Down here in deepest Dorset the sun is shining today and, as I sit typing away from my kitchen table, it looks almost like spring outside. Almost. Rewind three hours as I stepped out on the school run, I wondered how it hadn’t snowed down here given the arctic temperatures and my frozen eyelashes. But we are next to the water so snow comes harder in these parts and it is that very same water, lapping against my garden (yes, we are that close) that enables my mind naturally wander to warmer climes. I know I’m freshly home from a hot weather holiday but, quite frankly, it’s left me wanting more. And here’s where I’m day-dreaming of today….

THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are not just a piece of paradise best suited to savvy sailors and loved-up honeymooners. Oh no. They are hands-down family-friendly, loaded with beauty, and dotted with stunning, luxury family hotels. Before you step off the plane you’ll be begging for a bikini and a beer (or, in my case, a Bellini) thanks to the laid back Caribbean vibe and crystal-clear water. Endless water activities are available for the kids and you are guaranteed maximum tranquillity. Lying east of Puerto Rico, and dubbed ‘nature’s little secrets,’ the BVI are a cluster of over 50 stunning – we mean stunning – islands and cays. Their lure is exclusive seclusion and, in choosing a shore-side hotel or villa, with a view of twinkling, turquoise waters and pristine white sands, you have absolutely no choice but to slow right down.

ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY

The Rosewood group are resolutely dedicated to luxury. And this beachfront beauty is no exception. This resort magically pulls off the very tricky balance of being, at once, extremely tranquil and elegant, but also child-friendly, and it does so with utter grace. Every last detail has been considered to make sure babies, children and parents feel deliriously pampered. From babysitting to bottle warmers, there is nothing they haven’t thought of and, should your little ones feel too tired by the end of the day to walk to the restaurant for supper, the resort’s golf buggies can be arranged through the concierge to collect you from your door.

The rooms, suites, villas and beach cottages are divine, all adorned as they are with a sumptuous blend of natural wood, local stone and pale linen furnishings. The views jut out across the half-crescent bay and the resort’s private beach; the water is shallow and protected, so it’s perfect for splashing and paddling with babies and toddlers. Older children will love the complimentary kayaks, floatables and snorkelling gear, all available at their disposal. Girls will covet having their own mini robes and slippers on arrival, and even their own range of toiletries. You get the picture – there will be no cries of boredom here.

And for you? Well, babysitters are on tap should you want a night off to enjoy an intimate supper in the delightful Sugar Mill restaurant. And by day, you’ll adore the cliff-top Sense spa where you can indulge in blissful botanical treatments with vast views over the BVI.

THE LITTLE DIX BAY COLLECTION BY HEIDI KLEIN

Regular followers of the kodomo blog will note our slight obsession with Heidi Klein swimwear at the moment, and so it was with great excitement we learnt about the collaboration between the sensational swimwear designer and Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Recently launched, the chic ten-piece collection is out in time to mark the resort’s 50^th anniversary. The exclusive line of swimwear and cover-ups named after Little Dix Bay comprise of easy-to-wear bikinis and a stylish one-piece, a bandeau maxi dress, a beautifully soft gathered batwing dress and a pin tuck shirt.  A blend of deliciously bold Ikat prints in the resorts’ signature blue and white, the collection is reflective of Heidi Klein’s signature look. Boosting in the right parts, smoothing down in others, the collection showcases the usual sexy but sophisticated look of Heidi Klein that we know and love. Speaking of their latest collaboration, co-founder and designer Heidi Gosman explains ‘the beautiful setting, elegant evenings, and Rosewood Little Dix Bay’s glamorous history provided all the inspiration needed for this collection.’ Yep, one of these swimsuits and a private villa at Rosewood Little Dix Bay would suit me fine. Now, back to my coffee and multi-layers here in Dorset…..

For more luxury family hotels in the BVI, click here.

When I awoke this morning to jet black skies and heavy rain (it was very, very early as my three-year old is jet lagged), I was in high spirits. The air may be damp, the days still short, and my bank account on the dry side, but after three weeks of natural Vitamin D from dense sunshine, papaya breakfasts and massages that cost less than a Starbucks, I’m immune to winter weather. Smug, I hear you say, but we all know the world of difference a tropical getaway makes in piercing the heart of a long English winter. Long haul flights and jet lag with tots may not appeal but, take it from me, it is well worth every penny so, next winter, get booked up. And if you need some inspiration, Thailand has it all.

