Family Travel in europe
When it comes to planning a holiday, particularly with young children, there are a myriad of things you need to factor into the equation, from which hotels can provide sterilisers and buggies, to which have kids clubs that work for the ages of your little ones. Here we’ve rounded up a list of our favourite family spots in Europe, trying to make it quick and simple for you to see which one might be right for you. All of these have extensive lists of kids amenities and equipment that they can provide, making travelling a much lighter and straightforward affair than it might be elsewhere. They are places that really excel in making travelling as a family great fun and very little hassle.
Porto Sani, Halkidiki, Greece
If you're looking for somewhere with luxurious rooms, incredible facilities, and more restaurants than you'd be able to eat at in a fortnight, then look no further than Porto Sani. The fantastic dine around concept here allows guests on Half Board and Full Board to take their pick of the 26 restaurants across the resort. The Sani harbour gives the feel of being in a pretty Greek harbourside village so you have all the benefits of being in a hotel with great facilities and service whilst still enjoying the ability to stroll around restaurants and boutiques as though out in public but in reality not actually leaving the resort. Enjoy preferential rates and perks here when booking through Rothwell Private Travel.
N.B. The Porto Sani kids club is the biggest and best out of the Sani properties. It’s complimentary for ages 4 upwards or €42 per 3 hours for littles aged between 6 months and 4 years. There’s also often staff from the kids club down on the beach running an informal beach créche in case you’d rather have your little ones nearby.
Martinhal Sagres, Portugal
A firm favourite for families with young kids. With a fantastic beach, a wide range of room and villa options, all the kids amenities you could wish for, a full baby concierge service, 4 kids clubs providing child care for different age groups from 6 months upwards, sandpits, mini-golf, a zipline and playgrounds galore; and even restaurants that offer takeaway if you want to dine in your rooms whilst the little ones sleep, Martinhal really has thought of everything. It also happens to be a great spot for surfing! Not only is Martinhal incredibly good value but we have an excellent relationship with them ensuring our clients can stay here with preferential rates and perks.
N.B. The kids club is chargeable but very reasonable with High Season rates for 2024 as follows:
Under 2 years old = €27 per session per child
2 - 13 years old = €25 per session per childs
Sessions are morning or afternoon, around 3 hours long. During the winter season all the kids club are merged together and are complimentary.
Borgo egnazia, Puglia, Italy
Perched on the heel of Italy's boot, Borgo Egnazia is a sensational ode to a typical Puglian village, with two private beaches facing the Adriatic Sea. Picture a traditional village (a borgo) surrounded by olive groves, then add a championship golf course, Adriatic beach clubs, a spa that incorporates local herbs and olive oils into treatments, six restaurants (one just for kids), and enrichment programs from fishing and photography to bartending and wine appreciation. Little ones can discover the magical world of Trullalleri, the kids club that takes its name from the fabulous trulli town of Alberobello, where the houses have a cone roof, like a gnome's hat. Children from the age of 3 are complimentary whilst those between 7 months and 3 years of age are also welcome, subject to booking of a dedicated nursery service. Every day stimulating creative activities immerse children in the dimension of the fantastic. There is even the Maria farm, where children can learn how to take care of puppies and and play with horses and donkeys.
Daios Cove, Crete, Greece
Enjoying a holiday is so much easier when your kids are having fun and you can indulge in some quality adult time as well. Daios Cove is well aware of this and has created a very special place in a gorgeous setting. There's a great choice of room, suite and villa options. We particularly love the villa or the one bedroom suites for families. The kids club welcomes children from 4 months old and is complimentary for children aged 4 years and up. There's an outdoor adults pool, a spa pool, a family pool and a little toddler pool. The spa and gym facilities are top of the range and offer a hugely extensive variety of treatments and training programmes. The dining packages are excellent with a Residents Club All Inclusive program that really does include everything. And finally the resort is set in an incredibly pretty and sheltered bay making it an ideal spot for children to swim in the sea or play on the beach sheltered from any wind. This is an incredibly spoiling spot for parents and children alike.
Marbella Club, Andalusia, Spain
At the heart of Andalusia, you will fall in love with Marbella Club's stylish and airy living spaces, sophisticated villas, bohemian Clubhouse lounge and private beach club. With wafts of jasmine-scented orange groves at their Bar, indulging in Mediterranean diet with naturopaths and nutritional therapists on hand, and a commitment to slow-living, this southern sanctuary will inspire and soothe your soul. With an exceptional 5,000 square metre kids club welcoming children over the age of four, families can enjoy an amazing holiday with their children getting involved in the many activities on offer or getting to grips with all the water sports down at the beach.
Airelles, St Tropez, France
Both chic and informal, Saint-Tropez is known around the world for its way of life, its legendary port and its colourful alleyways. Nearby, Airelles Château de La Messardière is nestled in the hills, surrounded by the Ramatuelle vineyards. Built in the 19th century, the Château is an integral part of the village, with a coat of arms dating back to 1660 and centuries of history in the local heritage. Guests here will find an unparalleled kids club with lego kingdom, art studio, pottery workshop, cinema, trampolines, tennis courts, pirate-ship playground and so much more. It’s a place entirely devoted to fun and discovery for children of all ages, with pirate and mermaid-themed décor. The Airelles Summer Camp villa has seven rooms, each with a different atmosphere including a private cinema, a Lego workshop and a nap room for our youngest guests. From pony rides and magic shows to gardening workshops, every day there’s a new programme of activities, suitable for all ages and interests. The hotel itself is the height of luxury, admittedly with a price tag to match. For parents wanting the very best though for their little ones as well as themselves Airelles is the perfect spot.
Terre Blanche, Provence, France
Calling all golfing families... A wonderful base for families and golfers alike, Le Château and Le Riou's 18 hole courses will attract technical players who are looking for a good challenge. Their motto says it all: "Put the hectic pace of everyday life at a distance and get to the essentials." Terre Blanche boasts 300 hectares away from the madding crowds, where Nature takes reign and you bask in Provençal village life complete with a great kids club (chargeable but welcoming children from the age of 2) and Golf course tucked away in the forest. Choose from a plethora of restaurants and while a day away at their sprawling, state-of-the-art Spa. Luxurious suites overlook the Provencal countryside, or spacious villas offer private pools, gardens and jacuzzis. For sport-enthusiasts, take a trip to the Verdon Gorge and go rafting, canyoning, climbing, or snorkeling! As it is a Virtuoso property our clients will also receive great benefits when staying here, such as upgrades and food and beverage credits.
Ikos Andalusia, Spain
Along the Iberian Peninsula, within a little micro-climate giving you the best chance of warmth even out of peak season, a contemporary and white-washed Mediterranean abode awaits, complete with an endless choice of pools, restaurants, and entertainment catering to tots and teens. Ikos Resorts' always offer an all-inclusive Infinite Lifestyle with everything included, perfect for those who want to kick back and enjoy the knowledge that you won't have a bill at the end of the holiday.
N.B. The Ikos kids clubs are very popular and do really need to be booked in advance. Booking tends to open for the kids clubs the November before the coming season! We can of course take care of all of that for you though along with all other concierge related matters.