The Best Multi-Generation Holidays To Book Now
STAYCATIONS
Cotswolds:
For Lavish Lakeside Living
On the outskirts of Lechdale-on-Thames and set amongst 850 acres of lakes, meadows and woodlands, The Lakes by YOO has a collection of elegantly decorated apartments that are available to rent by the night. Each has three ensuite bedrooms, a private balcony with outdoor furniture and stunning views of Marley Lake, an open-plan living area, a fully-equipped kitchen and a cosy lounge with a TV and log burner.
This wilderness oasis is the perfect setting for a multi-gen stay – older children can enjoy the activity tower with its suspended rope course, climbing wall, trapeze and a spectacular zip line across a lake; little ones over the age of four can spend afternoons on teddy bear picnics, petting farm animals, enjoying woodworking and arts and crafts; meanwhile parents and grandparents can enjoy a few hours in the spa where the treatments are second to none. Wild swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking are also offered across the estate’s 11 lakes as well as fishing and cycling adventures. Sports facilities include two tennis courts, a full-size cricket net, a golf practice net, football goals and a jogging trail with outdoor gym equipment.
You can organise a chef to cook for you in your apartment or head to the Lakes Bar & Kitchen, a short stroll away. This cosy and relaxed eatery has rustic interiors and outdoor picnic tables where you can have brunch, lunch and dinner. We love the wood-fired pizzas and sharing dishes, and there is a separate children’s menu for fussy eaters.
Visit TheLakesByYoo.com
New Forest:
For Luxe Treehouses
In the heart of the New Forest and just minutes from the coast, five-star Relais & Châteaux Chewton Glen is a quintessentially English country house hotel. As you would expect, rooms within the main building are luxe and traditional but, for a high-end experience in nature the children will love, book into one of the 14 treehouse suites hidden within a wooded valley on the edge of the forest. Each is suspended 35 feet above ground and offers an unforgettable setting for a relaxing getaway where you can spend the night stargazing and soaking in an outdoor hot tub. The Treehouse Loft Suite can easily accommodate two adults and four children but, for a bigger group, The Yews is ideal as it sleeps four adults and eight children and is dog friendly too. Breakfast hampers are delivered daily, and you can also order room service, chef-prepared dinners and private spa treatments.
The award-winning eco kids’ club is also housed in a treehouse, called The Beehive. Named after the property’s 70 beehives and five million bees that produce honey for the hotel, it’s the ultimate children’s destination and will keep them amused for hours on end. The range of activities is endless and includes sheep walking, duck herding, scavenger hunts, papier mâché crafts, rocket building, raft building, story time, painting, puzzles, hedgehog house building, tennis and outdoor swimming. Adults and older children can book into one of the fantastic cookery sessions led by James Martin and various celebrity guest chefs – choose from a range of classes, from ‘Thai Street Food’ and ‘Curry In A Hurry’ to ‘Mediterranean Tapas’ and ‘Knife Skills’.
Visit ChewtonGlen.com
Cornwall:
For A Large Family Getaway
Set in a secluded valley on the edge of Bodmin Moor and surrounded by a wildlife reserve and its own carp-filled fishing lake, Tregulland will re-open at the end of next month after an extensive refurb. The property sleeps up to 22 and is the perfect eco-chic option for a big family celebration where you might want to separate the adults with children from those without, as it actually consists of two houses. Always booked together, the Cottage has six ensuite double bedrooms and the Barn has five, and each has its own sitting room, fully equipped kitchen, dining room and utility room.
Without venturing far, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy. The Pool House has a lovely indoor pool filled with pure Cornish spring water drawn from the grounds, a separate shallow children’s pool, a steam room and an outdoor wood-fired Dutch tub. There’s a ping pong table in the Old Workshop which also makes an ideal wet weather play area and outside, overlooking the valley, the large playground has a giant slide, a mini climbing wall, swings, whisper pipe, stepping stones, balance planks, a Cornish pirate boat, toddler castle and digger track bumps.
If you’re self-catering, you can have your shopping delivered and unpacked for you. But if you want to forget about cooking for a while, Tregulland can organise for a chef to create everything from a special-occasion meal, a picnic hamper to take to the coast, a Cornish cream tea or you can simply ask for some of your meals to be delivered.
Visit TregullandAndCo.co.uk
South Wales:
For Stylish Glamping
Children love the adventure of a camping holiday, and the good news is that you can do it in style at the Penhein glampsite, which is located on a large 250-acre estate of unspoilt farmland near Chepstow on the Welsh side of the Wye Valley. The accommodation consists of eight luxe Persian yurts which can be booked separately or together (for up to 48 people). Each of the high, dome-ceilinged tents has comfy beds and linen, elegant décor with nods to the owners’ Persian heritage – think handblocked motifs on the headboards and quilted throws. They also all have a well-equipped kitchen, a flushing loo and some of the tents have ensuite showers, with the remaining having access to a dedicated shower room with underfloor heating and a roll top bath. In the evenings, guests can gather in the tented pavilion where you can either self-cater or hire a chef to cook for your group.
