Staycation with Infant at Mui wo's Silvermine Beach Resort (3 Mins Read)

As we got promoted from being couple to Family :)

Hello All,

After really long long time! Hold on! I have a valid reason for being away! I am not only globetrotter now but a MomGlobetrotter. Mother of sweetheart Kiaan who is going to be 10Months already! 

Thanks to many readers for their wishes in advance :) 

 Being son of globetrotter isn't easy but definitely fun, Kiaan says :p   

Our first journey with him began when he was 65 Days old only! That experience we shall keep for sometime else. For now, as Hong Kong relaxes its Draconian lock down measures, we decided to go on well deserved vacation even if it meant for 2 Days!

We love Staycations, as known from my earlier blog : https://globetrotterandbeyond.blogspot.com/2020/09/blog-post.html . This time around, we did our 2Days staycation at Silvermine Beach Resort, Mui wo in Lantau Island.

Beautiful scenic area near corridor rof resort

Mui Wo is located in southeast of Lantau island. It is ideal location with scenic hill and seashores around. There are plenty of cycling and hiking trails at Mui Wo. Its most beautiful highlight being Silvermine Beach with its fine sand and clear water is perfect for swim and sunbath. Silvermine beach resort which is just across the street of beach is perfect base to explore Mui Wo and enjoy its fun. Especially with infant it was convenient to be located at one place and explore many activities around just in two days!

With Kiaan who was just 9 month old then was our priority, our priorities and activities did change! So his priorities are our command :) 

Before we head towards all the fun part of this resort and Mui Wo, would like to mention about traveling with infant - what to do and why and how and blahh :)

How did we decide for staycation with infant?

Well, one fine beautiful evening we decided to go to beach with Kiaan and we realized that he loves to play in sand and beach toys are his favorite toys suddenly. So the bored 'Us' decided to try on staycation. (It was our first vacation after September 2019!) Hence why i call it well deserved one!

Beach Loving Baby - Discovered his love for sand at Upper Chueng sha beach!

P.s. Once you plan or staycation, its best to keep describing them about hotels and beaches and gardens. I have noticed they do remain calm when we keep saying things vs just giving them surprise.

How did we select location?

Since we knew now that our boy loves sand, we decided to try staycation near beach area. Also since we stay in Tung Chung, the proximity to Mui wo was ideal. We had kept in account that if he is not going to like the place then we may have to return home and hence the hotel should be not too far away from home.   

P.s. To begin with always be around their comfort level. If you have explored beach earlier then just go for beach vacation.

Activities to do with Infant at staycation?

There are plenty of things to do when you are near beach resorts. To begin with Mui Wo has lot of activities to do. Will list them at the end of blog. Specifically for children 

1. There is small but very very beautiful garden with couple of car toys, see saws and cycles.

2. Cycling: So  there is concept of family cycle! Though Kiaan didnt really enjoy too much as we think he was getting squeezed between both of us :p But when he was alone on family cycle, he did seem to enjoy a lot!

3. Swimming: We haven't explored this enough but we did try to introduce Kiaan to water at Beach and bath tubs and he seems to be enjoying. So soon in our upcoming staycation we will ensure to have lot of Swim time considering from May 5th, 22 all the pools would be open.

4. Beach Time: As mentioned, Kiaan loves his Sand time and this is top rated activity to do with infant. Buy a beautiful beach set, grab your mats, take few balls, ensure to keep some of their finger foods along and you are set to spend good hour or even two by the sea.

5. Walk by the local areas: We just took a small walk around the Mui wo area and he seemed to be really enjoy that time

P.s. I feel kids tend to be greatest observers, as much as we enjo new things, they do it too. Just dont be embarrassed if they are cranky at first. They need time to settle but once they like it, they are all set to party hard!

Summarising our Staycation experience!

How to travel with infant?

We tend to give Kiaan overall experience of traveling. So we prefer combination of Bus and Cab. Kiaan at 10 Months have experienced Flight, Train, Bus, and Cab experience. Infants are quite adaptive. They will explore with you best only if their certain schedules are honored well. One is food schedule and other most important is sleep schedule. 

