The Family-Friendly Travel Destinations to Book This Year
Words by
Jemima Sissons
20th February 2025
Family-friendly travel destinations that will delight all ages.
Legions of families are lured to Costa Navarino in the south west Peloponnese, on the Greek mainland, attracted by its manicured borders, sweeping coastal views and its holy trinity of spa, golf and kids’ club. But the appeal goes far deeper for those keen to educate themselves in this richly storied region. Steeped in ancient history, young archaeologists can learn about Messinian history, creating their own Linear B tablet similar to those found in nearby Nestor’s Palace.
Olive harvesting and vegetable picking with the little ones at Costa Navarino
With almost no light pollution, the vast skies offer up astronomy lessons, including teaching how Messinian sailors used to navigate their way to port through the stars. End the day with a farm-to-fork lesson in the vegetable garden with the chef, planting seeds and picking fresh produce. Aside from its educational programme, vast kids’ clubs and teen zone with karaoke, bowling alley and an Escape Room, the resort is one of Europe’s top sporting destinations. There are camps where children can try their hand at sports featured in the Olympic Games and FC Bayern Football Camps allowing young footie lovers to hone their skills. There is also an NBA Summer Basketball School, tennis and golf lessons, plus a watersports hub. €345 per room per night with breakfast at The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino.
INTO THE WILD
The Lodge at Blue Sky features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Utah landscape
At The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection in Utah, the next generation is educated deep in the ways of the land. At the Little Vaqueros Kids Camp, children immerse themselves in Mother Nature by replanting native species along riverbeds, assisting wranglers with feeding horses, diving into angling and identifying fish species. Days out on trails involve learning about edible plant life, scouting for unique geodes and a hands-on class on the benefits of regenerative farming – with a seed bomb or handmade mandala to take home. The mountain resort is set just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City, on 3,500 acres of land.
Rooms from £1,270, aubergeresorts.com
Children can channel their inner cowboy or cowgirl at the Little Vaqueros Kids Camp
JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME
Jaipur's temples are truly magical
A trip to India with children can offer a window into one of the most richly layered countries in the world. A new dedicated itinerary for toddlers through to teenagers helps smooth the journey and simultaneously create lasting memories. Creative consultant and textile designer Rosanna Falconer has used her experience of living in Jaipur to tailor make trips showcasing the majesty of Rajasthan. The family-friendly journeys include tiger safaris, a visit to Dastkar, an NGO supporting traditional craftspeople, a morning in a sanctuary for rescued elephants and learning the art of block printing in the Amber Fort.
Tracking tigers in the wilds of Rajasthan
“Rajasthan energises and inspires me with its colours, scents and sights, but it is through my children’s eyes that I have been able to unlock its true wonder even in the everyday,” says the mother of two. “Monkeys on a roof-top, the percussion of dhoop aarti in the temple or the sweetness of a bowl of kulfi falooda all inspire a joy in my daughters that we had not encountered on travels elsewhere.” From £3,350 per person, wixsquared.com
TURKISH DELIGHT
The stand-out Peninsula Istanbul is an oasis of serenity in the city
There are resorts that are the deciding factor about whether you book the plane tickets or not and the Peninsula Istanbul is one of them – a complete retreat from the labyrinthine streets and frenetic souks of the old city – even more appreciated with little ones in tow. When you want to explore, take to the streets with an expert guide to retrace the steps of renowned Armenian-Turkish photo- journalist Ara Güler, winding through hidden alleyways, snapping your own images, before heading back to the hotel for a herb masterclass from the picking garden and a dip in the pool overlooking the Bosphorus.
The hotel has many activities for the younger members in your group
Parents can unwind in the hammam while older children enjoy movie night under the stars. For those staying the weekend, don’t miss the regal Sunday brunch, including homemade ice creams from a trolley to a backdrop of live music. From £1,000 a night, peninsula.com
UNDER THE SEA
The Maldives Underwater Initiative is perfect for ocean-loving youngsters
With the largest marine team in the Maldives and a full-time sustainability officer, Six Senses Laamu is a dream destination for budding marine biologists. With a focus on harnessing knowledge of the coral reef ecosystem, ocean-loving 6-16-year-olds can join the Maldives Underwater Initiative for the junior programme, including science experiments and swimming with rays, turtles and reef sharks. Alongside some rigorous classroom hours, they will learn how to protect the waters and cultivate a responsible attitude towards the reef environment. End the day with dolphin watching or, from March to July, join the Turtle Team to witness the tiny hatchlings emerge.
Up close with a newly hatched baby turtle
The barefoot resort also offers a range of mini spa treatments, treasure hunts, surf lessons, rope climbing and pick your own fruit and vegetable sessions in the kitchen garden with the chef for bespoke juices, making it one of the most upmarket adventures for little Robinson Crusoes. From £824, sixsenses.com
STEP BACK IN TIME
The classical architecture-style of the incredible reimagined Villa Ventorum
There’s no need to head to Egypt or Pompeii to unearth ancient treasures. Little Indiana Jones’ can unleash their imaginations in the spectacular surrounds of The Newt in Somerset’s Romano-British villa, Villa Ventorum. Brought back to life by a team of archaeologists, the immersive experience is unparalleled for those interested in the Roman way of life. Play classical games, walk through painstakingly reimagined rooms and put on a VR headset to experience a day in the Roman villa, complete with baths and working kitchens.
The opulent interior of the Villa Ventorum
At the end of your visit, snack on Roman-style street food, with mensa-style flatbread, topped with estate lamb braised in wine and sweetened with honey. Forest school, apple picking days and an insightful story of gardening, approached by The Viper – a treetop canopy walkway suspended 12 metres above the forest floor – make this one of the finest educational days out you can have on our isle. For those not wanting to splash out on a night, you can sign up for memberships for £80 with children coming free.