A range of activities to suit all ages can be organised. These include the likes of foraging, clay pigeon shooting, meadow yoga, wildlife watching experiences, forest bathing and botanical gin-making. For younger members of the family, there’s an adventure playground, den making kits, nature trails, treasure hunts, bush craft experiences, as well as a mini adventurers club for younger children from ages two to eight.
Visit Penhein.co.uk
SHORT HAUL
Northern Italy:
For Gentle Strolls In The Dolomites
Young teenagers, parents and grandparents alike will enjoy this new holiday with a difference from Inntravel, called ‘A Stroll in the Italian Dolomites’. Instead of climbing on foot from the valley floor, you’ll be transported high up to the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Dolomites in northeast Italy by panoramic cable cars, gondolas and funiculars, making it easy for all ages and levels of fitness. The seven-night walking trip is self-guided and there is no fixed itinerary, so you can pick and choose from suggested walking routes. Days might include the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest Alpine plateau, a climb to the Unesco Dolomites Panoramic Balcony for awe-inspiring views of Sassolungo, one of the area’s most distinctive mountains, or a low-level route along the path of the historic Ferata de Gherdëina, a former railway line that winds down the valley from Selva to Ortiseia, a line built by Russian POWs during the First World War.
You’ll stay in friendly, family-owned accommodation with spa facilities (including an indoor-outdoor infinity pool, sauna and ice grotto) so everyone can truly relax after days out in the mountains. Afternoon cakes and pastries will be waiting for you at teatime and, in the evenings, you’ll get an excellent choice of South Tyrolean food. The rooms have balconies are very comfortable, and the Kelder family are always on hand to attend to your every need. There’s also the chance to learn more about the area’s ancient Ladin culture with a visit to the historic regional capital of Bolzano to explore the arcaded medieval centre.
Visit Inntravel.co.uk
Turkey:
For A Chic Seaside Break
Located near Side in the picturesque Antalya region, BIJAL opened its doors last month. Surrounded by blossoming gardens and dense pine forests, this oasis of tranquillity is right by the sea and consists of 19 elegant villas of different sizes that sleep from two to eight, each with its own private pool and walled garden. The Kids’ Club is open from 9am until 8pm and offers fun activities to keep children of all ages entertained, such as mini discos, theme days, handicraft, competitions, horse-riding and cooking lessons. Babysitting is also available for infants over 12 months.
While the youngsters are being taken care of, if you can tear yourself away from your stylish accommodation, there is a large lake-style pool at the Club House or you can head down the path lined with olive trees to the beach for a dip in the clear, turquoise Med. Here you will also find a range of watersports from jet skiing to parasailing and wakeboarding. Inside the Club House is a spa with three treatment rooms, Turkish baths, a sauna and hammam, as well as an impressively equipped fitness studio. The menu includes Thai and shiatsu massages, and all treatments can also be booked in the privacy of your villa. Personal trainers and yoga instructors can also be arranged.
The menus in the resort’s two restaurants have been created by Michelin-starred chef Theodor Falser. There is Italian fine-dining at the Club House or more informal, toes-in-the-sand dining at the Beach House which serves the freshest seafood and local dishes. In-villa dining can also be arranged.
Visit Bijal.com
Kefalonia:
For Off-Grid Relaxation
Secluded within a private estate and just a short stroll from stunning, untouched beaches on the southern shores of the Greek island of Kefalonia, five-star Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa has all the amenities to suit guests of all ages. Consisting of 12 villas that look out either over the Ionian sea or sprawling olive groves, each has its own private pool or Jacuzzi and offers total privacy. The largest villa has three ensuite bedrooms and a spacious living room and kitchen that leads to a covered veranda.
This Relais & Châteaux property is ideal if you have very young children or babies. Most of the villas are close to the main area and restaurant, so baby monitors can stretch easily, and the hotel can provide cots, highchairs, baby baths – in fact everything so you can pack light. They can also arrange for a babysitter to come in daily for as many hours as required, armed with arts, crafts and toys. While the babysitter takes charge of the littles one, adults can join Reformer Pilates or yoga sessions that are held every morning in the outdoor gym or enjoy a massage or treatment in the spa. Other activities include hiking and cycling (e-bikes are available for guests who want to explore further afield).
The restaurant has a very good kids’ menu to keep the fussiest of little ones happy, while you enjoy Greek and Mediterranean dishes made with the freshest of local ingredients. In the evenings, you can request in-villa dining or a BBQ to be set up by your outdoor dining area.
