You’ve got it all wrong, summer-lovers and ice-queens – there’s no better time than spring to yacht off to somewhere seductive. The three family-friendly Smith hotels below deliver blue skies, cherry blossom and even offsite elephant celebrations, perfect for an easy, breezy springtime getaway.
In spring, Japan literally blossoms: see Tokyo through rose-tinted spectacles as the city blooms with blush-pink cherry blossom. The Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel is where Scarlett flirted with Bill in Lost in Translation, but it’s suited to a family affair too: cots are free and extra beds can be added to all but the Park Rooms, for JPY8,000 a night (plus tax and service charge). The concierge can recommend family-friendly activities and provide extras such as bed guards, mats and milk frothers. Take advantage of the Park Hyatt Tokyo’s special offer: four nights for the price of three. (Use the money you saved to treat yourselves to a succulent steak and a bottle of something delicious in the New York Bar & Grill, at the very top of the building on the 52nd floor).
Evason Ana Mandara, Nha Trang, Vietnam
Nha Trang in spring is delicious: there’s a cool sea breeze, the sea glitters like scattered sapphires and the greenery grows lushly. Wake up in Evason Ana Mandara, which goes out of its way to seduce holidaymakers of all ages… kids will love the onsite PADI dive centre and sailing courses, not to mention the hotel’s private beach. The kids’ club, Just Kids, encourages creativity, so you can relax while the young ’uns make new friends (or at least befriend a teddy or two) over eggshell-mosaic crafting, arts and crafts and cooking classes. Mums and dads will love the spa, with a myriad of treatments, as well as yoga and t’ai chi classes to help regain your Zen.
137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai, Thailand
March 13 is Thai Elephants’ Day, when locals honour their country’s tusked heroes with fruit buffets, celebratory processions and colourful floral garlands. Little ones will go wide-eyed at the spectacle! There are also boisterous celebrations for the mid-April Songkran water festival (expect to get soaked, or splashed at least). Camp out at 137 Pillars House, a nostalgic blend of historic Thai architecture and sleek modern design, with delicious dining, a super-pretty spa and dramatic pool. Free baby cots are supplied and extra beds for under-13s cost THB2,950 a child a night (free for kids up to age three). Babysitting costs THB300 an hour, with a day’s notice. Book the ‘three-night cultural package’ and you’ll get a one-day tour to Maesa Elephant Camp and a hill tribe village, a half-day excursion to Chiang Mai town and Doi Suthep Temple, one yoga session, a cooking class at the hotel and as well as other extras included too.
Visit Smith & Family for more family-friendly stays with style.