WHERE WE STAYED

After an eleven-hour flight, I wasn’t elated at the idea of a further three hours in the car but Hua Hin, a town southwest of Bangkok on the mainland, is a haven of fabulous spas, elephant sanctuaries (the good kind), luxury hotels and sensational local food. The Thais couldn’t be more family-friendly if they tried, so adoring are they of children we had many pulling out iPhones and simply snapping shots of our daughter in the local market; the fact that she was a stranger didn’t see to bother them. They found her adorable and it’s easy to see they feel that way about all little people. As such, there isn’t a five-star hotel, a restaurant or even a bar that doesn’t welcome families with open arms.

Now, we stayed in a private house deep in the divine confines of Baan Ing Phu, but I highly recommend the Six Senses Evason if you head to Hua Hin. A luxury resort of villa residences, every home-from-home on the property has lovely touches, such as a private balcony and 24-hour room service, while the hotel itself can arrange a car with a driver or a private boat ride, should you want one. There isn’t much they won’t do for you and the setting is one of the most beautiful, located just outside of the Hua Hin itself in Pranburi, which perches delicately on the Gulf of Siam amongst 20 acres of tropical gardens. (The town of Hua Hin itself is useful but it’s far from pretty so don’t worry about not staying within its centre). The beauty of this area lies in the fact that it sits next to a national park at the base of Black Mountain (home to the SoutheastAsian PGA course) and this particular Six Senses beauty is stunning. The Earth Spa is a must for parents, while kids will adore the Just Kids! Club, which comes complete with its own swimming pool. You’ll rest in peace knowing that professional supervisors arrange everything from Origami to model-making, Thai lessons to mobile-making and, should the kids want a real break away, supervised sleepovers are organized nightly, giving you a lovely lie-in.

WHAT WE DID

Lola and I, admittedly, spent a lot of time by the pool. She loved donning her armbands; I adored reading in the glorious sunshine and recovering after another battering Christmas of too much wine, too much food and too little sleep. Between stints, we strolled to collect Frangipani, read and talked about all we do together in 2015. Her father played endless rounds of golf; we ventured to local animal sanctuaries. There are a few “sanctuaries” in the area, but some of them are far from humane. We recommend the Hua Hin Elephant village just on the outskirts of town. The elephants there have plenty of room to roam, they are extremely well-loved and children will adore feeding them and washing them (all supervised by volunteers, of course).

The Centara Grand Beach Resort located in Hua Hin itself is a gorgeous old 1920’s building that came about thanks to the introduction of the railway line that connected Hua Hin – then a sleepy fishing village – with Malaysia. The topiary is sculpted into elephant, deer and bird shapes (which delighted Lola), they serve delicious ice cream alongside the large pool area and the birdcage seats that dot the beachside are fabulous. Whether you stay there or not, it’s well worth a lunchtime or afternoon tea visit.

WHERE WE ATE

The Bubble is a restaurant located in the residential area of Baan Ing Phu, a short drive out of the main town towards Black Mountain. It is open to everyone though and the food is, by far, better than anything else we have had there (and we’ve been back a few times). The cuisine is incredible – whether you order the yellow crab curry, chicken satay or rice dishes – you can have everything as hot (or not) as you wish so it’s perfect for children, too. A garden of greenery sits adjacent to both eating salas so children can play freely (and safely if they are really little as there are no nasty steps or areas of hard terrain) and the staff all adore children so they’ll happily whisk small tots off for a cuddle while you sip on your G&T at sunset.

WHAT WE WORE

This was the first time I was lucky enough to wear swimwear by Heidi Klein and I loved it. My body hasn’t quite bounced back after childbirth the way I had hoped, but the gorgeous design of my bikini boosted me in the right places, sucked me up in others, and left me feeling far more confident in a two-piece than I have done since wiggling about with a big baby bump. Lola adored her one-piece, which features in the new collection of Heidi Klein girls’ wear, a stunning blue creation donning white anchors and gorgeous frilled-lining that left her good enough to eat, as far as I was concerned.

READ OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH HEIDI KLEIN ON LAUNCHING THE NEW GIRLS’ RANGE HERE.