Kidsproof: child-friendly hotels and resorts that are also fun (and tasteful) for parents
Yes, you should do everything for your children, we agree with that, but that does not alter the fact that their holiday is also your holiday. Look, then this list will come in handy: child-friendly holiday resorts that are just as fun (and tasty) for parents as they are for the little stuff.
Also fun for non-parents by the way, in case that wasn't clear yet.
Of course, quality time with the family means you’d prefer to be offline for a while. But let’s be honest, it’s a mirage to think you can do without the internet. And certainly not just for navigation or finding a kid-friendly restaurant; how about taking a snapshot of the kids to the parents or downloading museum tickets (not to mention the entertainment for the kids). With SimWallet You can sign up for your eSIM data bundle in just 3 minutes, before you even board the plane, for the number of days or weeks you'll be traveling. That way, you can be online at any time without any hassle, and offline again whenever you want.
Right, so an eSIM is pretty handy. But how exactly does it work? Whereas in the past you had to search for a local SIM card after a long flight, nowadays you install a digital SIM on your phone before boarding the plane. This not only saves the hassle (believe us, with kids you really don't want that hassle), but also promises instant internet upon arrival. That is certainly nice (also for the folks back home and to be able to order that Uber right away). With SimWallet from Odido, you sign up for an eSIM data bundle that suits your trip: you choose your data and only pay for the number of days or weeks (or months, of course) that you need it. No subscriptions, no unexpected costs. Moreover, you only need one eSIM for all the destinations to come (there are more than 140), and the rest can simply access the web via a hotspot. It's child's play!
Take the whole gang to Austria, because active holidays—where you can also completely relax—are hot. So where will you sleep? If it were up to us, it would be at POST Family Resort in Salzburg, Austria, one of the most beautiful family hotels in the Alps. all year round This 4-star hotel is nestled among the towering mountains of Austria's Saalachtal Valley. A paradise for kids, with all the amenities you need. les parents and at the same time also incredibly tasty to the eye.
POST Family Resort is by parents, for parents: a place where you can feel and see that every detail has been carefully considered.
Finally, can we emphasize once again that The Rebello in Porto isn't just great for families? We think the hotel is the absolute best tip because, even as a parent, you're still your own person, with the same passion for hospitality as you were before the kids. So, The Rebello is a hotel that's great (understatement) for both families with kids and (temporarily) for both couples. Read more about The Rebello, Porto
On Bonaire, you'll stay at Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort, where you'll have everything you need: from a dive school, car rental, and bicycles to three restaurants, a bar, a private beach, and a huge swimming pool. The resort is located just outside Kralendijk, so you can easily walk into town. The decor is light with wood, the occasional bright towel, and, of course, a striking SMEG refrigerator. Accommodations range from compact studios to spacious villas. No frills. Kids, parents, plenty to do: so, are you taking a dive (or a lesson)?
If we got a euro for every person we know who invariably finds the start of the holidays stressful, we might not be rich, but we would certainly be a lot wealthier than we are now. What a waste! Our theory is always (always always always!): the holiday really starts with packing your suitcase. And every action that follows must (must must must!) holiday vibes all over be. Really. Allow yourself that. Easier said than done? Not at all. It is a mindset And with a few simple tips, you'll get there.
Create a corner in your home where you gather your belongings more than a week before departure. That way, packing your suitcase on the day before departure will be a breeze. After that, the most important tip is: make your departure from Schiphol Airport A mini-vacation. Because that is what it is. A real treat. Do you travel regularly? Then a Privium membership is also worthwhile. We’ll come back to that in a moment, but above all: take the time for your last minute not so last minute shopping at Schiphol and for the excellent food and beverage selection. And thank us later.
How does an eSIM work? Using an eSIM is easy easyYou choose an eSIM provider and data bundle for your trip, for example SimWallet, you install the eSIM via an app or QR code, you activate it on your phone, and as soon as you land, you are immediately online.
So you don't have to exchange anything physically: everything is digital. Much more relaxed. Oh, and handy: you don't have to be an Odido customer to use SimWallet; it works for everyone.
You will be happy to join your children at Castello Panicaglia in Italy. Why is it such a cool place? The owners really know what they are doing, and that is good. You know how it is: a beautiful looking place from the outside, but a bit boring on the inside. That had to change, and lo and behold: Castello Panicaglia. Attractive decor, comfortable seating areas, a nice rug on the floor, and exactly that homely feeling you long for. This is a place where the chef lovingly cooks for your kiddo as early as 18.00 p.m. and wooden baby cots are available. As parents you can go here for the fun and safety of the children. There's one every week movie night, where the children enjoy the film and the parents (can) enjoy themselves on the terrace with a glass of good wine.
View and/or book Castello Panicaglia
Another Portuguese gem of one farmstay is Craveiraal Farmhouse. You are guaranteed to have a good time in this mini village full of white houses, which are bright and luxuriously furnished. This is partly due to the organic pizzeria and the animals in the yard. The pigs, goats, chickens (okay, maybe a little less of them) and dogs are always up for a cuddle session that will give you a instant oxytocin boost gives.
