The Setai, Miami Beach was voted “Best Hotel in Miami” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler back in November 2013 and with very good reason. Between the achingly cool Art Deco strip along South Beach, the eclectic mix of fabulous restaurants in Little Havana and the endless miles of sandy beaches that wrap around the edge of this fabulous American capital, the competition for such a coveted spot in Miami is, understandly, pretty heated. But The Setai was recognised because it really does stand head and shoulders above so many and, the great news is, it’s about to get even better.

From late April 2014, guests will be able to enjoy the brand new Ocean Suites at The Setai, Miami Beach which are as fantastic for families as much as anyone, thanks to their sheer size and the immense wealth of seriously luxurious amenities that will make it hard for you to ever return home again. Promising a new level of luxury, highlights to these sensational suites include private roundtrip airport transfer between Miami metroplex airports and the suites themselves, en-suite spa treatments if you don’t fancy hitting the Spa at The Setai, en-suite beverages (both alcoholic and otherwise), personal assistance with packing and unpacking, limitless movies, 24 hour concierge and valet staff and complimentary car use.

These one, two, and three bedroom suites start at a whopping 900 square feet, all feature sweeping ocean views of the Atlantic Ocean and the specialty Ocean Suites include a 1,750-square foot, three bedroom entertainment suite that will, undoubtedly, thrill the kids. and Opt for the 3,500 square foot, three bedroom Grande Suite and you’ll be able to enjoy built-in media and spa rooms. Other features available in certain suites range from gourmet kitchens to rooftop terraces, infinity pools to Jacuzzis.

The crown jewel within The Ocean Suites complex is the 10,000-square-foot four-bedroom Penthouse Suite, spanning the entire 40^th floor and boasting wrap-around balconies with 360-degree Miami Beach and city views, a gourmet kitchen, two living rooms, and an impressive 3,000 square-foot rooftop terrace with private infinity swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

So aside from the insane levels of luxury that you’ll enjoy in the suites, the hotel has no less than three swimming pools to choose from. Should you choose to venture outside the grounds of the Setai (which is perfectly located on Collins Avenue and 20th street) there is no shortage of things to do in the surrounding area: From Miami Children’s Museum to Jungle Island (an enormous aviary that is home to more than 3,000 parrots and over 500 other animals), The Museum of Science to Seaquarium (think whale and dolphin shows) to Miami Metrozoo, there is something ideal for families to fill every single day of the week.

As a special invitation for The Ocean Suites guests, those who reserve a minimum of four nights between April 23 and September 30, 2014 will enjoy a fourth night complimentary. Reservations for The Ocean Suites are now being accepted for arrivals starting Wednesday, April 23 2014.

To book call 001 (844) THEOCEAN (844-843-6232) or email reservations@thesetaihotel.com.

For more recommendations from kodomo.com on family-friendly vacations in Miami see here.

Brooklyn has undergone an incredible metamorphosis in the past decade or so. What was once seen as a commuter area to the hip heart of Manhattan is now a very trendy, very popular and very fabulous neighbourhood in its own right. Sensational deli’s, immaculate coffee houses and beautiful boutiques have been springing up with great gusto amidst the Brownstones, many of which have been beautified and restored with great love and care in recent years. Thanks to a few celebrity parents moving their families across the bridge and the opening of many a well-loved shop, restaurant and bar, this wonderful enclave of an area is now, arguably, more sought after than many parts of Manhattan itself. For parents there are green expanses, parklands and wonderful schools galore and, as such, there is more than ever to entertain both parents and children in Brooklyn’s many pockets.

Now. kodomo.com’s Brooklyn-based contributor, Vishaka Robinson, is an ex-pat who moved across the big pond not long ago from London. And since settling Stateside she has become a mother herself. Last month she launched the delightful website pipandpea.com, which serves as an insider resource on everything from Michelin-starred restaurants that’ll welcome little ones to the best places to head when it pours and upcoming local events. And who better than Brooklyn-based parents to keep both residents and visitors in the know on all things Brooklyn with babies?

Alongside fellow British, Brooklyn-based mother Nina Postans, Vishaka Robinson and her fellow pipandpea.com founder realised that, once they had children, they craved a resource to help them get more out of their beloved neighborhood. “We wanted to create something specifically for Brooklyn” explains Vishaka. “Manhattan gets the lion’s share of attention, but Brooklyn is booming with an incredible wealth of things to do. Retro ice cream parlours hidden in Brownstones, a newly revamped waterfront where you can catch free outdoor screenings and take canoe trips on the Hudson, food festivals such as Smorgasburg serving up donuts, ramen and local-made ice-cream. And, of course, world-class museums, art galleries and restaurants. Plus, you have Manhattan on your doorstep – though if you’re anything like us you’ll find it hard to leave.”

So, what are their must-do’s for a family who want to explore the area? “Whenever we have friends in town with kids I give them my top five to-do’s,” says Nina. These include “riding the beautifully restored Jane’s Carousel on Dumbo’s Waterfront, brunch at Egg in Williamsburg (they even have crayons and paper place mats for doodling!), ice skating at the recently opened LeFrak Center in Park Slope, and catching a kids-only play at the BAM in Fort Greene. Francophile-loving kids will adore the children’s afternoon tea at Sweet Melissa Patisserie.”

So whether you are based in Brooklyn or simply considering a trip with your tots in tow, pipandpea is a beautifully designed and very engaging website that will thrill all parents. Aside from events and ideas on what to do, the lovely stream of social commentary, pretty visuals and adorable baby pictures will bring you back to this site time and time again.

New York, New York. I always used to say that, in my next lifetime, should I be single in my twenties, I was moving straight to Manhattan. But, in this lifetime, I can enjoy it with my little one and with the re-opening of the iconic Loew’s Regency hotel in Midtown, there is more reason than ever to visit the Grand Pomme en famille.

Reopening this week after a generous $100 million refurb, this stunner that resides just steps away from Central Park, Madison Avenue, and Museum Mile has no less than 328 apartment-styled guestrooms and 58 suites that are ideal for those travelling with children. The views of the infamous skyline, state-of-the-art technology, exceptional service and prime location make this an ideal spot.

The Regency Bar & Grill is new and serves lunch, dinner and the highly anticipated return of the Power Breakfast. (But fear not, there will be plenty of pastries, fresh juices and eggs to keeps kids and those after some morning indulgence, just as happy).

The new Julien Farel Salon & Spa flagship will open in March 2014 and Julien Farel will launch JF Men, which will cater to every man’s grooming needs, complete with two private multi-service rooms. As ever, there is no need to shy away from the spa if you are there with children, as young guests are as cared for as their well-deserving parents.

Loews have a Loews Loves Kids program, offering everything from special club programs and camps to Fisher-Price toys and special food menus. There is Loews Loves Teens, too so older children aren’t forgotten.

Some of the suites have small kitchens so you can really make yourself at home and, if you really want to splash out, Loews Regency will debut six signature suites this spring.  Ranging in size from 700 square feet to 1,550 square feet, the suites will each feature their own design concept and unparalleled views over Park Avenue and 61^st Street.

We know where we want to be this Spring…..

http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Regency-Hotel

Book this hotel now.

See our other kodomo.com recommended hotels in New York.