Citizen Enfants talks to mum-of-two Lydia Forte, Group Director of Food and Beverage at Rocco Forte Hotels, about home life, travel, working for an iconic family business and her advice for mothers. Here she tells us how she does it.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
We have two children, a girl and a boy – Aliai is one and a half and a headstrong toddler and Johnny is a curious four year old, in his second year of nursery. We live in central London with our miniature poodle, Aksu. My husband is of Greek origin and my family is Italian so we try to speak all three languages at home, though our kids sound very English! We both work in our respective family businesses.
What’s the the best holiday you’ve taken with your children?
This year we went to Cape Town for the New Year. It’s such a convenient destination with children from London, with an overnight 12 hour flight and no time difference. We rented a beautiful house in Constantia on a wine estate, with a fantastic restaurant next door. Constantia is sort of the suburbia of Cape Town so we lived in an alternate reality with lots of fun children’s things to do in the area, beautiful hikes up Table Mountain and plenty of glorious sunshine.
Which hotels or destinations have you found are the best for travelling with kids?
Every year we go to Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel, on the South West Coast of Sicily. It’s amazing for kids because of all the facilities, the kid’s club, football academy, swimming pools and generally being child-friendly in that way that is part of the Italian DNA. B when you’re there there’s never a sense of being constantly surrounded by other guests or their children. It manages to somehow be peaceful for adults!
The longest trip you have taken with your children is…
London to the Maldives with two children (9 months and 3 years old) … it was surprisingly ok. We made it there.. and back!
Travel essentials with kids?
Snacks, nappies, wet wipes, iPad with children’s headphones (if they’re old enough it’s the best thing to keep as a treat for travelling) and patience. Generally, less is more – there is nothing worse than heavy bags full of toys to lug around when all kids want to do is walk up and down the aeroplane aisle for 12 hours anyway.
How do you think travel benefits your children?
Generally being exposed to different routines, new activities, people and spaces makes them more flexible and open-minded. Of course it’s also a great introduction for young children to learn about the world, that other places, nationalities, types of people, ecosystems and landscapes exist. But they also interact in a different, positive way when we’re not so stuck in our own routines. I always find that very young children learn new things extra fast on holiday.
Favourite holiday memories?
As children on holidays with my grandparents and extended family at a family-owned hotel – Penina in the Algarve. I always remember they had a giant chess set, a lobster tank in the restaurant and a super-high diving board in the swimming pool. These were the things that mattered back then!
Your go-to travel brands for yourself and your children?
The YOYO pram that you can take straight to the aeroplane and fit in the overhead. Izipizi sunglasses in a variety of colours for the kids. Cybex also has great children’s equipment but I tend to leave that at home as it’s generally bulkier. If anyone has found a chemical-free, children’s sunscreen that actually works, let me know! I just found out from a resourceful friend about a child monitor app Baby Monitor that’s phone to phone – you leave one mobile in the room and take one with you, and can keep an eye on your sleeping children without having to pack cameras and baby monitors.
Favourite hotel with or without kids?
Villa Igiea in Palermo (with or without). Villa Feltrinelli on Lago di Garda (without).
What’s your carry-on bag and what’s in it?
Kindle, passports, keys, phone, air pods, phone charger. Something small and light with a cross body strap for hands-free. When I’m travelling without children, I use a carry-on Tumi suitcase with a laptop and overnight clothes.
Dream destination you would love to visit as a family?
Japan – I hear it’s very kid friendly and I am desperate to go.
Something for the weekend?
We go to the countryside to my parents’ house. We’re lucky it’s very close to London and it’s always nice to have an extra pair of helping hands and lots of space to let young children out and allow them to roam.
Top tips for London with kids?
In London, all or any of the amazing museums – Tate Modern has a fantastic children’s bookshop and the Turbine Hall is great for running around. I also love the National Army Museum for kids who love aeroplanes and tanks and vehicles generally (both mine do) – they also have a great soft play area.
How do you document your family’s travel memories?
On Instagram.
A day to yourself – what are you doing?
Reading, exercising, drinking cocktails with friends, shopping, theatre/ballet/art exhibition. So many things!
Heading ‘out out’. Where is your favourite spot?
Out out, I mostly do on holiday – Greek island nightclubs with bad music and sweaty dancing, but so much fun.
The best advice you would give to other mothers?
Your way is a good way. I personally like fun and focused quality time, but not all the time with my children. I believe in lots of love and affection and curiosity and confidence building, within some solid rules. I think happy, curious, confident children are generally kind children and have better resilience to achieve their goals in life.
These three items help you juggle everything.
My husband, the amazing women who work in our house (nanny, housekeeper) and WhatsApp.
How do you do it?
Lots of help and support – both paid and family. And luckily I can be flexible with working hours – start late and finish late or vice versa. Some days at work are extra long, some days are shorter so I can get that hour with my daughter in the morning or drop off my son at nursery. Some ‘me’ time for my sanity and as much sleep as possible – no exhausted parent is their best version of a parent.
What’s next for you?
Maybe one more child? The jury’s still out on that. Definitely no more dogs. More career building. More ‘giving back’ – I support the work of an amazing, local children’s charity called West London Zone. All, one step at a time.
Any Questions or Tips to add?