And, though all are seriously luxurious both inside and out, many are very family-friendly. We are thrilled that the lovely folk behind OnefineStay have kindly selected their personal family-friendly favourites in Los Angeles, New York and Paris, (plus one in each city for those of you craving a few days away without your gorgeous brood). Herewith, their picks……

LOS ANGELES

Cordyline House, Santa Monica

The homey open-plan kitchen is framed around a slab-top island and surrounded by comfortable, scooped wooden stools. With wide glass doors opening out to the picnic-ready patio just beyond the kitchen, you might prefer to eat al fresco in the gorgeous California sunshine. There’s a guest house and play room to discover outside, and inside the boy’s bunk bed is lined with treasures. Located in the gorgeous Santa Monica area of Los Angeles, you’re moments from the beach, too.

Lindemere Drive, Bel Air

At Lindamere Drive you’re in the heart of the iconic Bel Air neighbourhood. The poolside garden has magnificent views of Bel Air’s surrounding hillside terrain and the sun loungers and shady nooks are perfect for little ones. There’s a pizza oven and Argentinian grill for patio dining, while glass doors lead inside to the kitchen, which has a breakfast bar and farmhouse-style dining table. Past the dining space, there are two sleek sitting areas next to each other, both with quick access to the outdoor trampoline (always a smash hit with kids) and there are plenty of bedrooms so room for large families, too.

And if you’re in LA without your kids…..

Courtney Avenue II, Hollywood

A secluded home with shaded outdoor areas, this is only a few steps away from the shops and restaurants on hip and happening Sunset Boulevard. From the front sitting room (which will appeal to art lovers, for sure), there are intricate French doors, which lead to a quiet side patio. The kitchen is past the staircase on the left, and the dining room is to the right. There is a lovely garden, which has a covered deck, a barbecue and a heated pool. Upstairs, you’ll come first to the master bedroom, with a super king-size bed and window seat. The gorgeous ensuite has a roll top bath with a view of the back garden. Down the hallway is the third bedroom (stocked with children’s toys if you do visit, en famille).

For more ideas of where to stay in LA with your kids, click here.

NEW YORK

Gates Avenue Townhouse, Clinton Hill

Five floors make up this family home in the trendy Brooklyn borough of Clinton Hill. Entering at street level, an open-plan living space reaches back to the kitchen, with an arched window beside the dining area for eight. Up one flight you’ll find a ‘princess’ room, a smart sofa bedroom and a bunk bedroom, so there is ample children’s space. On the next level, adults have a floor to themselves and there’s a last, lofted bedroom above that. The basement makes this a real pull for families. There’s a pint-sized billiard table in the room with a red-chequered floor and leads out to the garden, where you can shoot hoops or catch rays, weather permitting – a rarity in New York.

Vanderbilt Avenue Townhouse, Clinton Hill

Located in the same gorgeous Brooklyn area of Clinton Hill resides the Vanderbilt Avenue Tonwhouse. With its unique mix of historic grandeur and artistic energy, this house fronts a sunny garden just beyond. The artistic and creative interior mirrors the bohemian haunts to explore in the surrounding neighbourhood and this gorgeous townhouse has plenty of room for families to unwind in at the end of a long day of New York exploration.

And if you’re in New York without your kids…..

7th Avenue Townhouse, Park Slope

Again, in Brooklyn, you’ll find this 7th Avenue Townhouse in the charming area of Park Slope. Many young families call peaceful Park Slope home, and with quaint storefronts and restored brownstones – 7th Avenue Townhouse among them – it’s easy to see why. The hosts of this home are regular travellers and their finds from abroad can be found scattered inside this gorgeous idyll. The mixture of tranquil blues, creamy whites and dark-carved woods make for a warm and cosy home that still showcase the property’s original details. And if you do venture beyond the walls of this gorgeous space, you’ll find Prospect Park is close enough to be your own private garden.

For more ideas of where to stay in New York with your kids, click here.

PARIS

Rue des Trois Freres, Montmatre

Located in the happening 18th arrondissement of Montmatre, the Rue des Trois Freres is in an area that has long been called home by artists and galleries. This property is no exception to that rule and the spacious interior of this home is crafted to aesthetic perfection. Each room is a canvas for modern art fixtures and designer wallpaper, from the abstract geometrics of the upstairs master bedroom to the pop art palms of the salon below. If you’re there with children it is ideal, too. The second single bedroom comes complete with a crib, a single bed, lots of children’s toys and it’s en suite, too.

Rue d’Amsterdam II, Montmatre

Also in the gorgeous artistic quarter of Montmatre is this family-friendly property on Rue d’Amsterdam. This apartment belongs to a family with two girls and a baby, and it was once the quarters of ten maids. Today, it is a bright, light family home. In the open-plan living room – beneath the vaulted ceiling and steel cross-beams – white walls and polished floors wrap you in a gown of light and space. Grown-ups will love the sophisticated furnishings, bold artwork and the views over the city, while boys and girls will be entranced by the child-sized details of their very own bedrooms.

And if you’re in Paris without your kids…..

