Most of you will have already booked your summer holidays but for those of you that are undecided and still need to book your holidays with the little ones, here are few of my last minute suggestions:
1.) THE FRENCH COUNTRY CHIC
This place is a really beautiful Boutique Family Retreat close to Villefranche-de-Rouergue, the owners are from the UK and are wonderful hosts and also great cooks. At this place they include kids activities, you can book a babysitter, they offer Gourmet meals for parents and there is everything one needs for the little ones (they have everything from toys to baby baths and all sorts of details for babies and toddlers). There is also a great fenced heated pool and a big garden area with a playground and treehouse amongst other things.
We stayed there when my daughter was a baby and my son 2 years old and it was a really nice experience for all of us so I can recommend this place without hesitating.
Also several of France’s most beautiful towns (Conques, Najac, Rodel, Belcastel) are easily explored as day trip and the historic steam train that crosses the Dordogne Valley and a number of wildlife parks are all within easy reach.
For those preferring more sporty pursuits there are several easy walks from the guesthouse. A little further afield the river has numerous pretty picnics spots and older children and adults can swim, kayak and go canyoning in the summer. They have 3 family suites and 1 family room available in total, so guests and kids usually get to know each other during their stay and can mingle if they like.
July and August dates are almost fully booked but there is still availability for their Family Double Room from July 14-20 and August 11-23. This room is ideal for 2 adults plus one baby or child.
2.) 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.
The two and a half acre grounds include a great fenced pool from which one can gaze down the endless valley, and a playground equipped with plenty of toys and a playhouse. Guests can help themselves to fruits, herbs and vegetables from the gardens, try their hand at making pizza in the old bread oven or enjoy an alfresco barbecue.
There are also 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 – we visited this place last year Easter and we all fell immediately in love with it!
Their smallest cottage suitable for 2 adults plus 1 baby or child is still available for the following dates: 4th to 11th July & 28th July to 4th August.
>3.) THE SUSSEX ESCAPE
If you feel like escaping the heat in the south of Europe (this is what we did when our kids were very little), this is a perfect choice only at 1 hour drive south from London Gatwick.
We visited this beautiful and fully equipped house together with good friends and their kids when my son was only a baby and we had a wonderful time. There was nothing the lovely owner (a mum of 2) had not thought about. Located in a small village in East Sussex, this historic house has been recently refurbished with real style. It has a cheery, homely feel and has been furnished with great taste. Totally child-proofed, from the available stair gates to the socket protectors, it is an ideal venue for extended families or friends to get together and enjoy the English countryside.
The house comfortably sleeps 7 to 8 adults and up to 4 children in four bedrooms. There are plenty of toys, books, board games and puzzles, plus entertainment in the form of TV, DVD player, Xbox and more in the living room. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking for the little ones as well as for large groups.
Outdoors you will find a fully enclosed garden and a summer house which mean hours of fun for the kids. The perfect summer escape in Northern Europe!
In July there is still availability as follows: July 2-12.
4.) GRAN MELIA PALACIO DE ISORA
Tenerife has a great climate all year round so there is really no bad time to visit the island but most people travel there during the winter months. Now travelling to Tenerife in July and August is a great idea. Why? Temperatures are perfect (also not too hot to sleep well at night) and rates tend to be much better than in winter time.
The family friendly Gran Melia Palacio de Isora is situated on the seafront, with the majestic El Teide volcano behind it and they offer plenty of children play areas, pools, a Mini Club and a theatre with kid-friendly shows in the evening. Right next to the hotel you can find a big playground with stunning sea views, so there is a lot to do with kids.
Of the five pools at the hotel, the most impressive is the 260-metre lake-like infinity pool, although little ones will love the pirate ship in the kids’ pool. With a choice of 8 restaurants, 7 bars, tennis and paddle courts, a gym, archery range, and Clarins spa, parents can certainly indulge, while the kids will have a lot of fun too!
In July and August there are still few Deluxe Rooms and Family Suites available suitable for families.
5.) THE FRENCH COUNTRY BOUTIQUE HOUSES
This is truly a French paradise for families! The accommodation is located about 3 1/2 hours from Barcelona and 15 minutes from Carcassonne in the Aude region of southern France. The property consists of four stylishly refurbished houses sleeping 4 to 8, there is a fully fenced heated pool (with hard cover at night for extra security), shady wood cabins for kids to play in, a great children’s play area with swings, slide and trampoline, a games room with table tennis, table football and other family games.
In July and August they offer a Kids club two mornings a week and if requested, there is a trusted babysitting service available. There is also a 1000 square foot barn with ride on toys and a great chill out area for adults. Guests can hire bikes, book massages, the owner can arrange wine tastings, horse riding, catering and much more.
The owners have really come up with a winning formula: guests enjoy the privacy and independence of their own house, but all have access to the extensive grounds and family-friendly amenities.
In August they still have availability in one of their three bedroom guest houses which can accommodate up to 5 people. The available dates are : 25th August – 1st September.
Please contact me if you are interested in one of the suggested accommodation and if I can help with tips on how to travel with babies and toddlers, I am more than happy to share our travel experiences with you!
Happy traveling!