It feels like the world of travel has shrunk since last Easter, with fewer options available this year for families wanting some much-needed sunshine. The conflict in the Middle East means family favourites like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and possibly even Cyprus, might not be an option, along with Jordan and several other countries in the region, but there are many alternatives, say experts. Here are some of their top recommendations for a luxury holiday with toddlers, tweens and teens this Easter.
Europe
If staying closer to home is more appealing than a mid or long-haul adventure, Oliver’s Travels Distribution and Travel Advisor Manager Fern Higgins recommends two properties in France and Spain that fit the brief for families looking for luxury.
The five-bedroom Mas Des Reflets in Provence, France (pictured below) sleeps up to 12 people, is just 32km from Avignon and overlooks the landscapes of Les Alpilles.
“We used the property in our most recent TV campaign,” said Fern. “Discreet services for families include a continental breakfast each morning and daily housekeeping. There is a brilliant concierge who can support parents in organising additional extras, from babysitting to boat rentals.”
Fern also suggests the six-bedroom Casa Feliz near Nerja, in Spain. Located in the foothills of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, the villa also accommodates up to 12 guests.
“Casa Feliz has a brilliant concierge to help plan and book additional extras to make for a special stay. There are lots of activities for families, including the Nerja Caves, and it is located just a 15-minute drive from the Spanish village of Frigiliana as well as the Sierra Almijara, a rugged mountainous region that straddles the border between Granada and Malaga,” added Fern.
Audley Travel suggested families head a little further east to Croatia and the city of Dubrovnik (pictured above). Croatia Product Manager Ruth Flanagan said: “Visiting outside the peak summer months means clients can enjoy the beauty of the walled city without the crowds.
“The weather is pleasantly warm yet comfortable, and many of our most popular hotels, such as Hotel Excelsior, offer heated indoor pools, so guests can still enjoy a swim even if the sea feels a little cool in April.
“For exploring, there is plenty to keep families entertained. I’d recommend kayaking beneath the iconic city walls or enjoying a cruise around them, joining a fascinating historical or Game of Thrones-themed tour, taking a biking or buggy adventure, or hopping on a ferry to discover nearby islands such as Lokrum or Korčula.”
Audley offers a 10-day Family Tour of Croatia that includes stays in Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar.
Africa
Safari holidays are guaranteed to deliver memorable family experiences, making them a compelling multi-generational option whatever the ages involved, according to the family holiday experts. Somak Luxury Travel Trade Engagement Manager Scott Cumming recommends visiting during the Easter holidays as it falls in the off-peak season in some regions and can also deliver savings.
Families looking for an ‘extremely high-end’ safari lodge experience, Scott recommends Singita Sweni Lodge in Kruger National Park, South Africa (pictured below).
“Singita Sweni is one of the most recommended luxury options for a multi-generational family safari. It has two-bedroom family suites available, including private vehicles for families,” he said.
“There are lots of activities too, including big game drives, ranger-led bush walks and a Mini Rangers’ course for kids, which includes tracking, survival games, animal education, crafts, swimming and stargazing.”
Sticking with South Africa, Scott said the heavy rains of the Eastern Cape make visits from December to March more budget-friendly, with the added bonus of a malaria-free trip.
“The Founders Lodge by Mantis (pictured below), next to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, has a family-friendly atmosphere, with children of all ages welcome and suites that can be tailored for family groups,” he added.
“Kids’ activities include fun and educational experiences such as the Bear Grylls Survival Academy and conservation-related interactions for younger travellers. There are also guided game drives, birdwatching, nature walks, rhino feeding and monitoring experiences, and conservation-focused activities. Guests can expect excellent wildlife sightings, with the chance to spot all of the Big Five.”
Scott also suggests families consider Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. From March to May, while the long rains create lush landscapes, it’s off-peak season, so there are savings to be had.
What makes the Fairmont captivating for families, according to Scott, is that it offers ‘eco-safari experiences tailored to all ages, along with kids’ and teens’ programmes featuring creative activities, games, cooking experiences and supervised fun, so adults can relax too.’
