We’re very excited that our collection dedicated to helping families travel in style has reached the 800 mark. As committed as ever to dispelling the myth that holidays with children are limited to cramped campsites, carbon-copy resorts and characterless apartments, our Kids Collection editor Nadine has shared some of her favourite new additions…
The Luxury Beachside Resort
Anassa, Cyprus
Just launched as part of our brand-new Cypriot collection is this super beachside spa resort, set near Polis. Families will be in their element here, with all manner of watersports on offer, plus a small playground, a dedicated kids’ pool and every conceivable item of baby and toddler paraphernalia to borrow. Some suites and the residences come with private plunge pools. Best of all, there are 5 kids’ clubs for all ages – the ‘Globetrotters’ crèche has a nap room, toys and books, while the ‘Adventurers’, ‘Voyagers’ and ‘Pioneers’ clubs have a daily changing schedule of activities, from monkey football to stone painting. Teens get to try air hockey, tennis and kayaking.
The Elegant Country Retreat
La Louviere, Normandy
This cosseting 5-bedroom B&B on the Normandy-Loire border defines relaxed charm. Welcoming owners Alain and Isabelle love children and have created a haven for guests of all ages. There’s an 8-acre garden to romp around, a heated outdoor pool, even a tennis court. Inside, there’s a tub in every bathroom, and 2 rooms interconnect for larger families. Sublime cook Isabelle is happy to whip up meals for fussy eaters, and breakfasts feature yoghurts and cakes. There’s even the friendly family dog and cat to play with.
The Wilderness Eco-Lodges
Coillabus, Scotland
The wonderfully wild island of Islay, the Queen of the Hebrides, is set off the west coast of Scotland (about 2.5 hours’ drive from Glasgow). Here, you’ll find a pair of brand-new stone-walled and turf-roofed rentals, perfect for an adventurous family holiday. Both high-spec lodges are identically configured: each has 2 ensuite bedrooms, underfloor heating, a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry room, a hot tub and a sauna, plus sweeping views across the moors, coast and hills. Spend days beachcombing, pony trekking, birdwatching (golden eagles and choughs are hereabouts) and rambling along the cliff tops.
The Tropical Island
Song Saa, Cambodia
The ultimate in tropical paradise, this luxury resort in the Gulf of Thailand will delight every family member. You get here by speedboat, and once ashore you’ll find fantastic food, a spa, caster-sugar beaches with shallow seas, private villas with sunken baths, and a trained nanny to look after the little ones. Children can learn to swim, cook and snorkel, or join educational nature tours with the resident conservationists. The air-conditioned playhouse has toys to borrow, and there are children’s menus in the restaurant; you can even take a picnic on a kayaking trip through the mangroves. Heaven.
The Beach Cottages
Sea Garden Cottages, Scilly Islands
Families are warmly welcomed on the idyllic Scilly Isles – they’re a perfect playground for children, with sailing schools, few cars, lots of bicycles and a mild climate. Sleeping 2-10, these sea-facing self-catering cottages can be configured for all kinds of combinations of family and friends (all beds can be doubles or twins, and bathrooms mostly have tubs as well as showers). All 16 are a skip and jump away from the indoor pool, tennis court and beach café. There are hidden treehouses, rockpools and ruined castles to be discovered nearby. Bliss.