca Islands is amazing because the food and wine, accommodation, breathtaking location and wide range of activities for both kids and grownups is spot on. All the villas are situated along the shoreline, so this is barefoot luxury at its best. It involves a 15-minute helicopter transfer from Nadi (no overnighting there which can cut into your valuable annual leave allotment), which the kids consider the highlight of the trip.
Fiji Mainland
If you want to stay on the mainland, Nanuku is an under-the-radar gem, that not too many people know about. It’s closer to Suva than Nadi, so do your homework before booking your plane ticket. Admittedly there are fewer kids there, but the nannies and butlers are brilliant at entertaining them – it’s like the children get given an instant ‘bestie’. The villas are massive and boast private pools, landscaped gardens, day beds and yoga pavilions.
The Intercontinental at Natadola Beach also gets a big thumbs-up. They’re the three I’d recommend. I’ve only been to a “supposedly popular” mega-resort on Denarau Island once before, and I don’t get why everyone raves about this pocket of hotels. They’re teeming with people, the kids complain the swimming pool water is thick with sunscreen and the food is on par with a bad RSL. Let’s just say I saw one too many My Brother’s Keeper tatts for my liking. Even the kids were slightly perturbed.
IRELAND
Our other favourite destination is Ireland. My husband is Irish so we regularly visit and try to tick off new pockets for the kids to experience every trip. My favourite property, by a clear mile, is Ashford Castle in County Mayo which we’ve visited several times. It underwent a massive renovation in 2013 and the antiques and artworks are like something out of a movie set. Some of the rooms are a little frenetically decorated, so if you’re into minimalistic décor, this won’t be your cup of tea. But I love it. Now, you’re probably thinking that sounds like hell when you’ve got children in tow, but the castle is situated on the shores of Lough Corrib and the 350 acres of surrounding woodlands are a kids’ paradise. They can hang out with the two resident Irish wolfhounds, take falconry lessons, go horse-riding, do ziplining, climb a tree (god knows, there are zillions of them) and partake in archery.
Part of my job description includes reviewing spas around the world – tough gig, I know – and I’ve seen a zillion, but it was Ashford Castle’s spa that blew my mind. The pool is Instagram heaven. And in Ireland! I know, right?
The parents definitely need to experience the French-meets-Irish cuisine served in the breathtaking George V Dining Room (get a nanny – we took our kids and the experience was excruciating) while Cullen’s is a gorgeous thatched cottage that’s still stylish, but relaxed enough to tolerate the odd jetlag meltdown. It’s the staff that makes this property what it is though. They’re so (rightly) proud of where they work and they epitomise Irish hospitality. They’re casual, warm and funny, but so professional at the same time.
EUGENIE’S TOP TIPS
Ashford Castle isn’t far from Ireland’s spectacular west coast, so I’d start your Irish trip off in Dublin , then drive over to Ashford in County Mayo. Ashford isn’t cheap, so spend every second you have on the property to take advantage of your stay. Then move on the spectacular wild Connemara district where the beautiful tiny coves, bays and fishing villages (Roundstone is a must-stop!) are as striking as everyone tells you.
Next stop: Galway, and make sure you allow time for a day trip to the Aran Islands. They’re bleak but oh-so-beautiful and accessible via a 45-minute ferry ride. Inishmore is the largest, but by that I mean it consists of one sleepy town, the shipwreck from the opening credits of Father Ted, a weather-beaten pub (I may or may not have detected a bit of an IRA vibe) and few cars. A lot of people get about by horse and cart and the locals speak Gaelic. If you’re lucky and score yourself a beautiful summer’s day, the water is turquoise, the beaches are magnificent and teeming with dolphins and the kids will adore exploring the rugged cliffs and rocky fields divided by stone walls.
Image credits @eugeniekelly
