We’re so proud of the sheer scope and size of our award-winning Kids Collection. We don’t just do snazzy boutique hotels and beautiful rentals which go above and beyond to welcome families; we also have a wonderful selection of uniquely unusual family-friendly places to stay, too! We’ve chosen 10 favourites for your delectation.
Whitepod, Swiss Alps
Whether visiting in summer or winter, families will love staying in igloo-shaped tents perched on a hillside overlooking a quintessential Alpine valley. The well-insulated pods have mezzanine floors for kids, wood-burners for keeping you toasty, a large window, and panoramic decks for sitting out. There’s also a Pod House with games and a cinema room. In the summer months you’re surrounded by a carpet of flowers, and hiking, dog-karting and mountain biking are all popular; in winter, enjoy exclusive ski slopes, snow-shoeing or sledding.
Swinton Bivouac, Yorkshire Dales, UK
This is a real back-to-nature eco retreat of off-grid woodland shacks and canvas yurts on a private estate, with rolling hills, woodland and sheep-filled fields as far as the eye can see. The quirky woodland shacks sleep up to 7 (they have 3-tiered bunks) and the meadow yurts up to 5; both have wood-burners. There’s also a larger Loft sleeping up to 10. This is the perfect place to run wild in the country, and a forest school operates on certain dates in the school holidays. The on-site cafe has a kids’ menu, and you can pre-order takeaway meals and picnics.
Desa Seni, Bali
Only a convenient 15 minutes from the airport, on the south-west coast of the island, you’ll find this charming eco-retreat. It features 10 antique Indonesian houses (half are large enough for families) which have been rebuilt within a stunning tropical organic garden. Yoga is a big part of the daily routine here, and they offer kids’ classes and special spa treatment; there’s also a pool on site. The beach is down the road for surfing and horse riding, and you can take day trips to Ubud and local temples.
Water Home, Amsterdam
Moored in a tranquil residential area only 10 minutes from downtown, this authentic Dutch barge sleeps up to 4 and has a piano, a lounge with a kitchen, a separate double bedroom, a proper bathroom, and a second double room off the living room. There’s a waterside deck with plants, and you get a city map on arrival to help plan your excursions around Amsterdam.
Yab Yum, Goa, India
In a magical sand garden, steps behind white-sand Ashvem Beach, is this great-value and playful resort of thatched domes and simple cottages. Muslin curtains, coconut palms, strings of twinkling lights, paddling pools and paper lanterns all create a friendly ambiance. Watch turtles hatch in season, enjoy a boat tour and take a tuk-tuk to explore local villages. Delightful.
Chateau d’Uzer, Ardeche, France
This is a blissful option for families: a fairytale castle with opulent suites (2 have French windows opening to a private balcony, 4 have a second bedroom), plus 2 gypsy caravans in the gardens. There’s a solar-heated freshwater pool, a cinema room in the former dungeon, and electric bikes to hire. Head forth for kayaking and wild swimming in the Ardeche gorges.
Milos Windmill, Cyclades, Greece
On the island where the iconic statue Venus de Milo was discovered lies this good-value converted windmill. Its 3 floors have been reconfigured into 2 bedrooms and a kitchen-diner, with a shaded terrace acting as a living room outside. There are also 2 pretty outhouses, should there are more than 4 of you. Secret coves, rugged cliffs and picturesque villages beside turquoise seas all await exploration nearby.
Spin and Margie’s Desert Hideaway, Palm Springs, California
Utterly individual and brilliantly conceived by the creative couple at the helm, this hacienda-style retreat has 5 colourful suites, 4 of which work for families. Expect deep tubs, beamed ceilings, private terraces and local photography; outside, the 3-acre plot has sculptures, kitsch objects, an adobe courtyard with a fountain, and a picnic area with a bocce ball court. And the entrance to the other-worldly Joshua Tree National Park is 5 minutes away.
Casas de Levada, Madeira
A cluster of renovated stone self-catering huts in rolling emerald foothills, this bucolic hideaway has cool architecture and cute rustic touches in equal measure. You’re 45 minutes away from Funchal, in apple orchards with wonderful levada hikes from the door, and there’s a kids’ pool and a collection of farm animals. The beach is 20 minutes away, and there’s canyoning and rock climbing nearby. Brilliant for active, outdoorsy families.
Ha Mar Ao Luar, Lisbon Coast, Portugal
This private and well-priced hideaway has an impeccable position high above the sea, with panoramic views along the coast. The family-friendly self-catering options include suites both in and underneath the main house, and a spacious apartment with a terrace. There’s also a lush garden and a swimming pool. The historic port of Setubal is below, and there are beaches aplenty along the coast.
Browse all of our unusual family hotels.
Pin this post:
