Top family holidays for 2023

Winter: W Dubai - The Palm

This ever-changing UAE dazzles kids – and winter and spring are great times to come, before it gets too hot to enjoy everything from theme parks to desert adventures. W Dubai is a playful property combining family activities with grown-up treats such as Michelin-starred dining, the AWAY® Spa (complete with the Little Disruptors Hub playroom), FIT® with its aerial yoga and pole training high above the city, and the WET® Deck with its billowing cabanas and latticed lounge pods.

Winter: The Reykjavik EDITION, Iceland

The Reykjavik EDITION sets a new standard of luxury in Iceland's capital. Set against scenic mountain views on the Old Harbour, the hotel is conveniently located adjacent to Harpa, the landmark concert hall and conference center, and is just steps from Laugavegur, the main shopping street in downtown Reykjavik. Alongside 253 rooms are a collection of distinct restaurants and bars, including the 7th-floor Rooftop at EDITION, which is an ideal spot from which to enjoy the bright summer nights as well as the spectacular northern lights in the colder months.

Spring and Summer: W Algarve, Portugal

With a fun, escapist feel, this hip and glamorous new hotel open in 2022 combines a beachside vibe with urban style in fresh, airy rooms, suites and residences with sea views and up to four bedrooms and kitchens – making them great for multigenerational holidays or other get-togethers with family or friends.

Some come with private plunge pools on rooftop terraces and all have BOSE sound systems with specially curated playlists and ‘mixbars’ of treats, their design inspired by Algarvian chimneys. For the rest of the decor, think funky furniture inspired by the shape of beach pebbles and local sea caves in dove-grey and seagrass-green hues.

Summer: The Romanos Resort and The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino

Award-winning chefs here use a wealth of fresh, organically grown ingredients to create a range of ethnic, continental, Greek fusion and local fare. Indulge the senses at Perovino where four Michelin star chef Andrea Fusco creates a gourmet menu of Italian and Mediterranean delights or feast on the freshest fish, seafood and Greek culinary delights at Armyra by Papaioannou to name just two of the stand out restaurants.

Summer: Domes of Corfu, Greece

This chic resort offers both local family adventures and on-site fun and learning in the crèche and kids’ club with its eco-friendly activities, including organic gardening. As well as being on one of Corfu’s best beaches (the seas around this popular Ionian island are particularly calm at this time of year – ideal for toddlers), there’s a large family pool and a dedicated kids splash pool at the resort. Specially designed family accommodation consists of open-plan one- and two-bedroom suites.

Spring and Summer: St Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, Spain

This largest of the Balearics is another classic summer destination, with lively beaches, hidden-away coves, snorkeling spots, water parks, and Roman and Moorish remains. The St Regis Mardavall Mallorca, a luxury family resort on on the south-west coast, is among the brilliant places to stay here, with a great reputation for its kids’ club hosting exciting quests and other activities. The Hotel also has one of Europe’s largest spas, with a brilliant team trained by an expert in traditional Chinese medicine.

To book your 2023 family holiday with full financial protection, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Experience the magic of the Mediterranean with Fred. Olsen

22 July 2024

Step aboard a journey that promises to captivate your soul and awaken your adventurous spirit. Fred. Olsen’s fly-cruises in the Mediterranean invite you to embark on smaller, more intimate ships designed to navigate the hidden gems of this enchanting region. Picture yourself exploring the sun-kissed islands of Dalmatia, where history and natural beauty intertwine, or marvelling at the vibrant, colour-drenched clifftop towns that adorn the Amalfi Coast.

Try something new this year with these destination dupes

15 July 2024

Tired of the usual tourist traps? Looking for a unique adventure that not everyone will have been to? You're in the right place. Welcome to our second guide on destination dupes—unexpected places that offer the same allure as popular spots but without the huge crowds. Perfect for adventure travellers and luxury seekers alike, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences in beautiful, less-talked-about locales.

Discover the cultural highlights of Europe with Riviera Travel

15 July 2024

Imagine stepping back in time to an era of grand voyages, where the joy of travel was found in the act of exploring, learning, and immersing yourself in the wonders of the world. Riviera Travel's European Grand Tours offer you the chance to relive that golden age of travel on luxurious 9 to 13-day adventures. If you're a lover of art, culture, and history, these tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll cherish forever.