Get the whole family together and escape to a destination that promises adventure and relaxation in equal measure. On family holidays, it’s important to choose carefully, so grown ups can enjoy some time to themselves with spa treatments, gourmet dining or a sporting activity while kids and teens are kept busy making friends at supervised clubs. Time spent together is equally important, so we’ve picked out some of our favourite places for family fun.
Saint Peter's Bay Resort & Port Ferdinand Luxury Marina & Residences, Barbados
For holidays with all the family, it’s often practical to have living areas and kitchen facilities but this often means compromising on all the luxury services and amenities of a typical resort holiday. A concierge, kids’ club, restaurants within easy reach and daily housekeeping are all conveniences we appreciate while trying to relax and switch off from day-to-day routines.
That’s why families appreciate Port Ferdinand and Saint Peter’s Bay which offer palatial villa-style living with the benefit of all the comforts and luxuries you’d expect from a first-rate hotel. There’s a complimentary water taxi between each resort so you can enjoy the facilities of both, including the three wonderful restaurants and Port Ferdinand’s tranquil spa.
SAINT PETER'S BAY
The glamorous beachfront homes at Saint Peter’s Bay are each adorned with terraces and spa pools. Children will love the lagoon-style swimming pool, complimentary non-motorised watersports and fun-filled children’s zone for ages five and up (under-fives are welcome with an adult). One of the highlights of Saint Peter’s Bay is the turtle conservation programme where guests can snorkel with, and help with the release of, turtles.
7 nights from €2,719 per adult and €1,079 per child sharing a Two Bedroom Beachfront Suite including breakfast.
OFFER: Save 35%
STAY: 01 May - 14 Dec 2019
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PORT FERDINAND
Port Ferdinand is based on its own glitzy marina, and each of the villas is meticulously decorated, with a marble finish and coral stone walls adding to the grandeur. Each villa features its own individual yacht berth and the resort even features an on-site yacht concierge service. While kids and teens are having fun doing their own thing, adults can vanish to the Sandbox Tree Spa or the newly-opened Nikki Beach club located on property.
7 nights from €2,985 per adult and €1,299 per child sharing a Two Bedroom Luxury Harbourside Villa including breakfast.
OFFER: Save 35%
STAY: 01 May - 14 Dec 2019
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BLUE WATERS RESORT & SPA, ANTIGUA
There are suites and villas of varying sizes at the beautiful Blue Waters, a vision of bougainvillea and hibiscus-draped Caribbean paradise set on the secluded Soldier’s Bay. You can opt to stay up on the hillside or nearer the beach, but the spacious beachfront villas are our top recommendation for multi-generational families. Each features an infinity pool, private patio, luxury bathrooms and king-sized beds.
Within the wider resort, there are two sandy beaches to explore, complimentary watersports and a fabulous spa. For the little ones, there’s also a fantastic kids’ club and crèche with a range of supervised activities, from arts and crafts to team games.
7 nights from €1,989 per adult and €855 per child sharing a Superior Hillside Room including breakfast.
OFFER: Save up to 40% + first child stays & eats free
STAY: 21 Apr - 19 Dec 2019
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GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO
With more than enough to keep all age groups occupied, the incredible Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a firm favourite with families.
Suites start at an impressive 1,100 square foot; all feature a private terrace or balcony, and many have a private plunge pool too. The Ambassador Suites are situated near the kids' and teens' clubs and are perfect for younger families, while the tranquil Zen Grand Suites are located inland, bordering the exotic greenery of the jungle, and are more suited to older families with teens.
The facilities here are more than impressive; Grand Velas is home to a highly-acclaimed spa as well as an amazing eight restaurants, five of which are fine dining. And, as for activities, the resort has plenty to keep families entertained, including land and watersports, beach games and guided ecological tours around the property.
7 nights from €3,325 per adult and €729 per child sharing a Zen Grand Suite Jungle View on All-Inclusive.
OFFER: Save up to 40% + kids stay free + complimentary return private transfers + US$50 spa credit per adult
STAY: Now - 18 Dec 2019
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ST NICOLAS BAY, CRETE, GREECE
Stylish and sought after, the wonderful St. Nicolas Bay occupies a tranquil spot on Mirabello Bay. The sandy beach is set in a protected cove and has been awarded the EU Blue Flag for its quality. In the calm, shallow waters, families can take out pedalos and canoes, or, for the more adventurous, have a go at waterskiing or windsurfing. For little ones, there’s a seawater paddling pool right by the sea.
There’s a myriad of different villa and suite options, many with private pools and jaw-dropping ocean views. The spacious Family Suites have up to three bedrooms and feature a separate lounge with dining table and a private verandah.
