Now more than ever families are conscious of making sustainable travel choices, especially when it comes to family vacations, which is why Somerset – a sustainable and family-friendly hospitality brand – is such a breath of fresh air.
The Somerset Kids’ Sustainability Passport
Somerset is a celebration of harmony within individuals, with loved ones and in the environment. Championing sustainability and inclusivity, the hospitality brand firmly believes that the green travel movement is something everyone can be part of, and is leading the way in everything from innovative eco-designs to the practice of bringing nature indoors, even at the heart of the busiest cities.
With a global network of properties in more than 60 cities worldwide, families can contribute positively to the environment and local communities when they stay at Somerset properties. Wherever your next family vacation takes you, enjoy quality time with your children and start fostering in them an understanding of sustainable travel, as well as a greater sense of social responsibility and mindfulness.
This November, Somerset introduced the Somerset Sustainability Passport Programme in support of Ascott CARES. The programme invites all guests to make sustainable choices and take part in a range of eco-friendly activities, wellness programmes and community initiatives during their stay, and goes on to generously reward guests with discounts and perks when they do.
Somerset Pattaya in Thailand
How sustainable thinking makes for harmonious hotels
- Somerset Guardians are the custodians of harmony and happiness at Somerset properties. Unlike ordinary hotel staff, they’re fully invested in helping families make the most of their stay and paying attention to the little details, which means you can relax and enjoy your holiday.
- One of the first things you notice about Somerset properties are the Lobby Wall Features, which are nature-inspired centrepieces that will set the tone for your stay and welcome you into the warm, friendly and caring Somerset world.
- Themed Family Suites make hotel stays fun for kids, give you as much space as you need – perfect for multi-generational family vacations – and create a cosy, home-from-home mood which is really important, especially for younger children.
- Eco Play Areas decked out in biophilic elements and powered by happiness, kids will have a great time and learn more about the ways of sustainability too.
- Grown ups can be just as responsible at Somerset’s Eco Gyms, which are either energy-saving or allow you to generate power as you exercise.
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- Good sustainable travel choice for pets too
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- Sustainable travel is fun for kids with Somerset
Which sustainable stay is the right choice for your family
By choosing to stay at any Somerset hotel you’re already making a good sustainable travel decision, but which hotel will you love best of all? Here are nine we think you should look at more closely, to start with.
Pool with pirate themed waterpark, Somerset Pattaya in Thailand
Somerset Pattaya, Thailand
It’s not going too far to describe Somerset Pattaya as the best of all worlds: a beach hotel on the south west coast of Thailand that’s just minutes from dynamic Pattaya City. However, we know kids will be a lot more impressed by the fabulous waterpark with its own fun pirate ship, not to mention the infinity pool that overlooks the ocean and green spaces to run around and play.
In fact freedom is a bit of a theme at Somerset Pattaya where even pets are welcome and the clean, nautical-style interior design is a constant reminder that you’ve escaped the every day, so just kick-back and make the most of family time.
3-bedroom unit at Somerset Future Center Wuhan in China
Somerset Future Center Wuhan, China
Once kids hear about the indoor Kids’ Play Area at Somerset Future Center Wuhan you can pretty much forget persuading them to stay anywhere else in the city.
On the plus side of that, a choice of everything from studios to three-bedroom units makes the hotel just as perfect for parents as children. In fact, the sheer size and choice of accommodation here means even parents of parents might like to join. You won’t be surprised to find that Somerset Future Center Wuhan is very popular for multi-generational family getaways.
Somerset Baitang Suzhou, a sustainable travel choice in China
Somerset Baitang Suzhou, China
Suzhou is known for its interplay of old and new; gleaming contemporary buildings balanced with traditional architecture, peaceful gardens woven around busy urban neighbourhoods. It’s an exciting city to visit as a family and Somerset Baitang Suzhou makes an ideal base for a break here. Right in the heart of the business district, it couldn’t be better placed for exploring. Then, when you want to escape the crowds, it’s perfect for that too.
Large, outdoor spaces are natural eco-play areas for kids. You’ll be astonished by the remarkable lobby wall where high, wooden bookshelves act as a trellis for planting. Organic options are a feature of the restaurant menus. And when it comes to finding your own space, the hotel’s Tatami Themed Suites are beautifully designed to create a sense of comfort and home for you and your children.
