Here at Mummyfique, we believe in finding the best places in the world that don’t just satisfy your wanderlust but keeps those minifiques entertained as well. And who better to doll out advice than our intrepid friends at Mr & Mrs Smith. In this story, they share their pick of hotels with the best hotel pools that the whole family can enjoy.
Looking for a heavenly hotel that guarantees aquatic adventures for you and your mini mermaids/mermen? Dip into these five watery wonders picked by the holiday experts at Smith & Family. Warning: you will never be able to look at your local swimming pool in the same way following a frolic with your water babies in these five finds. Dive in.
INDIGO PEARL, Phuket, Thailand
At Indigo Pearl, liquid lures come in all shapes and sizes: the hotel has a trio of swimming pools, a PADI dive centre, a sandy public beach and pool-toting villas to splash around in. Two of the pools are adults-only, but the stunning family pool has a non-smoking, children-only section, plus a shallow end with Roman steps. Don’t leave without visiting the Nest, a suspended spa suite tucked into the branches of a centuries-old banyan tree. Little Smiths can be coddled with a relaxing massage or a coconut scrub; therapists will happily polish little nails and trim or braid bairns’ barnets.
Smith Extra Return airport transfers for the whole family
CONSTANCE LE PRINCE MAURICE, Mauritius
Landlubbers, take note: even the restaurant at Constance Le Prince Maurice is floating on water. You’ll be floating (on cloud nine) too, thanks to the hotel’s palm-fringed lagoon facing the Indian Ocean, two inviting child-friendly pools and a private beach with a wealth of watersports. The free kids club is equipped with trampolines, a tree house and all manner of supervised games and classes, meaning frazzled parents can make the most of the tropical pampering on offer in the Sisley spa. You’ll be hungry after your watery adventures: Constance Le Prince Maurice’s four open-air restaurants make the most of Mauritius’ balmy climate and lagoon setting.
Smith Extra A fruit basket and a bottle of wine (champagne for GoldSmiths); for GoldSmiths staying five nights or more, a 30-minute back or foot massage each
JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU RESORT, Fiji Islands, Fiji
With diving run by the son of legendary scuba-pioneer Jacques Cousteau, shoreside eco-retreat Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is all about underwater exploration, and even boasts a marine biologist. As you’d expect from a hotel with those credentials, swimming is taken seriously: the adults-only oceanfront Serenity Pool by the bar is a sleek, infinity-edge number flanked by orange day-beds and a shady pergola. It only welcomes teens, but younger kids can choose between three dedicated pools near the Bula Club, including the freshwater Family Pool with a 20-foot water slide, the Junior Pool and the cascading Water Mushroom Pool for toddlers.
Smith Extra A private island picnic for two, and free breakfast and lunch prior to 2pm check-in, if arriving earlier
ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Sprawling lagoon pools, a watersports centre and a gold-sand beach beckon at Anantara the Palm Dubai Resort, whose rooms and villas are decked out in sleek Siam style. There’s also a superlative spa, tennis courts and a brilliant kids club. Look out for the small Thai boats criss-crossing the lagoon pools, from which staff hand out cold towels, fruit and water – a blissful treat in the Dubai sun. Aquaphobics, look away now: 10,000 square metres of azure, temperature-controlled pools take centre stage here. With its pagoda-roofed swim-up bar and a crescent of sea-facing sunloungers, the main infinity pool is a lively affair.
Smith Extra A bottle of wine and fresh fruit on arrival
LE JARDIN DES DOUARS, Essaouira, Morocco
This bohemian hang-out in the heart of the Maghreb has two jade-green pools, tantalising seasonal menus and a child-welcoming hammam. The family-friendly pool is heated all year round, with a very shallow end within the main pool perfect for small children, and some changing rooms nearby. It’s not supervised, but there are plenty of sunloungers from which to keep an eye on little ones. The four-bedroom villas, set close to the main house, are just right for large families. Each has a garden with a private heated pool, and one even has a pétanque pitch.
Smith Extra A 30-minute hammam session and black-soap exfoliation for each adult guest, and a 30-minute massage for each child
Smith & Family gives you the best price, guaranteed, as well as a little something extra on arrival. Book online at www.smithandfamily.com or by calling the expert Travel Team toll-free on +1 800 321 1098.
