Get into the Holiday Spirit with these 7 tips
December is around the corner, and whether we like it or not, the holiday season has begun. As eventful as the last months have been, it’s still hard to believe that we’re nearing the end of year. In times of hardship, having something to look forward to can help us foster a sense of wonder. This year, the holidays will be an opportunity to be thankful for the friends, family, and people that are able to join us in celebration this year. While some of them may not be physically present with us, their company—however it comes—and the memories of past good times may be able to help us spark a sense of optimism for the near future and its possibilities.
Gifts and decorations aside, there are dozens of things you can easily do to start getting into a festive mood. Curating a Christmas hits playlist, putting together DIY decorations, or recreating your favourite seasonal recipes can go a long way to spark the festive spirit in you. Here are some easy ways to get into the holiday spirit!
1. Create a Christmas playlist
Start cranking up Mariah Carey and get ready to tap into the holiday spirit dormant in you. There’s no better way to get festive than gathering the best Christmas songs into a playlist. Share it with friends or keep it to yourself, but whatever you do make sure to turn up the holiday tunes and dance the end of the year away!
2. Decorate your space!
Start tuning your office space with some holiday cheer. It’s also a great time to start decorating your house. Getting ornaments and putting them up in your space early on helps us create a visual cue that the season for joy is already here. Make it a family activity. Put up a Christmas tree, or ask your kids or siblings to create their own DIY decorations.
3. Get in touch with someone you haven’t connected with in awhile
With everything that’s been going on this year, you shouldn’t feel guilty if you have been keeping to yourself. Sometimes it’s hard to take the time to talk with the people you care about, so there’s no better time than now to get in touch with them. Give them a call, invite them for a video chat, or even send them a letter. The festivities are a great time to reconnect with your loved ones.
4. Recreate traditional holiday recipes
It’s never too late to start getting ready for dinner gatherings. Dust off your family’s recipe book or google holiday recipes and treat yourself to those festive treats you adore. Recreating the recipes we’re fond of is just as fun as discovering new recipes, especially when we share them with the people around us. Get your family to decide what they’d like to make or bake for the approaching holidays.
5. Organize a festive book club
Make some hot chocolate, put on your warmest blanket, and start reading. This time of year, you’ll find that there are many wonderful books that have a festive theme. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend time with yourself, but it’s also a great activity that you can share with your friends or family. Start a book club that will spark the best part of the season!
6. DIY your way into the holidays
Apart from decoration ideas, there are a lot of DIY projects that can spark the festive spirit! From handmade greeting cards, self-care products, homemade recipes to fuzzy socks, the possibilities are endless.
7. Festive movie marathon!
Cozy up and put on your warmest pajamas for the most festive movie marathon of the year. This is the perfect occasion to take a break from the day-to-day routine and have a fun evening with your family. Get them to vote for their holiday favourites, be it movies or TV episodes, and tune in with warm drinks and sweet snacks.
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Get more for less this holiday season. Serviced apartments offer all the functionality of a hotel and all the benefits, but with your own kitchen, bedroom, and living area, you will be able to have more flexibility over your day. Fancy cooking something homemade, or watching TV whilst the kids are in bed? You can do all that in the comfort of a serviced apartment. Enjoy 35% discounted monthly rates.
1BDRM @ USD 1,200
2 BDRM @ USD 1,600
3 BDRM @ USD 2,200
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How to keep the kids entertained at home this holiday season
So the kids are home and off school for a while and you’re completely out of ideas on how to keep them busy. No need to worry, there are plenty of top tips and tricks for keeping the kids busy, giving you time to get on with work or simply enjoy some downtime and TLC for yourself.
A daily schedule
Plan out their days to kick out boredom during the holidays. Ask your kids to make a ‘to do’ list of activities they enjoy, because who knows, they may have thought of something you haven’t.
A Treasure hunt
A treasure hunt of random objects is likely to keep the little ones excited and occupied. If they happen to find all of the treasure in record time, move the treasure hunt to outside the house in the garden. This will also give them some fresh air and a way to let out some of their energy.
Baking
You can never have enough cookies and cakes to eat. Especially when the kids can decorate them however they want. Make enough cookie dough to last a year (or a week!) A Bake-off between siblings could work well, as double the number of treats and a way to keeps them busy for longer!
