[LifesGood]

Please help with some ideas!

DH turns 50 at the end of this year and we want to take a family holiday Dec/Jan school holidays somewhere special.

Our thoughts so far are:

Flight - as short as possible as we will have an extremely energetic 3 y/o DS on our hands. DD will be almost 8 y/o and will be fine.
Accommodation - must be a bit special, we aren't looking for an ordinary resort-style room or apartment, we want some luxury (does anywhere like this exist that will take a 3 y/o?)
Length - probably 2 weeks, with 2-3 different locations acceptable
Budget - not too bothered about this as it is DH's 50th, but obviously there are limits.

Our thoughts so far have given us the following ideas:-

1. Japan - skiing for a week (we are mad keen skiers and DD is quite competent now too, DS would need child-minding) and maybe a few days each in Tokyo (incl. Disneyland) and Kyoto.
2. New Zealand South Island - Fjordland/Otaga/Nelson regions - can't find ANYWHERE that is special that will take under-5's.
3. Lord Howe Island - we've been there before children and it is pretty gorgeous, we always said we would go back there with the kids one day but again the luxury accommodation is all restricted to over-5's.

Any ideas? Where would you go with your family for a special holiday.

[Nanaimo Girl]

What state are you flying from?

How about Hawaii?

If I had cash to spare I'd be staying here

http://www.grandwailea.com/

[LifesGood]

Flying from Sydney. Hawaii has definite appeal, the resort looks gorgeous, but a bit too....resort-y IYKWIM.

[2bundles]

Japan sounds good to me. They love kids.

Or Hamilton Island? 2-3 weeks is a bit long though.

[mards]

Fiji - only 3.5 hours away - with a 3 year old too!!!

there are so many luxury islands to choose from.

think Jean Cousteu

Or

Castaway Island - 4 star - great for the 3 year old too

[meggs1]

I think it's the wrong time of year for Fiji?

I'd do Japan if you are keen skiers. In Niseko they have English speaking kids ski school, and some lovely accommodation (both western style and Japanese style). You can pick out your hire gear here and they have it waiting for you to pick up there.

It's very cold but so dry that you don't notice.

And of course the amazing food.

[Sassy Girl]

Is there anywhere that your DH has always wanted to go ?

[Harmonica]

First ideas that came to mind for me:

Bora Bora
Bali - lots of luxury villas to choose from
Hawaii - http://www.luxuryretreats.com/search.aspx?...flg=1&jfx=1
Fiji - Jean Cousteau

[LifesGood]

Is there anywhere that your DH has always wanted to go ?

Japan

And a whole lot of other places that are a bit inaccessible with two small children (think Galapagos Islands, Central America/Costa Rica, Alaska/Inside Passage etc etc).

[LifesGood]

First ideas that came to mind for me:

Bora Bora
Bali - lots of luxury villas to choose from
Hawaii - http://www.luxuryretreats.com/search.aspx?...flg=1&jfx=1
Fiji - Jean Cousteau

I'll look at Hawaii, even though I've been there before and DH isn't overly keen on island-y holidays. He prefers more adventure/culture holidays, though this can be tricky with small kids.

Bali we both find a bit meh. Fiji doesn't get us excited either, but I've heard several mentions of the Jean Cousteau resort so I'll check into it.

Thanks for the ideas