Visit Eliamos.com
Costa Navarino:
For Sporty Families
Overlooking the Ionian Sea, Costa Navarino is located 45 minutes from Kalamata Airport in the southwest Peloponnese in one of the most unspoiled and breath-taking landscapes on mainland Greece. This summer sees the launch of Olympic sports camps for children aged six to 15 – from 15th July to 16th August, the five-day camp offers them the chance to try their hand at ten different sports, with expert coaching in archery, football, climbing, beach volleyball, golf, basketball, tennis, table tennis, swimming and water polo. National Basketball Association and Bayern FC coaches will lead the basketball and football sessions, with qualified coaches leading the other sports.
Costa Navarino is currently home to four five-star hotels and, in our view, family-friendly The Romanos, located in Navarino Dunes and close to all the activities, offers the best accommodation options for a multi-gen group. The epitome of elegance and sophistication, the award-winning architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding olive groves, with stunning views of the sea, the golf course or the gardens. You can choose from a range of 321 rooms, suites or villas – some of the units have their own pool and the beachfront villas offer direct access to the long sandy beach; all the suites and villas come with 24/7 butler service. There is also a choice of 13 restaurants, four bars and three pool bars, three outdoor swimming pools, as well as an aqua park with three waterslides. There are two kids’ clubs aimed at children aged four to seven and eight to 12, as well as a great area for teens to hang out.
While the children are occupied, parents and grandparents can also participate in a range of sports, including tennis, golf, road and mountain biking, climbing and watersports like surfing, kayaking and kitesurfing. Even if you’re not into your sports, Costa Navarino can organise a guided tour of ancient Olympia, where you can still see the remains of the stadium and gymnasium, and there are other experiences such as Greek village cooking classes, wine tasting and bird watching.
Visit CostaNavarino.com
Marbella:
For Glam Elegance
Surrounded by spacious sub-tropical gardens, golden sands, the Sierra Blanca mountains and year-round sunshine, the legendary Marbella Club Hotel occupies a prime beachfront spot on Marbella’s Golden Mile between the Old Town and glitzy Puerto Banus. The historic five-star hotel, loved by A-listers, may not immediately spring to mind when considering a family-friendly resort but their kids’ club has the reputation of being one of the best in Europe and is open 365 days a year, along with their babysitting services. Located in a converted farmhouse, activities include vegetable growing, cookery classes, dance classes, pottery, yoga and treasure hunts. For older children, the hotel can arrange tennis, watersports, horse riding and golf lessons. Parents and grandparents can totally relax but can also spend time with young family members in the two heated pools or ambling through the vast botanical gardens, home to orange, lemon, avocado, fig and banana trees. And in the evenings, the hotel hosts family-friendly movie nights.
The hotel has 115 rooms and suites, and 17 individually designed two to six-bedroom villas. The six-bedroom Villa del Mar sleeps up to 12 and, for larger celebrations, can connect to its neighbour, Rincón del Mar, to add five more bedrooms. Also ideal for families is Villa Añil, complete with a private swimming pool, garden and terraces, games and cinema room and a calming spa area including a sauna and Turkish bath.
Visit MarbellaClub.com
LONG HAUL
Maldives:
For Thrill Seekers
Luxe, all-inclusive retreat Ifuru Island opened last September and provides the ideal setting for a milestone celebration involving the whole family, young and old. The 147 beach suites and villas are arranged as a series of retreats and villages, each around its communal beachfront sunken lounge and firepit, hitting just the right balance between seclusion and sociability.
There is a wealth of amenities and experiences to keep everyone entertained. The Coconut Kids Club and Little Explorers Club are dedicated to creating memorable experiences – activities include beach hunts and walks, kids’ yoga, recycled paper making, recycled art workshops, leaf printing, nature crowns and gardening. Older children and adults can try their hand at some adrenaline-fuelled activities like skydiving and diving with sharks; there is also complimentary use of non-motorised watersports equipment and snorkelling gear, 24-hour games, a gym and tennis courts. The spa is perfect for those seeking rest and relaxation, alongside its treatments, guests can enjoy a moment of rest with sound healing or enjoy a revitalising stretch with sunrise and sunset yoga sessions.
Accommodation is stylishly elegant and contemporary, with lots of natural light and outdoor space. All the rooms are also perfectly positioned on the sunset side of the island to offer breathtaking views, and some of the villas have direct access to pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear turquoise water. There are four bars and six restaurants where the chefs make use of local Maldivian ingredients to create a variety of cuisines, including Asian dishes, steaks and locally caught fresh fish.