Hide and Seek
For social distancing, playing hide and seek in the little nooks and corners of the house is a great way to encourage the kids to keep moving but to stay distant at the same time.
Board games
Even though phone apps are the new ‘board game’ nothing will ever beat the rush of excitement you get while playing a game of ‘Guess Who’ You could even make your own Monopoly! Not many people have unlimited board games lying around, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still play one. Look up the rules on the internet and make your own Monopoly. You can even model it on your city with your street and house in it.
Puzzles
We can all remember that time we couldn’t complete a jigsaw puzzle. Which means now is the perfect time to try again, this time getting the kids involved too!
Outside drawing
With a few chalk pieces (that can wash off!) a few hours will disappear as the kids can draw on the walls outside as much as they want while getting some fresh air too.
Fashion show
Putting on a fashion show for the family
Make a play
Why not create a play? You can either make one yourself or find one on the internet for the kids to learn.
Start a home garden
With so much time at home, growing and caring for some little plants is a great way to encourage the kids to stay positive! Take progress shots too so you can see how much the flowers have grown.
Arts and crafts table
Keeping the glue and glitter contained to one table will make it easy to clean up but the kids can still go crazy beforehand. Keep the mess to a minimum on one table.
Cleaning
Boring as it may sound for the kids, it’s an easy activity to turn into a game and get them excited about the tasks – it also helps you out a little bit.
The Sticky Game
Hide post-it notes around the house with hidden letters and numbers on, so when they come into the kitchen the original number or sentence is there and they have to figure out what it says or what the correct sum is.
Paper aeroplanes
Having paper aeroplane races is a great way to get the kids moving. Whether they’re inside or outside, it’s fun for all ages.
A home cinema
With the popcorn and everything, let the children set it up and even get them to surprise you with which movie they’ve picked. Will it be a comedy? Romance? Oh, or even action?
Painting
Planting is a great way to busy the kids, so why not paint a flower pot that you can grow your home garden in?
Table Ping Pong
With bats ready, you can set up a net of the kitchen table and let the kids have a mini tournament.
Mini golf course
Inside or outside, why not turn your home into a golf course for the day? You can even see how crazy you can make the holes for the kids!
Educational apps
As important as it is to limit the children’s’ screen time, there are many educational apps out there to help keep their brains thinking (and it doesn’t hurt that it’s also a good distraction)!
Fun things Families Can do inside a serviced apartment
With all the space, flexibility and privacy guests are provided with when staying in a serviced apartment, it’s a good idea to make good use of it whilst enjoying a break away. If a rainy day occurs on your trip, or you just fancy utilizing the space you have, the options of activities for all the family to enjoy in your serviced apartment are endless. Here are our top pick suggestions of fun things to do inside on your next family trip away.
Games night
A family favourite, a games night is always a fun and easy way to bring a bit of variety to your evenings. Arrive at your holiday accommodation equipped with your favourite card and board games, then get into teams and unleash your competitive side with the ultimate games night competition. Whether you’re more of a Monopoly or Chess person, get ready for a fun filled evening which will release your inner child.
Didn’t pack board games? Don’t panic, a virtual games night is just as fun! This is a great option to catch up with family whilst away and with many virtual games available for you to play and compete against each other, the fun is endless! With serviced apartments offering Wi-Fi and spacious living spaces, forget about irritating buffering and get set for an action-packed night.
Spa day
On a hot day in Nairobi, there is no better option than a spa day. A self-care day is filled with fun things to do inside and is definitely on the cards whilst away, and will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed before returning home.
Carry your Bluetooth speakers, create a serene atmosphere by shuffling a themed playlist, pour yourself a glass of wine or lemon water, put on one of your favourite face masks and relax in an oasis of calmness.
Cooking competition
A brilliant way to add a bit of variety to your nights whilst a way, having a cooking competition is a great example of fun things to do inside and cuts down on eating out costs. Depending on how many adults there are, select the nights you want each person to cook and let them choose a specific theme for their food and entertainment. Some examples of themes include a taco night, traditional and Indian infusion.
