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OUR FAMILY FAVOURITES
A family holiday is infinitely precious - all the more reason why it’s important to get it just right.
Choosing a resort which can keep the whole family happy is no mean feat. Read on for our recommendations of the top-notch options you can rely on to give you and your family the holiday you need. When you are able to travel again, we want everything to be absolutely perfect for you.
Maldives Magic
Vakkaru, Maldives
After a year distinctly lacking in breadth of experience, coming to a resort like Vakkaru in the Maldives is going to quite the change of scene. It’s not just the stop-and-stare beauty of gently shelving beaches, iridescent waters and colour-popping marine life, it’s the opportunity for quality family time in a new and totally tropical environment. Vakkaru, located in the clear waters of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, is big on experience. Here you and your family could learn to scuba dive together in the blue hole, snorkel the house reef, cycle to a beach for a picnic, enjoy a sunset cruise, or even take a chocolate-making class.
We love the family-friendly beach villas that open out onto powder-soft sands but also have private, foliage-clad pools at the rear. Parents should also take note that the Vakkaru kids’ club is one of the best in the Maldives, with a huge playground, giving grown-ups guilt-free spa time or a cocktail or two.
“Vakkaru is located on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll – known as being one of the Maldives’ most beautiful atolls. The sheer beauty of your surroundings is sometimes hard to fathom.”
Insider Tip
With a fantastic kids’ club on the island, your children will find plenty of activities to keep them occupied. For something special, head out as a family on a snorkelling trip with the in-house marine biologist, who can help identify colourful fish and encourage an interest in conservation.
Southern Sophistication
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA
This refined and elegant property, that sits in a commanding position on Kiawah Island alongside South Carolina’s rugged coastline is quite the destination. Absorbing characterful Southern charm into its natural, lush environment, The Sanctuary offers a luxe escape with a high level of detail and attentive, friendly service.
Families who are fans of golf will be in heaven on the championship golf course, especially with the Family Tee golf program but actually golf is only one part of the picture here. Most families love to spend time in nature, enjoying the ten-mile beach, hiking amongst the ancient, moss-draped oak trees in the maritime forest or spotting birds in the marshes and ponds. There is also the pool and its water slides for even more fun and the kids’ camp offers adventurous activities such as archery, boogie boarding and night beach walks. At the end of a big day in the fresh air, head to one of the resorts restaurants to experience another highlight of the area: Southern cuisine. Sample juicy steaks, shrimps n’ grits, pulled pork with Carolina ‘slaw and four cheese macaroni to fuel up for your next day’s adventure.
“Include The Sanctuary at Kiawah as part of a fascinating trip around the Carolinas including Charleston with its historic districts and Savannah to learn about the American Civil War.”
Insider Tip
To get out to sea for a peaceful late afternoon activity we highly recommend hiring a kayak. You can gently paddle out through the marshes to a sand spit, where you may be lucky enough to see dolphins, as we did.
CHIC & STYLISH
Domes Zeen, Crete, Greece
The definition of bohemian luxe, Domes Zeen, found on Chania in Crete is the choice for style-seekers and those that like a modern aesthetic. Set against a backdrop of earthy hues, natural materials and contemporary furnishings, Domes Zeen gives families time and space without having to compromise on style. Choose from waterfront pavilions that open out onto the beach or suites with gardens and private pools which benefit from extras we can arrange for you.
With its vast swimming pool area which leads straight onto the beach, Domes Zeen is ideal for families looking for a low-key beach holiday. But what makes Zeen stand out is its opportunity for interesting experiences in the local area. Try a ceramic workshop, tour Chania’s old town or hike the Samaria Gorge. Kids will love the kids’ club with its own pool and Beach House kitchen; little ones can join cookery classes or have a sleepover in a Bedouin tent, leaving parents free to enjoy time at the spa or sample a fine-dining tasting menu of Greek-fusion food at the smart Gastronomy Restaurant.
"It’s hard not to see evidence everywhere of Domes namesake - Ef Zeen - which means the art of living well. You’ll find that in abundance at this Cretan gem."
INSIDER TIP
To get into relaxation mode, let us book you into the spa for your first day at Domes Zeen. The Jungle Spa is a temple to wellness and its open-air ambience with a soundtrack of lapping waves will lull you into serenity in no time.
HAPPY FAMILIES
Carlisle Bay, Antigua
A contemporary resort that welcomes families back year after year, Carlisle Bay is a Caribbean classic that has a raft of activities to keep kids busy and parents firmly in relaxation mode. One of its main lures is its gorgeous location on Antigua – the resort is tethered to a beautiful sweep of beach, on a curved semi-circle of powder-soft sand lapped by a turquoise Caribbean Sea, with a backdrop of emerald-green rainforest. If you can drag yourself away from the scene of tropical bliss there is plenty to do in the resort and around the island including hiking in the Mt Obama National Park, tennis, spa treatments and scuba diving.
Kids are very well set up with the complimentary kids’ club offering imaginative activities such as treasure hunts, Hobie cat sailing, ‘turtle watch’ and fun water fights, shell craft and goo making. A nice touch is the ‘high tea’ served at the Ottimo! restaurant which is perfect for hungry post-beach kids and paves the way nicely for bedtime, babysitters and an adult evening out at ‘East’, enjoying the seductive charm of Antigua’s best Asian restaurant.
“Families will love the spacious Beach Suites which open out directly on to the sandy bay or the exclusive Carlisle Suites which have large wraparound sea-view terraces.”
Insider Tip
Don’t miss movie nights at Carlisle Bay. The indoor screening room replicates a luxe cinema experience with comfy leather seats, surround sound, popcorn and the latest blockbuster family films.
GREEK IDYLL
Danai Beach Resort, Halkidiki, Greece
Arriving at Danai, located on Halkidiki’s Sithonia Peninsula, you’ll be struck by the refined and elegant atmosphere, welcoming you to a high level of sophisticated charm. As a family you can choose two spacious adjoining suites or – our recommendation – go for one of Danai’s villas – hidden by greenery with interiors graced by marble furnishings, Persian rugs, original artwork, private pools, sea views and expansive dining areas. Luxurious yet comfortable, they feel very private.
Life at Danai is relaxed and yet your every whim catered for. Expect champagne breakfasts with smoked salmon and pastries while an army of beach attendants provide towels, cocktails and al-fresco snacks. Kids can try the kids’ club or head out on kayaks on the calm waters. We recommend visiting the cave-like wine cellar, one of Greece’s oldest to pick wine for your stay including gold-flecked champagne and unusual Greek appellations.
"If you’re looking for a smart, beautifully furnished villa, you’ll find it at Danai. And with excellent dining, a private beach, vast wine cellar and spa, it’s the perfect meeting point between the privacy of a villa holiday and the convenience of a hotel."
INSIDER TIP
Don’t miss dining at Danai’s upmarket restaurant The Squirrel. Worth booking a babysitter for, the restaurant has enviable views over the blue Aegean Sea, framed by ancient pine trees with a perfected melange of fine food: lobster, fillet steak, crab and seabass.
The collection
Chic Family Retreats
Family friendly and boutique? Yes, it’s possible. And our travel experts know just the place. Well, quite a few actually. It’s time to slip away from the mainstream, with more authenticity and personalised service.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
The collection
Europe’s Best Villas for Families
The collection
Villas for Multi-Generation Families
