Now, all the places on kodomo.com feature because we genuinely love them. But there are a few that hold a particularly special place in my heart and one of those is the Borgo Egnazia in the Italian region of Puglia. Now if you don’t know (and I didn’t before going there myself), this delightful and relatively untouched area of Italian countryside is on the heel of the boot of Italy. It’s reminiscent of the Balearic islands, smattered as it is in endless olive and citrus trees, ramshackle farm houses and rolling, lovely local ladies hand rolling pasta and cradling their babies. Once considered one of the poorer regions of Italy, today it is the destination for Italians in the know who flock south for some serious sunshine, sensational local Apulian wines and knock-down luxury hotels that’ll have you on your knees wanting more.

And one such example is the Borgo Egnazia. I admit, absolutely shamelessly, that this first came across my radar as the spot where Justin Timberlake married Jessica Biel, so I knew it was going to be special. But as my car gently navigated the rural road from Bari (you can fly there or into Brindisi) I had no idea that this beauty, which appears seemingly out of nowhere, would delight me as it did. It has been recognised the world over as a fantastic option for families. You’ll adore the award-winning Vair Spa, the understated yet utterly fabulous interiors, the stunning food and the general air of decadence that hangs in the air like a delicate fragrance. Your children will never forget the incredible Trullalleri children’s club (which offers everything from Italian lessons to pasta-making classes and has a wonderful pirate ship parked right outside just rife for exploration).

So if you’re coming unstuck for Easter holiday inspiration, the Borgo Egnazia is recommended without reservation. It’s fabulous at any time but there are some wonderful offers in the coming holidays. As part of the whole Borgo Egnazia experience, you’ll be offered the opportunity to discover the delights of nearby Pezze Di Greco where locals put on a tradition BBQ style dinner and local entertainment to celebrate Easter. Cooking lessons and bike rides are just a taster of everything there is on offer at Borgo Egnazia. And from just £585 per person, you can enjoy a three night stay in La Corte Bella (the rooms of the main building are known as La Corte) all the way up to the spacious and beautifully designed family villas (replete with a private pool, of course). This also includes access to steam baths, saunas, the gym and both the indoor and outdoor pools at the spa, dinner in Pezze de Greco, a full Italian breakfast each morning and on Easter Sunday, the Fasano tradition of ‘Canto all’Uovo’ (music and dancing). There will be a four course Easter lunch prepared by Chef Giovanni, a spring-themed cooking lesson from the hotel’s delightful pastry chef and complimentary two hour bike hire to explore the local area (and burn off some of the calories you’ll have enjoyed).

The kids’ club will have a packed itinerary for children aged from 2 – 12 (with a requisite egg hunt included, of course) and, should you want to stay on for longer, additional nights can be added from £183 (Price based on two sharing a twin or double room).

To book this hotel click here.

For other family-friendly holidays in Italy see here.

The lovely Marina Fogle, as regular followers of the kodomo Q&A will know, endured our quick fire chat recently on her best and worst experience of travelling with children. As a mother herself, a keen traveller, and wife to the incredibly adventurous Ben Fogle, she is the perfect person to create a bespoke travel package for parents, and that is precisely what she has done for the Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel on the Western side of Portugal’s Algarve.

The Martinhal is a stunning property and boutiquey in feel, with just 37 rooms and family houses along the sea, only a short distance from the historic town of Sagres. Boasting five different kids’ clubs that cater to children from six months and up, there are some lovely touches aside from the usual video games, such as a secure walled garden for toddlers and Padel tennis for teens. The accommodation suits families of all shapes and sizes with everything from stair-gates and baby proofing, to pool guards and sterilisers. A baby concierge service makes travel with tiny tots relatively breezy: buggies, bottle sterilisers, thermometers, cots and even nappies can all be pre-booked ready for a little guest’s arrival.

And with this in mind, the Martinhal is the ideal location for Marina Fogle’s new “First baby holiday” package. Designed specifically with new mothers in mind, this includes everything from a baby welcome pack to bottle warmers and sterilisers to a spa treatment for mum, a free crèche session and a complimentary babysitter for one evening, so parents can enjoy a quiet dinner in one of the restaurants (this dinner is also included in the package).

