New Year’s Eve is one of the most difficult holidays on the calendar to plan for – and it doesn’t get easier when having kids. I always feel like I want to be in a special place, but instead of planning on the perfect New Year’s Eve I now prefer to plan on a fun filled New Year’s morning with the family.
Most of you will have already decided where to spend the first day of the new year, but for those of you that are still searching for travel ideas with your kids, here are few last minute suggestions – for different budgets and in different locations:
1.) THE UMBRIAN COUNTRY COTTAGES
Situated in a stunning valley, the Umbrian Country Cottages are a magical option for families seeking tranquillity and relaxation in the heart of Italy. Three beautiful stone cottages, sleeping between two and six guests (with extra space for cots) look out over miles of uninterrupted countryside.
There is a playground equipped with plenty of toys and a playhouse. Also, there are alpacas and a child-friendly dog on site which the kids love! This place is only 15 minutes away by car from Perugia, one of my favourite cities in Italy.
The accommodation has still few cottages available over New Year’s. Prices from €500-650/week in cottages that can accommodate up to 2 adults and a baby/toddler in a cot and in larger cottages that can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children.
2.) MARTINHAL SAGRES BEACH FAMILY RESORT
This sophisticated design hotel and resort, located on the rugged south-western tip of Portugal, is an ideal destination for active family holidays.
Set back from a long, sandy beach, the resort sits within a wild and windswept national park, offering the ideal balance of nature and luxury. The bold contemporary architecture is a perfect match for the dramatic setting of the resort, whilst the organic interiors, featuring local stone, cork and wicker are both stylishly minimalist and warmly welcoming.
Martinhal features 37 hotel rooms (some interconnecting) with partial or full sea views, as well as dozens of sleek self-catering villas and houses. Conceived very much as a family resort, children of all ages are expertly catered for. A baby concierge can reserve baby and toddler gear – from cots to sterilisers – and children of all ages are well cared for, either at the crèche or a series of kids clubs for children aged up to 16.
The Hotel offers special 3-night packages around New Year’s Eve including a luxury gala dinner and party on the 31st of December as well as a New Year’s Day lunch. There are 2- and 3-bedroom Garden Houses available from 426€night, with capacity for up to 6 people. This also includes a discount at the spa, free use of indoor pool, free use of the outdoor kids playground and free Kids Club care services (upon availability).
3.) THE FRENCH CHATEAU
The French Chateau is a wine estate in southern France that has been beautifully restored and turned into a superb destination for families, offering luxury accommodation in a laid back ambience.
Covering over 200 acres, the grounds feature beautiful gardens, parkland, olive groves and vineyards that are criss-crossed by trails, which can be explored by bike or on foot. Guests also have access to a tennis court, boules, a large outdoor pool, barbecue area, spa and casual restaurant.
A chateau at the heart of the estate features eight luxury rooms for couples, while the various outbuildings have been transformed into chic self-catering retreats for families. Sleeping 2 to 10, the self-catering properties are spacious, stylish and elegant. All but one has a private garden and terrace and most have private pools that are either fenced or fitted with an alarm. Kitchens are fully equipped with top of the line appliances to make cooking a pleasure and all properties have a TV, DVD and Bluetooth speakers. Bedrooms are all en suite and can be made up with two singles or one double bed for maximum flexibility.
In the surrounding area families will find numerous things to do, from exploring authentic villages, visiting a dinosaur park close by, going racing at a nearby karting track and much more.
There is still availability at the Hotel (from 150€/night) and in Self-Catering Properties (from 275€/night) between December 30th and January 2nd – with a minimum stay of 2 nights required. For New Year’s Eve there will be a buffet dinner option as well as a 6-course dinner gala. The next day they will serve a special New Year’s Day Brunch.
4.) BEACH MOTEL HEILIGENHAFEN
Opened in late 2016 the Beach Motel Heiligenhafen is a large resort offering both hotel-style rooms and suites (sleeping up to 4), and a variety of individually decorated apartments (sleeping 4 to 6) for those who prefer more independence with their kids.
Its location right on the beach and directly opposite a long pier with play areas, sunbathing decks and swim platforms is ideal for young families.
Tastefully decorated in a modern ‘beach house’ style with lots of bleached wood, rattan, wicker and pale colours, the resort has a very chilled out ambience and attracts a young, fun and fashionable clientele.
Food and drink options within the resort include the Holyharbour Café & Grill serving freshly baked goods, home made ice cream and tasty lunches and dinners, the Flamingo Bar in the hotel lounge, and a hip beach bar open in summer.
The resort also boasts a pleasant spa with an indoor pool, sauna, gym and treatments rooms, a beach lounge equipped with a piano and games and various boutiques. Bikes can also be rented on site.
There are still rooms available at the Hotel during New Year’s Eve week that can accommodate 2 adults and a baby or toddler. Prices from 206€/night.
5.) THE ALGARVIAN HIDEAWAY
This beautiful boutique hotel has found the perfect balance for both families and couples, with a designated family pool that has its own loungers and pool bar, as well as a separate adults-only area that includes garden and swimming pool. The hotel truly offers something for everyone.
The property itself is gorgeous, with tastefully sparse white architecture that offsets the vivid colours of the lush gardens. Children can run through the trees and play by the hotel’s pond, which has turtles, fish, and frogs, without worrying about disturbing the other guests. In addition to the beautiful property itself, the hotel is also conveniently located close to Faro airport and the coast.
There are still a few Junior Suites available starting at 300€/night including breakfast. They can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children.
Please contact us for more information or a more detailed quote for all suggested accommodations.
Happy travelling… and happy celebrating!