The TomCat Family's Luxury Escape

[blackcat20]

It's been a long time between Luxury Escapes and I need a distraction so I'm starting this thread super early. No sneaky baby announcements this time, but we do now have the two kids instead of just one

This trip has been quite the saga. It started as a 2020 booking at The Westin Hapuna Beach which would have been an amazing vacation with an 18 month old Miss TomCat. We had reward flights on HA, it was going to be a dream trip. But we all know what happened in 2020 Because of the closures and restrictions, I was able to get the package refunded (some back to gift cards and the rest to my credit card). We started feeling hopeful, and booked the SAii Lagoon Maldives for 2021. That was also an amazing package; 8 nights in a beach front family room for under $4k. When it became clear that Covid wasn't going anywhere, we pulled the pin on that as well.

Late 2021, things started looking up and we booked a trip to the US last year (with 3 reward F seats on QF an amazing score). And we went ahead and locked in another package with our LE credit. The Kalima Resort and Villas Khao Lak. I had actually looked at this resort in 2019 but fortunately had not made a booking given the events of the last two years. So its fitting that it will be where we get our Luxury on once more.

 

[blackcat20]

This is the package for anyone interested. It isn't a beach front resort but sits on an inlet and the beach is easily reached on foot. We've booked a two bedroom family suite, which gives us plenty of space for the two TomCats, because no one wants to share a room with toddlers (the downfall of many LE deals). The other perks are a Kids club and a kids water park. Its no St Regis, but looks perfectly suitable for a quiet family vacation.

Now for flights. Master TomCat is now two, which of course means he needs a seat. Fortunately we held onto our VA points when everyone else was panicking and cashing them in for JB vouchers, so we have used them for SQ J all the way from Melbourne to coughet and back. Four seats! It will be interesting to see how Mr 2 copes with his own seat, he certainly didn't entertain the idea of sitting still when we flew F last year.

 

[blackcat20]

We're not off to a great start. We depart at the end of next week, and are supposed to have an included transfer from the airport to the hotel. Contacted the hotel and they said LE organises it. Contacted LE and they said the transfer company would be in touch. Nothing. Contacted LE again yesterday and they said they would chase it up.
At what point do we just organise our own transfer?

 

[blackcat20]

Finally have our transfer confirmation after being given a different phone number to call. Then they called again this morning to check that we were all set.

One week to go! In usual blackcat style, I have already started packing Kids are all packed and ready to go.

 

[love_the_life]

Finally have our transfer confirmation after being given a different phone number to call. Then they called again this morning to check that we were all set.

One week to go! In usual blackcat style, I have already started packing Kids are all packed and ready to go.

And the good TV? Has he started packing too?

 

[VPS]

And the good TV? Has he started packing too?

It's not less than 12 hours before the flight yet is it?

 

[blackcat20]

And the good TV? Has he started packing too?

He's under strict instructions that he is not allowed to leave it until the day we leave, given he has work

 

[blackcat20]

Meanwhile I've booked a lovely private day tour for the four of us, including a visit to James Bond island. Private because less chance of the kids annoying other people

 

[Hvr]

He's under strict instructions that he is not allowed to leave it until the day we leave, given he has work

Seems like you should pack for him given he's working.

 

[blackcat20]

Seems like you should pack for him given he's working.

As am I

 

[VPS]

As am I

and aren't you working as well?

 

[blackcat20]

and aren't you working as well?

Yes, both at work and my own business. Which is why I get organised early.

 

[VPS]

Yes, both at work and my own business. Which is why I get organised early.

actually I just realised I misread your comment but good luck anyway

 

[blackcat20]

T-1.
We're packed, we're checked in. SIN arrivals cards completed. Just need to make it through the work day.

 

[Denali]

T-1.
We're packed, we're checked in. SIN arrivals cards completed. Just need to make it through the work day.

BC current workplace situation.......

 

[blackcat20]

BC current workplace situation.......

Annoyingly I'm in the office today, twitching to go home but can't.

 

[blackcat20]

And we're off! A good run to the airport and a smooth transfer from the offsite carpark.
Check in was done at a staffed counter, then straight through security. Short queue at emigration because we use the family line, then straight into the lounge.

Offerings are hit and miss. Food is decent, good soft drink options for the kids but no proper champagne. Eyyore made do with a G&T.

 

[tgh]

"Bon Voyage" …. hope y'all have a great time

 

[Pushka]

Have a wonderful trip! Nothing better than a relaxing swim time with the kidlets.

 

[love_the_life]

Have a fabulous trip - very envious here in cold CBR.