7 nights from €1,585 per adult and €925 per child sharing a Classic Double Room Side Sea View on Half Board.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save up to 35% + complimentary Half Board and one signature cocktail and lunch per person
STAY: 12 Apr - 26 Oct 2019
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CONSTANCE BELLE MARE PLAGE, MAURITIUS
Belle Mare Plage is a firm favourite with families, with the wide selection of activities available here encompassing virtually every kind of watersport alongside mini golf, tennis and a complimentary kids’ club for ages 4 to 11. Adults will be more than satisfied too, with two championship golf courses and an extensive wellness complex.
7 nights from €1,955 per adult and €955 per child sharing a Prestige Room on Half Board.
OFFER: Save up to 40% + one child stays free
STAY: 29 Apr - 29 Sep 2019
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BAHIA DEL DUQUE, TENERIFE, SPAIN
With pointed turrets and grand arched windows, Bahia Del Duque looks like it’s been etched from the pages of a fairy tale. Children will have fun at Duqui Club, teens will be kept busy at the Teen Lounge and parents will fall in love with the enormous wellness retreat – which even offers a mother-daughter Teen Spa Experience.
7 nights from €1,525 per adult and €419 per child sharing a Double Room Garden View including breakfast.
OFFER: Save up to 20%
STAY: 01 Jan - 31 Oct 2019
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SUGAR BEACH, A VICEROY RESORT, SAINT LUCIA
The pure drama of the scenery you’re faced with at Sugar Beach is enough to enchant the whole family; it’s set between the UNESCO-listed Piton mountains in amongst over 100 acres of rainforest, and cradled into the only white-sand bay in the Soufriére area.
The rooms, cottages and villas are tucked away in the lush green hillside, and the resort’s collection of Residences are perfect for families, with up to four bedrooms, private pools and a lovely sense of privacy and tranquillity.
At The Sugar Club, children ages 4 to 12 can have fun with football games, arts and crafts, glass-bottom boat rides and evening cinema on the lawn.
7 nights from €2,999 per adult and €2,239 per child sharing a Superior Luxury Sugar Mill Room including breakfast.
OFFER: Save up to 25% + daily complimentary breakfast for two
STAY: 06 Jan - 25 Dec 2019
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DAIOS COVE, CRETE, GREECE
Fantastic for a stress-free family getaway, the staff at Daios Cove go out of their way to ensure all ages are well cared for. No doubt children will be impressed by the expansive infinity pool which spans the size of a football pitch and provides incredible views of the private cove.
Down on the beach, sun beds, umbrellas and towels are provided, and the beach bar serves delicious drinks and snacks. Rooms and suites are open-plan and contemporary, and the 39 private villas provide extra space and privacy. Family villas have private pools and up to three bedrooms, plus they offer additional facilities for babies and toddlers.
7 nights from €1,525 per adult and €449 per child sharing a Deluxe Sea View Room with Individual Pool on Half Board.
OFFER: Save up to 35% + complimentary room upgrade
STAY: 12 Apr - 03 Nov 2019
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PRINCESA YAIZA, LANZAROTE, SPAIN
Standing resplendent in the sun with its gleaming white-washed architecture, Princesa Yaiza is jam-packed with pools, bars, restaurants, leisure and wellness facilities, creating the ideal environment for a family holiday.
The standout feature is the incredible Kikoland, a 10,000-square-metre activity complex with entertainers, pools and sports facilities. We love how child-friendly the resort is overall, from the range of restaurants to please all palates, to the supervised activities for youngsters of all ages. Family Suites are reached via a walkway running through six tropical fish aquariums, making every morning and evening magical for children as they spot the many colourful creatures on their way to and from their rooms.
7 nights from €1,215 per adult and €355 per child sharing a Junior Suite Sea View including breakfast.
OFFER: Save up to 25%
STAY: 06 Jan - 03 Oct 2019
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MOUNT CINNAMON, GRENADA
Spilling down the hillside and overlooking Grand Anse, the best beach in Grenada, the Mediterranean-style suites and villas of Mount Cinnamon offer sensational views. Cheerful pops of colour brighten up the interiors and the fully-fitted kitchens make them ideal for guests wishing to self-cater.
That’s not to say you’ll have to do all the cooking here – you can order in a pizza from the hotel’s kitchen, or wander down to Savvy’s to savour farm-to- table cuisine. Families can have fun with beach volleyball, watersports and giant garden chess, whilst there’s always the Cinnamon Spa, yoga classes and tennis for grown-ups.
7 nights from €2,275 per adult and €919 per child sharing a Hacienda Suite including breakfast.
OFFER: Save up to 35%
STAY: 01 May - 30 Nov 2019
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SEA BREEZE BEACH HOUSE, BARBADOS
With over 1,000 feet of white-sand beach, one of three pools dedicated to families, complimentary kids’ and teens’ clubs, and even a floating sundeck, the whole family will have a whale of a time at Sea Breeze.
The resort recently unveiled its brand new oceanfront suites which range from spacious, open-plan junior suites to three- or four-bedroom suites that are perfect for families. Homemade Bajan pastries and sweet treats are always a winner with kids at the Rum Shop Café, while mealtimes can be taken at four fabulous restaurants including Mahogany Lounge with its island-inspired interiors.
