He’s the one who took you to the doctor when you fell off your bike; and the one who taught you how to ride it in the first place. He hugged you tight whether or not you got As, and didn’t mind the mess in your room. He picked you up from your first dance party and opined that nobody was good enough for you. Through it all, you counted on him for the best advice and unwavering support. He will always be special, and gifts or words of praise will never be enough.

But there’s something you can do to bring a smile to his face. Surprise him with an unforgettable trip, a holiday of a lifetime. A vacation for the family, away from daily life, where you all can sit around in the evening, chatting up a storm or where he can relax and relive his youth playing with grown-up toys.

We have curated a handpicked list of vacation homes ideal for a Father’s Day getaway, or even just a trip to treat him to the one thing he values the most – quality time with family.

Bali

Nearby, in the Umalas region, Villa Umah Daun sits overlooking some rice terraces. Indonesian for ‘leaf house’, Villa Umah Daun has five large bedroom suites, a series of pavilions and gorgeous bowed roofs. The living pavilions, containing the dining area and living room, curve around the swimming pool in a charming fashion. Dad will love the relaxed vibe, the villa’s modern design and family appeal. There’s also a treehouse, games room, kids’ wading pool and jacuzzi for unlimited fun. Best of all is the climate-controlled wine room; Dad and Mum can unwind with a glass of wine in hand, with the Sonos multi-zone sound system on for background score.

Lombok

If nature-rife unspoilt Lombok is more your beat, relax in the design masterpiece that is Villa Sapi. The architectural wonder, which looks like a giant see-through capsule, includes in its grounds a diving board, tennis court, board games, mountain bikes, kayaks and even table tennis.

Lombok often described as ‘the Bali of 40 years ago’, is private, secluded and rich with activities. Sire Beach Golf Club is next door to Villa Sapi and the nearby Gili Islands are legendary for the abundance of marine life. If your dad likes to explore the cultural aspect of a place,  a fabulous museum of Indonesian antiques sits across the golf club. You can also take cooking classes in the villa, great fun for the entire family.

Right in front of the clear blue ocean, The Anandita is a picture-perfect villa in Lombok to get away from it all. If your father is into sports, he can start with a swim in the 28m pool, followed by a game of volleyball on the lawns or go snorkelling nearby. Kayaks and bikes are available at the push of a button, and there’s an 18-hole championship golf course adjacent to the villa. The Anandita was built to be in harmony with the land it sits on, and that’s evident in what it contains. That includes four separate bedroom pavilions, a traditional bale, frangipani and bougainvillaea, all on land as far as the eye can see. And did we mention that you can enjoy bread and pastries which are baked fresh daily at the villa?

Phuket

In gorgeous Phuket, Malaiwana Villa M awaits if your happy-go-lucky dad likes to have a good time. Perfect for unwinding and relaxing, the villa boasts of an actual bar and DJ station, cool orange couches to liven up the feel of the entertainment area, and a billiard table framed by a large mural of Muhammad Ali. There’s also a fully equipped gym and a large pool. Astounding ocean views and large beanbags characterise the poolside, which is made for all-day fun. It’s a perfect villa for entertaining friends or having great fun with the family.

Villa Naam Sawan, also in Phuket, boasts of a large dining table to accommodate every single member of your extended family. In the outdoor lounge of the main floor, you’re graced with a pretty pond as large as a swimming pool. Downstairs, you can swim and entertain in style, right outside your spacious, luxurious bedrooms. An indoor entertainment area complements the Sonos WiFi-enabled sounds and Marshall boom boxes. Kayaks, paddleboards, table tennis and dartboards are also available for a truly fantastic time with the entire family.

Your father always put your needs and wants ahead of his own. This Father’s Day, turn the tables and take him on a family vacation to make memories that you all will cherish for years to come.