Dive into Turkey’s crystal-clear waters this summer at Hillside Beach Club. Nestled in the hills of Fethiye, this private resort has three beaches, two spas and entertainment clubs for ages up to 15 to take part in piano workshops, tennis lessons and more. Or push the boat out with a private charter aboard the Salamander gulet; glide along the Turkish Riviera, let the kids splash about in the water with an array of toys and venture around isolated villages and ancient cities.
Award-winning Ikos Resorts prove yet again why Greece is a firm favourite among families. Spanning 22 acres, Ikos Olivia Resort in Halkidiki savours its exclusive location on the Gulf of Toroneos. Here they combine chic rooms, suites and bungalows with fun activities like beach volleyball and children’s shows. Budding strikers can take part in fun-filled lessons with football stars as part of their Football Escapes Partnerships.
Borneo’s abundant wildlife delights all ages and a stay at Gaya Island Resort will make it an unforgettable trip. Set in the hills of the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, explore ancient forest and pristine coast where kids will love spotting monkeys, sea turtles and bearded pigs (no, that’s not dad). Villas at this 5-star resort sleep two adults and two children with connecting rooms available for larger families.
Malaysia is one of the top family-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia but if you’ve got a soft spot for turtles and traditional Malay culture, book a stay at Tanjong Jara Resort. This 5-star complex offers nothing short of 5-star experiences; by day, play traditional Malay games on the beach like gasing (a top-spinning game) or sepak takraw (a woven rattan ball game) and by night watch turtle hatchlings emerge in a protected environment.
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One of the easiest (and most adventurous) ways for all the family to enjoy The Land of Smiles is on the Wild Thailand Family Adventure. Travel south from Bangkok and stay at a wildlife sanctuary, go island hopping, kayak through mangroves and soak up the sun. Further south lies Banyan Tree Phuket whose Rangers’ Club sees kids try out local Batik painting, bird-watching and cooking classes, all while the adults can chill out in the infinity pool or swing a few clubs on the adjacent 18-hole golf course.
If there’s one unexpected word to sum up Dubai this year, it’s this: LEGO. The brand-new LEGOLAND® Hotel at Dubai Parks and Resorts offers themed rooms, graphic-covered floors and LEGO building workshops, while onboard MSC Cruises to Dubai there’s an entire day of LEGO activities to relish in. Everything is awesome!
Unleash your inner Jungle Janes and terrific Tarzans in Kenya. An adventure-packed itinerary with Somak Luxury Travel sees you spend two nights in Nairobi where you’ll feed giraffes and watch cute baby elephants before heading onto either Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo game parks for an awesome Big Five safari trip. If you’ve time, head down to Mombasa and spend a couple of nights by the coast, staying at all-inclusive lodges or smaller boutique camps.
Cyprus is a gorgeous setting for a family holiday with exciting experiences for all ages. Youngsters will easily make friends at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort kids club (ages three-12) as they paint seashells, build sandcastles or go horse-riding. Meanwhile the adults can relax with a mud treatment at the spa or make use of the childminding service to linger over a romantic Italian, Japanese or authentic Cypriot meal. After all that activity (or lack of), reward yourselves at the gelataria for a scoop of freshly whipped ice cream. You’ve earned it.
Family holiday planning in Portugal couldn’t be easier. The untouched corner of Évora in southern Portugal features Octant Évora, a resort that offers hot air balloon rides and a dedicated kids area. Further south in the Algarve the Muthu Oura Praia Hotel is in walking distance of the beach and Albufeira’s Old Town. Kids will particularly love Lagoa’s Sand City Sculpture Park with its sandy recreations of football star Cristiano Ronaldo, the Queen and more.
Check out these amazing sand sculptures from all over the world
Looking for a two- to three-week-long holiday? Weave across Namibia on this new self-drive trip. Starting from the capital, Windhoek, you’ll hit the dunes of the Namib Desert before reaching the bucket-list worthy Skeleton Coast dotted with seals and shipwrecks. Continue with a self-drive safari through Etosha National Park where you might spot an African elephant or giraffe before rounding off with a stay at Okonjima Private Reserve, giving all the family a chance to learn more about AfriCat Foundation’s conservation programmes.
USA is a firm family favourite with an unending choice of places to visit. Orlando’s Kissimmee is a glorious place to base yourself whether you want to venture out or stay put. Combine home comfort with luxury amenities at Encore Resort at Reunion with game rooms and on-site kids activities (tennis, basketball, football) or opt for private beachfront bungalows at Margaritaville Resort Orlando where you’re minutes from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort – need we say more?
Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, offers budget-friendly fun with self-catering options like Les Ormes Resort, Greve de Lecq Beach and its very own national park. Plus, you’re all set for those unpredictable rainy days at Jump Jersey, the island’s newest and biggest indoor activity centre. Neighbouring Guernsey is home to the iconic Castle Cornet where kids can dress up and discover the castle’s history, or pack up a picnic and head off on a short boat ride to car-free Herm and Sark, the smaller Channel Islands.
For a greener getaway head to Finca de Arrieta, an eco-village in northeastern Lanzarote. Embrace the off-grid life across their 17 yurts, cabins and lodges which sleep between three to eight guests. Chill out by the solar-powered pool, take in the spectacular sea and mountain views and have a go at tending the vegetable garden, or bundle up the whole family and head down to the beach with hotel-provided sustainable wooden belly boards.
Underrated Montenegro is a great fit for families and this summer proves this more than ever. Between 25 July-2 September the Real Madrid Foundation Clinic gives budding footballers aged six-17 the chance to hone their footballing skills in a complimentary training kit with a certificate upon completion. Stay at nearby Regent Porto Montenegro and lounge by the pool overlooking the swish marina before bedding down in plush rooms with nautical-inspired interiors. Adults can taste the winemaking region for themselves with organised visits to Plantaže Winery and the Castel Savina Winery.
Feeling inspired to visit? Here are 8 more experiences you must have in Montenegro
The hills are alive in Italy this year. Mont Blanc and the Dolomites serve as a playground for families seeking hikable mountains, picnic-friendly pastures and adrenaline-inducing activities. Base yourself at a family-run hotel in Courmayeur Mont Blanc and head out on a hike or go white water rafting. The mountain magic continues at scenic Ciasa Salares whose rooms overlook the breathtaking Dolomites; embrace the outdoors on a horse ride or let the kids run wild at a Movimënt park with climbing frames, ziplines and trampolines to let loose on.
Eyeing up an August escape? Visit Grenada between 3-10 August for a taste of the Caribbean’s vibrant energy at Grenada Spicemas – first held in 1877 to celebrate its renowned spice production – where you can dance to soca music at lively street parties and expect an incredible closing carnival. Check into Spice Island Beach Resort, nestled against a backdrop of lush green hills, where little ones receive a free goodie-box and enjoy a complimentary activity centre (ages three-12). This gives you time for yoga on the beachfront pavilion or a visit to the secret herb and spice garden.
Treat the kids to a labyrinth of activities in Cancun this year. The Moon Palace The Grand offers a bowling alley, three-storey playroom, bumper cars and laser maze set along a secluded white sand beach with access to lush gardens. There’s more action to be had at Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino with its Clubhouse Kids Club and Teens Hangout Lounge (pictured) and families can partake in art and craft classes, live entertainment and Caribbean cooking lessons. All of this is set against a perfect backdrop within easy reach of ancient Mayan ruins.
Lap up island bliss in the Dominican Republic this summer with a stay at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. Popular with celebrities, there’s a kids club, outdoor movie screenings and numerous restaurants to choose from. Wholesome family fun includes kayaking along the Chavón River, hiring a beach pedalo or taking a boat trip out to deserted Isla Catalina. Plus you can get your arts and crafts on with a visit to a replica 16th-century Mediterranean village where you can try your hand at pottery lessons.
Peppered with entertaining resorts for all ages, Barbados makes for a family getaway in paradise. There’s plenty of tropical island fun to be had at Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels; this all-inclusive resort features spacious suites, a kids club, a children’s pool and jungle gym along with white-sand beaches (anyone for cricket?), fine-dining and authentic excursions. Kids become honorary Bajans with the chance to learn the local lingo and cook Bajan foods and in return for their hard work they’ll receive a pin, certificate and unofficial Bajan ‘passport’.
The Maldives isn’t just for honeymooners. Spread across Dhigurah island, Siyam World's all-inclusive offers come with a difference. Choose from an array of restaurants, bars, health, fitness and water sport activities; drop the younger years at a Zumbini class (the kids club is for ages three-11); and try out an aqua aerobics class. In need of more inspo? There’s also a full-size FIFA pitch, surf shack and skate shack for all to try out.
