The half term holiday is only round the corner but, fear not, if you’ve not yet booked there are still some excellent options available, both close-to-home and further afield. Herewith, some of our favourite half term holiday ideas for that delicious family week that punctuates the autumn and winter.
Far-Flung: Soneva Fushi Resort
Whereas some Maldivian resorts are designed for a quick ‘fly and flop’ experience, Soneva Fushi Resort is a destination in its own right. The island takes 45 minutes to circumnavigate by foot and, having been an island resort for over 15 years, the vegetation is lush and dense. The owners, Sonu (who founded Six Senses) and his wife Eva, have been involved every step of the way and they have embedded a sustainable ethos throughout. Within an hour of arriving at Soneva Fushi, shoes become obsolete and the barefoot luxury vibe will be fully embraced.
You’ll love: If sunbathing isn’t your thing, fear not. You can spend hours weaving around the island’s sand paths by bike past the giant banyan trees, there is a house reef full of marine life, beaches for all occasions, an outdoor cinema, a garden growing everything you could imagine, an observatory, a dive centre, a sensational spa, the yoga retreat and an eco centre. With seven dining options throughout the island and much of the produce made or grown on site, food is a serious past time. In between the fresh sushi and beachside BBQs, you’ll find yourselves lounging on your own private beach, snorkelling with a marine biologist, learning to free dive or enjoying sunset dolphin cruises.
Your kids will love: The kids’ club, The Den, factors in ‘family time’ throughout the day and children are made to feel very welcome throughout the entire island. Childcare is top notch, even when kids are too young for The Den which, for those old enough, offers everything from music lessons to snorkelling trips. The Villa Suites are perfect for families, offering every luxurious touch you could want, whilst also feeling simple and calming. And they are big enough not to have to worry about a restless toddler. The outdoor saltwater pool offered the perfect respite to the afternoon sun and the upstairs terrace is a little haven for evenings spent stargazing.
To book this hotel, click here.
For other family-friendly hotels in the Maldives, click here.
Spa time: The One&Only Capetown
This might sound like a lot of effort (unless you’re based in South Africa, of course) but, remember, there is no jet lag when you head to Capetown from Europe, so it’s absolutely do-able over a half term. And, head to the city’s One&Only, you’ll be glad you undertook the flight. The swanky One&Only Capetown is a five-star resort that boasts 131 suites each with harbour or mountain views, three lavish penthouses with panoramic views and each room comes with personalised butler service. The resort itself has two purpose-built islands, one of which plays host to an award-winning spa and is conveniently situated close to a slew of retail, entertainment and harbourside activities. This One&Only offers endless facilities that will keep both parents and children well and truly occupied.
You’ll love: From Africa’s only Nobu restaurant where you’ll revel in outstanding Asian-fusion dining, to the Bastien Gonzalez Mani: Pedi: Cure studios in the hotel’s world-class spa, there are spoils aplenty.
Your kids will love: The OnlyKids club is definitely one of the finest on offer in the city. From daily excursions and activities for tiny tots, tweens and teens, to electronics and craft activities in the club, they’ll have a ball. They can even be chaperoned in the sprawling pool area, which will leave you with plenty of peace of mind. The spa has a child-friendly menu, too.
To book this hotel, click here.
For other family-friendly hotels in Capetown, click here.
City break: Ritz Carlton, Berlin
We’ve been hearing more and more good things about Berlin lately, especially for those traveling with young children and the Ritz Carlton is, without question, a fabulous five-star launch pad from which to explore the city. The hotel opened back in 2004 and, today, it’s deemed worthy even for a President, with Barack Obama and his family staying there during their visit in June 2013. No hotel is closer to the Tiergarten, Berlin’s equivalent to Central Park, which resides on one side of the Ritz Carlton. On the other is the busy Potsdamer Platz, where you’ll find fantastic restaurants, shops and even a large Legoland. Utterly spoiling, the Ritz Carlton pays very close attention to big and small guests, alike.
You’ll love: Take a seat at the hotel bar, Curtain Club, and order one of its refined cocktails, relax in the 24-hour spa or just stay under your fluffy eiderdown duvet and await brunch at the hotel’s own Brasserie Debrosses. Head out to one of the two cinema complexes at the nearby Sony Center or enjoy a bit of Beethoven at the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the yellow-tiled concert-hall that is its home stretching into the sky within view from the Ritz.
They will love: Children receive special treatment at the Ritz Carlton and that starts right up from check-in at reception. They are welcomed with their very own child-size bathrobes and slippers, and invited to bake their own waffles or join a treasure hunt around the building. In addition, you will find a cosy play area and high chairs at the restaurant, Brasserie Debrosses. As there are no special pool times for children, it means they are welcome at anytime. Babysitting, prams, bottle warmers and extra cots are all available for guests on request.
To book this hotel, click here.
For other family-friendly hotels in Berlin, click here.
The rooms and suites of the main house at Bovey Castle, a magnificent devon estate, are sure to thrill. Sumptuous, luxurious and extremely comfortable, they’ll suit you down to the ground. If you’re travelling with a large family, however, there is also the option of the three en-suite bedroom country lodges on the 4000-acre grounds of the castle. All housekeeping services are available, as they are in the main house, and the lodges sleep up to eight people. Each is self-catering, but also comes with a full lodge service menu so you can order whatever you want, at any time, and it’ll be delivered just like room service.
You’ll love: Food-lovers will adore the Edwardian Grill and the Castle Bistro after kicking things off with a tipple in the Oak Bar. The SUNDARI spa is fabulous and offers almost every treatment imaginable. If you’re spoilt for choice, take inspiration from their “treatment of the month.” Built in 1926, the 18-hole golf course is a championship course right on the grounds of Bovey Castle, and the activities on offer range from hot air ballooning to falconry, cider and sloe-gin making to clay-pigeon shooting and archery to air rifle shooting.
They will love: Bovey Castle is the first, and maybe only, hotel in the world to offer its little guests LEGO Room Service. Literally, everything from DUPLO to LEGO Star Wars is delivered in-room to children wanting a fix of Lego playtime. During half-term and school holidays, Bovey Rangers’ activities are arranged by the hotel for children aged between for 7 and14 years of age. Children learn survival skills, photo orienteering, apple pressing, archery and hands-on sessions with reptiles and owls, all under the watchful eye of supervised event-leaders. Little ones aged from 3 – 7 will happily play in the Bovey Castle Playroom, which is loaded with dressing-up boxes, painting materials, books and even baking facilities.
To book this hotel, click here.
For other family-friendly hotels in the UK, click here.