The most stylish family-friendly escapes
As any parent will tell you, travelling en-famille can be a little traumatising – or at the very least, a stressful affair. The difference between holidaying as a couple and going away as a group of three-plus is substantial, especially ifany member of the party is under 18 years old.
Once you’ve reached your destination, you’ll want some grown-uptime to relax, activities to keep the kids busy and a hotel that won’t raise an eyebrow at any of those requests for heating up milk bottles, highchairs, night lights, baby monitors...
So, with this in mind, we’ve selected four hotels that have ranked high with both kids and adults for thinking of all those little extras – and they’re stylish to boot.
Whichever you choose, these getaways are guaranteed to make your family holiday one to remember – for all the right reasons.
Le Barn
Bonnelles, France
The lowdown A stylish country retreat a croissant's throw from Paris
Best for Getting back to nature Gallic-style
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Hop in a car in central Paris, head southwest and in under an hour you’ll find yourself approaching the Rambouillet forest, a deeply wooded region home to deer, wild boar and, curiously, wallabies.
It’s also the setting for Le Barn, a rambling countrysideestate and France’s answer to Soho Farmhouse, which since opening last summer has been charming urbane Parisians into giving the whole welly boots thing a go.
Guests flock to the rustic retreat for its experiential activities. Go riding in the woods, take guided cycling expeditions, indulge in the outdoor Nordic baths, or even try your hand at a spot of horse whispering.
Once the family’s fully worn out, head back to one of the smart barn-conversion bedrooms to relax.
Book itDouble rooms from £140 a night.
Sani aSteriaS SuiteS
Halkidiki, Greece
The lowdown A laid-back but seriously elegant beach-front boutique hotel.
Best for Crèches and kids’ clubs for all ages.
Part of the Sani Resort, the Sani Asterias Suites has long been a favourite of families in-the-know. After an extensive refurbishment, it’s now set up to cater to groups of all sizes, thanks to the introduction of six types of spacious suite, three of which are designed specifically for families.
One of the resort’s main draws is its Babewatch – no, not a swimsuit pageant, but a complimentary childcare service on the beach, which allows parents to escape for a dip or stroll for up to 30 minutes a day, while staff take charge of the little ones.
There’s no danger of anyone being bored thanks to Sani’s crèches and kids’ clubs, which entertain four-month-olds to 17-year-olds with an impressive repertoire of indoor and outdoor classes, from DJ-ing and volleyball to mini-Olympics and archery – no adults allowed, unfortunately.
Book it family suites from approx £370.
tHe iDLe rOCKS
Cornwall, UK
The lowdown A super-relaxing beach-side retreat.
Best for families shattered by the work-life/school-life balance.
The Idle Rocks is one of the grande dames of the British seaside, having beenin business since 1913. But its relaunch in 2013, following a total revamp by its savvy new owners, brought it to the attention of the boutique-hotel-hopping crowd. And while it’s now a must-visit for cool couples, how about this for a recipe for the perfect family holiday?
Twenty coastal-inspired bedrooms decked out in an ocean of blues and soft creams and nearly all with amazing water views, a magical kids’ playroom, children’s high tea at the ‘chef’s table’, plus a baby-listening service.
Food-wise, think local, seasonal fare such as pan-seared sea bream and yummy puds like baked Alaska. Max out on the fun by booking interconnecting rooms – you can always lock the door! After a few days of this relaxed bliss, the schoolrun will be a breeze.
Book it family rooms from £325, including breakfast.
LE JARDIN DES DOUARS
Essaouira, Morocco
The lowdown A sun-filled paradise hidden among luscious gardens.
Best for rustic relaxation and pampering for every age.
Sitting in the Essaouira hills and surrounded by botanical gardens, Le Jardin des Douars is dedicated to simple yet luxurious pleasures. Families can choose from accommodation in the main house with separate bunk-bed rooms, or self-contained domed houses or villas with plenty of space for larger clans.
Younger family members will love the Moroccan pancakes at breakfast – fuel for a day of swimming in the deep blue (heated) pool, mastering the art of pétanque (a form of French boules) and exploring the grounds. Take advantage of the hotel’s babysitting service and head to the adult-only infinity pool with day beds and rustic straw parasols.
The spa welcomes all ages, offering 30-minute mini massages, manis and pedis for the under-12s – plus the kids can end the day with a mocktail or sweet sirop from the pool bar.
The homes media brand for early adopters, Livingetc shines a spotlight on the now and the next in design, obsessively covering interior trends, color advice, stylish homeware and modern homes. Celebrating the intersection between fashion and interiors. it's the brand that makes and breaks trends and it draws on its network on leading international luminaries to bring you the very best insight and ideas.
-
Livingetc Editors Share Their Favorite Corner of Their Homes — And How You Can Recreate the Look
From cozy snugs to cleverly designed kitchens, take a sneak peek into the homes of Livingetc's editors and discover their most beloved spots
By Debbie Black Published
-
Halloween Entryway Ideas — 5 Devilish Ways to Decorate for a Bewitching Welcome
Frighten your guests as soon as they enter your home with these stylish yet spooky looks to inspire your Halloween decorating
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
Christmas tree care – how to keep your Christmas tree alive and top tips for buying the best spruce
Follow these tips and your Christmas tree won't droop too soon...
By Jacky Parker Last updated
-
How to achieve beautiful paint finishes according to interior designer, Nicola Harding
Beautiful paint finishes transform a room and are easier than you think
By Livingetc Last updated
-
Decluttering tips from the home organisers at Maison Haven
Decluttering your home will get you ready for a fresh start
By Livingetc Last updated
-
Christmas tree recycling: what are the options?
Christmas tree recycling - 7 alternatives after 12th night
By Jacky Parker Published
-
The home bar: gorgeous glassware essentials
Home bar glassware to shake, stir and sip in style
By Jacky Parker Published
-
This architect-designed holiday home offers the perfect English country escape
Making last-minute travel plans and looking for somewhere chic and private to stay? This architect-designed home is a short drive from London, and features a heated outdoor pool with gorgeous views over the surrounding English countryside...
By Lotte Brouwer Published
-
5 beautiful 'fakation' destinations that will feel like you went abroad this summer
Staycations that could easily be mistaken for a veritable European hotspot...
By Ruth Doherty Published
-
This breathtaking Santorini hotel has just been named the best in Europe
And with those epic views and stylish interiors, it's not hard to see why
By Ruth Doherty Published