Visit IfuruIsland.com
Thailand:
For Unforgettable Memories
A short speedboat ride from bustling Phuket, untouched Koh Yao Yai Island is home to the new Anantara resort that opened earlier this year. It’s been built on a 27-acre coconut plantation wedged between a wooded hill and a turquoise bay and is spread over a kilometre of sandy beach. The resort is particularly perfect for families of all age groups due to its clever design which includes quiet beachfront pool villas, relaxing wellness villas overlooking a lagoon, glamorous penthouse suites and family suites, all classically designed with a nod to Thai heritage. Grandparents can enjoy the secluded luxury of a one-bedroom villa that comes with private butler services, complimentary bicycles and direct beach access; while the rest of the family can book into a family suite that has one part for adults and another for kids, complete with bunk beds, hidden play areas and direct access to the family pool which has big waterslides and a pool bar.
Little ones won’t get bored here – the well-equipped kids’ club has a giant bubble pool, a jungle gym, loads of wooden toys and a range of supervised activities like painting workshops, traditional Thai dancing, mangrove seedling planting, cooking classes and nature walks. A toddler zone, with a separate nap room, provides professional childcare to keep one- to four-year-olds stimulated and entertained with baby yoga and other activities, while teens have their own building and a restaurant.
Adults can head to the spa for first-class treatments or a relaxing time in one of the biggest hydro pools and hammams in Thailand. Or bring the kids along too for gentle massages, coconut hair treatments, fruity scrubs, facials and bubble bath pamper parties.
The resort offers several dining options – you can choose from the freshest seafood, dry-aged steaks, Thai dishes, traditional and modern Japanese dishes, as well as kid-friendly meals.
Visit Anantara.com
Africa:
For A Safari Adventure
Introducing the wonders of Africa to your grandchildren is an unforgettable experience, especially watching their expressions as they come face to face with a pride of lions or an elephant for the first time. A safari holiday is probably best suited to children over the age of six.
New this year in Tanzania and perfect for multi-generational families is Kokoko Camp, set in the heart of the prime wildlife region of Ruaha on the banks of the Mwagusi River. The emphasis here is very much on exceptional experiences and the natural beauty of the landscape, and the accommodation is pared back and elegantly simple, yet luxe. With only three tents to the camp, and a maximum of six guests at one time, the intimate nature of the exclusive-use camp is designed to remind guests the true essence of safari: to explore and discover wildlife, whilst connecting with the wilderness. Meals are cooked over fires, dinners are held by lanternlight and tents can be folded back on clear nights to sleep under the stars.
Also opening later this year in southwest Kenya is Kipeleo, which is built into the edge of Kileleoni Hill, the highest quartz mountain in the Maasai Mara near the Ol Chorro and Enonkishu conservancies. Accessible only though a secret tunnel, Kipeleo is a truly stunning hilltop sanctuary combining luxury interiors with sustainability and with conservation, community and regenerative tourism at its heart. Sleeping up to ten guests in five luxurious suites, you’ll enjoy the most breath-taking panoramic views across the Mara Serengeti, as well as an infinity pool, state of the art gym, library, wine cellar, hot tub, spa and dedicated team of chef, private guide, butler and wellness expert to look after your every need.
Aardvark Safaris has a number of other camps also suited to families and know what works when it comes to planning a safari with children.
Visit AardvarkSafaris.com
Mauritius:
For Tropical Luxury
Reopened last October after a complete refurb, family friendly LUX* Belle Mare is situated on Mauritius’ wild east coast, near the quaint village of Belle Mare. The hotel has direct access to the powder white sands on one of the best beaches on the island where you can swim and snorkel in stunning blue waters.
It’s the most magical getaway for little ones, too. The kids’ club caters for children from three years old, with soft play slides, interactive floor games and daily activities including gardening, yoga and swimming. There’s also a toddler space, and babysitting services are available in the evenings. Meanwhile, teens can mingle and spend time at Studio 17 with the latest gaming consoles or explore the ocean with skim boards, enjoy kite competitions, and play volleyball and beachside football.
For the adults, the spa is a serene sanctuary with several cabins where you can enjoy a variety of treatments from Thai massages to Chinese medicine. There is a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and relaxation areas. Yoga sessions are also available.
All the accommodation is based in modern whitewashed buildings with thatched roofs which are designed to feel like beach bungalows. Couples will love the chic and tranquil suites, while the villas provide ample space for parents with children. Interiors are done up in shades of white with splashes of coral and citrus shades, and all the rooms have outdoor terraces or balconies with day beds for lazy afternoon naps.
Dining options range from fresh seafood at Beach Rouge and Chinese tasting menus at Duck Laundry to contemporary Indian food at Amari, created by a Michelin-starred chef. All the restaurants also have nourishing and tasty kids’ menus, and the main restaurant, Mondo, even has a kids’ corner with tableware and a buffet of their size. And poolside, there’s a homemade ice cream kiosk.
Visit LuxResorts.com
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