So, it won’t surprise you to learn that I’m not personally a rugby lover, but I am a fan of luxury hotels and anything that entertains and educates children. Which is why I thought the new “Rugbytots” program at The Residence Mauritius this summer was such a wonderful idea. From August 10th – 23rd, children aged from 2 – 7 years of age can learn basic rugby skills such as running with the ball, catching, kicking and passing. Parents can even join in with the weekly family session too and, being Mauritius, this can all be done in the glorious sunshine with movie set views to boot.

With over a kilometre of delicious white sand adjacent to the hotel and no less than ten acres of tropical gardens, The Residence Mauritius has been a firm favourite of luxury-loving families for years; such a verdant terrain makes it the perfect natural playground for the “Rugbytots” activities.

If rugby isn’t your kid’s thing, there are endless complimentary activities available through the hotel (tennis, scuba diving, kayaking and the like) as well as the Planter’s Kids Club, (where rugby lessons will continue throughout the rest of the summer, even after the specific Rugbytots classes have finished for the year). Set within those aforementioned tropical gardens, the Planter’s Kids’ Club is a gorgeous little property in its own right, (designed with an original sugar cane plantation in mind). Fully-supervised staff look after tots from the age of 3 all the way up to 12 there, arranging inspired and always age-appropriate activities, such as face painting, pony riding, glass-bottom boat tours and magical picnics.

And if, like me, you aren’t keen on partaking in rugby, you may prefer time spent in the stunning 600 meter squared Sanctuary spa while the kids are off having a ball of their own. If a sweet craving kicks in while poolside, you’ll love the sugary delights served up at the Gourmet Kiosk (popular, unsurprisingly, with children too), or if you have some time alone before the kids come home for the evening, grab a table in the gorgeous bar. There you’ll find an outdoor feel on the inside and double wide seats in which to enjoy a cocktail). With the Mauritian sunset outside and that warm, balmy air, you’ll be hard pushed to move for the rest of the night.

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You’d be forgiven for thinking I’m on a luxury island living kind-of-kick at the moment but I just can’t help myself. With so many fabulous island openings the world over, (not to mention the very dull grey Dorset day I’m facing as I write this), the idea of hopping a flight to some sugar-soft sand and azur ocean water is pretty appealing. And the latest to get my heart a fluttering is the new St. Regis Villa at the St. Regis Mauritius Resort. Mauritius has long been a love of those in the know who want guaranteed gorgeous weather, some seriously luxurious accommodation and a vacation that takes them far, far away from their daily stresses and strifes. And this beauty, located on the southwest tip of the island, is sure to add to that exclusive pull.

The resort itself only just opened last year; the St. Regis Villa is its latest unveiling. So large, so luxurious, and so well designed down to the very tiniest details, it could very easily serve as a home and not just over the holidays. Come as a (seriously large) family or with a group of friends. There really is room for everyone.

For starters, it’s a whopping 1,659 square meters in size. The villa has its own entrance so feels very private, despite being in a resort, and boasts four beautiful bedrooms (comfortably sleeping up to 8 adults and 4 children). The villa comes with no less than four heated swimming pools including an infinity pool, has a luxurious dining area, a bar, two lounges, an office, a gym with a steam room, and private direct access to the beach.

You’ll adore the signature St. Regis butler service that will allow you to totally unwind. With a team of valets, a private chef and, of course, a butler, you won’t have to lift a finger from the moment you arrive. No matter your taste or that of your children, they will cater to even the fussiest of eaters, preparing your menus (right down to the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres) before you arrive, all done in accordance to your personal preference and taste. And whether you want to eat in bed or on the beach, they will serve you wherever you so desire.

Active kids and parents will be drawn to the fact that the St. Regis Mauritius Resort is located on the world-famous ‘One Eye’ kite-surfing spot, which is located smack on the natural beaches at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Morne. The hotel’s Club Mistral Prestige kite-surfing school will keep them busy for hours. And if you want to enjoy the facilities of the resort while they’re off playing, you have everything from the Iridium Spa to the La Palme D’Or private cinema, the six restaurants and swimming pools to enjoy, despite being in the private villa.

And very little guests are just as well considered. The villa offers a nightly turndown service (which includes a treat, of course), child-sized robes, slippers and a step stool. Throughout the family’s stay, the resort team will happily recommend and arrange a selection of recreational activities and excursions, dining options, and childcare services for children of all ages.

Yes. Thoughts of a massage and a full night of sleep in that gorgeous villa are brightening this otherwise grey day.

The St. Regis Villa is priced at EUR 22,190 per night, based on a five-night stay. Guests will enjoy access to the Yu Lounge at Mauritius airport on arrival and departure, luxury airport transfers to and from the resort, a day on the hotel’s private speedboat, and a full-day chauffeured luxury car service to explore the island.

To book this hotel click here.

To book the villa click here.

The Royal Mansour Hotel, Marrakech, is a sensational hotel in the heart of the city that we are huge fans of here at kodomo.com. And should you decide that’s the place for you and your family to see in New Year’s Eve 2013, they have an exceptional line up waiting for you.

Music-wise, there will be nightly live jazz music by Chris Norton in the piano bar from December 26th to 29th. On December 31st itself, strong quartet Asturia & Alisa Kosmos will be accompanying the vocal talents of Alisa Kosmos, one of the America’s very finest Gospel and Soul singers.

Chef Yannick Alléno (who has no less than Three Michelin stars, we hasten to add) has created a bespoke menu, (all to be paired with wines from the Royal Mansour’s specialist cellar), including some incredible dishes such as  Osetra Caviar in jelly with watercress coulis, blue lobster from Oualidia with chermoula, and Qrichlat and hibiscus scented sorbet. Now that may not sound terribly family-friendly, but The Royal Mansour has some incredible facilities that keep both children and adults so you can have an incredible winter vacation with the children in tow, while also enjoying some time to yourself when seeing in the new year.

The RMM Jou Jou kid’s club is run by highly qualified nursery staff and, aside from having its own chill-out lounge for little ones, offers everything from games consoles to Arabic lessons, treasure hunts to a private children’s pool. The in-Riad babysitting services available make a date night this December 31st a real possibility, unless you want to see in 2013 all together, in which case you can enjoy silver service in-Riad delivery, all to be enjoyed by your fireplace.

Menu priced 10,000 MAD (£740) per person*

Selected wine pairing proposed at 5,000 MAD (£370) per person

Read more about The Royal Mansour.

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See other kodomo.com recommended places to stay in Marrakech.