As the days get colder it’s time to plan a winter sun escape for all the family.
If you can’t face waiting for the sunshine to reappear next summer (it does feel a long way off doesn’t it?) then it’s time to think about jetting off to warmer climes and escaping the darkest, coldest days in the UK. From picture-perfect tropical islands to fun-packed adventures and child-friendly city sightseeing, here are some of the best destinations to check out for a sunny family break this winter.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a true tropical paradise with a rich culture and a friendly, hospitable approach to visitors which has secured its place as a favourite winter-sun destination. This large volcanic island in the Indian Ocean is the perfect place for those looking for a castaway feel without actually being too remote. Yes, you’ll find uncrowded beaches and swaying palm trees, but there is also the reassurance of good infrastructure and proper medical care should you need it – something that is often reassuring to the parents of very young children and makes Mauritius a great choice for winter sun with a baby or toddler. Once you’ve got that peace of mind you can focus on discovering everything else the country has to offer – and there really is a lot to see.
Mauritius With Children
Glorious sandy beaches lead to warm shallow waters that offer super swimming and snorkelling – and the ideal place for little ones to paddle and build sandcastles while parents relax. It’s hard to pull yourself away from the dreamy coastline, but if you do you’ll find plenty to keep kids entertained. Venture inland to the marvellous Casela Nature Park that spans over 350 hectares and is divided into five unique zones. Home to over 1800 animals, visitors can enjoy a safari-style experience and get up close to wildlife, including giraffes and camels. Thrill seekers can have a go at zip-lining or cross the canyon on a swing. Older kids will love a trip to La Valleé Des Couleurs Nature Park which boasts the longest zipline in the southern hemisphere, enabling you to fly over countless waterfalls, mountains, valleys, pools, and ponds. Other activities include quad biking and trekking. For those who are too little or don’t want to snorkel, the Odysseo Oceanarium offers plenty of opportunities to see some amazing marine life. There are over 300 different species and 3500 specimens, as well as the chance to feed the stingrays. Plus, a percentage of ticket sales are donated to conservation projects.
Where to stay
The Mauritian Coastline is dotted with five-star family-friendly resorts. At the One&Only St Geran children aged three and up can join in with the fun at the KidsOnly club and take part in activities such as beach treasure hunts, tennis and cooking lessons. Tweens and teens have their own One Tribe Club with cool fun laid on in the form of snorkelling trips and watersports. LUX* have four hotels dotted around the coast, all with a slightly different feel but with the brands signature minimalist aesthetic. All have generous family rooms, kids clubs and ice cream on tap – a must for little guests. The Shangri-La Le Touessrok – one of the island’s oldest and best loved hotels – has just had a major renovation, making it even better for families. With huge interconnecting suites, several restaurants, two golf-courses and a ton of activities for kids of all ages and babysitting services, this is a real contender for the best place to to stay in Mauritius if you are travelling with children.
Florida, USA
Mention Florida to kids and they will immediately scream ‘theme parks!’. Indeed the Sunshine State is the stuff of dreams for children. From Disney and Universal where they can ride rollercoasters, meet famous characters (from Mickey Mouse to Buzz Lightyear) and step into their favourite movie sets (there really is nothing quite like the Harry Potter World at Universal Orlando) to water parks and zoos such as the one at Bush Gardens – it’s non-stop fun for children – and adults!
Florida With Children
Truly the list of things to do with kids here is endless. Head to Cape Canaveral, home of the Kennedy Space Centre, which is located midway between Jacksonville and Miami along Florida’s Space Coast. While older children will find learning all about space missions fascinating and can experience the thrill of taking off in a rocket via the Shuttle Launch Experience, younger ones will love playing on the planets in the new, fully immersive multiple-story indoor play area where children ages two to 12 can climb through a wormhole, walk on Saturn’s rings and more.
Over at Daytona Beach visit the famous home to NASCAR racing and the DAYTONA 500 Speedway where you can take a track tour and see the cars. Add to this miles of sand for kids to play on, water parks, street performers and restaurants – making it a super day out. Or learn about the conservation of Florida’s natural habitats at the Everglades National Park, a truly special landscape that provides important habitats for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. As a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance, it’s so worth visiting this area and booking a guided tour.
And when you’re ready for a rest after all the sightseeing and attractions, flop on one of Florida’s many beautiful beaches that are packed with family-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities such as watersports and boat trips. From the Keys in the very south with their Bahamas-esque tropical vibe, to the buzz of chic Palm Beach and the famously stylish South Beach in Miami, or the chilled-out family-focused Gulf Coast towns of Naples, Sarasota, Longboat Key and Clearwater – there is a beach to suit everyone in this state.
