12 Ideas For A Family Summer Holiday
Best With Babies (Aged 0-2)
The great thing about travelling with a baby is that they don’t cost much to travel with. You can travel out of the school holidays, avoiding the school holiday price hikes, and you don’t have to pay for a separate seat on the plane, so a luxury holiday is more feasible.
Easy Escape: Beach Life In Portugal
Martinhal Sagres has all the facilities of a resort, with the feel of a beachside retreat. Overlooking the beach on the unspoiled western Algarve, it’s set in landscaped grounds within a protected natural park. The hotel has gone above and beyond to ensure holidaying with a baby is easy, and recently introduced a ‘baby’s first holiday’ package. You’ll be given everything you need for your little one – wipes, bottle steriliser, cot, changing mat and more. They really do think of everything. There are four heated pools, and separate toddler pools, as well as tennis courts and every sort of bike possible available to rent. The resort also offers daily creche sessions and relaxing spa treatments for tired parents.
Why we love it Its beachfront location and family friendly thoughtfulness will have you wanting to return.
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Further Afield: Tropical Paradise In Mauritius
Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa was made with families in mind. With a perfect beach, shallow waters and numerous activities, everything is covered. There’s an enormous Explorers kids’ club which is open from 10am to 10pm, with playgrounds and its own pool. It has a weekly programme of activities for all ages, from babies to 11-year-olds. While little ones are occupied, parents can dine at the resort’s restaurant, and try everything from snorkelling and diving to kayaking. There’s even a nearby windsurfing and kitesurfing site if that appeals.
Why we love it Expect delicious restaurants, beautiful beach and unbeatable childcare.
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Best With Tots (Aged 3-5)
Children at this age can be a bit of a whirlwind. We love the idea of having space as a family while also being able to enjoy hotel facilities. There are numerous resorts and hotels that make life that bit easier, offering excellent kids’ clubs and activities for parents after some much-needed downtime.
Easy Escape: Sun & Sea In Greece
All the resorts and hotels we work with are handpicked, but Eagles Palace Villas is one of our favourites in Greece thanks to its excellent hospitality and beautiful views across Mount Athos and beyond. Families looking for independence and space love staying here, as they have full access to everything the hotel has to offer – including the restaurants, spa and kids’ club – while having the privacy of a spacious villa. Some have views of the beautiful gardens, while others have long-reaching views of the bay. The kids’ club has a playground and numerous activities little ones will love, and there are even complimentary movie nights with popcorn, so parents can tuck into Greek dishes at the restaurant in peace.
Why we love it It’s the perfect luxury option for families, and the team go the extra mile to ensure kids have the best time.
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Further Afield: Ocean Exploring In Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi isn’t all glitz, glamour and skyscrapers. There are numerous hotel groups that cater to families looking for year-round sunshine. Just keep in mind the summer months are extremely hot, so it pays to be close to the sea. Saadiyat Rotana Resort has a prime beach spot on one of the Middle East’s most beautiful natural islands, just moments from the vibrant and cultural heart of Abu Dhabi. Little ones will be very happy at the Aladdin’s Cave kids’ club (complete with a lazy river and water slide), while parents can slink off to the spa or feast in one of the restaurants. The surrounding islands are teeming with wildlife, and are a haven for endangered humpback dolphins and turtles – the perfect excuse for a family excursion.
Why we love it From a cinema for the kids to tasty food at the restaurants (with plenty of options for fussy eaters), this has everything you need for a family trip.
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Best With Under 10s (Aged 6-10)
Kids at this age are full of energy, so it’s often considered the ‘sweet spot’ for travel, when kids are curious and keen to make the most of their holiday and the fun activities on offer.
Easy Escape: Water Sports In Turkey
Hillside Beach Club is a beautiful beach resort in Fethiye on Turkey’s southwestern Turquoise Coast. The luxury resort is set across the privately owned Kalemya Bay, home to three beaches and endless activities at the water sports centre, like water skiing, knee boarding, scuba diving and sailing. Parents can drop off children at the Kidside club, where professional instructors who lead fun activities. The club has two children’s pools, four waterslides, a sandpit, playground, and a mini disco. There’s also an activity centre for older kids, while the restaurants have numerous choices for kids – there’s even a dedicated baby chef at the main restaurant.
Why we love it The location is unbeatable, the views are beautiful, and its blue-flag beach is the perfect spot for all-day lounging.
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Further Afield: Exploring In Antigua
With white sand beaches, turquoise waters and colourful architecture, Antigua is one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands. Blue Waters Resort & Spa is a top choice on the island, offering a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff who go above and beyond. You’ll also find delicious choices at the restaurant – all three have spacious decks facing the ocean for al fresco dining. Little ones can relax at the incredible kids’ club which is open year-round for five to 12-year-olds. From cricket to fishing and arts and crafts, the fully trained staff ensure the day is packed with fun and adventure.
Why we love it This is a Caribbean classic that has all the makings of a great family holiday you’ll remember for years to come.
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Best With Tweens (Aged 10-12)
Tweens will be able to hold onto holiday memories – and what could be better than the memory of quality shared time, exploration, discovery and culture? Families will want to choose places that isn’t just about a kids’ club but enjoying activities and adventures together.
Easy Escape: Exploring The Sicilian Coast
Verdura is an elegant hotel with something for everyone, and its facilities are second to none. With an 18-hole golf course, tennis academy, luxurious spa, private beaches and numerous swimming pools, none of the family will be bored. Perfect for active tweens, the resort runs sports academies during the summer months and has a kids’ club with a pool, gym, trampoline and ping-pong tables. Other activities include cooking classes in the purpose-built kitchen, arts and crafts, local history classes and plenty more.
