A fair number of marriages these days are second marriages, so it comes as no surprise that there’s a rise in the ‘family-moon’. Holidays filled with enough culture and luxury for all the family, in child-friendly locations. We visited Goa recently and it ticked all the boxes for a perfect family-moon location.
It’s not the first destination on most people’s honeymoon list, but it’s quickly becoming more of a tourist destination thanks to the increase in popularity. Why? It’s hot all year round (though it does have its rainy season) and the fine, powdery beaches are enough to make you want to stay for good.
When to visit Goa for a family-moon
It’s coldest in December, following the rainy season, but still pleasantly warm and a comfortable temperature. Between December and March is the best time to go, with temperatures rising up into the 40c mark at its peak. Between June and September is the rainier months, but still warm. Plus, it’s much calmer during this period.
Where to stay in Goa for a family-moon
We would suggest starting in the North, it’s busier and tends to be where all tourists beeline towards but there’s plenty to see and do.
The Hard Rock Hotel is an oasis of calm from the hectic and bustling Goan streets, you’d almost forget you were there. It’s family friendly and westernised, so you can have your home comforts alongside authentic Goan experiences. Our particular highlights were the pleasantly affordable and completely enjoyable spa treatments. Plus, the frozen margaritas poolside were a bonus. Each meal has plenty of authentic Goan food and you’ll quickly get used to curry for breakfast.
For something more peaceful, move further south. The beaches are deserted and vast. The number of beach bars and restaurants drastically reduces but it makes for a more relaxing experience. The Kenilworth is a family-friendly hotel with huge open grounds, a crystal clear swimming pool, only a short stroll from the beach. It has a water slide for children and tennis courts too. You’ve. got the option of two restaurants to choose from in the hotel, though one of them is Italian. The other serves authentic Indian food, from which the tikka paneer and black dal was our favourite.
What to do in Goa during your family-moon
If there’s one thing the Indians know how to do right, it is yoga. Be sure to research and book yourself in for a relaxing yoga experience when you visit for a truly authentic experience.
Enjoy the beaches, they are easily the best bit. The water is warm, the beaches are clean and they are huge, you’ll be completely undisturbed. There are a number of places to do water sports, particularly in north Goa, plus the sea isn’t chock-full of boats so there’s plenty of room for extra activities.
Explore the flea markets. If you want to get the whole family matching hareem pants, here’s when to do it.
Where to eat in Goa during your family-moon
If you’re staying in the north of Goa, we would highly recommend A Reverie. It’s like a fine dining experience for less than £100 for two. It’s not all Indian food but it’s wonderful nonetheless. Once you’ve got your head around the bizarre food menu, you’ll be enjoying some amazing tapas dishes and fillet steak the size of your head. Here, it’s the wine that’s the kicker but you can enjoy some expertly made cocktails alongside your perfectly presented dinner.
When you’re down south, there are a few good options for great seafood. Mixed seafood platters of fresh lobster, crab and prawns the size of your head will set you back about £30 per person. You won’t regret it though, particularly if you’re visiting Zeebop by the sea (sunset dinners for that ultimate family-moon experience) and Martin’s Corner. Though with the latter, we’d recommend you check what nights are their karaoke nights, or you’ll be tucking into your lobster to a dodgy rendition of Wonderwall.
READ MORE:
-
The Most Instagrammable Honeymoon Locations in the World Revealed
-
Your Ultimate Honeymoon Packing Checklist
-
The Etiquette of the Honeymoon Registry
Want more wedding information and inspiration? Just hit ‘Like’ on our Wedding Ideas Facebook page, and ‘Follow’ on our @wimagazine Twitter account. To join in the conversation, share your stories here.