Where to stay
To visit the theme parks in style, base yourself in Orlando at the Four Seasons where you’ll find huge family suites, an onsite water park, great kids menus and daily transfers to the likes of Universal and Disney. At the end of a long day of fun, pop into the excellent spa to unwind before dinner. Elsewhere in Florida there are so many great options away from the buzz of Orlando. From family resorts such as the Ritz Carlton in Naples with it’s marvellous kids programme, lux beach club and well-appointed family bungalows, to the world-famous Breakers on Palm Beach which is the kind of sprawling resort you never have to leave – think basketball court, nine-hole mini golf course and playground for the kids combined with golf, watersports and tennis for grown-ups all in a five-star beach setting, there is a spot for every family. For some old-world Floridan charm check out the Gasparilla Inn located in the heart of Gasparilla Island’s Boca Grande. This place has been welcoming families since 1913. Super charming with its traditional design (think rattan furniture, pastel striped beach umbrellas, and croquet on the lawn) this chic little hotel is a magnet for in-the-know Americans who rebook year after year to experience the top-notch service and wonderful facilities that include water sports, tennis, and bike hire to cycle round the pretty local town.
Sydney, Australia
It might be a long way to travel for just some sunshine, but if you are looking for an amazing family holiday packed with activities and exciting adventures, then Sydney offers so much more than just warm weather. The super-cool city-on-the-sea mixes a laidback beach lifestyle with all the state-of-the-art facilities of one of the most dynamic cities in the world. A true ‘bucket list’ family holiday that’s so worth the long flight.
Sydney With Children
The to-do list is seriously long, but start with the big-ticket items such as the outstanding Sea Life Aquarium at Darling Harbour. A few streets away is The Darling Quarter and its super selection of restaurants where you’ll also find a fantastic playground area complete with a water splash park, climbing frames and slides. The Botanical Gardens are right next to the Sydney Opera House (which has a great kids’ programme of events) and offer stunning views of the harbour as you wander around the shady pathways. Taronga Zoo is a must-see and has a super education programme for kids, while older children (aged eight and up) might also love the thrilling climb up Sydney Harbour Bridge to catch the best views of the city.
To really explore the city on foot check out the free Sydney Culture Walks app that covers more than 400 points of interest and historical sites across Sydney. You can filter by type, location and theme to tailor it to your kids’ ages and likes. A Go City Pass is also a great idea as it offers discounts and access to many of the city’s top attractions.
But no trip to Sydney is complete without hanging out at one of the legendary beaches – there are over 100 to choose from. The area has a plethora of sheltered spots with gentle currents and enclosed swimming areas that are surrounded by picnic-worthy parks where families can relax and spend a whole day. Bondi is the famous jewel in the crown with it’s iconic Icebergs ocean pool, but there are plenty others to check out including cosmopolitan seaside suburb of Manly which is just a short, scenic ferry ride from city centre. There you’ll find a three-kilometre beach that has something for everyone and its promonade lined with awesome family-friendly restaurants. Located on Sydney’s scenic north shore, Balmoral Beach boasts calm waters, making it a popular spot for families. Take a lesson in stand up paddle boarding or hire a kayak to explore the crystal clear waters.
Where to stay
For a city-centre base with an excellent concierge who can plan a dream itinerary for your family, look no further than the Four Seasons. Family suites packed with nice little touches such as soft toy koalas and cute little indoor tents for kids to sleep in, combined with a great location and super restaurants make this the ideal place to stay. Or if you’d like to stay right on one of the city’s best beaches check into Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel which has a selection of two and three bedroom family suites. Super stylish and very family-friendly. Rather live like a local and rent a comfortable apartment? Speak to the team at Northern Beaches Holiday Rentals who can find you the perfect spot and also recommend restaurants and things to see and do close by.
Barbados, Caribbean
There are so many reasons why Barbados is popular with parents looking to escape the cold winter with their kids. Direct flights from the UK, a plethora of family-friendly hotels, villas and restaurants combined with a warm, welcoming vibe – and of course the the postcard-worthy tropical beaches – all add up to the dream getaway.
Barbados With Children
When you arrive on this quintessential Caribbean island you can’t help but be struck by its natural beauty – and it’s this that provides so much fun for a family holiday. From magical snorkelling and dolphin spotting boat trips to simply making sandcastles or collecting shells on the beach, Barbados is all about making the most of the lush tropical setting. While the west coast is fairly tranquil and calm with beautiful sandy beaches such as Paynes and Mullins, on the slightly wilder east coast there are waves to be found and you can try surfing, with plenty of opportunities for kids to have lessons. Wildlife is abundant too. Feed the local monkeys, see the peacocks and check out the selection of cool reptiles at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve or head to Carlisle Bay, Holetown and Dover Beach, the best places to spot sea turtles on land and in the shallow warm waters.
