Travelling with Tots: How We Found Baby-Friendly Luxury
Holidays mean different things to everyone, but for us, they’re a time to reset, re-energise, and reconnect. My husband and I often have our most creative ideas while relaxing by the pool. But when you’re travelling with a baby, finding that balance between family fun and a real break can be tricky.
Isabella was 18 months old when we went on our honeymoon to the Maldives. She’d been a dream on two previous (short) flights, so I booked a night flight thinking, “She’ll sleep the entire way.” Spoiler: she didn’t. By the time we boarded, she was overtired and overstimulated. Despite booking a bassinet, she hated it and just wanted to run between our seats. Thankfully, the British Airways Club Suite’s sliding door contained her, and after a bit of chaos, my husband managed to get her to fall asleep on him.
Landing in Malé is unforgettable—the turquoise waters and fresh air instantly transport you to paradise. At the resort, a seamless in-room check-in meant no waiting around with a cranky toddler. Our beach villa with a private pool gave us plenty of space and direct access to the sand, which Isabella loved.
The days flew by in a blur of chasing her around the pool, keeping her out of danger, and trying to sit through meals while she climbed out of her highchair. Her daily 2.5-hour nap was our saving grace. On the penultimate day, we booked a couples’ massage and discovered the kids’ club. While she was too young to go alone, we hired a nanny for a few hours. At first, we were nervous about leaving her, but she loved the soft play, activities, and time with other kids. If only we’d known about it earlier!
That experience sparked my quest for luxury, baby-friendly resorts. While options for children over four abound, the under-four crowd is less catered to—often requiring additional fees for nursery care due to stricter ratios and highly trained staff. Over the years, we’ve found a few standout resorts that offer the perfect balance of family fun and adult relaxation.
My Top Recommended Resorts:
Sani, Halkidiki The gold standard for families, featuring Annabel Karmel-designed menus and a complimentary session with baby sleep expert Carol Mae.
Almyra and Annabelle, Paphos Family-friendly room options, from interconnecting rooms to two-bedroom suites, and the Explorers Children’s Club with top-notch childcare for ages 4 months to 13 years.
Park Lane, Limassol A purpose-built castle for kids aged 4 months to 11 years, with a pirate ship, splash pad, and zip wire. Family rooms include bathtubs and plenty of space.
Daios Cove, Crete Set in a calm bay, ideal for little ones, with suites and villas featuring private pools. UK-qualified nursery staff care for children aged 4 months to 12 years.
MarBella, Corfu An on-site waterpark and the Grasshoppers Kids’ Club (ages 4 months to 12 years) offer activities like robotics and pottery workshops.
Eagles Resort, Halkidiki The Wild Kind Crèche provides a sensory haven for ages 4 months to 3 years, while older kids enjoy activities like baking, water sports, and evening mini discos.
Things to Look For in a Family-Friendly Hotel: Finding the right family-friendly hotel can make or break your holiday. Here are some key considerations
Sleeping arrangements: Will they work for your family? Are there options for separate areas, or will you all be in one room?
Baby equipment: Does the hotel provide essentials like sterilisers, bouncers, highchairs, or cots?
Kids’ clubs: What age groups are they for, and can you pre-book sessions?
Staff-to-child ratios: Are there enough staff members to provide attentive care?
Routine: Will they follow your home routine to keep things familiar for your little one?
Meals: Is there a variety of nutritious children’s meals, including a weaning menu for younger guests?
Sleep area: Does the crèche include a dedicated sleep area with cots for naps?
By considering these factors, you can ensure your holiday is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for both you and your little ones.
