But first, family!
If there’s one thing that Adeladies cherish above everything else, it’s family. We’d be a puddle on the ground without them! We get to travel all over the state, seeing and experiencing so much, but most of the time our families only get to see it through FaceTime.
That’s why we decided to book an adventure that included all our favourite people… our kids, partners and the grandparents!
The destination? Club Med Bintan!
Wait, where?
Bintan Island is a tiny slice of heaven in Indonesia and getting there is super- easy! It’s a quick six-hour direct flight from Adelaide to Singapore, followed by a 45-minute ferry to the island. Before you know it, you’ve got the sun on your back, cocktail in hand and you’re in paradise.
Club Med Bintan is the perfect backdrop for a multi-generational getaway and the beauty of this place is its ability to cater to absolutely everyone, regardless of age!
So, what did we get up to?
Papa Wayneo (Hayley’s dad)
He’s a photographer and an explorer, and can’t get enough of his two grandsons, Austin and Alfie. Wayneo was in his element, joining in all the watersport fun with the kids and getting up early with his camera to capture the morning light as it hit the beach.
Ganny Rosa (Hayley’s mum)
She’s a massage enthusiast, bookworm and exercise junkie, so Rosa was the first in the pool for aqua aerobics and the last to leave the day spa. She swam and kayaked at the beach with her grandsons each day. Whether it was a beachside massage or a rejuvenating yoga session, Rosa found her Zen in this tropical paradise!
The kiddos (Austin, Alfie and Sofia)
Every day was a new adventure for my boys! From stand-up paddleboarding and hopping between pools, to playing in basketball, soccer, water polo and volleyball tournaments. They even had a crack at the beachside trapeze. To be completely honest, though, the most jaw-dropping experience for them was the endless buffet options for brekky, lunch and dinner!
Three-year-old Sofia was the star of the show… with her cute ringlets and hot pink sunnies, she strutted her stuff like she owned the joint! She spent her days in the pool or at the beach with Lauren, Nonno and Nanna. And when it all became too much, she’d nap in her room with Nanna, so her mum could get some much-needed me time.
Nanna Jules (Lauren’s mum)
Julesey’s a hands-on Nanna but also loves a cocktail by the pool. She fell in love with the outdoor activities and live entertainment every night. And let’s not forget the quiet moments: sitting on the balcony, watching the sun dip below the horizon, feeling the gentle sea breeze. Jules loved every second — even embracing her curly hair for the first time in decades!
Nonno Dino (Lauren’s dad)
When he wasn’t teaching Sofia Italian in the pool, he was part of the daily water polo challenge. He also tried his hand at golf, won the Club Med Games Night Poker Tournament and lapped up the all-inclusive bevvies and food. He didn’t stop to take a breath and at 77, Dino was living his best life in Bintan!
Jimmy (Hayley’s husband)
This buffet-loving, stand-up-paddleboarding-obsessed dreamboat wasn’t going to miss a minute of the fun! His daily routine began poolside before making a beeline for the Drip Coffee Club when it opened, to fuel up for midday water polo with the kids. His only regret was that we didn’t get the couple’s massage every day!
Thanks (for the memories)
Every evening, we gathered for dinner to feast on international delights and recap our day’s adventures. We shared our favourite moments and planned the next day’s fun. The resort’s nightly entertainment kept us laughing and dancing up late, proving that age is just a number.
If you’re considering your next family getaway, take the whole clan to Club Med Bintan! There’s nothing quite like seeing three generations come together to laugh, explore and make memories that will be cherished forever.
Here’s to family and the magic of multi- generational travel. Thanks for having us, Club Med. We bloody loved you!
ANOTHER REASON TO GATHER YOUR GANG!
Generational Getaways by Club Med is especially amazing for large groups. If you’re travelling with a group of eight or more, you’ll get exclusive perks like priority room location* and reserved tables for dinner*.
Plus… groups of 20 or more will enjoy personalised services, a private cocktail party and a discount on their booking*.
*Conditions apply.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Your first step is to call 1300 748 748, or pop in to see our besties and Australia’s most trusted travel agents at Phil Hoffmann Travel! Their experts will plan, book and look after you every step of the way. They’ll also find the best deals and flights so you can get on that plane without a care in the world.
:: PHIL HOFFMANN TRAVEL :: CLUB MED BINTAN ::
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