Travelling with Toddlers
Keya Khanvte, chief explorer at L’escapades Boutique Travels (lescapades.com) and mom to K of Where is K? (whereisk.com), is passionate about discovering exotic, offbeat destinations. Her four year old follows her on every adventure she takes. “Our forte is creating customised boutique holidays for our discerning clients. These are based on my own authentic travel experiences across the world,” says Khanvte. When she isn't snorkeling at the Moyenne island in Seychelles, living in an igloo in Saarisleka, Finland or bamboo skiing in Hokkaido, Japan she calls Mumbai home. Here are some of her favourite short luxury getaways from the city.
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman A hidden gem amongst the Wadis
A beautiful beachfront retreat nestled among the Hajjar mountains, with stunning views of the Gulf of Oman. The reason we love this one is that it’s only 1.5 hours away from the Dubai Airport. If you're up for it, they have a unique check in experience—you can paraglide into the resort! It is an all villa property designed in the traditional Omani style. Their signature restaurant Sense on The Edge has one of the best 7 course meals we've ever had. Their breakfast spread is lavish and one that we promise you won’t forget! Hikes, canyoning, Wadi swimming, snorkelling, dhow cruises, water sports—you can choose to indulge in one of these magical experiences or just sit back and soak in the stunning views.
Cape Weligama and Mirissa Sun kissed beaches and sailing with whales
Stunning panoramic views await you at Cape Weligama which has become the most celebrated among Sri Lankan Beach Resorts. It's only a 2.5 hour flight away from Mumbai! You can even see blue whales right here in this bay. If you want to experience rustic chic luxury on an island of your own look no further than Taprobane island— the only privately owned island in Sri Lanka. You can explore the charming erstwhile Dutch colony of Galle, go snorkeling in Hikkaduwa or take the kids to a sea turtle hatchery in Koggala.
Mihirgarh and Rohetgarh, Rajasthan Authentic desert luxury
We recently visited these two boutique hotels which offer an authentic Rajasthani experience to its guests from its ambience, decor and cuisine to its signature village safari. You can experience a day in the life of the famed Bishnoi community—guardians of the blackbucks in the region. However, the rooms in the hotels exude opulent luxury characteristic of the region and every room in Mihirgarh boasts of its own pool or jacuzzi overlooking the endless beauty of the Thar desert. Extend your trip and spend a night in the midst of the sand dunes of Osian “glamping” in the luxury desert camps.
The Machan Rustic yet luxurious tree houses
This is our favourite boutique hotel only a couple of hours away from the city, though it seems like another world altogether. Choose one of the stunning tree houses at the Machan and enjoy a weekend of bonfires, board games, books and nature trails. Take your family here for that much needed digital detox from the city life.