A successful family holiday delivers a fine balance between bringing the family together and at the same time letting everyone get a chance to do the things they want as well! Normal pressures like juggling work with cooking and school have been left at home and replaced with quality time. The essence of the “luxury” tag is that the family discovers an ideal environment with all the very best comforts and challenges to keep everyone happy and engaged, with time to be shared and moments of independence.
Here are just a few recommendations of wonderful, Mediterranean hotels and resorts offering superb kids’ programmes, crèches and babysitting facilities.
Children of all ages can have lots of fun socialising with others at the Kids’ Clubs; taking part in sports, crafts or more educational activities such as learning about their surrounding environment. Making use of these facilities ensures that parents and guardians get their well earned break and the freedom to enjoy a spa treatment, a round of golf or a romantic dinner for two, safe in the knowledge that the children are being well looked after.
Villa del Parco & Spa, Forte Village
Sardinia
If you’re looking for an outstanding range of accommodation and activities to suit all of the family, in one safe and traffic-free place, you’ll find it at Forte Village. Part of the resort is the intimate and relaxed Villa del Parco & Spa, set in its own tropical gardens, the hotel is located close to the Thalassotherapy Centre (a private walkway connects the two) and offers a choice of rooms and bungalows that are interconnecting, making them ideal for larger families.
Child City at Forte Village
Children’s City is a slice of paradise right in the heart of Forte Village. The fantastic kid’s pool – Laguna – is just one of the attractions specially designed for children in the resort. There’s no chance of them ever being bored!
While you relax on the beach or spend an afternoon pampering yourself at the resort’s wellness spa, your kids can learn and play at one of the many workshops the resort puts on. At Forte Village there really is something for everyone with the chance for kids to have fun and be creative with activities ranging from modelling clay, playing a musical instrument, painting pictures, cooking a pizza, making mosaics or putting on a puppet show. The kids even put on their own show in Piazza Maria Luigia each week.
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
Tenerife
Situated in the tranquil enclave of Guía de Isora, this top luxury resort in Tenerife exemplifies the delicate harmony that can exist between man and nature. From its highest point upon the smooth slopes of The Teide, to its exclusive stretch of sandy beach, the beauty of nature abounds at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama.
Ritz Kids – open 10am until midnight
As Jean-Michel Cousteau says, “All kids start out as scientists, constantly asking ‘Why? What’s that? How does it work?’” Ritz Kids experiences at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama tap into that innate curiosity by introducing their young guests to both the natural wonders and the rich cultural traditions of this family resort in the Canary Islands. Immersive and adventurous, their resort experiences provide your child with enthralling activities to reward their interest in the beauty and workings of the world we live in. With a diverse collection of activities based on the four pillars of the programme – water, land, environmental responsibility and culture – kids, ages 4-12 inclusive, are swept away by everything from coral reefs and forests, to recycling and sustainability, storytelling, art and even food.
Danai Beach Resort & Villas
Greece
Situated on the middle peninsula of Halkidiki, in a beautiful area full of lush vegetation and views of the brilliant azure waters of the Aegean Sea, this boutique, family-owned and managed luxury resort boasts one of the best private sandy beaches in all of Greece. Danai Beach Resort & Villas, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, features 60 elegantly designed and furnished suites and villas, offering superb family accommodation, three restaurants serving mouth- watering cuisine, a seaside cocktail bar, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a gym and a sybaritic wellness spa.
Worldwide Kids Company
Danai Beach Resort has commenced a new collaboration with Worldwide Kids Company. The goal is to ensure that your family holiday here gives you all incredible experiences and memories to take home. The professional childcare service provides inspiring and enticing activities for children of all ages from 4 months old up to 12 years old. Worldwide Kids Company ensures that children have a safe and engaging childcare environment working to the very highest standards.
Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort Crete
A paradise for families with children of all ages, Porto 
Elounda offers a vast array of activities to entertain children while parents enjoy a relaxing holiday in the sun. Facilities include an Arsenal Football academy, a dance school, a water park and the dedicated Kids Ark. Porto Elounda offers a large number of inter-connecting rooms, guaranteed upon booking.
The Kids Ark, Arsenal Soccer School Camp, Dancing Lessons & Barbie Club
Porto Elounda has been lovingly designed with families in mind. The Kids Ark and crèche is arranged as an animal-themed park, with indoor and outdoor play areas, and 2 supervised shallow pools. There’s circus acting, mask making, cookie baking and treasure hunts, as well as unique activities like mini Olympic games and growing tomatoes in the garden. There is a twice weekly evening event for the kids too. Even 4 month old babies are taken care of, freeing up some valuable time for parents. Exciting activities for children also include the Arsenal Soccer School Camp, twisting waterslides, expert dancing lessons and new for summer 2015, Barbie Club – no girl should be without some life guidance from Barbie!
