The Resorts Raising Young Citizens of the World

Nature inspired playground at Elements of Byron

For decades, family holidays have been synonymous with kids' clubs, water slides and keeping little ones entertained while parents unwind. But today’s travellers are looking for something more meaningful: holidays that spark curiosity, encourage exploration and create shared “core memories” that stay with children long after they've returned home.

This philosophy sits at the heart of Slojourn Studio's collection of luxury resorts. Championing slow, meaningful travel, Slojourn represents properties where the environment, culture and community take centre stage, turning family holidays into immersive journeys that expand young perspectives and create a deeper connection to the places they visit.

From learning about coral restoration in Cambodia and spotting native birdlife in Australia to weaving fishing nets with Vietnamese locals and exploring the fragile ecosystems of the Maldives, these are the holidays where nature becomes the playground, culture becomes the classroom and every shared adventure broadens a child's mind.

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia | Reconnecting Families Through the Natural World

At Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago, there is no traditional four-wall kids' club. Instead, the resort believes the most meaningful childhood memories are created when families explore, learn and reconnect together.

Children are encouraged to join many of the same nature-based experiences as their parents, such as mangrove kayaking and guided snorkelling with marine biologists from the Song Saa Foundation or discovering Cambodia's unique flora and insects alongside the resort's resident botanist. Hands-on coral restoration workshops at the Foundation's Discovery Centre introduce young guests to marine conservation; while snorkelling the island's vibrant house reef offers an unforgettable glimpse beneath the surface.

Family treasure hunts, nature trails and the search for hidden message-in-a-bottle prizes encourage teamwork, imagination and outdoor adventure, while kid’s yoga, specialised spa activities for little guests, and the opportunity to witness glowing bioluminescent plankton after dark ensure every day offers a new discovery. By replacing structured childcare with shared experiences, Song Saa encourages children to develop a lifelong respect of the environment, their families and the people and places they encounter.

Marine conservation workshops at Song Saa Private Island

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives | Island Life as the Ultimate Classroom

Just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, Gili Lankanfushi makes family travel remarkably easy while proving that the best holidays are those experienced together. Spacious Family Villas and multi-bedroom Residences provide room for every generation to relax, while the resort's Gili Family Time offer includes complimentary accommodation, dining and speedboat transfers for up to two children under 12.

Instead of sending children off to separate activities, families are encouraged to surf, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, cycle and explore the island side by side. Younger guests can deepen their understanding of Maldivian culture through language lessons and handicraft workshops, while marine biology sessions, sustainability experiences and hands-on coral conservation programs introduce them to the delicate ecosystems surrounding the island. From harvesting produce in the resort's organic gardens and learning to cook local-inspired treats to gathering beneath the stars for movies at the Jungle Cinema, every moment is designed to nurture curiosity, confidence and connection.

Outdoor cinema at Gili Lankanfushi

Daios Cove, Crete | Discovering the Story of Crete

Perched on a private cove on Crete's northeast coast, Daios Cove encourages families to venture beyond the resort and discover the historically rich island together. Its ‘Around the Cove’ program brings the landscape, past and culture of Crete to life through day trips and shared adventures, from hiking through the island's dramatic mountain scenery to exploring its ancient civilisations.

Families can step back in time at the Palace of Knossos, where the remains of the Minoan civilisation offer a glimpse into the daily life of Europe's first civilisation, or take a ferry from Plaka to the historic island of Spinalonga before exploring the fishing village and surrounding Mirabello Bay. Other excursions venture into traditional Cretan villages and the Lassithi Plateau, home to more than 200 historic windmills and the site of dwarf hippopotamus fossils, while water-based activities introduce families to the marine environment surrounding the resort. At Thalassokosmos, Crete's aquarium, children can discover Mediterranean marine life through immersive tanks featuring turtles and colourful reef fish.

Back at the resort, younger guests can take part in evening stargazing sessions, combining space-themed games, creative activities and teamwork with an introduction to the night sky. For families looking to spend more time together, Daios Cove also offers a Family Villa Offer and Kids Stay Free, making it possible to build a longer stay around exploring the island together.

Palace of Knossos tour from Daios Cove

Zannier Bãi San Hô, Vietnam | Raising Conscious Citizens of the World

Along Vietnam's pristine south-central coastline, Zannier Bãi San Hô transforms family holidays into opportunities for cultural discovery. Children are invited to step into local life by weaving bamboo fishing nets, learning traditional fishing techniques alongside local fishermen and exploring the coral bay in front of the resort aboard a traditional basket boat, gaining a firsthand appreciation of marine biodiversity and coastal communities. Cooking classes at the onsite Vietnamese restaurant, Bà Hai, introduce regional ingredients and culinary traditions, while leaf and seashell mandala workshops encourage creativity, mindfulness and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Adventure continues with kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling and e-foil surfboarding, while a planned petting zoo will further connect children with the region's eco-diversity. Together, these experiences foster empathy, cultural awareness and confidence, helping children return home with a richer understanding of the destination, its people and life beyond their normal paradigm.

Vietnamese cooking class at Zannier Bai San Ho

Elements of Byron, Australia | Wonder Begins in the Wild

Set within 50 acres of rainforest, wetlands and beachfront, Elements of Byron invites families to trade screens for the real world. Children can collect a bird-spotting map from reception and follow the resort's newly introduced Bird Trail, discovering native species at their own pace, or join guided rainforest walks with in-house naturalist Alastair Oakman, whose expert insights bring the surrounding ecosystem to life. The whimsical Fairy Trail encourages younger guests to use their imagination while exploring the resort's lush landscapes, turning every walk into an adventure. At Elements of Byron, the landscape itself becomes a teacher, inspiring children to slow down, explore their natural surroundings and develop a deeper understanding of Australia’s unique wildlife and natural environment.

As family travel continues to evolve, these resorts are proving that the greatest gift a holiday can offer isn't simply time away, but the opportunity for families to learn, explore and grow together. The most memorable souvenirs aren't the ones packed into a suitcase, but the confidence, new-found knowledge and perspective children carry home with them – qualities that help shape not only the next generation of travellers, but the next generation of thoughtful citizens of the world.

Fairy Trail at Elements of Byron