P.s. I had read somewhere, all you want to try, try before they turn 1! So we always believe in this principle and don't give him only cab option.

What to do for their Food?

As Jain Vegetarians so we do not get much of option but we do manage and manage well thanks to existence of Rice Cooker! For Kiaan however, we carried simple food like Ragi Porridge Mix, Blueberries (His favorite), Kiwis, Vegetable soup and offcourse there is always backup of Milk until they turn 1. And for Day 2, we carried Cereals and fruits. It was very very simple to make cereals in rice cooker and thankfully he loves his cerelac (Home made) and Oats porridge. So his lunch schedule has always been my top priority especially while traveling. And it does keep them calm and less cranky.   

P.s. Food is their most comfort part.  no experiments here at all. If he likes blueberries and kiwis for snacks. Just stick to it!

Where do Kid's sleep?

Most of the hotels do provide Baby Crib/Cot. But again we do combination of Co-sleep and cot depending on Kiaan's mood.  

P.s. Kiaan has big time strangers anxiety, so for someone like him at very new place we let him co-sleep. Remember, Sleep and food schedule are their basic comfort not to be compromised at all! Overall, Kids would be really supportive and enjoy at their best if we are considerate about their little comforts.

Finally about :-

Silvermine Beach Resort:

Silvermine beach resort is sitting right on lap of nature. One can embrace the beautiful sea view in one side and mountain view on other. There are plenty of activities for couples and families alike of all genre. From Their beautiful Garden with Photo stops to SPA and playrooms and beach just by the side where one can explore kayaking, surfing and island hopping , this resort gives complete package of fun and frolic staycation. It has big restaurant but i cant comment much as we could not try anything here.

Food at resort: The rooms provide with black tea and ready to drink Nescafe packets but they do not have milk tea options! So if you are one who enjoys milk tea please carry for yourself tea, sugar and milk. Also the bottled water has to be bought by yourself or you can get empty bottles and there are water fountains on each floor from where you have to fill the water. 

For Food, there is a restaurant within resort ,but it does not have many vegetarian options. There is beautiful french cafe named Pause cafe just nearby which has few salad options one can try!

Activities Near Reosrt: There are many activities to do near Resort and especially in Mui. Many hikes, cycling tracks, kayaking, boating, Island hoping, just to name few. More detailed list is as below:

Place of interest near resort

 

Cycling and Jogging Tracks around resort

Hiking routes around the resort

 Best way to book resort: We are VIP members of Agoda so we got some good deals there. But if you prefer to book resort with breakfast option then its best to book from their website online. 

p.s. we are loyal to one booking website as much as possible. So, we get good deals on those websites.

Location of resort:

D.D.2 Lot 648, Silvermine Bay, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, Mui Wo Lantau Island 

Other ways to reach resort are: 

By Bus: Local buses are available to take you to and from Silvermine Beach Resort, Mui Wo. Between Tung Chung and Mui Wo: Bus Route 3M and take off at the stop Mui Wo Market. Duration is around 30 minutes.

By Lantau Taxi (Blue Cab): You can take Lantau Taxi from Hong Kong International Airport, AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tung Chung to our resort. Duration is around 25 – 30 minutes.

By Ferry: You could also take a ferry to reach Mui Wo easily from Central Piers no. 6 and enjoy an amazing voyage on the sea. Video of the routes: http://bit.ly/2DrEzmE

Ferry and Bus Schedule: http://bit.ly/2RG4109 

(Source: https://www.silvermineresort.com)

Overall, Silvermine beach resort is a beautiful place but its pretty old and one should not expect luxury here. Its bit outdated in terms of its room decor and feel. Please note, there are no elevators so if you are going with infants or old family member please call before hand and ensure that you get lower floor rooms. 

Towards the tail end, Lantau Island is blessed with vast green land and beautiful beaches. There are endless things to explore around Lantau. Just a synopsis of famous things are mapped in here by resort which is easy to reckon. 

 

 

Staycations :The best form of Short Vacations! (5 Mins Read)

Handcrafted by sweetheart friend Mansi Turakhia Gosavi!

