Best Holidays for Kids

Located between crystal Caribbean waters and a rolling coconut grove, the Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic feels like paradise. Perfect for idyllic relaxation, it’s also one of the best hotels for kids thanks to a unique circus playground. The circus school that outperforms all others, with specialised circus trained staff who can teach you - flying trapeze, high bungee, and aerial silk workshops available for those aged 4+.

Mexico’s Riviera Maya hides some of the world’s best beaches alongside ancient Mayan ruins – making Club Med Cancún one of the best locations for families who want to mix a bit of sightseeing with their sunbathing, including a great range of day and night care activities for toddlers at Petit Club Med. But the ultimate draw of the region has to be world’s second-biggest coral reef – with scuba diving classes and snorkelling available for the over-10s.

Kids love to swim, and there’s nowhere better to do it than Club Med’s 4-Trident La Pointe aux Canonniers resort in Mauritius. Not only can you dive into the Indian Ocean or the adjacent lagoon, but the hotel also boasts four pools of its own – including a brand new family pool that’s opening in November. Let the kids loose on the water canons, slides and inflatable games while you relax in the infinity pool (without getting splashed).

Find the call of the wild at Rio Das Pedras in Brazil, a resort dedicated to ecology and nature. Close to Rio de Janeiro and hugging some of South America’s best beaches, anyone who wants to see the real Brazil can take a trip towards nearby Angra Dos Reis or Mangratiba to see the jungle in all its glory, or visit the neighbouring protected nature reserve. If you’re after a toddler-friendly holiday, children aged two and above are welcomed at Rio Das Pedras, and there’s no better place to introduce them to the wonders of the natural world between trips to the beach.

The most important thing about choosing a family holiday destination is picking somewhere with something for everyone. Da Balaia, in the Algarve, offers everything you’d expect from a beach resort, and a lot more besides. Spend the day on the green getting golfing lessons from PGA pros, or cool off in the dedicated eco-natural pool in the zen zone – all the while letting the kids enjoy their own tailor-made holiday in the resort clubs for toddlers, teens and everyone in between with a range of fun games, sports and activities from soft-play areas and splash pools to circus skills and discos.

Little Tennis, Mini Football, Little Circus and Mini Waterskiing are all going to be top of the to-do list for kids at Gregolimano, but the resort’s nature and discovery activities on the island of Evia will see them walking in the footsteps of the Greek Gods Eole, Apollo and Poseidon – learning about ancient mythology, discovering wind farms, understanding sundials and having a blast at the same time.

The vineyards and olive groves of Provence make for a dream destination for adults, but Opio en Provence is also the perfect place for kid friendly holidays – the Club Med circus school is inspired by the world’s greatest acrobatic acts. And if they’re not into circus skills, the resort offers a full range of kid’s clubs from gentle walks and learning activities at Baby Club Med to the tennis, archery, dance shows, golf and movies at Junior Club Med.

Morroco’s “red city” is famous for its souks but the hustle and bustle of the bazar has also led Marrakech to build some of the world’s finest spas as a place for locals to unwind – something La Palmeraie does in five trident style. Most spas are for adults only, but the Club Med Spa by CINQ MONDES offers a teen experience for kids aged over 11, with treatments including hair and scalp royal rituals, manicures and Radiant Five Flower facials. Finally, a happy teenager…