Family Fun
I was looking at some family photos over the weekend and came across some from our trip to Italy last year and oh my – those smiles said it all and the memories came flooding back - from seeing the view from the villa the first time, coming across that perfect little restaurant surrounded by sunflowers, and finding the perfect pistachio gelato. Bliss!
Whether you’re dreaming of waking up to the gentle murmur of the ocean, discovering hidden coves in Mallorca, island hopping in Greece, ziplining through the Rocky Mountains or enjoying time with elephants in the Thai jungle I know that it can be a little stressful finding that perfect trip that will work for everyone. After all a family trip should be for everyone and it’s important to get the balance right – after all the last thing you want to hear on holiday is ‘I’m bored’.
The question is where to go :
Resort style perfection :
Perhaps all you have been dreaming of after a crazy start to the year is sun, sea, sand and being pampered!
The good news is that there are some amazing family resorts – the even better news is that you won’t have to compromise on style. Just imagine waking up to the sound of the waves, having breakfast on the terrace and knowing that you can happily stay on your lounger with a good book knowing that your kids are well looked after – or maybe a spa afternoon when your kids are having a football lesson or learning how to cook up a storm! Some of the best resorts understand the importance of creating a range of activities that work for both adults and kids - often featuring a dizzying array of activities from golfing to cooking, football academies, dance classes, yoga, woodworking, theatre workshops, archaeology and so much more.
From family favourites such as Ikos, Sani, Domes, Grecotel, Hillside Beach club and the Atlantis (to name but a few) to the eagerly anticipated new arrivals such as Anda Barut, the One and Only Kea Island, the Conrad Orlando and the new 5 star Disney hotel in Paris your summer plans are in safe hands. The Maldives and Mauritius are also great options – I can let you in on a secret - it’s not just for couples! To get you in the mood here are just a few resorts to whet your appetite.
Grecotel LUXME White Palace - Crete
On the stunning north coast of Crete, this luxury seafront property sits on a gorgeous Blue Flag 1000m beach ideal for family holidays. The Grecoland kids’ programme for children from four year olds to teens immerses younger visitors in authentic experiences, including local cookery lessons, Greek culture sessions, and Greek dancing, as well as games and competitions. There’s also the option to visit Agreco, Grecotel’s traditional farm and mini zoo a short drive from the property, where kids can play at being a farmer for the day with the likes of dough-making and vegetable – and where all ages can tour the vintage olive oil stone press, see silk production and beehives, and taste age-old Cretan recipes.
Back at the resort, there’s a water sports school, snorkelling, board games, and entertainment, including, family discos, and shows, in addition to cinema screenings and daily DJ sets. While kids are enjoying the activities, adults can make the most of the sleek spa, head for the adults-only area of the waiter service and beach, The White restaurant (Adults only 12+), or sign up for Pilates, stretching, and yoga classes.
Ikos Porto Petro - Mallorca
Opened as the first Ikos resort on this ever popular island in the Balearics, this sleek and sparkling property sits on one of the Mallorca’s best preserved sites, beside the gorgeous Mondrago Natural Park and the cosmopolitan Porto Petro Marina.
The resort offers a whole array of both thrilling and relaxing activities, including a football academy, water-skiing and canoeing, beach volleyball, basketball, tennis, mountain biking, and fitness classes including Pilates and yoga. Evenings see everything from live music to children’s movies. There’s a fantastic programme of events and games every day of the week, a teen club, a kids’ club for children from four years and upwards, and a crèche for the littlest ones. There’s even the complimentary Beach Childcare Service for ages four years and up.
A home away from home
Sometimes the best holidays are ones where you have your own space. A bedroom for all the kids and a space to call your own and socialise when the little ones are tucked up in bed. From spacious villas close to Walt Disney World Florida, a two bed hotel villa in Phuket, a resort apartment, a converted cottage with a private pool on Corfu to beachside paradise in Antigua you know you’ll quickly feel at home.
For the Adventurous bit in all of us
Whilst many of us dream of that week or two in the sun, more and more are looking at experiential holidays that offer authentic travel experiences and cultural highlights, such as cruising in the Nordics and adventures in Iceland, walking in the Cloud Forest in Costa Rica, safaris in South Africa, or making memories to last a lifetime touring round Sri Lanka – ‘mum, I spotted a leopard!’. My daughter was 5 when she first visited Thailand and Cambodia - what a trip - I had lived there before but even so it was such a great place to visit with children - so many memories! Just ask and I can help you plan.
Sailing the high seas Cruising is another idea for your summer trip – families love the variety and the fact that you could be visiting so many amazing places. Whether you opt for a 10-night cruise to the Canaries, a family adventure in the Mediterranean, a Disney cruise to meet your favourite characters, a Caribbean cruise with a stop at a private island or an enchanting adventure to the Norwegian Fjords you’ll probably come home hooked on cruising and wanting to book again.
Inspired and want to get your trip booked up without spending hours and hours at the laptop? – why not get in touch. Tell me about your family and I’ll inspire you with holiday ideas! Whether your brood is big or small, you’re travelling with tots or teens, craving adventure, or in need of rest and relaxation – if I can understand your family, I can understand your family holiday.
Are you ready to start the ball rolling? Give me a call and let’s do it.