The fully equipped kitchens which come with a serviced apartment are a great excuse to carry out these fun things to do and will (hopefully) keep your cooking on schedule. So, get your oven gloves and scoring cards at the ready and prepare your taste buds for some exciting flavours.
Indoor treasure hunt
Engaging the children whilst doubling as one of the activities for all the family to get involved in, an indoor scavenger hunt is a great example of one of the many fun things to do inside. Online, there are many suggestions of clues and riddles to use or for a more personal touch, come up with some of your own.
Our serviced apartments provide ample space, with others also offering an outdoor area for your family to enjoy. There are many places for you to hide your clues and chocolate treasures throughout your apartment such as in the living areas and multiple bedrooms; get ready for an action packed day as you take part in these fun things to do at home.
Bake Off Competition
A tempting option for those who have a sweet tooth, the best thing about having a Bake Off competition is that you have lots of tasty treats at the end! Each round involves activities for all the family as everyone can get involved in this fun-fuelled competition. Make use of the spacious, fully equipped kitchen in your serviced apartment to bake a selection of mouth-watering goodies for everyone to indulge and judge.
Themed movie night
A movie night is the perfect example of a simple yet effective fun thing to do inside whilst away. Make use of the spacious living areas and large TV and create your very own theatre room complete with all your favourite cinema snacks.
To put a twist on the classic movie night, why not make it themed? Pre-plan before going away what theme you want, and get everyone to dress up accordingly; this makes it a fun activity for all the family! Get creative and have fun with it, whilst creating memories in your serviced apartment that you will cherish forever.
Why Serviced Apartment Hotels make Ideal Family Holidays
When you are planning a holiday getaway with your family, what do you think of? Do you think of cramming your whole family into one room, the stress of getting everyone out to a restaurant three times a day, and bland sterile hotel rooms? Or do you think of a stress-free space to relax, quality family time, and a comfortable home away from home?
When it comes to a relaxing getaway with the family, standard hotel rooms just don’t cut it. No matter what, everyone eventually drives each other mad. You may end up more stressed out than you were before the trip. You may not be able to value your time together as a family. The solution: give serviced apartments hotels a try!
Serviced apartment hotels are becoming more and more common among families on holiday in, and with good reason. Even compared to B&Bs and Airbnbs, serviced apartments have the advantage. They are often more centralised in the city centre and offer more dynamic living spaces without compromising privacy. They also offer better security, reputable quality and incomparable hotel perks that you can’t miss out on. With a serviced apartment, you can have it all!
We know you’re busy, but planning your next holiday doesn’t have to be a huge job. We’ve compiled this list of 8 key reasons why serviced apartments are ideal for your family:
1. Flexibility
While on holiday, you and your family may not appreciate having to get up early for the hotel restaurant’s breakfast or waiting for lunch service to begin. Every family operates on their own schedule, and it’s not easy to get your family to adjust to a new schedule. Trying to everyone out at a non-routine time can make the holiday feel like anything but. Lucky for you, serviced apartments come with a fully-equipped kitchen to make meals a breeze.
We all know how stressful the restaurant experience can be with the whole family, especially with picky eaters and small children. To avoid the chaos, the best option might simply be to eat in. Get something easy to prepare or make your family’s favourite meal. You’ll save yourselves the trouble of getting the kids ready to eat out, every single day, three times a day. And when you do decide to eat out, it will be a much more exciting and rewarding experience for all!
With your own kitchen at hand, meals will undoubtedly be cheaper, easier and healthier. What’s better is you can have them when and how your family wants, according to your own routine.
2. Independence
Most importantly, serviced apartments give you independence. Not only independence with meal options and schedules, but personal space. While you’re on holiday and hope to spend quality time with your family, spending every waking minute together is bound to drive some of you mad. A serviced apartment generally offers 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom options, offering parents, young kids and teenagers the space they need to unwind and rest up after a long day out and about.
What this means is better quality time together as a family when you’re ready for it. Serviced apartments also include social areas for everyone to gather and truly appreciate being together.
