He’s the one who took you to the doctor when you fell off your bike; and the one who taught you how to ride it in the first place. He hugged you tight whether or not you got As, and didn’t mind the mess in your room. He picked you up from your first dance party and opined that nobody was good enough for you. Through it all, you counted on him for the best advise and unwavering support. He will always be special, and gifts or words in praise will never be enough.
But there’s something you can do to bring a smile to his face. Surprise him with an unforgettable trip, a holiday of a lifetime. A vacation for the family, away from daily life, where you all can sit around in the evening, chatting up a storm or where he can relax and relive his youth playing with grown-up toys.
We have curated a handpicked list of vacation homes ideal for a Father’s Day getaway, or even just a trip to treat him to the one thing he values the most – quality time with family.
Bali
Nearby, also in the Umalas region, Villa Umah Daun sits overlooking some rice terraces. Indonesian for ‘leaf house’, Villa Umah Daun has five large bedroom suites, a series of pavilions and gorgeous bowed roofs. The living pavilions, containing the dining area and living room, curve around the swimming pool in a charming fashion. Dad will love the relaxed vibe, the villa’s modern design and family appeal. There’s also a treehouse, games room, kids’ wading pool and jacuzzi for unlimited fun. Best of all is the climate-controlled wine room; dad and mom can unwind with a glass of wine in hand, with the Sonos multi-zone sound system on for background score.
Lombok
If nature-rife unspoilt Lombok is more your beat, relax in the design masterpiece that is Villa Sapi. The architectural wonder, which looks like a giant see-through capsule, includes in its grounds a diving board, tennis court, board games, mountain bikes, kayaks and even table tennis.
Lombok often described as ‘the Bali of 40 years ago’, is private, secluded and rich with activities. Sire Beach Golf Club is next door to Villa Sapi and the nearby Gillis Islands are legendary for the abundance of marine life. If your dad likes to explore the cultural aspect of a place, a fabulous museum of Indonesian antiques sits across the golf club. You can also take cooking classes in the villa, great fun for the entire family.
Right in front of the clear blue ocean, The Anandita is a picture-perfect villa in Lombok to get away from it all. If your father is into sports, he can start with a swim in the 28m pool, followed by a game of volleyball on the lawns or go snorkelling nearby. Kayaks and bikes are available at the push of a button, and there’s an 18-hole championship golf course adjacent to the villa. The Anandita was built to be in harmony with the land it sits on, and that’s evident in what it contains. That includes four separate bedroom pavilions, a traditional bale, frangipani and bougainvillaea, all on land as far as the eye can see. And did we mention that you can enjoy bread and pastries which are baked fresh daily at the villa?
Phuket
In gorgeous Phuket, Malaiwana Villa M awaits if your happy-go-lucky dad likes to have a good time. Perfect for unwinding and relaxing, the villa boasts of an actual bar and DJ station, cool orange couches to liven up the feel of the entertainment area, and a billiard table framed by a large mural of Muhammad Ali. There’s also a fully equipped gym and a large pool. Astounding ocean views and large beanbags characterise the poolside, which is made for all-day fun. It’s a perfect villa for entertaining friends or having great fun with the family.
Villa Naam Sawan, also in Phuket, boasts of a large dining table to accommodate every single member of your extended family. In the outdoor lounge of the main floor, you’re graced with a pretty pond as large as a swimming pool. Downstairs, you can swim and entertain in style, right outside your spacious, luxurious bedrooms. An indoor entertainment area complements the Sonos WiFi-enabled sounds and Marshall boom boxes. Kayaks, paddleboards, table tennis and dartboards are also available for a truly fantastic time with the entire family.
Koh Samui
Finally, in Koh Samui, your dad will adore Praana Residence in Panacea Retreat, which includes its own boxing ring! 180-degree views of the mountains will leave you breathless and in awe. The villa offers a cinema room and – best of all – a nightclub, replete with the right lighting. This is a great option to have, even for the kids – if they get tired of playing in the playroom a few metres away. There is a tennis court, barbecue facilities, and an impressive gym for health buffs. A spa with steam room and sauna are especially popular in the villa after a long day of fitness and enjoyment.
Angthong Villa, on the other hand, is a beachfront villa that sits right in front of the sea and is sure to calm your soul. If dad wants to spend a day just lying on a hammock and listening to the waves, he can do so here. But walk a few metres and there is a large pool and accompanying pool house, as well as a billiards table to have some fun. The sound system inside the main living room extends outdoors. Bedrooms are spacious and ultra-comfortable. The little details are especially apparent in this villa: from the floor tiles in the bathroom to the décor in the shelves of the living room.
Your father always put your needs and wants ahead of his own. This Father’s Day, turn the tables and take him on a family vacation to make memories that you all will cherish for years to come.