The Easter holidays are a great time to indulge in some spring-time family fun.
So if you haven’t yet booked a family trip, it’s time to get planning. Whether you are looking for a stylish staycation, a relaxing European holiday or a far flung adventure, here are some fantastic family-friendly hotels to inspire your Easter getaway with the kids.
The Mitre, Hampton Court
If you’re not planning a big getaway this Easter but want to break up the school holidays with a staycation that’s hassle free, then speak to the people at The Mitre. On the scenic banks of the River Thames and moments from Hampton Court Palace, this is a great option for families who want a few days away or those coming from further afield who are looking for a great base from which to explore the Capital, without staying in the Centre of London. Packed with character, this stylish gem has fantastic family rooms complete with bunk beds and an excellent kids menu so children can eat alongside their parents in their top-notch restaurant. On your doorstep, you’ll find the aforementioned residence of Henry VIII, which offers a great day out for all ages with its gardens, world-renowned maze and outstanding children’s playground. Or how about a river cruise up the Thames, then back to the Mitre for afternoon tea on the deck and a relaxing family evening playing games and watching movies in their super-comfy rooms.
Carbis Bay Hotel, Cornwall
If the coastline is calling you this Spring then the Carbis Bay in Cornwall is the place to book. Positively bursting with family-friendly offerings, this five-star hotel boasts not only a breathtaking location, but also a wonderful approach to little guests with a dedicated kids club team and a host of activities both on the beach and indoors (in case of rainy days) that will keep youngsters happy for hours. Stay in one of the extremely well appointed Carbis Valley cottages or opt for a luxury beach lodge which has a garden with a hot tub and direct access to the sand. Eating is very much a family affair at the hotel’s four restaurants or opt for a delicious beach take away if the sun is shining. Babysitting is available and the concierge team are on hand to plan everything from surf lessons to days out in the beautiful Cornish countryside.
Rockliffe Hall, County Durham
Active families will love Rockliffe Hall on the County Durham-North Yorkshire border. With all-weather tennis courts, swimming pools, a golf academy for young, aspiring golfers and complimentary bike hire with which to explore the 375 acre estate, no-one is getting bored here. Little ones will make a beeline for the fun adventure playground and skittles on the lawn, while mum and dad can chill out in the five-star spa or tee-off on the championship course. There are huge family rooms or luxe self-catering options, and you’ll find children’s robes, slippers and bubble and dream toiletries waiting for tiny guests .
Anassa, Cyprus
It’s been a long, cold winter so if you’re desperate for some proper warmth, jet off to sun-sure Cyprus where the average temperature is 22 degrees Celsius by April. Tucked away on the secluded west coast, you’ll find the Annasa, a five-star haven for families. It goes without saying that the beach is picture-perfect and the service is world-class, but what makes this place so dreamy for parents of very young children is the online ordering service Baby Go Lightly that lets you select everything from car seats, bottle warmers and buggies to nappies and sterilisers so that they are all waiting for you on arrival. Scott Dunn, one of the best family holiday operators, also has one their Explore Kids clubs onsite which caters for children from four months to 11 years old with fully trained staff and an excellent activities programme, meaning parents can really kick back and relax.
Le Collectionist Villas
Whether you feel like heading off to the French Alps, the Italian Lakes or a Caribbean beach, Le Collectionist is the exclusive villa company to have on speed dial. With a dedicated concierge service and an onsite team in each location, this company will help you create a bespoke holiday from start to finish, including travel arrangements, excursions and activities, and – most importantly for families – all the elements you need for a stress-free trip with the kids, whatever that looks like for your family. Gated pools, personal chefs, nannies or swimming lessons – they can arrange it all. Not sure what you want? Have a flick through their ‘little book of magical experiences’ which is exactly what it says on the tin. The only problem is you’ll want to do it all. We love the look of Villa Asa in Comporta, Portugal. In one of Europe’s most stylish destinations, this idyllic property sleeps 10, within walking distance to the beach.
Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Santorini
Santorini is often thought of as a honeymoon destination, but this gorgeous Greek island should definitely not be overlooked by those travelling as a family. At the Andronis Concept Wellness Resort on the beautiful ‘sunset’ coast, they pride themselves on making ‘no distinctions between youngsters & adults and are dedicated to offering every family member a unique experience’, which is definitely the formula for a fantastic family holiday: happy children equals happy parents. The focus is very holistic at this chic property and wellness plays a big part. With yoga for kids, tennis lessons and even a children’s spa, this place is wonderfully attentive to the needs of little visitors. Add family cookery lessons and spacious suites with private pools to the list at this stunning five-star Aegon hotel.
Sugar Beach, St Lucia
Easter is one of the best times to visit the Caribbean. Think sun-drenched beaches and turquoise sea: bliss. The islands are packed with high-end family-friendly hotels but one of the best has to be Sugar Beach, St Lucia. Hop on a direct eight-hour flight from London to reach this barefoot luxury retreat where children are welcomed with open arms. Their ‘Sugar Club’ offers a range of activities for little ones aged four to 12, including treasure hunts, arts and crafts, archery, and coconut bowling, as well as fish feeding and sandcastle building at the beach. Teenagers will love the ‘Spice Club’ Program, which includes activities like table tennis, croquet, billiard tournaments, pinball machines, kayaking and paddle boarding. There’s plenty to do as a family too with sailing and snorkelling both available from the private beach and a restaurant that positively encourages everyone to eat together. Book a beautifully furnished beach front bungalow or larger families will find the luxe four-bedroom residences absolutely perfect.
Ritz Carlton Dubai
A family holiday to Dubai quite simply ticks all the boxes. Reasonable flight time (just six hours from London), sun, and sea: check, check, check. Tons of fun activities for all ages: another check. From giant waterparks to theme parks such as Legoland and IMG World of Adventures, this is the family friendly destination for non-stop fun. Check into one of the enormous family suites at the Ritz Carlton to combine all the nearby attractions kids will love, with first class parent-pleasing luxury. Set on a private beach with pretty much every imaginable water sport available alongside the likes of tennis, volleyball and a world-class spa , this property has an excellent Ritz Kids’ club and babysitting services available, plus a dedicated concierge who can organised everything from sand boarding to camel rides in the nearby desert.
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