As summer arrives, it’s time to reconnect with one another and escape the chaos of everyday life and what better way to do so than by exploring a new destination, or re-familiarising yourself with favourite places. We’ve rounded up the hottest destinations for the family, so parents can have a luxurious yet relaxing escape and children will create memories that will last a lifetime.
A recent survey completed by BA Holidays stated that since the pandemic there has been an increase of people working digitally and are now less likely to swich off on holiday. The survey stated that 47% of travellers now check work emails whilst away.**
With that in mind here are some fantastic deals, adventures and experiences, promising the perfect family getaways to re-invigorate the most frazzled minds in Mauritius, Portugal and Saint Lucia.
Experience A City Break Beyond the City with Hyatt Regency Lisbon
Hyatt Regency Lisbon’s location is ideal for those wanting to enjoy a cultural city break with the family, as the hotel is conveniently located in Belém along the banks of the breath-taking Tagus River, just a five-minute drive from Lisbon’s iconic downtown and is surrounded by historical monuments like Belém Tower and Jeronimo’s Monastery. Also nearby is Pasteis de Belém (the birth place of the famous Portuguese custard tart), Bela Vista Park, National Museum of Natural History and Fado Museum.
The hotel lends itself perfectly for families looking to explore and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Lisbon for a sunny escape. Diners at the Hyatt Regency Lisbon can expect fresh and local produce within the celebrated Portuguese Bistro style Viseversa Restaurant & Bar, or delicious cocktails at the hottest spot in town Icon Bar & Rooftop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Tagus river and stunning Vasco da Gama bridge. The city of Lisbon is ideal for families, thanks to the Lisboa Card which includes free travel, free admission, offers & discounts to a whole range of visitor attractions, and a free travel guide, so families can benefit from a multitude of deals on their summer getaway*.
*For further details and full terms and conditions of the Lisboa Card visit https://www.lisboacard.org/pt/
For further information please visit https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/lishr-hyatt-regency-lisbon
Prices start at €825 per night for a family of four sharing a Courtyard Two Bedroom Duplex Suite based on July 2024 prices.
The Ultimate Kids’ Holiday at Heritage Resorts in Mauritius
Heritage Resorts & Golf in Bel Ombre, Mauritius, offers exactly what’s needed for an exciting family summer holiday. With their new Family & Kids programme and introduction of the Petit Écolo Passport that encourages children to learn about nature, families can embark on a journey of adventure and discovery at their premium resorts. And it’s perfect for the summer holidays as two children up to 12 years old can stay and eat free between May and September 2024.*
Both Heritage Awali and Heritage Le Telfair transform into a playground that promises an exceptional escape for both young and older guests. The complimentary Timomo Kids Clubs curate a myriad of activities for all ages, designed to awaken the creativity of young minds, encourage exploration, learning, and shared fun, orchestrated by a dedicated team of professionals. 3 to 11-year-olds can learn about sustainability with The Petit Écolo Passport, guiding children, and families through the treasures of Bel Ombre whilst raising awareness about environmental issues. The riveting guide encourages families to partake in a fun yet educational expedition including learning more about Parakeets at the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve and exploring Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth. For further information please visit https://heritageresorts.mu/hotels-mauritius/special-offers-deals/creating-family-getaway
Prices start at €272 per night for a family of four sharing a Deluxe Seaview Suite based on July 2024 prices.
Cap Maison Reaches New Heights with the Perfect ‘Fly & Save’ Summer Getaway
Luxury boutique resort & spa, Cap Maison in Saint Lucia has raised the bar with its latest luxury ‘Fly & Save’ offer, giving guests the chance to kick start their summer getaway with a VIP experience of arriving in ultimate style by helicopter, an unforgettable experience for the whole familywho will be treated to spectacular views of St Lucia’s famous twin peaks, the Pitons.
Cap Maison enjoys a stunning cliff top location overlooking the glistening Caribbean Sea and has an abundance of outdoor family friendly activities for all the family to enjoy, from a visit to the Sulphur Mud Baths, horse-riding along a beach, a coco ‘Bean to Bar’ experience to a Rainforest Zip Line Adventure, and Cap Maison’s Concierge desk, is on hand to advise on the full range of activities available and make reservations for guests.
Benefitting from villa-style accommodation available, families can enjoy a stay at a place that feels like home, with newly refurbished hacienda-inspired rooms, fully fitted with generous open living spaces such as a living room, dining room and a kitchen complete with all the essential utensils, so families can enjoy private meals in their own space if they choose. All suites feature a private pool so families can take pleasure in the luxury of a resort with a sense of privacy in their own outdoor space. Families can relax in the spacious villas and save on their summer getaway as up to 2 children under 12 stay FREE and eat FREE when dining with parents, and parents can even enjoy 3 hours of free babysitting.
For further information please visit https://capmaison.com/
Prices start at $960 per night based on a family of four (up to 2 children under 12) sharing a Spanish Courtyard Suite, or $1,650 per night based on a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) sharing a Two Bedroom Oceanview Villa with Pool and Roof Terrace based on July 2024 prices.