Why we love it The views along the Sicilian coastline are incredible. Pair that with great facilities and outstanding service, and you’re onto a winner.
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Further Afield: An Adventure In South Africa
South Africa has it all: first-class cuisine, spectacular beaches, beautiful scenery and game rich reserves. It's got a vibrant and unique culture that's fascinating to explore, as well as world-class regions for parent day trips. Plus, it's a year-round option for families and it’s malaria free, so a great choice with younger children. The properties in our South Africa portfolio are well equipped for families with everything thought of – facilities, accommodation, experiences and more. From the luxury Kwandwe Private Game Reserve to the beautiful Ellerman House in Cape Town, we can tailor trips all around the country.
Why we love it Families can have it all here – city fun, safari parks, action-packed adventure and beautiful beaches.
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Best With Early Teens (Aged 13-16)
With their independence growing, the standard family holiday might start to become boring or limiting to your teen. Now is the time to plan a fun and exciting holiday for extra parent points.
Easy Escape: Sailing Around Greece
A luxury sailing holiday offers the combination of a five-star staffed villa, a private beach, a personal water-sports centre, a chance to learn something new, and a wonderful adventure. These elements make it the perfect holiday for teens after adventure, activities and relaxation. No sailing experience is necessary, and routes are tailor-made to your tastes, but we guarantee you will discover some of the most beautiful bays across the Greek islands while having total privacy onboard your yacht.
Why we love it Sailing holidays offer the spontaneity of flexible itineraries – and no day is ever the same. Imagine floating on serene blue waters, discovering deserted coves, and other unexpected adventures with an incredible crew full of local knowledge.
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Further Afield: Adventure In Costa Rica
A holiday in Costa Rica provides daily opportunities for teens to try new things, see new things and have a real adventure. With idyllic beaches, wild rainforests, active volcanoes and endless activities, there is so much to love about this destination. Get up close with rare wildlife, try surfing, zipline through forests and jungles or snorkel in a biological reserve. At F&P we can plan you an easy itinerary to make the most of the unique destination. One of our favourite hotels is Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, which is truly stunning.
Why we love it Costa Rica is a true treasure trove for teens that will ignite all of their senses.
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Best With Late Teens (Aged 16-18)
This might be the last chance for a family holiday. Do something out of the ordinary that they will remember for a lifetime. We recommend letting our experts craft a unique itinerary for your family rather than staying in one specific hotel.
A Unique Escape: Tour Of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of our favourite countries in the whole world. Friendly locals, beautiful beaches, rich history and an impressive landscape that’s lush with greenery. Our travel expert will put together an itinerary which includes a selection of fantastic family friendly places to stay, as well as a knowledgeable driver/guide, so you can discover the best of this country without having to think too much. Imagine staying at the luxury Chena Huts in Yala National Park (home to elephants, leopards, crocodiles and more) and swimming in the waters at the secluded Uga Jungle Beach.
Why we love it Families will feel so at home here – think cricket with hotel staff, junior ranger programmes, elephant researchers on site, and the incredible national parks with thrilling wildlife. Kayaking, horse riding, cooking, archery, tuk tuk rides to Galle Fort, train rides through tea and cinnamon plantations or gentle cycling through paddy fields. And as for culture, the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa will undoubtedly inspire.
Contact our expert Jo at hello@fandptravel.com
Further Afield: An African Safari
If you're ready to up the ante and inject some adventure into your travels, a safari is the perfect choice. For firing your children's imaginations, introducing them to indigenous cultures, seeing big game in their natural habitat, not to mention creating memories that will last a lifetime, a trip to Africa can't be beaten. Whatever your age, the continent promises unrivalled experiences, grand panoramas and unlimited adventure. When it comes to planning your safari, it helps to talk to experts who know the continent inside out. Every single F&P safari is uniquely curated – your itinerary is designed just for you and your family. We'll organise and book each and every detail, big and small, and always within your budget.
Why we love it Africa offers so much choice, with each country and destination offering something unique. Witness the spectacle of the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra; learn bush skills with San Bushmen or the Maasai; sleep in a fly camp under the African night sky with just a mosquito net for cover; fly over the Rift Valley or Namibia's Skeleton Coast; float quietly down the Zambezi River at dawn watching elephant come to drink; explore the channels of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro; or trek up Table Mountain – the possibilities are infinite.
Contact our expert Jo at hello@fandptravel.com
Finally, why choose F&P Travel for your next trip?
- We are a small team of luxury travel experts (and mums) who love getting to know you. Our aim is to deliver a truly personal experience and curate tailor-made holidays worldwide that we know you will love, time and time again.
- Being parents ourselves (our children range in age between one and 21) we know what makes a successful family holiday. Every itinerary is carefully planned and approved by our team of parents, including activities and entertainment for the children and excellent facilities for adults. Trust us to look after all your holiday needs throughout the year, with or without the family.
- Plus, our specialist concierge team offer a dedicated (and complimentary) service before and during your stay to take all the holiday admin and hassle off your hands.
- With our ever-developing portfolio and our friendly team of experts, we can be your personal travel planners for holidays of a lifetime, for a lifetime.
Get In Touch & Start Planning
WhatsApp or call us on +44 (0) 1306 264005, email us on hello@FAndPTravel.com and visit FAndPTravel.com
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