Vacation which is short yet memorable, simple yet luxurious, cheap yet fun filled, nearby yet getaway – a very satisfying, smile brimming staycation time!!!

So, a dear family member raised a quick question, you guys stay alone in Hong Kong so what is the need to go some other place within Hong Kong and stay! That’s it! – Quick motivation for writing this small piece of note justifying the need for staycation!

We often travel for some defined reasons like business trip or family trip or honeymoon or couple trip or for the sake of some special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries or for people like me exploring new place – the hidden gems and getting the passport stamped with maximum countries or anything else..

All this travel generally requires a good amount of time, money and energy so that it turns out to be really special and memorable the way we all believe how it’s suppose to be. Yet many a times we end up in mess due to weather or forgetting few important documents or visa compliance or waiting for the right time or even budget constraints or any unforeseen reasons whatsoever. And off course many hurdles can be avoided by hiring professionals but lot of us still like to plan the travel our way. 

But, a quick therapy, long lasting enough to keep one boosted in the fast paced life is always welcome.So here comes a very smartly refined version of vacation, called staycation. Which works like quick heal.

After the first staycation that me and Jimit took back in 2014 at Marriott Renaissance in Mumbai for J’s birthday. We were delighted to figure way out of avoiding all troubles of Visa, currency, budget, itineraries, weather, location etc and rather just be around home and have 'We' time. 

There has been long thesis and anlysis written on Post Vacation Depression, one can google more on it. Anyone who has returned from a trip knows what Post Vacation Depression Is. The life out there is different, challenging, enthralling, there were many first time experiences and life-changing feel’s and then suddenly there is this idea of coming home and just sticking around to routine. And hence one needs staycation anyway post long vacation to beat the blues. The road is where we belong!!! 

Well, cutting it short! Vacation is must, but when long ones are not queuing up short vacations called, staycations make maximum sense and makes one feel completely rejuvenated.

Staycationing with gals gang is the most ideal way to rejuvenate and re-connect with self!

What to do when you go for Staycation?

• There is absolutely no fixed to-do list because remember, that staycation is all about “Me time”. It’s that time when one does things that are little but not possible in daily routine. 
• Like we love listening music, reading, playing cards, games, chatting hours over cup of tea, just lazing around in the pool, Jacuzzi is off course top priority,  cycling, gymming, massages, going for sauna, or just be in bath tub with some amazing bath bombs having quality “We time” and making some special efforts to build memory to smile forever at. 
• The to-do list for every one and every time is always going to be different. 
• With children you may want to spend time where there is no screen time just pure love and quality time listening to them and being with them without thinking about daily mundane.   
• The goal of staycation is coming back rejuvenated. So whatever makes one happy is ideal to-do list :)
  

How to select place for staycation?

• Again everyone has different preference, we prefer either booking the Hotel near beach or some mountain where we can head for some small trek, cycling or some city outskirts away from hustle and bustle of daily life. 
• For some in States and Canada, staycation also means just being at home and devoting all the time for doing what one loves to do. 
• Originally, the idea of staycation was coined in United States of America during financial crisis of 2007-2010 when an average family just couldn’t afford to spend on vacations later it also evolved in UK during 2009 when pound was depreciated greatly and holidaying internationally became crazy expensive. 
• However, the concept of holidaying within city outskirts started trending and we totally rejoice this concept every now and then with lot of thrill.

How to book for Staycation?

• We prefer to keep an eye on hotel deals especially five star hotel and whenever we get great deal, grab the opportunity to book it. Everyone has their specific budget, so keep looking where you fit in best :)
  
• I prefer using one portal so as to get maximum benefit from points earned from the website and also use same credit card to get the points that can be redeemed later for booking. There are many online portals like Agoda, Booking.com, Trivago, Expedia, Ctrip for hotel bookings in Hong Kong / China. 
• However I have been able to crack maximum deals through Makemytrip which is Indian travel portal and which generally has some of the best offers for hotels across the globe. 
• Also there are package deals and offers on websites so if you book from their official websites you may earn Rewards on cards as well.
  

