The great escape

From whimsical Alice in Wonderland afternoon teas to bear-spotting in the Canadian wilderness, Nikki Wallman rounds up some of the most memory-making travel experiences for youngsters around the world

The world’s most inspiring escapes and bespoke family itineraries

INTO THE WILD – CANADA

Located “on the edge of the world” in the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve in Vancouver Island, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is straight out of a nature-loving child’s dream: think towering trees reflected in glassy fjord waters; the heart-stopping sight of majestic black bears casually snacking on crabs; exhilarating horseback rides, and sleeping deeply in a tent surrounded by family and friends after a day’s adventuring. Now, imagine those tents are beyond luxurious; and that while you can enjoy family time on joint adventures like sea kayaking, paintballing and mountain biking, kids can enjoy evening S’mores and singalong sessions by the covered firepit, living it up in the (low-tech) games tent, trampolining to their heart’s content – while mum and dad do something boring, like drink cocktails or have a massage. Clayoquot boasts all this and more (a kids’ club is also in the works) – and with a devoted following of high-end holidaymakers, we suggest mum and dad add this one to the top of your hit-list, pronto.

Best for: Families seeking to disconnect from tech and reconnect with nature – and each other

www.wildretreat.com

LA (JUNIOR) DOLCE VITA – ITALY

Castello Di Casole is a luxurious Tuscan estate that dates back to the 10th century and takes “living la dolce vita” to a whole new level, offering an incredible breadth of authentic Italian experiences for children to truly immerse themselves in local culture (the pizza, chocolate and gelato don’t hurt either). Yes, the hotel and grounds are sophisticated and stunning, featuring gorgeous stonework, mosaic tiles and wooden beams; cypress trees and verdant, sloping hills. Families are well catered for, with larger suites boasting space and privacy (you can also rent separate villas and outrageously beautifully restored farm houses). But a break at Castello Di Casole also comes with a true sense of joy and playfulness for kids. Budding gourmands can get hands-on with pizza-making classes, visit local chocolate factories (with tastings, of course), and help make (and sample) authentic gelato in nearby Chianti. Other highlights include discovering the local countryside by horseback or horsedrawn carriage; and an incredible treasure hunt through Florence.

Best for: School-aged children who’ll be thrilled to learn fun new skills in a relaxed holiday setting.

www.castellodicasole.com

THE COOLEST HOLIDAY EVER – FINLAND

What could be cooler than heading north to the icy wonderland of Finnish Lapland to stay in a glass-ceilinged igloo as the otherworldly Northern Lights dance in hypercolour above you? How about…meeting Santa? At the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, on the edge of Finland’s largest national park, magic is everywhere: in the environment (one of the purest in the world), the accommodation (absurdly instagrammable glass-domed igloos, with family-sized options including fireplace, sauna and more) and of course, the activities on offer. Children will delight in adventures all year round, from panning for gold and all-terrain vehicle safaris in summer to reindeer safaris, sleigh rides and aurora-chasing in winter. But arguably the biggest memory maker is the chance to head down to the woods to Santa’s very own house. The jolly man himself will be there (with prior warning from parents, of course) to meet and greet youngsters, leaving them with magical Christmas memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t miss: Those magical Northern Lights will captivate the entire family – truly a magical experience.

www.kakslauttanen.fi/en

TROPICAL LUXURY WITH A TWIST – KOH KOOD, THAILAND

It’s hard to know where to start when describing Soneva Kiri’s family appeal. We could tell you about the resort’s Jungle Book setting on Thailand’s least-populated island, Koh Kood – all dense tropical rainforest and palm-fringed, white-sand beaches. And how the Den, a marvellous larger-than-life-sized bamboo playhouse, is designed purely to capture children’s imaginations – from learning Thai instruments and visual arts to exploring the fascinating nooks and crannies of the beautifully crafted playground itself (there’s a similar Eco Den for younger kids aged one to five). We’d also rave about how excursions such as rainforest walks and local school visits aim to really immerse youngsters in the local environment and culture. And then there are the family experiences, from private cinema screenings and family cooking classes to father-and-son fishing trips and mother-and daughter-spa treatments. While deeply relaxing, this is no flop-and-drop tropical holiday – kids will come away enriched, enthused and, no doubt, begging to return very soon.

Don’t miss: Dining as a family among the treetops in a specially constructed “tree pod” (children over six are able to join their parents; if the child is under 12, they can experience the Treepod only with parents’ permission).

www.soneva.com/soneva-kiri