With international travel slowly returning, you may be planning a last-minute escape. We round up the best family friendly holiday destinations.
Well, it’s safe to say this year has certainly been a little different. For many of us, plans travel abroad have been up in the air (and not in a good way) as the world reacts and adjusts to the Coronavirus pandemic. But with international travel slowly getting back up and running (albeit with quarantine restrictions and social distancing) we though it was about time to round up some family holiday destinations.
On top of everything else going on, choosing a destination to suit the whole family can be a tricky task. Not only have you got to think about the best ways to travel with kids, but you also need to consider how you’ll keep the little ones entertained while you’re away. Do you opt for a secluded villa somewhere in the sun, an all-inclusive hotel kitted out with kids clubs galore, or an adventure-packed holiday for the whole family to enjoy?
Whether its summer sun or a winter trip to the alps, our ultimate guide to family friendly destinations will have you covered for the year ahead.
Luxury Summer Family Holiday Destinations
The summer holidays are here, and while they’re not quite what we expected them to be this year, there’s still time to squeeze in a last-minute family escape. We’ve selected a few of our favourite family-friendly destinations for some last minute holiday inspiration.
Hôtel Métropole, Monte Carlo
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is the ideal family holiday destination for a post-lockdown retreat. Perfectly located in the Carré d’Or, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the glamorous Belle Époque style property, combines luxury, glamour and practicality.
In the light of the pandemic, the hotel has adapted to ensure families feel comfortable and safe. The entire top floor of the hotel, with six communicating suites – including the magnificent Suite Carré d’Or Penthouse Suite (240 square metre) – can be privatised to provide security and space away from other guests. Moreover, a private butler service will be assigned to help throughout your stay, as well as helicopter transfers available to and from the airport.
Similarly, families also now have the option of a ‘Family Suite,’ consisting of a Deluxe Junior Suite for parents and an adjoining Deluxe room, specifically designed for children, allowing families that much needed quality time. Fun amenities and surprises available for children upon arrival.
Book your stay at Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo here.
Hard Rock Hotel, Maldives
The Hard Rock Hotel is inspired by local Maldivian culture and infused with contemporary design features. It is perfect for fans of music and entertainment as the hotel holds ‘The Sound of Your Stay’ music program, which offers a complimentary use of Fender guitars and Crosley record players. However, for those of you in search of serenity, the Hard Rock Hotel offers a spa as well as a kids club, which includes aerial arts classes, circus camp, Brazilian jiujitsu, beachfront sports competitions and so much more. On-site food and beverage options include a pool bar, Pan-Latin cuisine at The Elephant and The Butterfly, and the Hard Rock Cafe itself.
Prices at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives start from £350++ per night inclusive of breakfast for two persons
Book your stay in the Maldives.
Blue Palace, Crete
A five-star hotel created with family in mind, Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is situated on the breath-taking Elounda coastline, on the island of Crete.
Taking full advantage of its unique setting, the hotel offers a multitude of water sports that the Kid’s Club has full access to and a beachfront spa. We also recommend trying out one of the unforgettable family experiences on offer such as such as sailing on the resort’s private Greek caique boat on the crystal clear Aegean and investigating coves around the island.
The hotel also caters for families who would prefer to enjoy the privacy and tranquillity of the beautiful cretan resort and is now offering an all-inclusive, private villa experience, including the option of in-room dining, private beach access, plus an elite service crew, on call, to assist throughout your stay. A holiday haven for all the family.
Book your stay at Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa here.
SAii Lagoon, Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton
The luxurious hotel features 198 guest rooms, beachfront and overwater villas with a modern yet artisanal touch. The journey at SAii Lagoon begins as guests are able to hand-select their own bathroom amenities on arrival at the on-site Aroma Lab. Fresh and exotic dining experiences are available at the Cafe del Mar to enjoy daily gourmet breakfasts, seafood feasts at Miss Olive Oyl, Thai-inspired snacks at Mr Tomyam, as well as artisanal coffees at bean/Co Cafe & Bakery. For little ones, the resort offers tailored mini-bathrobes, in-room toy surprises, cosy pyjamas, matching sleeping caps and more.
Prices at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton start from £276++ per night inclusive of breakfast for two persons
Book your stay at SAii Lagoon Maldives
La Reserve, Saint-Jean-de-Luz
A picture perfect family resort, La Réserve, owned by luxury Groupe Floirat, sits overlooking the beautiful Basque coastline, in the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Only a stone’s throw away from the Bay, the hotel offers easy access to the beach, whilst also providing a beautifully set, infinity pool looking out over the ocean, so families can enjoy the panoramic view from the comfort of the hotel.
