Family Adventures by Land and Sea

Families are looking for active and adventurous excursions. That’s according to findings from Virtuoso’s 2019 Luxe Report. According to the luxury travel network, “Active or adventurous trips” is the top family travel trend this year (up from No. 2 in 2018). It should also come as little surprise that six of the top 10 “Unconventional Family Destinations” were in Asia and Africa, showing that families are looking further off the grid than they have before. 

Recently, the Royal Portfolio in South Africa (No. 6 on the “Hottest Family Destinations” list, according to Virtuoso) opened The Farmstead at Royal Malewane (although it’s located about 12 minutes from the Royal Malewane property). Designed by Liz Biden, founder and owner of The Royal Portfolio, it comprises a main lodge, three freestanding Luxury Farm Suites, and The Farmhouse, a three-and-a-half-bedroom villa that’s great for families. (Children of all ages are welcome at The Farmhouse, while the Luxury Farm Suites are suitable for children over the age of 10.) Advisors may reach out to Mignon Chater ([email protected]), head of reservations.

In the Galápagos (Virtuoso’s No. 2 “Unconventional Family Destination”), Ecoventura debuted MV Theory, sister ship to MV Origin, in March. The luxury vessel has 10 premium cabins, each room offering large windows, private bathrooms and convertible twin beds. Similar to its sister ship, onboard amenities will include a full-time concierge, fitness center, a sundeck, an open-bar policy and a Jacuzzi. Water sports include snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, kayaking and stand-up paddle board tours. The vessel will rotate between two seven-night itineraries and can be combined into a comprehensive two-week excursion. Even better? Ecoventura hosts family departures (with 10 more this year from July on) — and the expedition cruise company says it even tries to arrange for families with similarly aged children to be on the same yacht.

Remaining unconventional destinations include Iceland (the top destination three years running), Cuba, Antarctica, Morocco, Japan, Egypt, Bhutan, Rwanda and India.

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