How  do we select the Hotel:

• We prefer staying absolutely away from city life so New territories is obvious location preference in Hong Kong. Another preference is not so expensive yet high end property to get all the facilities we desire to enjoy. 
• We generally opt for standard room however if rooms are available, the front desk staff are courteous to upgrade room. 
• If you are booking for special occasion do mention it while booking, so they generally alos arrange for cakes and champagne. Sometimes its paid sometimes just complimentary. 
  

What about Jain/ Vegetarian / Vegan Food options while staycations?

• We prefer to carry our food given we are ‘Pure Jain Vegetarian’ so we can’t rate food of hotels much, 
• However many 5 star hotels have few good vegetarian options and 
• There are always convenience stores nearby which mean making sandwiches are easiest options. 
• Also, we prefer carrying few snacks not to forget theplas and samosas :p 
  

Some glimpses from our Staycations in Hong Kong and around Mumbai: 

Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel (5 Star Hotel)

• Address: So Kwun Wat, Castle Peak Road (Castle Peak Bay), 1號Castle Peak 黃金海岸 Gold Coast 1 號.
  
• Contact: +852 2452 8888

Gold Coast hotel is all about beautiful location, good plaza, nearby beach and excellent choice for families with children. They have special children specific designed rooms. their garden for children is excellent and offcourse beach just there is best way to spend time with your little ones. Visited in 2017

Pros: 

• This hotel is in outskirts of Hong Kong and all 450+ rooms has amazing views of Tolo harbour. 
• The standard rooms are also very spacious and lavish. Pool is excellent. The staff is friendly. Food is decent. (For Jain Food option, you have to rely on carrying your own stuff or there is Ebeneezers near the promenade).
• The Beach is just 2 mins walk from hotel infact its sort of Beach Resort. 
• The Gold coast plaza which is 5 mins walk from this hotel is absolutely stunning with colorful buildings and range of shops and restaurants. 
• For us, 1 N 2D stay felt definitely less since there is so much to enjoy just around the vicinity. 
• Its not hole in the pocket 5 star. Really very reasonable. 
  

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Shatin (5 Star Hotel)

• Address: 18 Chak Cheung St, Ma Liu Shui
• Contact: +852 3723 1234

Hyatt Shatin is just convenient to reach, excellent views, cycling is best option when you stay here and must enjoy massage and jacuzzi here. May not have too many options for children though. Visited - Oct 2017

Pros:

• Shatin is in new territories but very well connected. 
• This hotel is just 5 mins walk from MTR. Rooms are big and beautiful, loved the bath tub setup here. Pool is excellent and Jacuzzi is exactly what you need. 
• Spa was pretty and Gym was excellent.Jacuzzi is the key highlight! 
• We just couldn’t drag ourselves out of this small little wonder. Sauna and Melo spa are very scenic and beautiful too!
•  For children they even have small designated camp area. Not to miss is the convenience in location.
•  Its just a 2 minute walk away from MTR – University station. And there is 7Eleven just nearby. 
• Some odd weekends are super budget friendly deals
  

Some of the Hotels are in our Must Visit list in Hong Kong:

• Warwich Hostel - For Beach side location on Chueng Chau Beach 
  
• Hotel W - For absolute luxury
• KerryHotel - For serene harbour views and absolutely amazing infinity pool
• Auberge - For Beach location and excellent food to enjoy around plaza
  
• Some Hostel in Sai Kung - Havent looked it up there. except 'The Pier Hotel' but its super expensive. Yea we can go camping too but its not our thing still probably!
• I found this website to be good reference - SassyhongKongStaycation Guide
• Also, Macau and Shenzhen are nearest from HongKong for a good 1 or 2 nights staycation though right now de to Covid situation, that is not option. 
  

Some glimpses from our Staycations around Mumbai:

Renaissance, Powai

• Address: #2 & 3B, near Chinmayanand Ashram, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400087, India
• Contact: +91 22 6692 7777 

We had lovely time celebrating birthday. But highly dissapointed with rooms and service. Visited Oct 2014

 Pros:  

• Its luxurious five star hotel in Mumbai. 
• We had great time enjoying the ambience of hotel and lazying in pool. 
• Food in Italian restaurant named Frateeli Fresh is amazing. And Lake view cafe buffett is great but they take endless time in making Jain food despite our booking and lettting them know our preferences before hand.
  

