This summer, families looking beyond the typical sun-and-sand holiday can dive into a vibrant world of quirky adventures across Mauritius, Saint Lucia, and Europe’s most enchanting destinations. From football clubs with sporting legends along the golden Algarve coast to imaginative nature activities set amid Mauritius’ tropical landscape, these unique family escapes promise unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Following the trend of adventure-focused getaways, ABTA’s Holiday Habits 2024 – 2025 Report shows that 12% of UK travellers opted for adventure holidays last year, rising to 25% among younger families eager for dynamic and engaging experiences.
These destinations and resorts offering playful activities and experiences, will delight children and adults alike ensuring a truly memorable family summer getaway.
MAURITIUS: Kids Discover the Natural World at Heritage Awali, Mauritius
Discovering the natural world has been turned into a huge adventure for kids at Heritage Awali in Mauritius. The complimentary Kids Club offers a myriad of nature-based activities for all ages, designed to awaken the creativity of young minds, encourage exploration and shared fun. Kids love the ‘Yellow Submarine’ play centre (that looks just like one) which they enter via a slide. It teaches them all about marine life and its delicate eco system in a playful and interactive way.
Kids and families can also complete the ‘Petit Écolo Passport’ booklet which guides them through the treasures of the Bel Ombre area whilst flagging various environmental aspects. They can learn more about Parakeets and other birds at the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve and explore the extraordinary spectacle of nature at Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark.
Complementing this are exclusive spa treatments for children, family activities on the golf course, open-air cinema nights at the Boma, and an introduction to Sega dancing. Rated as the ‘Best Family Resort in Mauritius’ at the 2023 World Travel Awards, the hotel also offers an array of restaurants including a Boma experience, plus complimentary baby club.
Prices start from £412 per night based on up to 2 adults and 2 children (under 12) sharing a Deluxe Sea View room in August 2025, on an all-inclusive basis. Packages with flights are also available with providers such as BA Holidays.
For further information, please visit: www.heritageresorts.mu
SAINT LUCIA: Family Fun Meets Caribbean Luxury at Cap Maison
Cap Maison, a luxurious boutique resort nestled atop the stunning cliffs of Saint Lucia’s northern coast, invites families to indulge in an unforgettable Caribbean escape. Adventurers can enjoy a variety of activities on offer from guided nature hikes, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and sailing lessons on the Caribbean Sea, to engaging cooking classes showing local flavour and Rainforest Zip Lining Excursions through the treetops.
With spacious villa accommodations designed with playful Caribbean charm, personalised service and a blend of activities tailored for all ages, Cap Maison delivers the ideal balance of relaxation, quirky adventure and family-friendly fun.
*All excursions available to book separately through the concierge desk.
A family of four can share a Spanish Courtyard Suite with breakfast included from £650 per night. Price based on August 2025 stay.
For further information, please visit: https://capmaison.com/
*Images credited to Saint Lucia Tourism Authority
ALGARVE: Pine Cliffs Kicks Off a Legendary Family Summer in the Algarve
Perched above Portugal’s stunning Algarve coastline, Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort, is the ultimate destination for families seeking to slow down, reconnect and create lifelong memories. This summer, Pine Cliffs will host an unforgettable Summer Football Camp in partnership with Estima Sports where kids will have the chance to train with three former Manchester United football legends; John O’Shea, Louis Saha and Dimitar Berbatov. During the camp, players aged 5 to 16 years old will have the opportunity to learn new skills, train like professionals and be inspired by some of the best in the game. A variety of packages are available on offer, with a one-day package starting at £67 per person.
The excitement continues with the launch of the brand-new Adventure Park, designed to keep children active and entertained. Highlights include a 90-metre slide, tree climbing, a rock wall and a climbing net. Prices start from £8 per activity, or £54 per person for a 1-hour full circuit, with entry for children aged 5 and above. Voted the World’s Best Beach by Tripadvisor users in the 2024 Traveller’s Choice Awards, Praia da Falésia, is the ideal spot for a range of water-based activities. Families can choose from kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing and private surf lessons. Activities can be booked daily from 9.00am – 5.30pm through the resort’s dedicated concession.
A family of four can share a two-bedroom Pine Cliffs Garden Suite with Resort View from £610 per night. Price based on August 2025 stay.
For more information, please visit: www.pinecliffs.com
ALGARVE: Unique Experiences Beyond the Beach with Algarve Tourism
The Algarve in southern Portugal, one of the most popular summer destinations, offers an array of fun family-friendly activities full of adventure, wildlife encounters and creative workshops to keep the most demanding kids happy. Here are some of the best activities the Algarve region has to offer for families with children of all ages:
- Discover Nature: The small islands off the coast near Faro and the natural park of Ria Formosa make for a great day trip for families. The maze of canals, islands, marshes and barrier islands, stretching 60kms along the Algarve coast is a beautiful spot for nature and bird watching. You can either hire a bike, take the ferry to the islands or take a cruise with a nature guide around the estuary and the deserted beaches.
