By Nadine Mellor, i-escape Kids Collection Editor
We’re big fans of stylish family hideaways which come as a collection of villas. That way you can travel with another family, bring the grandparents along, have a special gathering, your children can make friends with other kids staying at the same time, and you usually get more space and facilities than at a standalone villa. Here are 10 of our favourites…
1 Elounda Gulf Villas – Eastern Crete, Greece
Summary: A luxurious hotel-villa hybrid with both villas and suites to choose from and a kids’ menu in the restaurant.
For kids: Cool Kids’ Club and Cool Creche, lots of baby and toddler gear; a kids’ pool plus the villas have their own private pools.
Family activities: A private beach club is just 10 minutes away by shuttle, tennis lessons available.
2 Sri Villas – Bentota, Sri Lanka
Summary: A trio of architect-designed beach villas with stunning Indian Ocean views, and a choice of two, three or four bedrooms.
For kids: 30m lap and baby pool, pool toys, cricket and volleyball, boogie boards and board games, kite flying.
Family activities: Release baby turtles into the ocean or bury turtle eggs at the world-famous turtle hatcheries, watersports in Bentota, tuk-tuk rides to local villages.
3 Fawakay Villas – outside Marrakech, Morocco
Summary: A small compound of villas and eco-suites in colourful gardens 10km outside Marrakech.
For kids: A heated outdoor pool, a kids’ pool and plunge pools at the villas, an arts & crafts shack, garden Jenga and checkers, a football goal and table tennis.
Family activities: Minichef classes, princess henna treatments, a treasure hunt through the souks of Marrakech, camel & horse riding, and trips to the Atlas mountains can all be arranged.
4 Lanzarote Hideaways, Canary Islands, Spain
Summary: This collection of eco-friendly self-catering houses and apartments in a variety of configurations to suit all is found in the tranquil north of the island
For kids: Many have ocean views and pools.
Family activities: Close to beaches; explore lava caves, try out watersports and glass-bottomed submarines.
5 Marari Villas – Kerala, India
Summary: Two boutique beach villas for 2-4 with a chef and housekeeping included in the rates; located a short walk from Marari Beach.
For kids: A pool (& pool toys) for each villa in a secluded and safe walled garden, plenty of baby & toddler kit available on request, plus cricket, badminton, football and board games.
Family activities: Concierge services include arranging yoga and dance lessons, dolphin spotting trips, cycling around local villages, kite flying and playing on the beach.
6 Villas Serjac – Languedoc, France
Summary: Family-friendly villas with two-four bedrooms set on a working winery with vineyard views and a spa.
For kids: A heated infinity pool, Kids’ Club during the school holidays, tennis court, table tennis, pétanque and bikes to borrow, plus some villas have their own private pools.
Family activities: Beaches are 35 minutes away, there are horses to ride nearby, plus local markets, kayaking and sailing.
7 Puri Ganesha – Pemuteran, Bali
Summary: Four eclectic and spacious staffed beachside villas a stone’s throw from the sea, with an organic restaurant.
For kids: Each villa has a private pool with pool toys, ball games and large gardens to roam around.
Family activities: Cooking classes on request, snorkelling and diving along the coast, sponsor a baby turtle, volcano and rainforest tours, dolphin spotting boat trips.
8 Vineyard Villas – Santorini, Greece
Summary: Three gorgeous B&B two-bed villas with sea views in a peaceful vineyard and garden setting.
For kids: Each villa has a plunge pool, and comes with a tent for shade; babysitting is available on request.
Family activities: The beach is 500m away; cooking lessons, catamaran tours of the caldera and sailing cruises can be arranged.
9 Casas do Coro – Beiras, Portugal
Summary: Collection of cottages for 2-11 in an ancient hilltop village close to the Spanish border.
For kids: Each house has a kitchen or kitchenette but the food in the on-site restaurant is so good you’ll likely dine there, there’s a big shared pool and garden.
Family activities: Explore the Marialva castle ruins and the village itself; the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Coa Valley has Palaeolithic rock art and a superb museum; mountain bikes to borrow; boat trips on the Douro.
10 Chakrabongse Villas – Bangkok, Thailand
Summary: An exclusive haven of little Thai-style cottages in the verdant grounds of a royal residence right on the Chao Phraya river.
For kids: A flower-fringed swimming pool, peaceful and safe gardens, a floating pavilion with views across to Wat Arun.
Family activities: Temples, street markets and Chinatown are all easily discovered, and there’s a private motor launch to hire for river tours of the city.