Passage Saint-Antoine, Bastille

You can’t find yourself in an area of Paris more steeped in history than Bastille and this gorgeous property is fabulous if you’re there for a quiet (or party-filled) stay without the little ones. Bold, brilliant and beautiful, Passage Saint-Antoine is clean and crisp, yet avant-garde in spirit. Chances are you won’t be up at dawn for the market on Boulevard Richard-Lenoir if you’re there without a baby, but you never know. Either way, we suggest you stroll down to the river and the Île Saint-Louis before a long and languorous lunch at Chez Paul. This house literally sparkles and it’s the perfect launchpad from which to explore Paris or simply relax and totally unwind in some seriously sumptuous surroundings.

For more ideas of where to stay in Paris with your kids, click here.

As you all know, we’re BIG Los Angeles fans at kodomo.com and, if you’re there this summer, there is more reason than ever to check out the Mr. C Beverly Hills Hotel. Year-round, they are seriously welcoming of little children, considering them in every detail and ensuring a stay is as relaxing as possible for parents, but this summer they have taken things one step further and launched the new family-friendly amenity program called “Little C.”

So what this means is that, from check-in, your little ones are loved. They’ll receive a complimentary welcome Mr. C teddy bear and a plate of freshly baked homemade cookies with milk on arrival. Head to your room (no matter what grade you book into) and they’ll be welcomed with a complimentary child-size bathrobe and Honest Company Discovery bath products, (all are made with non-toxic, natural, and safe ingredients so nothing to worry about). These include shampoo and body wash, healing balm, hand soap, face and body lotion and even laundry detergent. The fantastic Restaurant at Mr. C will features a “LIttle C” menu that features classic Cipriani dishes such as Baked White Tagliolini Pasta with ham, Mini Margherita Pizza with Buffalo mozzarella and Spaghetti alla Bolognese (you’ll want some yourself) and, of course, a Little C colouring book to keep them busy while they wait. And, after a long day of play, if you need a crib it’ll be in your room at no extra charge.

What’s more, the hotel is surrounded by some fabulous, family-friendly attractions and, should you be staying at The Mr. C Beverly Hills Hotel, you’ll be entitled to certain discounts such as $5 tickets to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and, if you choose to participate in the aquarium scavenger hunt, you will receive a 15% discount coupon to Pacific Park on the Pier for unlimited rides. You can also enjoy $20 off surf and paddle boarding lessons with Santa Monica’s Learn to Surf LA company and 10% off the pottery studio Color Me Mine in Beverly Hills. And, should you decide just to stay within the confines of the hotel and enjoy the sunshine, little ones will love the 4,500-square-foot pool terrace, dotted with asymmetrical tangerine sun umbrellas and plush cabanas.

And for you? Well, aside from the seriously gorgeous accommodation and first-class service, there is a first come first served car service on hand for short journeys around the area so you needn’t stress yourself out with LA traffic. There is a heavenly ESPA spa to enjoy or, if you really don’t feel like moving, you can enjoy both in-room and poolside spa services. This is, by far, one of the finest choices in LA for both you and your little ones.

To more information on this hotel click here.

For more family-friendly LA hotels click here.

So, having just returned from Los Angeles – a city I never expected to be half as family-friendly as it is – I stand firmly corrected. I flew to LAX in late March with Lola and, honestly, wasn’t sure what to expect. I had been to LA before with her when she was a tiny baby but, returning with her as a toddler, I wasn’t wholly convinced a sprawling Californian metropolis, infamous for bad traffic and even worse air quality, was really the finest choice of destinations for the Easter holidays. But we had a bawl. Los Angeleans are lovely, children are thought of at every single turn and the luxury family hotels tick absolutely every single teeny tiny box. Lola announced at one point, “Mummy, I love America” and, considering the fabulous places we stayed, I can’t blame her. Herewith, our best family hotels in Los Angeles.

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

Located in the stunning and very picturesque area of Pasadena, The Langham Huntington is a perfect, very luxurious family-friendly hotel. A far cry from the tattoo parlours and edgy bars of West Hollywood, the area is defined by large, sweeping avenues, enormous and very beautiful homes, lovely local eateries and excellent shopping. The Langham Huntington is a sensational property and, though it is close to downtown Los Angeles, it feels a million miles from the heaving traffic and buzz of the city. Set against the San Gabriel mountains, there are no less than 23 lush garden acres to explore and a fantastic swimming pool that serves as the real heartbeat of the hotel. An array of wonderful activities for children interject every major holiday throughout the year (such as the hotel’s infamous Easter egg hunt followed by brunch) but, no matter what time of year you arrive, children are welcomed with open arms and a gorgeous backpack of goodies, to boot.

To book this hotel click here.

The Peninsula, Beverly Hills

The Peninsula Beverly Hills is one of those hotels that leaves you wondering what on earth you ever did to deserve such a spoiling stay. From the moment you walk into to the lobby – adjacent to the hotel’s sitting room where delightful tea is served every day – you’ll be blown away by the immaculate level of service, to-die-for interiors and gorgeous, luxurious touches. The concierge is one of the best we have ever encountered with a knowledge of the area that must be unrivalled. The food is memorably good and the swimming pool, with its near panoramic views of the city, takes you far and away from the hustle and Beverly Hills bustle below. Just a few blocks from Rodeo Drive, this is a great choice if some retail therapy is on the agenda.

To book this hotel click here.

The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is one of those rare hotels that manages to combine old school Hollywood glamour with all the trappings of a modern day, contemporary, and very luxurious hotel. An iconic property in the heart of the much sought after Beverly Hills area, the Four Seasons is a large but very welcoming family-friendly hotel that is an ideal spot no matter how large or small your family. The bedrooms are huge, especially if you book into a suite, so there is room for everyone and many have (well secured) balconies that offer sweeping views across the Los Angeles cityscape. The outdoor pool is a gorgeous area that you’ll naturally all gravitate towards. The pool is spacious, (you’ll find sunscreen ready and waiting so don’t worry if you forget your own) and it is nicely nestled next to the gorgeous Cabana restaurant (where you’ll enjoy breakfast each morning) and the infamous spa. Whatever you need, the hotel’s knowledgable concierge will gladly help and the hotel, like all respectable LA properties, offers a valet service for cars so you can rock up, hand over the keys, and relax. Oh, and the flowers must be seen to be believed……

To book this hotel click here.

Or, for more luxury family hotels in Los Angeles, click here.

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.

THE HEDONIST’S GUIDES are the quintessential travel guides for those wanting nothing but the finest in eating, clubbing, sleeping, drinking, shopping and spa-ing the world over. They have taken some time out of their busy travels to give us their top places to dine out with tots in New York.

Going on a holiday to New York without experiencing the bevy of culinary destinations on offer can feel like an incomplete trip. But with kids in tow, suddenly eating out can become a tricky equation. Between wrangling buggies, securing high chairs, praying for good behavior and seeking out kid-friendly menus, it can all seem like a little too much effort.

Luckily, a number of top restaurants in cosmopolitan New York are well prepared for guests of all ages. This is a city where whole families dine out together and parents expose their young ones to New York’s culinary wonders at an early age. Whether you’re seeking a high-end eatery or a neighbourhood café, you are after trendy Brooklyn fare or a decadent afternoon tea, these six restaurants pride themselves on their exceptional family-friendly service as much as their menus.

Smorgasburg

In the last 20 years, Brooklyn has gone from being a borough that was avoided by most travellers to one of New York’s most talked about hotspots. Families who are eager to take a trip out of Manhattan have a slew of dining destinations on offer – and we mean destinations. Both a main event and a giant eatery rolled into one, Smorgasburg is located right on the waterfront in trendy Williamsburg on Saturdays, and at Brooklyn Bridge Park on Sundays. Regarded as one of the city’s top foodie spots, its casual, open-plan format means kids can select whatever their heart desires from dozens of stands – from brisket and Chinese bao to ice cream and doughnuts.

Brooklyn Farmacy

Another Brooklyn family-favourite is located in nearby Cobble Hill: Brooklyn Farmacy, a cute boite modeled on an old-fashioned soda fountain. Here, kids have the chance to nibble on pretzel sticks at the counter while their orders are being prepared. When they do arrive tableside – whether it’s melting grilled cheese sandwiches or frothy egg creams – they’re sure to be pretty pleased.

Fornino

No trip to New York would be complete without sampling the city’s famous pizza – and we don’t mean the $1 slice shops that abound across the city. For a taste of authentic, traditional New York pizza, made with fresh ingredients and more than a touch of Italian inspiration, families should head to Fornino. Its Brooklyn Bridge Park location – a huge space, outfitted on the inside with picnic benches – is particularly family-friendly, while add-your-own-toppings allow everyone to customize their perfect pizza. Its location right on the park also means kids can let loose after their meal.

Hill Country

Another venue offering large open spaces and a friendly ambiance is Hill Country. Those in the know value the eatery as Manhattan’s barbeque Mecca; named after the region in Texas that’s famed for its BBQ tradition, you can bet that the food here is worth writing home about. The original location on West 26^th Street is a buzzing and popular option, and the volume means kids’ voices won’t bother fellow diners. In addition to the brisket and chicken, a number of sides – from mac and cheese to cornbread – are perfect for children.

Balthazar

Of course, travelling families after something a little more upscale also have a number of dining options at their fingertips. One that we love is the resolutely family-friendly Balthazar, a great option for those after a well-made Martini and steak frites but also impressively equipped to host kids. Buggies can be checked, crayon kits provided, and kids are even treated to bread from the bakery next door. Those in need of an early dinner can also stop by in the late afternoon, where dishes like the Balthazar Burger and macaroni au gratin will suit young palates nicely.

Alice’s Tea Cup

And to cap off your family holiday in New York? Make sure you save an afternoon for Alice’s Tea Cup. Grown-ups will appreciate the phenomenal, colossal scones on offer, as well as an extensive menu of teas, but there’s no doubt that this venue is first and foremost targeted toward children. Between its whimsical, fairy tale-inspired décor, huge range of sweet treats, and the tradition of sprinkling kids with glittering ‘fairy dust’ upon arrival, this one’s a stellar bet for families.

For more family-friendly New York ideas click here.