Sea Breeze boasts a fantastic south coast location, too. The famous Oistins Fish Market is just a short stroll away, pulsing with reggae music and mouthwatering street food.
7 nights from €2,259 per adult and €855 per child sharing a Classic Standard Room on All-Inclusive.
OFFER: Save up to 50% + up to two children stay & eat free + two complimentary 45-minute spa treatments per room
STAY: 06 Jan 2019 - 05 Jan 2020
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OCEAN TWO RESORT & RESIDENCES, BARBADOS
Overlooking a tranquil bay with clear turquoise waters, and close by to lively St. Lawrence Gap, Ocean Two sets the perfect scene for a fuss-free family holiday.
The luxurious suites all have fully-equipped kitchens, but there’s always the option to dine at the acclaimed Taste restaurant where awardwinning chefs whip up creative Caribbean cuisine. The beach is ideal for snorkelling and swimming, and has giant Jenga for family fun, and a coconut station for thirst-quenching refreshments.
Head off on adventures in the form of catamaran cruises or jeep safaris, and for some ‘me-time’ while the kids are splashing about in the pool, sink into one of the luxurious sun loungers while cocktails are delivered to you.
7 nights from €1,785 per adult and €855 per child sharing a One Bedroom Oceanfront including breakfast.
OFFER: Save up to 50% + up to two children stay & eat free + up to US$125 resort credit per room
STAY: 06 Jan 2019 - 05 Jan 2020
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JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY, DUBAI
Occupying a magnificent stretch of beach and modelled on an imperial Ottoman palace, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is an opulent sanctuary on the western crescent of Dubai’s famous Palm Jumeirah.
The resort boasts a stunning 59-metre infinity pool, private 29-seat cinema and an award-winning spa. All guests receive complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™, a spectacle of rides and attractions the whole family will enjoy.
Back at the resort, kids can be kept entertained with the complimentary Sinbad’s Kids’ Club which features a mini waterpark, climbing wall and playground alongside supervised activities.
5 nights from €1,309 per adult and €609 per child sharing a Superior King Room on Half Board.
OFFER: Save up to 59% + unlimited Wild Wadi Waterpark access
STAY: Now - 12 Oct 2019
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ATMOSPHERE KANIFUSHI, MALDIVES
Boasting some of the largest entry-level villas in the Maldives, Atmosphere Kanifushi offers suites just footsteps from the beach, separated by lush tropical vegetation and towering coconut palms. Sunset Family Villas have interconnecting doors and a large amount of indoor and outdoor space, plus they’re located closer to the kids’ club, main restaurant and sports complex.
Children have their own daily schedule here, with talent shows, cooking classes, beach games and movie nights just the start. And it’s not just youngsters that have all the fun – adults have an activity programme too, including yoga, diving and volleyball.
7 nights from €3,469 per adult and €1,355 per child sharing a Sunset Junior Suite on All-Inclusive.
OFFER: Stay 7 Pay 5 + save 20% + upgrade to Sunset Junior Suite + children stay free
STAY: 29 Apr - 31 Oct 2019
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CARLISLE BAY, ANTIGUA
Perched on the crescent of a natural harbour surrounded by verdant rainforest, Carlisle Bay offers a completely idyllic setting. Half of the 500-metre beach is designed purely for families; Beach Balcony and Terrace Suites are based here and feature studio-style master bedrooms with direct views of the beach and separate twin rooms. Plus, when staying in these suites, two children receive complimentary All-Inclusive.
Towards the end of the bay lie beautiful mangroves which are ideal for gentle kayaking trips, and older children in particular will enjoy the fun activities organised by the resort such as zip lining and raft building.
7 nights from €2,899 per adult and €799 per child sharing a Garden Suite including breakfast.
OFFER: Save up to 40%
STAY: 23 Apr - 30 Nov 2019
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PINE CLIFFS RESORT, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
Perched on a clifftop above a golden-sand beach, Pine Cliffs is one of the Algarve’s most desirable destinations. The Pine Cliffs Residence offers two- and three-bedroom suites which are ideal for families, while the Pine Cliffs Village has townhouses and villas for even more variety.
The facilities for children here are some of the best we’ve come across, such as Porto Pirata, the resort’s 7,000-square-metre children’s village for children aged up to eight. With a bouncy castle, two life-size wooden pirate ships, mini golf and a playground, you’ll have a hard time persuading the kids to leave!
7 nights from €1,199 per adult and €219 per child sharing a Two Bedroom Residence Comfort on Room Only.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save up to 15% + €100 food & beverage credit
STAY: 08 Apr - 25 Oct 2019
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All prices include return scheduled flights from Dublin and private transfers.
Book by 08 February 2019. If you'd like to find out more about these offers or to book your next luxury tailor-made holiday, give our expert travel advisers a call on 01 431 9700.
