Thinking of taking advantage of the eased travel restrictions and getting away from it all in a half-session with the kids? Soak up the sun and vacation on the mainland at one of these five-star, family-friendly resorts…

Photo: Creta Maris Beach Resort

1 Creta Maris Beach Resort, Crete, Greece
Are you looking for an all-inclusive option for the family to relax as much as possible? The Creta Maris Beach Resort has 10 adult pools and five children’s pools where you can swim and doze off alongside.

There’s also a water park that has water play areas for the little ones, as well as slides and river rapids for older kids, teens, and parents who are still kids at heart.

It is also possible to play a round of golf, play tennis, try kayaking and other water sports, and watch a movie at the end of the day at the resort’s outdoor cinema.

Dine at one of the six restaurants serving traditional and contemporary Greek and Mediterranean dishes, and have an after-dinner cocktail at one of the many bars.

Looking for a date activity once the kids are in bed? Dine privately, by candlelight, by the sea, or sing some of your favorite tunes at the karaoke bar.
For offers and availability visit cretamaris.gr

2 Terre Blanche, French Riviera, Provence, France
If you are planning a getaway from London with the family and want to enjoy it, this luxury resort is nestled in the hills of the French Riviera in Provence and offers plenty of activities for children, teens and adults.

Just 35 minutes from Cannes and 45 minutes from Nice airport, the resort is designed like a Provencal village, set within 750 hectares of unspoiled forest and home to a multi-award-winning spa, two tennis courts as well as two 18 hole championship golf courses.

The Kids’ Club will offer a special activity program during the mid-term, suitable for children aged 3 to 12. This includes exclusive golf lessons for those who want to channel their inner Tiger Woods. There are also several play areas suitable for different age groups.

There is also horseback riding, gliding, fragrance creation workshops and exclusive wine tastings from some of the region’s most prestigious winemakers to try as well.

If you have teenage offspring or a large family, you can opt for adjoining suites for more privacy and space.
To book or find out about packages, visit terre-blanche.com

Terre Blanche, French Riviera, Provence, France. Photo: Terre Blanche

Infinity pool, Terre Blanche, Côte d’Azur, Provence, France. Photo: Terre Blanche

Terre Blanche, French Riviera, Provence, France. Photo: Terre Blanche

3 El Palace Barcelona, ​​Barcelona Spain
This grand hotel dates back to 1919 and much of its rich decoration and interiors have retained the Louis XIV aesthetic. For families, the hotel offers luxurious family rooms and suites that can accommodate up to seven people.

And if that, besides catching the autumn rays by the rooftop pool at El Palace Barcelona (the largest rooftop terrace in central Barcelona) isn’t enough, maybe the relationship manager with the animals of the hotel, Lulu the dachshund, is.

El Palace Barcelona even has Lulu plush toys to take home, if you fall in love with the real one, as well as other kid-friendly treats like in-room tents, children’s bathrobes and slippers.

Ideally located, the hotel is ideal for a city break. You have the Sagrada Familia and the city beaches a short walk away, as well as the Placa de Catalunya and the Museum of Contemporary Art nearby as well.
For more information on offers and promotions, visit hotelpalacebarcelona.com

4 Hotel Eden, Rome, Italy
In the heart of Rome, this luxurious and chic hotel offers a number of unique experiences that allow your little ones to explore Italian traditions and its ancient capital.

These include ice cream and pizza making classes with the hotel chef and art classes focusing on fresco paintings (a technique common to Italian Renaissance murals, used by various masters, including Michelangelo).

There is also the Little Gladiator Experience where children learn about gladiator life and undertake gladiator training (with foam, friendly sword of course), an interactive VatiKids experience that engages children with famous works of art. through technology, and a castle hunt at Castel Sant ‘Angelo, which also uses technology to help children discover the history of the monument.

Part of the Dorchester Collection, the Eden Hotel is also an opportunity for parents to have fun. It houses the Michelin-starred restaurant La Terrazza and a spa offering a multitude of treatments.
For more information or to see what offers are available, visit dorchestercollection.com

5 Hotel Métropole, Monte Carlo, Monaco
In addition to its meticulously styled rooms that almost resemble those of Wes Anderson, the Hotel Metropole recently launched a new family suite, designed especially for children in collaboration with Sabrina Monte-Carlo Kids.

Connected to a Deluxe Junior Suite, the Family Suite features tailor-made fairytale décor. This includes a comfortable crib for the youngest hotel guests which has been hand painted by Knightsbridge children’s furniture designers Walton Street Dragons.

For older children, a single bed with a cloud headboard has been specially designed by the Sabrina Monte-Carlo team.

On top of that, the hotel also offers a range of family activities as part of its Just For You program. This includes cooking classes taken by the hotel’s pastry chef, paleontology classes for dinosaur lovers, and travel photography workshops so you can make your Insta account look clean.
For more information on offers and deals, visit metropole.com