Perhaps you live away from your parents or in-laws. Perhaps you’re too busy to carve out dedicated family time that brings your oldest and youngest members together in one place. That’s why multi-generational – or ‘3G’ – holidays are on the rise, they offer a perfect solution: simply bring the grandparents with you. You’re likely to save money (and you get built-in babysitters), and precious time (by combining a holiday with grandparent duty), and best of all everybody benefits from quality bonding and creates lasting memories. Here are 5 ways to plan a multi-generational getaway for the whole clan.
Comfort is key
The simple things in life are universally preferred: fly and flop to a large villa near the coast with an infinity swimming pool and space for all.
On Menorca’s southern coast, palatial The Manor House sleeps up to 14 across 6 bedrooms (including bunkbeds) and has endless terraces, grounds, lounges and a huge kitchen — perfect for extended family gatherings. The flawless pool has loungers and sea views. One of Menorca’s best beaches is 1.5km down a sandy track, and you can borrow bikes and kayaks.
Family bonus: Take it easy and hire a cook. Other concierge services include booking boat trips and spa days.
Lefkas is an Ionian island gem off Greece’s west coast, 40 minutes from Prevaza airport across the causeway (or get a hopper flight from Corfu), and is renowned for postcard-perfect beaches and sailing. Base yourselves at peaceful 5-bedroom The Stone House for capacious interiors, fragrant terraces with incredible views, loungers and hammocks. It’s located near Nidri, with its yacht-filled harbor, offering plenty of boating activities for the entire family
Family bonus: Cooking here is a joy! There’s a wood-fired BBQ, herb gardens, plus mixers, juicers and the option of indoor or outdoor dining
Forget the washing up
For high quality bonding time with your entire brood, go for something special! Find a villa with staff for cooking and cleaning, so everybody can relax.
Dreamy Culloden Cove on Jamaica’s southwest coast has 3 bedrooms in the main house and a separate self-contained 2-bedroom cottage, ideal for grandparents (or teenagers). The villa comes with all manner of kids’ kit and garden games, and the welcoming staff consist of housekeepers, a caretaker and a security guard.
Family bonus: The infinity pool overlooks your own private beach and jetty
Ultimate Sri Lanka villa The Saffron House has an exceptional location on a pristine stretch of south coast overlooking a horseshoe-shaped bay. It has 4 large elegant ensuite bedrooms, extensive tropical gardens to explore, airy living rooms, an infinity pool and delightful staff who’ll cook you knock-out curries made from the freshest ingredients.
Family bonus: Give the grandparents the private Sea Bedroom. It’s closer to the ocean and has stunning views
Make friends with the neighbours
Why not book a sociable self-catering retreat with shared swimming pool in the glorious countryside? Don’t underestimate the added value of having other families around (and space to roam) as kids instinctively herd together for free range freedom.
Located 30 minutes from the splendours of Carcassonne (for day trips and easy airport access), great value Languedoc Hideaways has 4 rustic-chic converted barns overlooking a picturesque valley. One cabin is for a couple — perhaps the grandparents? — while the other three cater for families. Chickens, hammocks, a treehouse and plenty of games can be found on the grounds.
Family bonus: The Barn Bar hosts barbecues, pizza nights, Sunday lunch (May-October), ping-pong and table football
Go wild in the country at this self-catering retreat in a natural park just inland from spectacular beaches on Portugal’s south-west coast. Monte da Vilarinha has a range of accommodation including a house for 9 which comes with a large shared living room and kitchen, a BBQ and a bread oven. There’s a playground, playroom, ping-pong, bikes to borrow and a roped woodland walkway.
Family bonus: Daily breakfast is included, and the glass-fronted diner is open for other meals May-October
Wait for winter, then head for the sun
To make your time together even more special, why not schedule your family gathering in the dreary winter months, then escape to the sunshine?
The Canaries are an easy destination for a 3G holiday: accessible, year-round sun but not stiflingly hot, and lots of coastline to explore. We love La Malvasia on Tenerife — a trio of great value 3-bed cottages with a good-sized shared pool. It’s off-the-beaten track and provides maximum tranquility, but still an easy drive to the restaurants and sights, plus only 30 minutes from the airport. If there’s lots of you, book all three cottages!
Family bonus: It’s a 10-minute drive to some fantastic empty beaches
Cape Town is a fabulous family destination: no jet-lag from Europe, plus loads to see and do. Stay beachside at the luxurious 3-bedroom Clifton Beach Villa which comes with daily housekeeping, beautiful contemporary interiors, and a super-cool subterranean den with retro turntable and windows into the heated swimming pool.
Family bonus: You’re footsteps away to glamorous Clifton Beach
Save on airfares and take a staycation
It’s often easier (and more eco-friendly) to choose a rental in your country of origin.
Cornwall is blessed with a long, dramatic coastline, and the theatrical Barford Beach House has a heavenly setting on its northern shores. There are 6 unique ensuite bedrooms (5 with a private terrace), stylish upcycled design, a swanky kitchen and fabulous picture windows to drink in those sea views.
Family bonus: It comes with a sauna, hot tub, kids playboat, cinema room and secret games bunker complete with a pool table and pinball machine
Located in the lush Welsh countryside at the foot of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains, the characterful Felin Newydd House has 9 bedrooms and sleeps up to 18. The perfect country pad, it also has a huge Aga-warmed kitchen, a well-stocked cellar and daily maid service. There are 20 hectares of grounds to explore, so bring the family dog and explore!
Family bonus: There’s a billiards room, a library/poker room, Wendy houses, board games, and even croquet
See all of our family-friendly rentals worldwide.
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