Besides swimming, the hotel offers family activities such as tennis, ping-pong and seven acres of lawn to run around in. To wind down in the evening, the hotel welcomes families to dine at the two hotel restaurants; Illura, which offers an idyllic view of the Atlantic and the Elaïa Lounge, which allows families to enjoy a light and savoury menu.
Apartments and Studios within La Résidence are separate to the main building and equipped with kitchenettes and private terraces or balconies – a perfect way to accommodate families looking for a little more privacy.
Book your stay at La Reserve here.
Family-Friendly Hotels With The Best Kids Clubs
Terre Blanche, Provence
Just 30 minutes from Cannes and 45 minutes from Nice air port, Terre Blanche is nestled in the Provence hills with stunning panoramic views. Spanning 750 acres, the hotel – a Leading Hotel of the World – is designed to emulate a Provençal village and provides the perfect setting for a family friendly holiday.
Terre Blanche has a Kids Club, where they can zip line through the trees, splash in the water park and participate in a laser quest. Best of all, there is also Pitchoun, a supervised children-only restaurant.
For adults, there is a private wine cellar, central infinity pool, plus a multi award-winning spa and two 18-hole championship golf courses- ideal for mum and dad, who, perhaps, deserve a little peace and quiet after the last few months
Book your stay at Terre Blanche here.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
Tiny travellers can make a splash in the resorts 200m infinity pool, the largest in the Maldives, before heading to the resorts Kids’ Club – Majaa, Toddler’s Play Garden or Teen Town, where they can enjoy an array of thrill-seeking activities, from kayaking the lagoon, Thai boxing classes, jet-skiing or cycling sandy walkways, to embarking on cultural tours of local communities and taking part in authentic Maldivian cooking classes. Those looking to get creative can even try their hand at coconut painting, jewellery making, or crafting custom-made dreamcatchers under the watchful eye of the resort’s resident artist, at the Fairmont Maldives very own Art Studio.
Book your stay at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
This summer the kids club at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay will host its very first Posidonia themed mini party – the latest addition to Ibiza Bay’s signature schedule of iconic island parties. Previous parties include themes such as Flower Power, White, Mermaid and Pirate day parties.
Truly encompassing the island’s surroundings, baby bohos will learn all about the environment through Balearic crafts lessons using repurposed material from the beach. Children can make their very own body scrub with local ingredients including Ibizan salt, olive oil and lavender picked from the hotel’s herb plants as well as homemade playdough using Ibizan salt and flour. A never-ending selection of activities, children can also become Ibiza’s next big DJ or follow in the footsteps of Nobu himself and become a culinary mastermind in the kitchen with sustainable sushi making classes.
Book your stay at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf Resort & Spa
When they’re not making a splash in the pool, children and their families can enjoy an array of unique, cultural experiences run by the Children’s Club. Step’s from their expansive Family Suite, children can join the resort’s Chef in the specially-adapted kitchen and learn to prepare a range of Thai specialities, from punchy Pad Thai to creamy coconut chicken soup. To fully immerse themselves in Thai culture, children can take part in traditional Thai dance classes or learn how to speak the local language, before learning how to make braided bracelets and handmade mosaics. For the older children, sail out to deserted local islands, learn the fundamentals of sailing and snorkel with tropical fish on the picturesque Hong Island, just 20 minutes from the resort by private boat.
Book your stay at Sofitel Phokeethra Golf Resort & Spa
Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites
Recently launching the all-new Rixy Kids Club- the club features everything from waterslides to sushi-making, as well as the first Children’s Amphitheatre in the UAE, a Sports Academy and a Rixinema. The Rixinema lies within the club’s Junior Town, a children’s movie theatre streaming popular animated films, with colourful beanbags for a comfortable screening experience. The Club’s Junior Town hosts the ultimate fun environment. With plenty of activities, each and every child’s interests are catered for. Ranging from art, science, vibrant waterslides and splash zone in the outdoor shaded pool. Parents with children under four years of age are welcome to recharge at Toddler Town’s Baby Chamber- an air-conditioned changing room where mothers can freshen up and feed their babies in privacy.