Prices start from £19 per person. For more information, visit: www.iseacharter.com/boat-tours/speed-boat-tour/
- Learn About History: Learning about the history of a destination is not always top of a child’s list, but the Faro Story Spot in Faro makes it fun as it’s very interactive. Learn about the city’s enriched history from the Roman times to the reconquest by King Alfonso III, discover the geological formation and marine biodiversity of Ria Formosa and experience the journey of the Mediterranean diet and how it has evolved.
Prices start from £31 for a family of two adults and up to three children for a museum tour. For more information visit: www.farostoryspot.pt
- Get Creative: Loulé Creativo, located in the town of Loulé, is a project that aims to contribute to the revitalization and promotion of arts and crafts and covers the implementation of creative tourism programs and residencies.Visitors can also participate in creative workshops, courses, themed weekends and experiences inspired by art, craftsmanship, gastronomy and heritage. Prices vary depending on chosen activity. For more information, visit: www.loulecriativo.pt
For more information, please visit www.visitalgarve.pt
LISBON: Discover Lisbon Together: Family-Friendly Escapes at Hyatt Regency Lisbon
At Hyatt Regency Lisbon, families can experience the charm of Portugal’s capital through thoughtfully curated, family-friendly activities. Located along the scenic Tagus River, the hotel offers easy access to Lisbon’s iconic historical sites, kid-friendly museums, such as the Lisbon Oceanarium and Pavilhão do Conhecimento—and plenty of green spaces perfect for picnics and play. Parents will appreciate the comfort of spacious suites, complete with kitchenettes and private balconies, as well as rejuvenating spa amenities for a moment of relaxation. With its seamless blend of cultural exploration and luxury hospitality, Hyatt Regency Lisbon makes family travel both enriching and effortless.
Families staying at the hotel can also take advantage of bespoke experiences arranged by the concierge team, such as family tuk-tuk tours through the city’s colourful neighbourhoods, traditional Portuguese tile-painting workshops or a scenic tram ride followed by a delicious local Pastel de Natas at a nearby bakery. Whether it’s enjoying exploring the cultural monuments that the city has to offer or simply relaxing together at the hotel, Hyatt Regency Lisbon creates lasting memories for families of all ages.
A family of four can share a one-bedroom Deluxe Suite from £396 per night. Price based on August 2025 stay.
For more information, please visit: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/lishr-hyatt-regency-lisbon
RHODES: From Waterparks to Ancient Wonders: Family Escapes with H Hotels Collection
H Hotels Collection, set along the sun-drenched shores of Rhodes, offers the perfect base for families seeking a blend of relaxation and offbeat adventure in Greece. From hands-on Greek cooking lessons designed for little chefs and themed treasure hunts around the hotels, the collection’s resorts bring local culture to life in fun, unexpected ways. At Princess Andriana Resort & Spa, families can make a splash at the brand-new on-site waterpark, featuring colourful slides, splash zones, and interactive play areas that promise hours of excitement.
Beyond the waterpark, families can participate in a variety of activities, including beach volleyball, mini-golf, archery, and water sports such as jet-skiing and parasailing. For those eager to explore, nearby attractions include the ancient town of Lindos with its hilltop acropolis, the enchanting Seven Springs forest, and the historic Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With spacious family accommodations, diverse dining options, and a host of engaging activities, H Hotels Collection ensures unforgettable memories for the whole family.
A family of four can stay in a Lindos Princess Beach Double Room with Garden View from £355 per night. Price based on August 2025 stay.
For more information, please visit: https://hhotels.gr/
EUROPE: Hit the Road: Family Adventures with roadsurfer Campervans in the UK
Embarking on a UK road trip this summer with roadsurfer, Europe’s largest operator of vans and motorhomes, opens the door to a world of quirky, fun-filled adventures perfect for the whole family. With a campervan as your cosy, mobile home, young families can stargaze in designated Dark Sky areas like the Brecon Beacons or Northumberland National Park, and toast marshmallows by the campfire after a day of exploring.
Stop off at whimsical attractions like The Forbidden Corner in Yorkshire, a magical garden of tunnels ad follies, or puzzle your way through one of Britain’s oldest mazes at Longleat Safari Park. From fossil hunting on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast to paddling in the Lake District’s sparkling lakes, roadsurfer makes it easy to build unforgettable memories with the freedom to park up wherever the adventure leads. With unlimited mileage, fully equipped vans and an integrated route planner for last-minute trips, roadsurfer is the perfect solution for those seeking an affordable yet unforgettable getaway with the kids. And the family pet is welcome too. Roadsurfer has rental stations in Bristol, Edinburgh London and Manchester for the UK and Dublin for Ireland.
A family of four can stay in a Surfer Suite measuring 4.9 meters in length, with 4 seats sleeping 4 from £115 per night. Campervan includes a kitchenette, outdoor cold shower, pop-up roof and plenty of storage. Price based on August 2025 trip.
For more information, please visit: https://roadsurfer.com/uk/
