In this week’s Lux guide we’ve taken all the stress out of looking for that perfect holiday destination. We’ve covered some of the best places to relax this summer with activities to keep the whole family happy.
St Ives, Cornwall
If you want to stay close to home this summer or enjoy a long weekend away, head to this charming fishing village in Cornwall. With beautiful beaches you can spend the day building sandcastles and the children can enjoy a surf lesson. Wildlife Sanctuary, Paradise Park is only a short drive away and is a great day out with over 650 birds and animals including red pandas. There is also Go karting, laser tag, a cinema and plenty of family friendly restaurants. June is the hottest month with an average temp of 16 ˚C.
Where to stay: St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa. This hotel offers direct access to the award winning Porthminster beach. A luxury spa includes an indoor pool, hot tub, crystal steam room and sauna.
Distance from UK: 0h
Brittany
Staying cooler in the summer with a mild climate, this is the perfect choice for families with smaller children. There’s plenty of beaches to explore with a wide array of watersports from surfing to kayaking. Hiring bikes is a great way to enjoy this beautiful landscape. If you need a break from the outdoors, you can visit a planetarium, aquarium and water park. For a home away from away, self-catered accommodation is available as well as family friendly hotels.
Where to stay: Grand Hotel des Bains. Located on the picturesque island of Locquirec, this luxury hotel has an indoor pool, wellness centre and private beach.
Distance from UK: 1h 55m
Mallorca
Mallorca is the largest of the four Balearics with a huge variety of luxury and all inclusive resorts that welcome guests of all ages. Many of these feature a separate children’s swimming pool and a kid’s club with plenty of fun and games to keep them busy. The teens will love Palma which has a vibrant atmosphere and some great clubs and bars. A popular tourist attraction is an old Spanish heritage tramway running from the town of Soller to the coastal village of Port de Soller. You can hop on and off at one of the 17 stops and explore some beautiful Mallorcan villages. Pack plenty of sunscreen, you can expect very good weather between May and October.
Where to stay: Jumeriah Port Soller Hotel & Spa. With its clifftop location, you can expect the most spectacular sea views. This luxury hotel has two restaurants, four bars, a kid’s club and spa.
Distance from UK: 2h
Lopud, Croatia
This car free island is the perfect setting for a memorable family break. Head to Sunj bay, a stunning beach which has shallow water, perfect for small children. Only a short ferry trip from Dubrovnik, you can take in some of the sights of this historical city. You can even enjoy a Game of Thrones walking tour, which includes some of the iconic sights that were filmed here. During summer months you can expect very warm weather and long hours of daylight.
Where to stay: Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. This five star hotel is in a beautiful location with its own private beach. You can enjoy a fresh seafood feast at one of five restaurants.
Distance from UK: 2h 35m
Sardinia
With a very short flight time and many hotels offering 50% discount for children, you can enjoy Italy without breaking the bank. You can look forward to stunning beaches with white sands and crystal clear waters. For a great day out, head to Neptune’s Caves which will fascinate both the adult’s and children. Accessible by ferry from Alghero, you can take guided tours of the natural rock formations. The kid’s will also appreciate a day at Diverland, Sardinia’s largest waterpark.
Where to stay: Forte Village. The kids will have loads to do with bowling, go karting, tennis and football facilities, all on site. A luxury spa is the perfect place for to you to unwind and enjoy some much deserved pampering.
Distance from UK: 2h 35m
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve has long been a favourite destination amongst families for its child friendly resorts, endless days of sun and beautiful beaches. The children will enjoy a day at one of Europe’s largest water parks, Aqualand. There’s plenty of outdoor activities including a family surf lesson, cycling in the hills, taking a donkey trek or enjoying a craft workshop. Self-contained resort towns such as Quinta do Lago are perfect for families with everything you could need from supermarkets to night clubs. The Algarve gets very hot in the summer months, with temperature ranging from 25 to 30 ˚C.
Where to stay: Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa. A family resort set in 54 acres with its own private beach, countless swimming pool and a two Michelin star restaurant.
Distance from UK: 2h 50m
Halkidiki, Greece
Whilst the masses descend upon the Greek islands, this beautiful peninsula in Northern Greece remains a hidden gem. It has a timeless beauty with traditional villages and stunning white sandy beaches. The whole family will enjoy a day exploring this charming region on horseback. Mum and dad can also take in some of the historic sights which remain pleasantly uncrowded, even during summer months. Temperatures are highest between May and September with plenty of hot, sunny days.
Where to stay: Ikos Olivia. This luxury all inclusive has three swimming pools, five restaurants and a private beach.
Distance from UK: 3h 15m
Sri Lanka
Enjoy an exciting mix of culture, spectacular wildlife reserves and golden beaches at this tropical paradise. The teardrop shaped island of Sri Lanka is the perfect place for an unforgettable family holiday. You can relax at one of the many beaches, try a surf lesson and enjoy some snorkeling. The children will be left speechless at ancient temples, beautiful tea plantations and elephant safari’s. There’s plenty of companies offering family tours which takes the stress out of planning. You can expect the driest and hottest weather in the East from May to August, climbing well into the 30s.
Where to stay: Vivanta By Taj Bentota. The perfect base to explore this country with a beachfront location, international cuisine and luxurious suites.
Distance from UK: 10h 45m
Cape Cod, USA
If you’re looking for an authentic US beach holiday, it has to be Cape Cod. The area is famed for having some of the nicest beaches in the US. You can choose from a variety of accommodation options from beach chalet’s to luxury family friendly resorts. There’s plenty for the whole family – go-karting, bowling and watersports for the kids, world class golf for dad and some spa therapy for mum. A morning spent crab fishing is great family fun and you may even catch a tasty treat for dinner. Be sure to take a whale watching tour or hop on a ferry to the nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Where to stay: Wequasset Resort and Golf Club. This impressive resort has a beautiful golf course, a private beach, tennis courts, children’s club and playground.
Distance from UK: 11h 55m
Christian Davies
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