This Caribbean gem has so much history to discover too. The vibrant capital Bridge Town with its lively music and arts scene is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and there are many museums and tours that can help kids learn more about the island. Plus there is a handy bus service that runs around the island so you can hop on and off as you please, making it easy to visit different beaches and towns. Barbados is home to some of the best dining experiences in the Caribbean – most which are very child-friendly. From the Lone Star and Seashed to Cobblers Cove and Tides, kid’s menus are available at lots of the restaurants and little ones are made to feel welcome.
Where to stay
A great choice of five-star family resorts and picture-perfect villas make it easy to find great places to stay with kids. For location it’s hard to beat the ultra-luxe Fairmont Royal Pavilion which is right on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches on the west coast. A stone’s throw from lots of great restaurants, plus it has onsite watersports, an excellent kids programme, babysitting and spa too. Golfers will love the private villas right on the greens at the Royal Westmoreland Resort. Perfect for families, there is a selection of sizes and pool options to choose from as well as a concierge service to meet all your holiday needs. While it’s slightly inland the resort also has a private beach club and offers a regular shuttle service. On the more rugged south east coast you’ll find The Crane Resort on a wonderful beach that is regularly voted one of the best in the world. With a mix of suites and apartments, there are also many dining options and a terrific kids’ club.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town has it all for a family holiday. Breathtaking scenery, world-famous beaches, playgrounds, museums and restaurants that can all be enjoyed by little visitors as much as their parents. A direct night flight from the UK and just a two hour time difference during the British winter add to reasons why South Africa’s most stylish city should be top of the list to book.
Cape Town With Children
First on the itinerary has to be a trip up Table Mountain. While you can climb to the top fairly easily using the well trodden path, with kids in tow it’s far simpler to hop on the cable car that will smoothly whizz you up 3,500ft in just five minutes. The view from the summit is a sight to behold as you look down over Cape Town landmarks such as Lions Head, Signal Hill and the city bowl. There is a restaurant at the top or you can pack a picnic to enjoy before hopping back on the cable car and heading down.
The city has a fascinating past and visitors can learn more about that and the life of the country’s most famous leader, Nelson Mandela, by visiting Robben Island, a small speck of land just 13 km off the coast of Cape Town that was once home to a prison where the former president served 18 years. It’s now a museum and the guided tours are a great way to discover more about everything that has shaped South Africa’s history. Catch the ferry that leaves daily from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront. Kids of any age can join the three and half hour tours and under twos go free.
Back at the Waterfront, head to the awesome Two Oceans Aquarium which has over 3,000 creatures to discover. You can explore various exhibits and spot everything from jelly fish and rays to penguins and some rather large sharks. Then grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes. To shop like a local be sure to pop to Green Market Square where stalls sell everything from clothing and jewellery to local art and crafts.
Use the hop on/hop off Sightseeing Tour Bus to move around the city and visit areas such as historic Long Street with its shops and museums and Green Point Park which offers vast open spaces and playgrounds that kids will love exploring, then on to the wonderful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden for a marvellous display of African flora and fauna.
Beach life is woven into the fabric of Cape Town and there are some of the most impressive and beautiful stretches of golden sand right in the shadow of Table Mountain. Camps Bay, The Clifton Beaches and Llandudno are all very family-friendly with plenty of restaurants and facilities close by. One thing to note about Cape Town though is that the water is very cold and not ideal for little ones to swim in. The tidal pools at Camps Bay and Dalebrook are a much better option as the water is warmed by the sun.
Where to stay
To really feel part of the action check into The Bay Hotel. Overlooking fashionable Camps Bay, it’s a super spot for families with interconnecting rooms and suites. Chill out at the pool with its views of the beach or wander down to the many restaurants in the buzzy area. The historic Belmond Mount Nelson is the grande dame of the Cape Town hotel scene and has great facilities for families. Huge rooms that can fit extra beds and cots and a special children’s room service menu along with tennis courts, swimming pools and an amazing concierge who can arrange unique experiences such as a helicopter tours and diving trips with marine biologists. The iconic pink hotel also has a kids’ club for three to 12 year olds, babysitting services and a teen club complete with Playstations. Some of the city’s best residential areas are just a stones throw from the beaches and there are plenty of top-notch villas to rent. Chat to the team at Cape Town Villa Rentals or Cape Concierge who can advise on the perfect property for your family and help plan your trip too.
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