The family holiday is a key event in the calendar. Memories are made, inside jokes are born and arguments are probably had – that’s just sibling life… But you do it every year and absolutely live for it. Whether your kids are still little and in constant need of entertainment, or almost adults now, maybe too old for the organised fun but live for days by the pool, we’ve narrowed down some picks to suit different family holiday vibes.
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The boujie pick
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, the Maldives
This hotel’s maybe one for an occasion – someone’s birthday, an anniversary or just any excuse to show your family how much you love them. It is the Maldives after all… you’ll definitely remember this one. It’s two islands for the price of one. The place is split with villas and a pool on one and restaurants and shops on the other. Some rooms are beachfront, or you can go all out with an overwater villa – some even have their own pool – and for bigger groups, you can opt for a two-bedroom family room, too. The pool comes with a sea view, as well as a slide and underwater speakers – this is a Hard Rock hotel. Once a week they host pool parties with a live DJ and every evening, you can enjoy a sunset ritual featuring live music. Older kids might fancy checking out the Teen Spirit Club ®, which hosts beach football and live show and there’s the Roxity Kids’ Club ® for little ones. But even in your rooms, the Rock Om programme means you can stream on-demand yoga and request your own mat to practice. Or, there’s a special tent to try aerial yoga, trapeze and hoop, as well as kick boxing and tai chi classes.
There are two à la carte restaurants and a waterside bar but cross the footbridge and you’ll find nine more restaurants at The Marina. The Rock Spa ® has special massages that are synchronised to music in oceanfront treatment rooms and there’s a gym open all hours, too. After all that, there’s of course the beach to enjoy! The white sand and clear water are what the Maldives is all about. So, safe to say this sounds like a pretty epic family holiday to get yourself in the good books…
The active pick
AQI Skanes Resort, Tunisia
You might not have thought of Tunisia but it’s a destination that’s great for mixing outdoor adventure with beachy days. Skanes is all about its giant white beach but there are also medinas, ancient amphitheatres and Saharan Jeep safaris to keep you busy, too – see more on First Choice Experiences. For families that love an activity, this could be a winner. AQI Skanes Resort prides itself on being a family-friendly place to stay, so there’s plenty to get stuck into together right here…
There are two outdoor pools, and one includes an aqua park with waterslides, while the other is right by the beach. There’s another pool inside that’s open over the winter and down on the sand, there’s a whole line-up of watersports to try. Sporty types will love the volleyball matches and there’s even ITF professional tennis tournaments that take place from May to October, which you can pay to take part in if you’ve got a real competitive side. Out of this season, the tennis courts are available to book for your own use, or there’s table tennis if that’s more your vibe. The spa counts as an activity too, right? Good, because a traditional hammam is on offer for a massage and scrub, as well as a whirlpool bath and gym.
Food-wise, the buffet restaurant takes on a different theme every night, and there’s one just for kids with all the fussy faves, like fish fingers and pasta. There’s also an à la carte Tunisian place, where you get one free meal per person, per room, per stay and plenty of bar options dotted around. The evening entertainment programme is designed for everyone, putting on karaoke and traditional dance shows, which are worth staying up for.
The central pick
Hotel Diana Palace, Zante
Greece is a holiday dream. Beaches, ancient history, amazing food, it’s a win for pretty much everyone. Top tip – Greece is also a great one for shoulder-season travel. It’s hot from around May all the way through to September, so you can skip the peak summer months for a cheaper trip if you’re kids aren’t in school yet. For extra ease, this hotel is on the Ionian Island of Zante but in a super accessible location to both the beach and local town.
Hotel Diana Palace is on one of Argassi’s main streets, so there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. Plus, you’re a five-minute walk to the beach and a 10-minute taxi into Zante Town. Family holidays can sometimes be a bit of a faff if you need to hire a car to get about, so this spot is perfect if you’d prefer to walk everywhere. All rooms come with a garden view and either a balcony or terrace, and family rooms can sleep up to four people. There’s a main pool, as well as a smaller one for kids that comes with slides, and you’ve got a bar on the side for drinks and snacks. Nonna’s Kitchen specialises in Greek food, but the buffet has a range of options for pickier eaters. For more adventurous types, keep an eye out for the themed nights twice a week, where you can try different dishes from around the world.