Iceland doesn't exactly scream ‘summer’ but let the south quietly convince you. This action-packed itinerary kick-starts with quad-biking through the mountains around Reykjavík, going whale-watching and taking in the thundering Gullfoss Falls before continuing onto Langjökull glacier. From here you’ll go snowmobiling through stunning scenery and round it off on the black-sand beaches along the south coast. This adrenaline-fuelled trip is ideal for teenagers and big kids; book at the likes of Torfhús Retreat to recharge those well-used batteries.
While you're there, explore Reykjavík's trendy Grandi Harbour district
Step into a fairy tale at Efteling theme park with family-favourite story characters setting the atmosphere. To celebrate its 70th anniversary, guests are cordially invited to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party where activities and surprises abound. Its attractions, roller coasters and performances suit all ages and families can even stay in enchanting themed accommodation like the Cinderella, Snow White or Hans Christian Andersen suites. Go all-out with high thrills on the Baron 1898 which reaches a top speed of over 55 miles per hour (90km/h) – if you dare, that is…
White knuckle ride fan? Check out these record-breaking roller coasters around the world
It’s an exciting time to visit this Mediterranean archipelago. Kids can follow the Jurassic World: Dominion film trail map or augmented reality map (beware of those T-rexes) cycle up to Dingli Cliffs, Malta’s highest point at 820 feet (250m) above sea level, or take in Mnajdra, the oldest free-standing temples in the world. Those looking to push themselves can also try abseiling, freefalling or ziplining all before bedding down for the night at the likes of Solana Hotel and Spa for a well-deserved sleep.
Croatia is a big-hitter for those seeking ancient towns, local wineries and natural landscapes and Maslina Resort makes all of that possible with an excellent concierge service. Soak up the summer heat from your villa (which includes private pools – one is an infinity pool) or take advantage of the sommelier service. The kids club offers energetic activities like mini-Olympic games, treasure hunts, dance sessions and mini-yoga. Rest up in your elegant bedroom or recount the day in your open-plan living space.
Take a family road trip through the Scottish Highlands this summer. Highland Coast Hotels arranges family- and dog-friendly trips along the popular North Coast 500 which sees you stay in stunning hotels with equally gorgeous (not to mention rugged) surroundings. All ages will adore exploring Scotland’s wilderness on storytelling walks and be wowed by folklore. Activity-wise, kids can create their own ‘houses’ using bushcraft, give archery a go or join a photography workshop.
Master canyoning, rafting or rock-climbing in Slovenia this year. Children will love swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Bohinj or channelling their inner cowboy on horseback rides through alpine pastures. Triglav National Park abounds with the chance to run wild, get closer to nature and offers shared mountain huts, private chalets and campsites.
Lap up the fresh air in northwest England this summer at Haulfryn's Delamere Lake Sailing & Holiday Park. Water babies will love sailing, paddleboarding, open-water swimming and canoeing and each lodge comes with a hot tub overlooking the 120-acre Delamere Lake. If you can peel yourself away, nearby attractions include Chester Zoo and the Roman walls. Also in the area is Combermere Abbey with dog-friendly self-catering and B&B accommodation set on a 12th century estate. Venture out on a woodland walk with a picnic before cosying up with a board game by night.
Before you set off, check out these family travel tips for a smooth trip
Bring the family together with an action-packed stay in Bermuda. With nature reserve trails, azure waters and ghostly shipwrecks to uncover, there’s no chance of boredom here. Kids can tackle the climbing towers at Rosewood Resort’s Kinezumi Water Park or muck out in ‘slime time’ at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, all while adults recline on pale-pink sandy beaches, head out on windsurfing lessons or join in with the action themselves.
There’s multiple reasons to consider a summer trip to Abu Dhabi this year. Stay at the classy Warner Bros. Hotel whose rooms include framed prints of your favourite films, from Batman to Blade Runner. Kids can ring up for room service for delivery by none other than Bugs Bunny himself! Head out and fulfil your need for speed at Ferrari World theme park, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, while older years can go fat-biking or sandboarding down some of the world’s tallest desert dunes. Meanwhile, those looking for culture (or simply to stay on two feet) will love wandering around the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Remove yourself from the big resorts and support local communities with a summer holiday-friendly break to Sri Lanka. From boutique lodges to camping inside wildlife parks, there are highlights to suit all ages, whether that be leopard spotting, train rides, beaches or historic sites. Your trip is made even smoother with private vehicles to chauffeur you around. These tailor-made trips range from a week to 17 days and give you a taste of what this teardrop-shaped island has to offer.