Book your stay at Rixos The Palm Dubai
The Elysium, Cyprus
Inspired by the Byzantine Era, the hotel incorporates an elegant palatial design with cultural references, reflecting Cyprus’ rich history. Guests at the Elysium can also enjoy a broad range of facilities and activities that they have to offer. Ranging from various cultural performances at the Orpheus Amphitheatre to tennis and personal training on the hotel’s floodlit court and state-of-the-art gym. Mini-travellers are also welcomed by the Angel’s Kids Club, catering to children of ages three to twelve years old. The facility is offered on a complimentary basis to family guests from April to October- perfect timing for those of you who want to enjoy their summer holiday. For relaxation, look no further than the Opium Health Spa, a safe and luxuriating haven. The spa offers a range of treatments from facials and massages to holistic therapy. It is the ultimate place to visit for a therapeutic time out.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An is the perfect place to whisk the family away to with a staggering array of cultural activities on offer combined with a stellar Chuon Chuon (“Dragonfly’”) Kids’ Club. Chuon Chuonis open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with groups lead by experienced, English-speaking staff and so children from 4-12 can join in with all the fun at any time. The Club’s standalone building and enclosed grounds encompass a “mini-resort” of maximum fun, with its own pool, multiple indoor and outdoor play areas. At the club, children are able to learn new skills such as learning how to roll rice paper at The Nam Hai Junior Cooking Academy; learn how to sail a basket boat; ride a water buffalo or try casting traditional fishing nets alongside a visit to The Heart of the Earth Spa, where they can have a number of treatments including a Whispering Earth Sound Immersion and Earthlight Crystal Massage.
There is a range of lunch choices at the Club to keep everyone happy including delicious, cold, homemade ice cream to beat the heat.
Book your stay at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Eco-Friendly Family Holiday Destinations
Forte Village Resort, Sardinia
With more than two million plants populating its vibrant 116-acre park, this tropical paradise has made a mission out of preserving and enhancing the environment – so much so, only bikes and electric vehicles are permitted. Start your day with a lazy breakfast of mouthwatering sliced meats, warm bread and pastries. Followed by a trip to the spa for a cleansing sea-mud body wrap or honey and salt massage. Later, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, or bask in the tranquility of the hotel’s three spectacular pools.
Check out more eco-friendly family holiday destinations here.
Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi
The Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia offers an hour-long kids-only Mangroves and Eagles Safari, taking little explorers into the heart of Langkawi’s UNESCO-endorsed GeoPark. Aboard a floating classroom, kids will be taken on an educational eco-experience to explore the expansive mangrove forests. Here they’ll see hundreds of mischievous macaque monkeys, fish that walk and colourful tree-climbing crabs. Your little ones can then become cooking masters with the Resort’s Junior Masterchef Cooking Classes. The Resort also offers a private dinner offering under the stars on their villa patio, toasting marshmallows around the bonfire
Book your stay at the Four Seasons Langkawi here.
Best Family Ski Holidays
While it may seem as though the long cold winter has finally disappeared and temperatures are rising with summer is on its way, there’s still time to squeeze in a trip to the slopes. Here’s our pick of the best family skiing destinations.
Avoriaz, France
Award winning destination, Avoriaz is a haven for families who love to ski, and has been welcoming and teaching children to its “Children Village” since 1975. It offers free ski passes to children under the age of 5 and has quality facilities such as the “Kids Parkway” specially designed for children.
Book your stay in Avoriaz here.
Mayrhofen-Ahorn, Austria
Loved by families of all ages, this world famous Austrian ski resort is home to slopes of 130km high. Perfect for children with activities ranging from birds of prey shows to trekking along the Ahrom Sinnespfad Trail.
Book your family holiday in Mayrhofen-Ahorn here.
Aspen Snowmass, North America
This Colorado resort is full of charm, with four mountains ranging from 2,473m to 3,813m, accessible via a free shuttle bus. Under-sevens go free when it comes to lift passes, so you can glide across acres of glistening snow en famille or pack the little ones off to get stuck into ski school.
Book your stay in Aspen Snowmass here.
St Moritz, Switzerland
Out of the five ski areas in St Mortiz, Corviglia is probably the best suited to families thanks to its abundance of blue runs. There’s also a number of hotel with ski-in/ski-out options, plus a snow park where mini freestylers can put their skills to the test. Under-sixes go free.
Book your stay in St Mortiz here.
Read More:
- Fun Days out for all the Family to Enjoy
- Travel: Postcard from Neev Spencer
- Top tips for Travelling with Children
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