BEST NEW HOTELS FOR FAMILIES IN 2019

Animal loving families will want to book into The Farmstead at Royal Malewane. Leave your luggage in one of the three luxury suites or at The Farmhouse that sit alongside a central lodge. Then join the rangers on a safari drive to remember. Need to cool off after your adventure? Then take a dip in the private pool that overlooks the bush.

You are sure to feel like a jungle VIP when you book into The Datai. The hotel is back after a million-dollar makeover to thrill its guests once more. And following the renovations it has revealed a new Nature Centre where guests will have the chance to find out more about the local wildlife, and a Tea Corner serving bespoke blends created by Dr Ghani, a famed Malay herbalist. Before families make a splash in the pool, they will also want to visit The Rimba Trail, a new walk that will take you from the mangrove habitat into the tree canopy thanks to a 18-metre high Canopy Walk.

When they built Joali on Muravandhoo Island they thought of everything. From protecting the environment by building the resort around each established tree, to created curated in-room libraries for guests. So it’s no surprise that they remembered to pay attention to the needs of their youngest guests too. Kids will enjoy checking out the treehouse and taking part in treasure hunts around the island, as well as whipping up treats in the kids cooking school and being pampered in their own spa.