March 2016 – The Residence Hotels by Cenizaro have long been known for their family friendly credentials, having welcomed them, time and time again, at their properties in Zanzibar, Mauritius and the Maldives. Each property has an array of activities for children to enjoy, from learning how to dive for the first time, to getting creative in the kitchen with the hotel’s chef. The Residence Hotels invite children to put their creative talents to the test and discover the local culture and environment of the destination they are in. 

The Residence Zanzibar

  

On the southwest coast of Zanzibar, just 55km from the capital Stone Town, The Residence Zanzibar is an oasis for families of all ages.  The hotel is set within a 32-hectare estate near the charming fishing village of Kizimkazi along an expansive stretch of stunning beach flanked by coconut palms.  There are 66 villas each with its own swimming pool, private sun terrace and either garden or ocean views.

In addition to the activities already on the menu, kids can now also explore the hotel’s own banana plantation, bird sanctuary and mini-farm; home to rabbits, cows and Lila, the hotel’s resident donkey. Lila takes children on daily rides along the beach. Also new are children’s cooking classes with the hotel’s chefs – perfect for budding Jamie Olivers!  

Whilst on holiday at The Residence Zanzibar, families can now share the extraordinary experience of learning to dive together and explore Zanzibar’s stunning reefs with One Ocean. The Bubblemakers course is a safe and fun way to introduce little ones who aren’t quite ready to dive in open water yet to scuba diving. The course includes a thorough briefing covering the basics of safe scuba diving, followed by an exciting pool session in less than six feet of water. Bubblemakers is available to families with children aged eight years and up. For families with slightly older children, the Discover Scuba Diving and Scuba Diver experiences are a great way to learn about diving for the first time and then put this knowledge into practice in the open water. 

The Residence Mauritius

 

  

The Residence Mauritius provides wonderful family accommodation in a tranquil, safe environment. A real highlight for young families is the complimentary Planters Kids Club for ages 3-12 years. The Planters Club sits within a tropical park just steps away from the beach. Children can spend their days enjoying treasure hunts, snorkelling classes, face-painting, glass-bottom boat tours, pony rides and even fashion shows, plays and films.

The hotel’s Sanctuary Spa offers treatments designed for the whole family – kids included. The spa offers a fresh approach to treatments for kids – luxury body massages, Haute Beauté facials for teens, mini-manicures, pedicures, hair braiding and personal training sessions for children up to the age of 15 are all offered.  The spa’s emphasis is on teaching children the importance of general wellbeing.  For parents, there are two new signature treatments; The Sanctuary Massage – a combination of yogic breathing techniques, aromatic massage and Reiki (£87) and the Ylang Ylang Couples Massage – a romantic treatment using the hotel’s signature aroma (£165).  The spa also offers custom-made treatments by luxury French spa brand Carita which includes the Carita Hair Spa.

 

The Residence Maldives

The Residence Maldives is on the unspoilt southern island of Falhumaafushi in the Gaafu Alifu atoll, which is part of one of the largest and deepest atolls in the Maldives, Huvadhoo.For 2016, the hotel has launched a brand new package, inviting guests to go back to basics, swapping screen time for family time, the Maldivian way. 

Highlights include parents and children teaming up in the kitchen to learn how to make a selection of Maldivian dishes with the resort’s executive chef, fun island activities including coconut bowling and crab racing, and a Maldivian Folk Tale inspired story time. Kids can also learn how to swim in the freshwater pool, whilst mum and dad relax in the Spa by Clarins.