Family Themed Suite, Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok in Thailand
Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok, Thailand
When you’re planning a break in Bangkok with younger kids, we can’t over emphasise how important it is to find a calm space to balance the city’s bustle. Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok could have been created with exactly that in mind.
Its Family Themed suites are furnished to delight children (and parents too). Floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby look out over a garden for you to enjoy a natural respite from the city. And if you want to restore your sense of harmony completely, take a yoga session or spend time at the rooftop herb garden: harmony means different things to different people. Even eating in the hotel restaurant resets your sense of well-being with a focus on wholesome dishes, fresh local produce and sustainably sourced meat and seafood.
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- Salcedo Makati Philippines, sustainable travel in action
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- Fresh basil from Salcedo Makati gardens, Philippines
Somerset Central Salcedo Makati, Philippines
It’s Cubby galore at Somerset Central Salcedo Makati! The sustainability mascot can be found everywhere at the property; which even features Cubby-themed suites with details like play tepees and activity kits. In addition to being a kids haven, pets are particularly welcome here too, and have everything from their own furniture to toys and treats.
Also, you can’t miss the sense that this is an excellent eco-choice; as your kids will be helping to grow plants when you head to Green Thumb corner. Cultivate culinary herbs or create plant-based meals during your stay for a wholesome experience. Plus, regular activities and workshops here allow all guests to develop a greater understanding of the Somerset sustainable travel philosophy, and how it’s put into practice worldwide.
A fun sustainable travel choice, Somerset Feliz Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam
Somerset Feliz Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tucked into the exclusive Thu Duc district, Somerset Feliz Ho Chi Minh City is a wonderful breathing space for families exploring the fascinating Ho Chi Minh City.
Feel free to enjoy endless urban adventures with your kids knowing that whenever you want to relax, your spacious family apartment is ready and waiting. And escapism comes with plenty of engaging eco-activities for children from paint and paper-craft workshops to inspired adventures in upcycling.
Rooftop pool, Somerset Central Bundang, Seoul in South Korea
Somerset Central Bundang, Seoul, South Korea
A big part of Seoul’s appeal is its frenetic, non-stop, night and day activity. But sometimes even the most energetic family needs to step back, take a breath and regroup. That’s why Somerset Central Bundang in the heart of Gyeonggi-do makes such a good base for city breaks.
Children will be particularly taken with the rooftop pool here, as it has another pool just for them, and parents can enjoy the panoramic city views. Plus, it’s another great sustainable travel choice for larger families thanks to its wide choice of different room sizes and layouts.
Penthouse suite at Somerset Maslak Istanbul in Turkey
Somerset Maslak Istanbul, Turkey
Strategically located in one of Istanbul’s main leisure districts, Somerset Maslak Istanbul is in the centre of all the fun and action, surrounded by a wide range of entertainment and cultural attractions. If your children would like to stay in for the day – head over to the Kids’ Play Area and enjoy some quality bonding time. The property also provides Cubby colouring mats and a range of other child-friendly programmes and local experiences, as part of the Somerset Sustainability Passport Programme.
All the units at Somerset Maslak Istanbul come with spacious living spaces and a fully equipped kitchen. As the winner of Turkey’s best serviced apartments for four years running, you can rest assured that a stay at Somerset Maslak Istanbul will definitely be one of your best sustainable travel choices.
Make a sustainable travel choice in Europe at Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna
Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna, Austria
Vienna may be a place that is known for its artistic culture and elegant architecture, but the Austrian capital is also an exceptionally welcoming city to visit as a family, and we are never surprised when it regularly tops the list of world’s best places to live.
Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna sits close to the centre of everything, from incredible museums and palaces to historic coffee houses and legendary shopping streets that are within easy reach. The property has just opened this year and is currently the only Somerset property in Europe, making it the ideal base for multi-generational family vacations. Kids will particularly like the fun playroom, as well as the friendly local neighbourhood.
Find out more about Somerset and book your next family vacation here
Somerset is part of The Ascott Limited, a hospitality company that has presence across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries. Ascott CARES, which is The Ascott Limited’s sustainability programme, is centred around the five pillars of Community, Alliance, Respect, Environment and Supply Chain. Exemplified through Somerset, these sustainability initiatives are part of the wider Ascott CARES commitment to embark on a collaborative journey together with guests.