Cons:  

• We had bought the one year membership for Renaissance for J's birthday and it turned out to be not a very great experience. Simple things like Cake, dinner, etc included in membership wasn't very pleasantly taken care of. 
• We had taken membership wherein we can book room anytime in the year and despite that had some date issues and while we got the room a date after actually we wanted they gave us some not so appropriate room where rugs were not too clean and there were stains in bathroom and bath tub. 
• So, dont go just by name. Over a period we have learned that its very important to know the year of establishment of hotel. Because sometimes the bigger brands does not mean best.    

Dukes Retreat, Khandala

• Address: Old Mumbai - Pune Hwy, Khandala, Lonavla, Maharashtra 410301, India 
• Contact: +91 22 4333 2000

Dukes Retreat is my most favourite, just around mumbai place to be at! Visited: Dec2017

Pros: 

•  Its the one place on planet Earth near home in Mumbai that i can keep coming to. 
• I just love the vibe of this place. It feels perfect. The rooms are underneath the ground level. The lobby is littterally on 3rd floor and rooms below it. 
• And all the rooms have perfect mountain views and especially in rainy season you can endlessly watch the water flows from your room balcony. It s wonderful architecture. 
• Their pool is extraordinary fun and food is quite expensive but has amazing spread. Breakfast buffett is so hearty that you may skip your lunch after it. 
• The games room, the lounge area, the library. Everything about this place is poetic, meditative and extra ordinary.
•  As if all this is not enough there was live music at open restaurant near pool at night. the gentleman on guitar was amazing playing Arijit singh songs :)
•  I have been here twice and both the times only fell more in love with it. 
  

Cons: 

• We got done really exorbitantly priced Thai massage here and it was just average for the price paid. the rooms were strictly OK and it wasn't well staffed.     
  

Rivergate Resort, Karjat

• Address: At Post Kadav, Taluk Karjat, Dist. Raigad, Kalamboli, Maharashtra 410201, India
• contact: +91 95271 29700

Its a perfect place for couple, friends, families all alike. Visited in 2013

 Pros:  

• Point blank just go for it especially with kids this place can be ultra fun. Pool is amazing,
•  Food spread both Vegetarian and Jain are extra ordinary. 
• Location is in midst of nature, cottages are lovely and there is small walk away a beautiful river front which is must visit. 
• With games room and discotheque to coziness of cottages, this place is must visit. And offcourse the drive from Mumbai to Karjat is treat to eyes in itself. Its not difficult to reach even by train.
  

Courtyard by Mariott, Andheri

• Address: Cts 215, Andheri - Kurla Rd, opposite Carnival Cinemas, Andheri East, Mumbai,
• Contact: +91 22 6136 9999  

Really! You want photos here too ? what happens in bachelor paties stays there :p 

Pros:  

• We had booked this in India for friends bachelor party and didnt regret at all. 
• It had things we wanted. Food was decent and room size is good enough.
• Four of us could easily tuck in 2 twin beds. Breakfast was great range.
•  Its more of business hotel but we still enjoyed our space and had great memories.  

Well, if budget is issue, There is a concept of Day pass in Five Star hotels in most of countries that you can buy of any particular luxury hotel and you can use for spending time in thier pool / jacuzzi, gym, restaurant, etc. Inclusions differ from hotel to hotel.  

In Covid times, if staycation feels too risky - one can always take a car ride to far away place and put up the tents and spend some great time in lap of nature with home cooked meals. 

In HK, we just be home and have 'We' time by not doing absolutely any household chores and just watch beautiful sun rises and sun sets from harbour which are walk away. Either have quick sandwiches for lunch / dinner or order from most trusted source, we order a tiffin meal and just relax with binge watching netflix :)

Or Just Take your tents, head to the beach and enjoy some barbeque food!

#BeSafe #BeHealthy #EnsureSafety   

 Do drop in suggestions for your best experience on staycations and we can pick some points and places from your experiences.