Also good to know: Craveiral Farmhouse has a level 2 position (two of the three 'leaves') within Booking.com's Sustainable Travel badge.
Hi ha Halkidiki. On to this lovely peninsula in northeastern Greece. In this picture-perfect You will also find it a paradise in addition to a lot of natural beauty picture-perfect Sani Beach Resort. Children under 12 stay here for free or with a big discount. And chef Annabel Karmel suggested one fine dining menu for kids together. Of fine dining After all, you can't start early enough.
Ikos Resorts has been awarded the best family hotel in the world and we understand why. Ikos Andalusia was voted 'Best Family Hotel in the World' and Ikos Dassia is number one in several categories including 'Best Hotel in Greece', 'Best All-Inclusive Hotel in Europe and Greece' and 'Best Luxury Hotel in Europe' . And then the wonderful Ikos Olivia, a resort in Gerakini, Greece. This seaside resort on the Halkidiki peninsula is known for its fine sandy beaches, pine forests and olive groves. There are no fewer than five restaurants at the resort itself, although it is also recommended to sit down at one of the restaurants in the area. That one Dine Out experience is included in your stay, so it's not a 'waste' of your money. Activities are organized every morning and afternoon kids club, so if you are ready for something me time then you can leave your children here with peace of mind.
In 2024, Ikos Olivia underwent a major makeover: the lobby, restaurants, and Deluxe section were completely renovated. The result? Even more flair, even more luxury, and everything in perfect harmony with the beautiful green surroundings.
In the Portuguese Algarve, bordering a white dream beach and nature reserve Costa Vicentina, is it Martinhal Sagres Family Resort. With five(!) swimming pools, five kids clubs, three restaurants and four bars, this is one of the larger resorts on this list. You can sleep in hotel rooms or extend that grandeur and opt for a villa. Not that you will be there much, because it is way too nice and tasty outside. There is, among other things, a cross track, you can play mini golf and there is a kid proof fitness circuit.
São Lourenço do Barrocal, Portugal is an estate in the heart of the Alentejo, located at the foot of the medieval village of Monsaraz. The domain has been in the hands of the same family for 200 years and was transformed into a resort a few years ago. Fortunately, the authentic atmosphere has not been lost and is nice and farm chic. The staff is incredibly hospitable, there is an organic garden, horses and a donkey and more than enough to do in the area. If the place itself doesn't make you zen enough, be sure to visit the spa for a nice massage or pampering.
Sun, sea, beach. Three times a big fat yes. Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye, Turkey, it has all three. And it is also located in one of the most beautiful bays we have ever seen. This resort offers everything you could wish for and more. There is a wonderful spa, the restaurants are top notch, the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly and the house wines (which are included in the price) are really good. What is also good to know is that they even have a babysitting service, so that you and your... foliage can dine extensively while the children are snoring and a babysitter keeps an eye on things. Now that's a really relaxing holiday.
The Bay Hotel and Suites is a tasteful resort in the middle of a private beach (win!) on Zakynthos. The friendly service and peaceful atmosphere make The Bay an ideal holiday destination for… Who wouldn't? There is no need to leave the resort. You can eat in one of the two restaurants, there is a swimming pool and the rooms (or suites, they also have them) are fully equipped.
eSIM vs. local SIM card vs. roaming, What is actually the difference between these three options? and yes: You are online instantly, without any hassle. Usable worldwide and arranged within a few minutes. Local SIM card: often cheaper, but it takes time and is not always practical. roaming: the easiest, but also the most expensive, and the costs can add up significantly without you realizing it. Our preference? So, eSIM!
Back to Bodrum. Earlier in this article we already tipped the Maçakizi Hotel, and also it Lujo Hotel is worth mentioning. You've come to the right place for entertainment and fun quiet holiday then it's better to chill somewhere else. Since most kids not whole quiet are, that works out well. They will probably be entertained for a while in one of the eight swimming pools, mini club or mini disco. Can you still relax a bit?
The domain of Pebble Sands is located on the west coast of Portugal aka Costa de Prata. Areias do Seixo has a small-scale hotel with 14 rooms, two restaurants and several luxury villas with enormous windows so you can enjoy all the beauty around you even when you're inside. Kids can have fun on the trampoline or go-kart track and stroll around the grounds, or take a yoga or pilates class with you for something extra family bonding.
We need to catch you up on this Jumeirah Muscat Bay, in a private bay between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. The hotel has every luxury, just a twenty-minute drive from the historic old town of Muscat, a view over a stunningly beautiful bay and there are plenty (read: many) good restaurant options.
And, most importantly of all, it is very child-friendly! At the “Mimo” Kids Club they organize all kinds of fun things for the little ones, there is a children's pool and the special check-in experiences for children with the Mimo Kids Passport are also fun. Simple tip, you can go back into the spa.