3. Home Away from Home
A serviced apartment offers so much more than a place to stay — it offers luxury, comfort and personality. Most serviced apartments include top-line appliances, including fully-equipped kitchen and living areas. These unique perks make your holiday more special with delicious home-cooked meals, unforgettable family movie or game nights, and personalised amenities to let you truly relax. Browse through the serviced apartment offerings at your destination, as many include unique luxuries like a Jacuzzi, private terrace or state-of-the-art entertainment systems!
Serviced apartments prioritise comfort. Imagine trying to be comfortable in a hotel room with your whole family crowded around one bed and one small television screen. Now, imagine everyone gathered around a large Smart TV, comfortably spread out on the sofa, ready to watch the latest James Bond film a bowl of fresh popped popcorn. Everyone can finally relax after a long day of sight-seeing. This would be impossible in a hotel, but a serviced apartment has your comfort guaranteed!
Tasteful personality is also a given in a serviced apartment. Hotels generally look the same after a while: the same starched white linen, bland coloured duvets, and dull inoffensive drawings of flowers or landscapes. A serviced apartment, on the other hand, is generally decorated in a unique, intentional style with plenty of personal touches. You’ll often find apartments with tasteful artwork and inspiring decor, making you feel immediately at home in this new place. In no time, you’ll feel immersed and relaxed in your new home away from home.
4. Location
Serviced apartments are often found in larger cities, making them the ideal city getaway. They offer the perfect compromise between small downtown hotel rooms and more spacious hotels in the suburbs. Imagine living in the heart of Nairobi for a week, with all of the convenience and independence of your own flat. Step out and you’re a minute’s walk from the high street, the best museums and the trendiest shops and restaurants. A serviced apartment in the city centre is the ideal option with all the advantages and convenience of being downtown without compromising your family’s comfort. Now where you go is up to you!
5. Peace of Mind
Do you get bored living out of a suitcase after a day or two? Does it drive you mad when you can’t seem to find anything in the tiny hotel room? For those who get peace of mind with organisation, a serviced apartment is perfect for you! Everyone has a room for their own things and you’ll find a place for everything. Since serviced apartments include private bedrooms, a kitchen and living room, you’ll be at ease knowing where your things are.
The serviced apartment layout also makes it easier for your family to keep their routine. With separate bedrooms, early risers won’t bother those who value a good lie in, ensuring everyone is in a better mood to start the day!
6. Bang for your Buck
A serviced apartment is a fantastic option if your family holiday needs to be budget-friendly. Whether it’s beating the cost of multiple downtown hotel rooms or a suburban hotel (plus cab/metro rides), serviced apartments are a guaranteed better value. Multiple hotel rooms and transportation costs quickly add up, while a serviced apartment in a central location avoids those extraneous expenses.
Another bonus is the money you’ll save on restaurant tabs with a kitchen on site. Not only will dining out when you decide to be a luxurious experience, but you might be able to splurge a bit on a special meal or two!
7. Safety and Trust
Have you ever walked into your Airbnb rental to find that the bed is too small, the kitchen ill-equipped or something not working properly? You never know what you’ll get with Airbnb, and it could be hours or days before the host can come by to fix an issue. If you’re staying in the centre of a busy city like Bangkok, you’ll also want a place you can trust and feel safe.
At a serviced apartment, you know you’re getting a quality space from a reputable host. If there are any issues, reception is just moments away to help sort out any problems. You also know your apartment and belongings are safe in a secure building with a front desk, whereas at an Airbnb you’ll be at the mercy of whatever security the host happens to have. Something else you usually won’t know until you arrive!
8. Hotel Perks
Best of all, you have all of the perks of staying in a luxury hotel at your serviced apartment. Most serviced apartments boast a reception, regular cleaning service, and a restaurant and/or bar on site in case you want a quick drink or easy bite. There’s nothing more relaxing and stress free while on holiday than having someone to help keep the apartment in order or calling reception to immediately resolve any issues. You are, after all, on holiday. The last thing you need is to spend all day cleaning the apartment or trying to fix a broken air conditioner!
Are you now convinced to book a serviced apartment for your family’s next getaway? There are truly endless advantages to serviced apartments for families of any type and size. Ready For Travel Special Offer!
1BDRM @ USD 1,200
2 BDRM @ USD 1,600
3 BDRM @ USD 2,200
Book online >>
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