In the second of our summertime series looking at places that work beautifully for different age groups, our Kids Collection Editor Nadine has selected some of the best hotels and rentals for primary school-age children. Many parents and carers delight in these golden years of family travel: the kids enjoy trying out new activities, they’re mature enough to not need constant supervision, can journey for longer, and they really love holidaying as a family!
Palmizana, Sveti Klement island, near Hvar, Croatia
This bohemian retreat is everything families after unpretentious seaside holidays could wish for. It’s on a car-free island (part of the Hvar archipelago) with beautiful botanical gardens that are home to tortoises and peacocks. With a range of villas and bungalows to suit every size of family party, a relaxed and blissful week for all is guaranteed.
Fawakay Villas, near Marrakech, Morocco
If you’re seeking to escape the ordinary, try this complex of three snazzy 2-4 bedroom cumin-coloured villas only 20 minutes outside Marrakech. The convivial English owners make you feel instantly at home in this oasis of tranquility. Heaven for families!
Finca de Arrieta, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
An easy family holiday with year-round sunshine is guaranteed at this great-value eco-resort just 300m from the sea and half an hour from the airport. Choose between self-catering yurts, villas, cottages and former farmhouses. And you’ll be with like-minded families for instant friendships!
Hotel Esencia, near Playa del Carmen, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Set on a perfect stretch of beach, with wonderful staff who cater for every whim, this is an idyllic white-on-white luxury hotel. Parents can relax in the airy spa and relish the delicious cuisine while taking full advantage of the free babysitting. At last, a grown-up hotel where children feel at home, too!
St Mawes Hideaways, St Mawes, Cornwall, UK
This quartet of swanky cottages overlooking the Fal Estuary is perfect for school-age children. All have bedrooms which can convert to twins, well-equipped spacious kitchens for self-catering, and access to helpful concierge services. The 2 larger cottages (5 bedrooms) work well for extended family gatherings.
Monte da Vilarinha, near Carrapateira, Algarve, Portugal
Our review says: ‘any kid would find staying here a joy’. Grown-ups love it for the charming staff, the flexibility of self-catering but a poolside diner (serving tasty regional fare) for when cooking feels like a chore, and the contemporary apartments and studios, each with its own private terrace. A perfect gem!
Marari Villas, Kerala, India
India may not spring to mind for a family holiday, but there’s something fascinating for children at every turn (from cows in the road to playing cricket with local kids), which will linger longer in the memory than a more conventional European jaunt. Kerala is a great introduction to a more exotic life. An hour from the airport are these serviced pool villas, right on a safe sandy beach.
Liodentra, near Kardamyli, Peloponnese, Greece
Children do start to crave the company of their peers as they grow older, and there are lots of benefits to holidaying with another family. These adjoining stone villas (which sleep 4-5 each) are ideal, and could also host a multi-generational group as there’s an additional annexe for 2.
Le Portetta, Courchevel 1650, Alps, France
Watching your child gain in confidence and independence is one of the joys of parenthood. No better place to witness this than on an Alpine holiday. This chic ski-in/ski-out hotel has super serviced mountain lodges, which are ideal for larger family groups (living and dining spaces, full kitchens, hot tubs, saunas), as well as family rooms for 4-5 including bunks, and lofts for 3-6 with sofabeds. Courchevel is a family-friendly resort with gentle green and blue runs.
Take a look at our full collection of family-friendly boutique hotels