Challenge Yourself to an Active Holiday – Perfect for the Whole Family at Pine Cliffs Resort, Algarve
The renowned Championships at Wimbledon are just around the corner (1st-14th July) and Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve is inspiring the next generation of tennis stars at their Annabel Croft Tennis Academy with an array of specialised camps and lessons perfect for the whole family.
The resort’s exclusive tennis school, led by the former British No1 player and TV sports presenter and commentator Annabel Croft, provides guests of all ages with the chance to improve their skills. Pine Cliffs’ state-of-the-art tennis facilities include five floodlit courts – two clay courts, three hard courts and a padel tennis court, which can be booked by the hour or as a block for the week.
For those looking to improve their skills over the course of a holiday, tennis camps over five days with 10 hours of coaching focusing on different skills each day, or weekend courses can be booked. Junior Tennis Camp (4-13 yrs) and Teenage Tennis Camp (13-1 yrs) from €295 per child. Adult holidays for up to four people start from €365 per person. Private lessons can also be booked for €75 /hour per person or shared lessons from €45 /hour per person, with a member of the coaching team. For those that want to play a casual game, players can simply rent a court and play with friends and family. Private court hire starts from €28 per hour.
The family award winning resort is perfect for families and offers an extensive selection of activities for the whole family to do including the Porto Pirata Children’s club with life size pirate ships, MIMO Algarve – a cooking school with family classes. The resort offers hotel accommodation as well as luxury suites, apartments, and private villas for self-catering whilst having the use of the resort’s facilities.
To book, visit www.pinecliffs.com or call +351 289 500 100.
For Annabel Sports Academy bookings, please contact: [email protected]
Prices start at €630 per night for a family of four sharing a Two Bedroom Pine Cliffs Village based on July 2024 prices.
Family Favourite Summer Adventures in the Algarve
The Algarve in southern Portugal, one of the most popular summer destinations, offers an array of fun family-friendly activities full of adventure and wildlife encounters to keep the most demanding kids happy. Parents will be pleased too, as the Algarve has just been recognised as the most affordable European holiday destination in the Holiday Money Report by Post Office Travel Money*.
Here are some of the best activities the Algarve region has to offer for families with children of all ages:
- Wildlife Encounters
From encounters with dolphins at Zoomarine in Albufeira, boat tours to watch whales and dolphins in the wild, seeing the various animals at Zoo Lagos, to enjoying a wildlife workshop at Krazy World in Algoz, there is so much choice for getting up close to the local wildlife.
At Zoomarine prices start from €24.50 per junior (under 10 years old) or senior (over 65 years old) and €33.50 per adult for a one-day entrance pass at Zoomarine. For more information visit: www.zoomarine.pt
Prices start from €25 per child and €40 per adult for a dolphin watching boat tour with Blue Fleet. For more information visit: www.bluefleet.pt
At Zoo Lagos, prices start from €11.18 per child (3-11 years old) and €15.83 per adult for a one-day entrance pass at Zoo Lagos. For more information visit: www.zoolagos.com
At Krazy World prices start from €33.90 for a family ticket of two adults and one child (4-10 years old) for a one-day entrance pass at Krazy World. For more information visit: www.krazyworld.com
- Wet and Wild
For thrill-seekers, Slide & Splash in Lagoa is a paradise for kids and teenagers, plus there’s plenty of fun to be had for the adults too. The variety of slides, pools and games offer everything needed to make lifelong holiday memories in the sunshine. Prices start from €21.60 per junior (under 10 years old) or senior (over 65 years old) and €28.80 per adult for a one-day entrance pass. For more information visit: www.slidesplash.com
Whilst Aquashow in Quarteira, has an array of spectacular water slides, rides, wave pools and swimming pools for the whole family to get involved in. Aqualand and Aquakids are great options for families with younger children to experience fun in the water. There is also an indoor park for alternative water slides, attractions and even spa treatments. Prices start from €24 per junior (6-10 years old) or senior (over 65 years old) and €33 per adult for a one-day entrance pass. For more information visit: www.aquashowpark.com
The beautiful coastline of the Algarve provides a stunning backdrop for beaches of golden sand and crystal-clear sea. Some of the longer beaches such as Meia Praia in Lagos and Praia da Rocha in Portimão have plenty of space for beach games, and are good spots for walks, whilst the smaller coves with caves are a great place for swimming and sunbathing. Snorkelling around the rocks that line the shore is another fantastic way to experience the coastline for older children and adults.
- 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 €25/£22 per person www.iseacharter.com/boat-tours/speed-boat-tour/
Kayaking around the caves and grottos of Pont de Piedade near Lagos, Portugal’s version of the 12 Apostles, is fun to do with the family; or stand up paddle boarding in Carvoeiro, are other recommended ways to take in the spectacular surroundings from the calm blue waters. For further information on the Algarve, please visit www.visitalgarve.pt