Conservation encounters include a visit to the Mount Kenya Wildlife Rescue Centre to see rare species and learn about rewilding, including experiences such as breakfast with the mountain bongos.
Outdoor adventures feature horseback safaris through open conservancy land, guided nature walks, biking, and forest and wildlife trails.
Sand River Masai Mara, located within the Masai Mara National Reserve close to the Tanzanian border, also comes highly recommended from Scott at Somak.
“Nature walks and short camp bush walks allow kids and adults to explore plants, insects and birdlife in a safe, guided way – great for sparking curiosity in younger guests.
“The Elewana properties often offer warrior training-style activities where children can learn how to make a fire or throw a traditional rungu (a wooden club).”
Indian Ocean
Exsus Travel Head of Product Amanda Springer suggests that families planning a luxury Easter getaway should consider Niyama Private Islands in the Maldives (pictured below).
Amanda said: “Niyama Private Islands is exceptionally well suited to Easter and multi-generational travel, pairing the rare beauty of the Maldives with sophisticated family villas, one of the region’s most impressive kids’ programmes and an exceptional culinary offering. Expect indulgence, space and adventure.”
Calm seas and mirror-like lagoons make Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort an ideal spot for an Easter family break, said Scott from Somak as there is plenty to keep children of all ages entertained. “International football and tennis players host camps, and there are marine biologist and turtle ranger programmes, cooking classes and kids’ clubs,” he said.
Activities in the kids’ clubs include arts and crafts, live music events, outdoor movies, treasure hunts, beach and pool games, talent shows and movie nights. For the whole family, there are also water sports including kayaking and paddleboarding, sunset cruises and family castaway picnics.
Scott said Sri Lanka also has a strong offering for families too, particularly the sanctuary of Uga Chena Huts, which borders Yala (pictured above).
“The lodge runs a Junior Ranger programme – a fun, educational way for children to learn about wildlife, nature and conservation while exploring the property and surrounding terrain. You can see elephants, birds and other wildlife right near the property,” he added.
Far East
While spring is the most popular time of year to travel to Japan and likely to be very busy at Easter, largely due to cherry blossom season, InsideJapan recommends its 11-night Undiscovered North tour for families keen to discover a quieter, culturally rich side of the country.
The tour heads north away from the crowds to explore a samurai town and castle in Hirosaki, Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge, Neputa lantern making in Aomori and the city of Sendai.
The specialist also offers a 12-night Mountains and Culture Family Activity Holiday specifically designed with families in mind.
“The trip is designed for a family of four, staying in Tokyo and a traditional machiya house in Kyoto, as well as travelling through the mountains with stays in the craft town of Takayama and the samurai castle town of Matsumoto (pictured above),” said Director of Product Tyler Palma.
Thailand is also an option for Easter, according to InsideAsia, which offers a 13-night Wild Thailand Family Adventure tour that starts in Bangkok with a city-based treasure hunt and a boat trip on its canals, and then heads south to the national parks, jungle and islands including the opportunity to see the wild elephants of Kui Buri, an elephant adventure in Khoa Sok National park and island hop around Ranong.
South Pacific
Audley Travel French Polynesia Product Specialist Cait Langley recommends families set their sights high and head to the South Pacific. “Easter in French Polynesia is a special time to visit for families,” said Cait.
“Church services across the islands are a wonderful sight to behold. On Easter Sunday, women wear white clothing made from beautiful Polynesian textiles and hats called rito (woven pandanus hats) while they sing hymns.
“Visiting the larger churches in Tahiti and Moorea would be my recommendation. They are also great destinations for starting or ending a trip in this part of the world. Travelling at Easter falls within shoulder season, so prices reflect that and hotels have better availability. The islands are also beginning to experience less rain and more sunshine.
“In terms of accommodation, villa stays are a fantastic choice in French Polynesia for multi-generational families, while some cruises offer special kids’ clubs and family-friendly offers where children stay, eat and fly for free. Most hotels also provide kids’ programmes, such as Four Seasons Bora Bora, which offers a marine biologist programme specifically for children.”
Audley has a 16-day tailor-made Classic French Polynesia itinerary.
Main image and last image are courtesy of Tahiti Tourism