In the day, activities like yoga and darts are put on, there’s a playground, table tennis, and in the evening, there are weekly Greek nights with live music and dancing to really get into the culture. It’s the perfect balance of hotel life and local picks here. Argassi’s beach is primed with loungers and calm, shallow waters and the town’s mini golf course is a great shout for a day out.
The wellness pick
Protur Sa Coma Playa Hotel & Spa, Majorca
Don’t come back from your family hols needing a holiday from the holiday. Go for pick that’s all about wellness with a spa, some adults-only areas for a healthy bit of me-time, and a calming vibe. Majorca is a classic family hotspot, but Protur Sa Coma Playa Hotel & Spa is a stay that offers just as much to the parents as it does the kids…
Yes, there’s a kids’ club, a nature farm, tennis courts and climbing wall to keep the little ones entertained. But there’s also the Biomar Spa, AKA the adults’ kinda club. Guests get 50% off the hydrothermal circuit, which includes a micro-bubble bed, seats with massage jets, body-massage jets and waterfalls. Then, the thermal zone features saunas, Turkish baths and ice sections. You didn’t even know you needed all of this, but we bet you do now… Even one of the two outdoor swimming pools is reserved just for adults, so maybe you can take it in turns for a bit of time out or treat yourself when the kids are off doing an activity. There’s also an indoor pool open in April, May and October but when the Bali beds and loungers are lined up in the sun, that’s where you want to be.
It really does look and feel like a spa retreat here, with palm trees and luscious gardens, natural wooden features and shady pergolas. The resort of Sa Coma is right next to S’Illot, so you get two beaches in easy reach and more options for eating out. This hotel also offers a bike hire service, which is perfect for exploring the coastline as a family. In the evenings, pick from Indian, Italian and Asian food, or head for the easy buffet option, where you get loads of different types of dishes in one place. You can let the kids dance away at the kids’ club disco nights while you check out the different bars or pick a show to see together.
The quirky pick
The Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel, Turkey
Turkey is home to the epic Land of Legends theme park, which is the largest in the country, and this hotel has free access for its guests. You can also visit Aqua Land, with various swimming pools, racer slides, space bowls and a lazy river – when the waterpark is closed, you can even use the outdoor pool at Rixos Premium Belek and take advantage of free shuttle transfers. So, if your family is keen to try new things, up for an adventure and fancies a unique trip, this could be the one.
We say this is a quirky pick because the type of rooms and design of this hotel are hard to find anywhere else. They’re completely created with families in mind. The deluxe doubles and two-bedroom family suites sleep up to four with a balcony, then the deluxe two sleeps up to six with an interconnecting room and balcony. They’re all super fun with bright colours, murals on the walls and even a PlayStation ® PS4™ for any gaming fans. You’re spoiled for choice with foodie spots, from a pizza place to the Nemo Restaurant & Lounge – Antalya’s first aquarium restaurant – Turkish food, the main buffet and too many more to list. There are also multiple bars serving drinks until midnight, snack bars and a pub.
On top of the waterpark and theme park access, there’s a whole evening entertainment programme, including the Musical Boat Parade Show, which runs six days a week. For something more chill, there’s a spa to reset and an indoor play area for younger ones. Being on the Turkish Riviera, you’re a five-minute drive to the nearest beach, about a 10-minute drive to the boutiques and buzz of Belek, and less than that to the nearest golf courses. This is a real unique holiday experience and definitely something special to be shared with everyone.
If you’ve found your family’s fave – ideal. If you still want to browse a bit more, check out all of our Family holidays.
Top tip – get yourself a trip where one of your kids can go for free with our free child place finder…
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Author: Lily Owen
Last updated: 07/08/2024
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