Travel With Teens (Before They Rush Off to Uni)

So, it’s almost that time of year when students reluctantly return to university and a whole new batch of fresh-faced, unknowingly unworldly teens are dropped into the mix. This also means there are a few parents seeing the symptoms of empty nest syndrome lurking on the horizon. It’s okay – it’s totally natural, and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. For all those anxious to spend time with their chicks before they fly the coop, we’ve put together a list of pre-university luxury getaways. After all, this might possibly be the most hygienic accommodation they’ll set foot in for the next few years…

For the teen that can’t cook: Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort

It’s that classic dilemma: your child will enthusiastically hoover up anything on their plate, but couldn’t actually cook if their life depended on it. For the first year student that needs to learn a few tricks and turns in the kitchen, we bring you Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort. Head to the onsite Blue Fire Cooking School, where guests can book a private cooking lesson. Expert Thai chefs will personally escort you around the herb and vegetable garden, before learning to prepare your choice of two delicious Thai dishes. It wouldn’t be fair if you couldn’t reap the spoils after the class, either – sit down and enjoy your authentic salad, fishcakes, soup, curry or stir-fry. Goodbye Supernoodles, hello Masterchef.

Cooking lessons at Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort

For the teen that won’t sit still: Sani Beach Resort, Greece

For the actively inclined, Sani Beach Resort in Halkidiki, Greece, is a total dream. Teen travellers will have every opportunity to get some ultra-enviable adventure experiences under their belts before term starts. Join one of many sports academies at Sani Resort, from water-skiing and scuba diving, to tennis and mountain biking. You really get the best of the Greek landscape, with golden beaches fringed by fragrant pine forests, just begging to be explored. Those feeling intrepid can even advance their altitude, taking to the forest canopy for an exhilarating zipline adventure at Sani Adventure Park. Your teens will sail through freshers’ week feeling like an activity expert.

Zip-lining at Sani Beach Resort

For the budding rock star: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

We get it – you’re going to miss your teen when they embark on their new adventure. On the other hand, you are 100% willing to admit you’re looking forward to seeing the drum kit go and reclaiming the spare room. If this is you, head to the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. Here, novice rockers can reserve a Fender guitar, floor amplifier, and headphones for their suite with in-room video lessons if they’re not yet ready to freestyle it out. Alternatively, they can hit the Jammit Recording Studio, join the Jam Band, spin some decks with cutting edge DJ tools, or even star in their very own music video. Even better, you can hide out in the spa whilst this is all going on (we can’t all be Jimi Hendrix, after all).

Getting the star treatment at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

For Instagram addicts and bonus bragging rights: Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai

If your teenager is in need of a dose of sunshine before they shut themselves off in the library for three years or simply become nocturnal, Dubai is a fantastic place to go. We recommend Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, which is a brand spanking new addition to the hospitality offering in this coastal Middle Eastern city.  Selfie obsessives beware: the temptation to top up the ‘gram before freshers’ week will be huge. Photo opportunities include: epic meals at celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay’s onsite restaurant; live sports, concerts, at comedians at the Rotunda entertainment venue; and views from the top of the world’s largest observation wheel. Once you’ve beaten your fear of heights, a degree will seem like no biggie.

The world’s largest observation wheel at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai