Ok, so a romantic family break with kids in tow doesn’t smack of fun, but if you’re after a last minute break away with the children (and it doesn’t have to be over Valentine’s weekend) that also nourishes an itching for a bit of romance, consider our top picks for luxurious, family-friendly hotels in the most romantic of spots.

Le Bristol, Paris

One of the most famous luxury hotels in Paris, you may recognise its lavish interiors from Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. But here, even the youngest guests get the star treatment with an array of family-friendly goodies available. In the gorgeous 8th arrondissement, you can treat yourself with a visit to the onsite Spa Le Bristol, which comes complete with a beautiful heated indoor pool and has an adjacent kid’s club. The hotel has no less than two Michelin-starred restaurants (Epicure is triple Michelin-starred). Kids will adore Hippolyte, the hotel’s rabbit mascot, who’s likeness can be found on everything from souvenir stuffed animals to the Porthault baby bed linen, while ‘Les Amis d’Hippolyte’ is a space filled for children with a variety of books and activities.

To book this hotel, click here.

For other family-friendly hotels in Paris, click here.

Claridge’s Hotel, London

Jaw-dropping from the second you walk through the front entrance, the level of service at Claridge’s Hotel is utterly exceptional, the accommodation spoilingly luxurious and the family-friendly facilities top notch. Just a stone’s throw from world-class museums, sweeping parks, endless shopping possibilities and bountiful art galleries found only in capital cities like London, this is a fantastic option if you are travelling as a family. The sumptuous decor and Michelin-starred dining facilities may not smack as family-frendly but, take it from us, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and your little ones (unless really tiny), will never forget staying in a hotel of this calibre. All the rooms are as large and luxurious as one can reasonably expect to find in the middle of London and, whether you opt for a room or a suite, you’ll have plenty of space to breath. Luxury family picnics can be made to order and enjoyed in any of the nearby parks, theatre tickets can be arranged, and family-friendly restaurants suggested and booked for you, all thanks to the impeccable concierge service at Claridge’s Hotel. The Petit afternoon tea for young guests is as beautifully ornate as the infamous adult afternoon teas of this capital city grande dame of a hotel and, being such a beautiful place to check in, you’ll be hard pushed to exit its front doors again until check out.

To book this hotel, click here. 

For other family-friendly hotels in the UK, click here. 

The Ritz Carlton, Berlin

The Ritz Carlton Berlin overlooks Berlin’s equivalent to Central Park, Tiergarten, and has really made its mark on Berlin since it opened in 2004. Today, it’s deemed worthy even of a President, with Barack Obama and his family staying there during their visit in June 2013. On one side of the hotel sits the park; on the other side 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. Children receive special treatment at the Ritz Carlton from the moment you 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. You’ll find a cosy play area and high chairs at the restaurant, Brasserie Debrosses and, as there are no special pool times for children, 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 the UK, click here.

Ski season has been upon us for a while but, if an active vacation to burn off those left over Christmas calories is on the agenda, we’ve some fabulous and very family-friendly ski holidays on which to do just that. From kiddie spa treatments (and gorgeous ones for you, of course) to top ski concierges, Michelin-starred restaurants to outdoor hot tubs with Alpine views, we’re happy to ensure they’re all at your fingertips.

HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

Home to deep-powder skiing and luxury family hotels, Niseko is the name given to a group of village ski resorts clustered around the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, on Hokkaido, Japan’s north island.  Most slopes have a bracing view of the neighbouring Mount Yotei, a perfectly cylindrical volcanic cone, almost identical to Mount Fuji.  Niseko may not have the glitz of St Moritz, but it has classier snow – vast swathes of knee-deep powder driven in by Siberian winds.  It is also one of the few truly international parts of Japan (English is widely spoken), while retaining exceptionally high Japanese standards of service, food and even multi-functional, heated lavatories.

Where to stay?

The Green Leaf Niseko Village

Start your après-ski the holistic way, with deep tissue massages and hot buttered rum hand and feet treatments.  Then pour yourself into a pony-skin print armchair by the fireplace in the Tomioka White cocktail bar.  Do not miss the outdoor ‘rotenburi’ onsen, where you can relax the traditional Japanese way, surrounded by snow and pine trees.

An exciting menu of activities for kids includes snow tubing, reindeer sledding and a “magic carpet” ride – a snowy conveyor belt for little beginners.  There are a range of ski-school options, as well as child-friendly spa treatments for those aged seven and older.

To book this hotel, click here.

Annupuri Village Niseko

Massages are available in your chalet to ease aching muscles after a hard day on the slopes.  Babysitting is provided should you fancy a night out, and for hassle-free nights in, there is a food delivery service, featuring local Sapporo beer and a good selection of Australian wines, thanks to Niseko’s popularity with Aussie ski-fiends.

The chalets can be baby-proofed with gates, and each one has a garden and BBQ area for summer visitors.  In winter, staff can advise on a range of ski schools and kids’clubs, and Annupuri has several great gondola rides up Mount Niseko Annupuri.

To book this hotel, click here. 

The Niseko Company

It may be self-catering, but that doesn’t mean you have to lift a finger.  A team of concierges can organise every minute of your day should you so desire, from ski schools, pottery classes and snow-mobile rides, to Japanese cookery lessons and tours of local onsen (hot spring baths).  A personal chef can prepare every meal, from children’s fishfingers to fine dining.

Each property is equipped with child-sized futon mattresses and Snoopy dining sets.  Welcome packs for kids are handpicked by local mothers.  Most homes are stocked with board games, family DVDs, toboggans and the latest videogame consoles.

To book this hotel, click here.

THE FRENCH ALPS

Most ski resorts in the French Alps are geared up for children of all ages – even if yours aren’t yet old enough to ski, many resorts have nurseries and crèches – or you can choose a hotel or chalet with its own private childcare. There’s also more to snow than simply skiing, but don’t forget that the Alps aren’t just for winter – most resorts are open during July and August and have a host of activities for children, when resorts are uncrowded. But for this ski season, here’s what we recommend….

Where to stay?

Altapura Hotel Val Thorens

The Pure Altitude spa has the usual saunas and steam rooms, but what makes this spa really special is the indoor – outdoor pool: swimming in an uber-heated outdoor pool while the snow falls around you is unforgettable and the huge beanbags around the indoor pool are the perfect place to doze off after your swim. The hotel has three restaurants – one buffet style, one fine-dining restaurant and another just for fondues. The variety and quality of the food, particularly in 2 Mille 3 (the buffet restaurant), is breathtaking, and the array of homemade desserts (especially the marshmallows) deserves a special mention.

A kids’ concierge, a free kids’ club and Mac Minis in all the bedrooms are just some of the lovely touches for little guests. The fabulous buffet-style evening meals offer an unbelievable choice, from exquisite amuse bouches to fresh, cooked-to-order seafood, incredibly tender meat and inventive pasta dishes.

To book this hotel click here.

Au Coeur du Village Hotel

The Cristal Spa has five treatment rooms (including one devoted to body wraps) and a large pool with massage jets and bubble beds in which to unwind after a day on the slopes. Upstairs (no kids allowed here) is a relaxation room and a particularly fabulous steam room with a light-studded ceiling that mimics a twinkling sky. Downstairs, Le Cinq restaurant serves imaginative fine-dining French food and you can also enjoy cocktails served in the comfy and stylish lounge, complete with pianist.

The fifty suites (there are just seven “ordinary” rooms) are all divisible so that children have their own separate sleeping area and bathroom. The duplex suites are particularly spacious and have a small lounge area as well as two totally separate bedrooms. During school holidays there is a kids’ club, as well as a nanny who will look after your children during mealtimes should you wish.

To book this hotel click here. 

VIP Club Bellevarde Val d’Isere

The heart of this hotel is the cosy lounge with squashy sofas in front an open fire; the twin hot tubs on the outdoor deck and the delectable treatments and massages available will totally repair you after a day on the slopes. Rooms are equipped with iPod docks, robes and slippers, and staff will even bring a wake-up drink to your room in the morning. (This stylish and comfy timber and stone ski-in, ski-out chalet is ideal, especially for those with children too young to ski who want English-speaking childcarers).

The hotel offers private, specialized nannies who will look after children as young as 12 weeks, baby equipment, toys, freshly prepared purees and children’s crockery and booster seats. Within the chalet, there are also toys, a children’s DVD library, a Playstation and Wii and even Freesat for those who can’t live without children’s television.

To book this hotel click here. 

Hotel de Charme Les Airelles, Courchevel

Wood paneled bedrooms, enormous beds, a stunning spa with pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and a real snow grotto can be found at this Couchevel gem. Service and attention to detail is second to none – the large numbers of staff (including two ski valets on hand to warm your gloves and boots) all dress in traditional Austrian costumes (no joke). You can even hitch a lift back from your day on the slopes in the hotel’s own horse-drawn carriage designed by Hermès. The hotel’s restaurant, Pierre Gagnaire for Les Airelles, has two Michelin stars.  If you’re after a bit more space, there’s also a private four-bedroom apartment, which includes a cinema room, dining room, bar, private spa and its own butler.

Children will adore the playroom that is staffed by two nannies where they will find a custom-built, child-sized castle along with a Playstation, Wii and stacks of toys. There is also a cinema room with cartoon-style oversized sofas, while in the restaurant there are child-sized buffet tables with matching mini-crockery. Outside, there is a private ice-rink (with skating valets in period dress), a heated tree house and, at Christmas and New Year, a vintage carousel. There are even post-ski children’s treatments available in the spa.

To book this hotel click here.

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.

The River Cottage in Devon is a hub of glorious food, family and this August, it’s home to the fabulous River Cottage Summer Fair. The lovely team at The River Cottage host twice-yearly celebrations of the season and the upcoming Summer Fair, for those in and around the Axminster area on the Dorset and Devon border, will make a fabulous family treat. (If you don’t live in the West Country, we highly recommend you make a weekend of it).

On Saturday 15th August and Sunday August 16th, The River Cottage will be awash with activities and entertainment for the kids that include falconry, pig-racing and welly-wangling. There will be live music by night, cookery demonstrations in the cookery theatre, talks and tours, local food and craft market stalls, gardening tips and hands-on masterclasses by day. Aside from the obvious culinary highlights, children will adore the bouncy castle, puppet shows and garden games, as well as seeing the four-legged visitors that will be there from the charmingly named Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue Centre. And adults won’t miss out on the extra-curricular fun either: there will be blacksmithing, weaving, gardening lessons, farm tours and, our personal favourite: the Heron Valley cocktail yurt.

If you’re a fan of Hugh’s culinary prowess, or simply love the idyllic setting of his show, the Summer Fair will allow you a sneak-peek behind the scenes at River Cottage HQ where you’ll be able to meet the team, see the animals and the gardens (always popular with little ones) and enjoy the very best of what’s in season from the River Cottage food tent. Food and drink will be available all day and evening and the licensed bar will be serving local ciders, beers, wines and bubbles. If you aren’t there with really little children it’s well worth staying on into the evening when live music will play till late. “Joey the Lips” will kick start the weekend’s shenanigans on Friday August 14th, serving up some eclectic funk, soul, blues and disco. Saturday night will be overseen by “Tankus the Henge,” a foot-stomping six piece powerhouse of a band. Yes, please!

There is a full programme of events that stretch from mid-morning coffee and cakes whilst taking in the beautiful surrounding scenery through to dancing away to live music at the gig nights way beyond sunset. And if you’re not really local to the River Cottage, we suggest you head to Devon anyway; it is a stunning place to enjoy a family break this summer. From the boundless beaches and cobbled village lanes, the incredible local food (the southwest is considered by many to be England’s larder) and the array of family activities, the River Cottage Summer Fair can be enjoyed either side of long, lazy walks and gorgeous family-friendly accommodation.

The River Cottage Summer Fair will take place both days from 10am-4pm and costs £12.50 per adult. Children under 12 years go free.

The Gig Nights are from 6pm-10.30pm and cost £15 per adult.

For more information and for bookings visit www.rivercottage.net/summerfair, 01297 630 300 or email rcevents@rivercottage.net

Phone (01297 630 300) or email rcevents@rivercottage.net