Forget the standard all-in clichés: at Medite Spa Resort in southwestern Bulgaria – near the border with Greece. Think: hot springs that have been known for centuries for their healing properties, a spa that will blow you away and views of the Pirin Mountains that could go straight onto your screensaver.
But! Also the mini-me's are not forgotten. There is a heated children's pool (shallow and safe), a playground area and of course ice creams and drinks within reach. You in the jacuzzi with a view, they between splashing and snacking, everyone happy.
The rooms? Spacious and stylish. The food? Local, fresh and surprisingly good. You can sleep in the hotel or one of the villas with private mini aqua park choose (do). And if you've had enough of wellness: the surrounding nature is insanely beautiful and the wine excursions in the region make it complete. In short: Medite is a place where you are on holiday with your kids, but secretly it also feels a bit like without. Win-win.
Sun, sea and beach at Kerse Bay. Although the name suggests otherwise, it is Club Marvy a wonderful five-star resort with private beach in Özdere. Marvy comes from marvelous and we would love to be part of that great club. You can dance with (or without) your offspring in the Dance Zone and ethnic live music is regularly made, which we prefer to listen to ten times more than the average cheesey hotel performance.
In spring, summer, autumn and winter... In the Alps you can enjoy a good holiday all year round. In one of the Alpine lofts in Bad Gastein for example. The wooden chalets are all decorated differently, with a mix of old and new furniture. In the summer you can roast on your own sun terrace and then enjoy the sun with an Aperol and in the winter you can stay indoors no time on the slopes.
Hillside Beach Club is not the only fine resort in the Turkish Riviera. Also Macakizi Hotel Bodrum deserves a place in the list of delicious Turkish holiday resorts. The hotel has only 21 rooms, a first-class restaurant and a wonderful spa. You can walk straight into the sea from the resort and the gardens are littered with boulders, so it's not super duper here kid proof, but the hotel staff is (usually) ready to look after them.
On the Ekies All Senses Resort In the Greek Vourvourou all your senses are stimulated without becoming overstimulated. This hip, small-scale and eco-friendly The resort is anything but massive and flashy. It is hidden between the vast Greek void of olive trees and the clear blue water of the Vourvourou bay on the middle of the three peninsulas of Greece. Although Ekies is not necessarily aimed at children, it is tasty kid proof because it is so small-scale and clear.
Not enough inspiration yet? Then check these addresses Italy of Greece or this sustainable travel article with some really beautiful addresses for met kids† And also just in the Netherlands we have a number of excellent places to stay that are both parent and... kid proof .
Nobu Ibiza Bay is the nicest place to spend time with your offspring. Fancy panties, a bit chic and around the corner from the nicest beaches on the island. You can imagine that this comes with a price tag. Every now and then you can treat yourself to that extra luxury, if possible. That goes for you too kids, because they are added to the kids club treated like little princes and princesses. While you're doing it adults only pool, they can craft with beach finds, enjoy pedicures, weave baskets, make headdresses and even take a sushi masterclass.
May we tell you about the Beaches All Inclusive Resort on the Turks & Caicos Islands? Where? The Turks & Caicos Islands. Not surprising if you've never heard of it – you're not the only one. But once the British archipelago between the Bahamas and Cuba is in your sights, you will never forget it. Every square meter of the islands is dedicated to the ultimate holiday, the color of the sea is surreal and the beaches are whiter than white. Quite a great place for a resort, you might say. Beats. And so it happened: here the Sandals club (recommended for with and without kids!) opened their third Beaches family resort (there are also two on Jamaica, also highly recommended!) and that is a party on all levels. First of all, Beaches has nothing at all (nothing at all) to do with the flashy all-inclusive kids resorts that may now be on your radar. No dude! Everything at Beaches has been tastefully done: from the water park (we liked it as much as the kids) to the entertainment (ditto). You should also know that the resort is a small village, consisting of four (soon to be five) neighborhoods, each with their own look & feel. This way you can choose where you feel happiest. Like in Key West, the most peaceful corner here, with villas that make our house pale - comfortable is to say the least. In addition, the entertainment is of a very high, entertaining level, and the food in the 21 (!) restaurants is of an even higher level. This is because each restaurant manages its own chefs, dishes and kitchen, which means there is no mass production and the dishes have so much flavor. Kudos! Kudos also to the various swimming pools (with bars!), the staff throughout the park (so friendly!) and... Oh well, go and see for yourself!
What should you look out for when choosing an eSIM? Not every eSIM is the same, so check this before you purchase one:
Country coverage: Does it work in your destination(s)?
Data bundle: How many GB do you really need?
Validity: 7, 14 or 30 days, what suits your trip?
Hotspot: Can you share your internet with others?
Network: Is 4G or 5G available?
More tips
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Sustainable Travel is the new travel (+ 15 beautiful sustainable hotels for your wishlist)
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Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay – the island dream for those without, but certainly also for those with kids
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Suitcases & Koters: 3 perfect Italian holiday addresses (for parents who also consider their own holiday important)
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The most beautiful Masserias (and hotels) in Puglia, Italy (and you can book them here)