longhaul for 40th in march /april next year with 8 and 3 yr old..........

[mel38]

Hi There

I wondered if i could pick your good peoples brains, I am looking for a long haul destination for 2 weeks in march/april next year for my 40th birthday. It needs to offer suites and plenty for the children to do pools,entertainment etc a lovely beach and ideally close to somewhere to explore a little and maybe shop a little. Have looked at Maldives (the larger resorts) and barbados so far but am really stuck !!

Thankyou
Mel

What do you want?? What do you like??

South Africa is nice at that time of year

We like nice food ,eating out ,chilling by the pool going to the beach ,going to the entertainment in the evening and just generally relaxing . We need at least a 2 room room ie 1 bed suite with seperate lounge for the children needs to be very family friendly as i dont want to be always telling them to be quiet ! Dont really fancy south Africa though.

Melx

Have a look at the Beaches resorts, lots of different room styles / sizes and you won't find anywhere more family friendly!

It's a good time of year for both Maldvies and Barbados.
I would consider Maldives - I would go for Lily Beach for a special holiday. Useless for shopping though and exploring further afield really - it's for relaxing only. And I'm not sure I would do it for 2 weeks so maybe on balance not a great idea! But I would consider a week there combined with a few days on the way - Dubai always popular (though not my cuppa tea).
LOVE barbados - much shorter flight and actually quite a lot to do around the island as well as beach - boat trips (including submarine), wildlife park, caves, few museums etc. Much more to DO if that's what you want. Can't recommend a specific resort there though.

Oman wonderful high thirties at that time. The turtles are laying eggs on the beaches. Flight not to bad around 8 hours. Much more real middle east than Dubai or Abu dhabi. We stayed at the Shangri -La Al Waha in Muscat loads for the kids to do several toddler pools lovely big pool, lazy river with rubber rings to next hotel along bay. At night the staff put rugs and cushions out with a TV showing disney film by outdoor seating for evening meal. All the parents get kids food from buffet while they have a drink. The kids eat and then go and sit with their friends and watch TV while the lovely staff shower them with popcorn and ice cream. You then eat your meal peacefully - everyone is happy.
My DD is 5 and made loads of lovely friends. I can honestly say it was the best holiday we have ever had. DD enjoyed the pools, the lazy river and the posse of friends she made. We relaxed. We have been to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and South Africa at that time Oman beat them all hands down even though it took as two flights, three trains and an 11 hour taxi ride to get home (Ash cloud).