Where in the world can you go?
FAMILY travel is the perfect opportunity to bond and create memories. But when child is in tow, carrying bulky baby accessories on to a plane can be a hassle. We highlight a few resorts that do their best make life a little easier.
MARTINHAL BEACH RESORT AND HOTEL — PORTUGAL
This hotel was designed for families: sweeping panoramas, kids’ clubs, and even a baby concierge service. Buggies, bottle sterilisers, thermometers, cots and nappies can be ordered and waiting on arrival. Five clubs form the backbone of the entertainment catering for children from six months old to teenagers. An on-site crèche (with a ratio of one minder to three children) is open every day. Arts and crafts, cookery classes, face painting, treasure hunts and even dolphin watching are some of the experiences on offer. All the restaurants have dedicated children’s menus and play areas.
For adults there are four heated pools and an array of sports facilities. The spa even includes children’s treatments.
The rooms have stair gates and baby proofing and plush bedding and designer furniture from style icon Michael Sodeau. Prices start at €372 per adult (two adults and one baby, 0 – 2 years) for a four night stay. www.martinhal.com
LE DUNE RESORT AND SPA — SARDINIA
This resort has 490 rooms with views overlooking the Asinara Gulf. There are 10 restaurants that sprawl across 280,000 sq m of private grounds surrounded by dunes and scented junipers. A whopping 10,000 sq m is dedicated to children’s facilities.
The Fantasy Village comprises a play area and swimming pool set within the dunes and youngsters can visit Duneland and enjoy the castle, creative workshop and cinemas. The Peter Pan restaurant with child-friendly meals offers a play and learn program which teaches children about Mediterranean plants at the ecological fruit and vegetable garden. They can even collect eggs laid by the free-range hens for their lunch. The Pisolo rest area provides cots, a nursery and a bottle-feeding service and a qualified team is on hand six days a week.
There’s also a group child-minding service and a mini club for older children aged between four and 13 where they can play five-aside football and tennis or enjoy watersports and rock climbing. For the youngest guests, after-dinner baby-dancing is also available.
There’s a choice of rooms, from beach-side superior to pool-side family suites and dining ranges from beach buffets and pizzerias to candle-lit tables and vegetarian menus. Rates for a family of four, for six nights on a half board basis start from €1500 (excludes flights). www.delphina.it
VILLA MARIA JACUZZI COSTA ADEJE, TENERIFE
The rugged volcanic landscapes, picturesque villages and the sunniest climate in Spain make the island of Tenerife an eternally popular getaway destination. This resort is located in the south-west of the island and has a backdrop of magnificent mountains and sea views. Although accommodation is villa style, hotel services are provided too. There are three swimming pools — one specifically for toddlers — a