If your children aren’t brand new and you want to look at holidaying with older children, the Mother and Child Fitness Weeks that take place both in the Autumn and the Spring are wonderful ways to enjoy some quality time with your tot and get in shape, too. Family Yoga, Aqua gymnastics and family walks through the nearby nature park are all part of the plan on offer. If something a tad more relaxed is what you want there are, aside from the usual deep tissue massages that appeal to weary parents, specialist spa treatments for babies and teens, too.  The baby massage sessions in the relaxing Finisterra Spa allow mothers and fathers to watch and learn invaluable baby massage techniques taught by highly qualified staff. Teens will love the massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, and pedicures designed specifically for them. (All treatments are carefully tailored to meet the needs of young skin.)

And if totally relaxing on a quintessential family holiday is what you’re after, the Martinhal is a great place to do just that. With no less than four pools (which are heated year round), the fly-and-flop option is yours for the taking.

Portugal may not instantly register as a winter destination but, if you’re desperate to get away this is well worth considering. Throughout the shoulder season, Martinhal plays host to surf weeks, Stokke hiking weeks, mother and child fitness week, yoga weeks and bike weeks. These are all part of Martinhal’s great Active Winter package. See here for details.

Marina’s package starts from £708 for four nights bed and breakfast.

Read our kodomo Q&A with Marina Fogle here.

For other kodomo.com recommended hotels in Portugal see here.

I was lucky enough to visit Lime Wood several years back for a friend’s wedding, when it was freshly painted and very newly reopened. Despite the falling snow and the seemingly uninviting weather that beset the New Forest that day, Lime Wood sparkled magically under the starlight. We danced the night away and fell into bed, bellies full of decadent food and far, far too much wine. (That was before I had a baby and gave no thought to hangovers, of course).

Yesterday, the New Forest wasn’t looking much better. The horrendous gale force winds and rains that are smattering the south west coast of England howled with intensity and rage. The roads were partly flooded and hoards of helpless roadside ponies huddled together to keep warm. Yet, despite being issued an amber weather alert, I got in the car and drove to Lime Wood, knowing full well I’d be very happy I had made the effort once I got there.

What struck me when I first stepped into Lime Wood (on both occasions) is the incredible attention to detail. The design and aesthetic is faultless. Every cushion is tossed with perfection; every napkin folded, just so. But it isn’t in any way formal or intimidating and it is surprisingly family-friendly. The newly-opened Forest cabins welcome guests as they start their journey up the driveway, so they are close enough to the hotel’s main building for the odd bit of room service, but far away away enough to guarantee some serious privacy. The children’s bunk beds have edges and steps that are carved out of tree branches and trunks, there are ample DVDs and board games if the weather fails you, roaring fireplaces accentuate every room and fresh eggs and milk are delivered daily to the door. (These are collected from the neighbouring farm, which families are more than welcome to visit).

Angela Hartnett heads the kitchen of Lime Wood so you know you’re in for a serious gastronomic treat, though the Italian flair to her fare makes it extremely appealing to younger eaters. And the spa? Well…… even if you don’t stay at Lime Wood but you are anywhere in the county of Hampshire, do stop in. Between the bubbling outdoor hot tub, the elegant indoor pool (which has kiddie-friendly times for swimming), and the gorgeous Raw & Cured eatery (which serves cured meat and fish from the hotel’s own smoke house), the Herb House Spa is a joy from start to finish. Incidentally, it is aptly named as the roof is one large herb garden (visible from the gym) with everything grown there finding its way into the kitchen. I spent an hour in the capable (and very strong) hands of a therapist called Emily who gave me a deep tissue massage. Laying on the heated bed, I gave myself over to the moment, the scent of delicious Bamford body oil filling the air. If you do visit with your children you can still experience the spa. The hotel happily arranges babysitters so you need not miss out.

And if you do head out in the surrounding grounds together there are maps (so you won’t get lost) and bikes for your use (including a chariot-style bike for two and baby seats for tiny tots). The natural environment of Lime Wood, set as it is in the heart of the untouched and very pristine New Forest, gives it an ethereal quality, whether it’s pouring with rain or drenched in sunshine. And for that hour with Emily in one of the gorgeous treatment rooms of the Herb House spa, I honestly would have driven through a hurricane.

Book this hotel here.

View other UK family-friendly hotels at kodomo.com here.