Chosen by Abbie Ting, i-escape contributor
Give the mum in your life the gift of travel this Mother’s Day with an i-escape gift card. To help inspire you, we’ve asked creator of stylish family travel blog Bikinis and Bibs, Abbie Ting, to handpick her favourite i-escape hideaways for mums (of all ages!) who deserve to be utterly spoilt
Stylish family-friendly hotels
1 Elivi Skiathos, Skiathos, Greece
Who said travelling with kids can’t be stylish? Elivi Skiathos is a seriously chic resort with dedicated family suites and 4 stunning beaches on your doorstep. There’s also a full Elemis spa, yoga lessons, tennis and basketball courts to keep the whole family entertained.
Abbie’s verdict: “Perfect for families who want great facilities without compromising on style”
2 Lime Wood, Hampshire, UK
Lime Wood is the ultimate chic country-house hotel, yet still actively welcomes kids. The New Forest is on your doorstep for walking and horse-riding and there’s a rainbow of Hunter wellies of all sizes in the hallway. Grown-ups will love the Herb House spa and the fabulous, seasonal food.
Abbie’s verdict: “A great spot for families looking to escape to the country”
3 Haus Hirt, Bad Gastein, Austrian Alps
This Alpine boutique hotel is perfect for families with plenty of kid-friendly activities, interconnecting rooms, a kids’ club and children’s meals. The Bad Gastein area is also famed for its rejuvenating thermal springs, and the hotel boasts an entire spa floor with a vast list of treatments.
Abbie’s verdict: “A great choice for mountain-mad families”
4 Another Place – The Lake, Lake District, UK
At this stylish, family-friendly lakefront hotel the emphasis is on the outdoors – sailing, canoeing, paddle-boarding and hiking are all on offer. But if you’re searching for relaxation, don’t fret; there’s an inviting terrace for soaking up the views, or retreat to the ‘Swim Club’ spa area with its sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Abbie’s verdict: “Best suited to outdoorsy families with an adventurous spirit”
5 Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy
This luxurious retreat in the heel of Italy has superb facilities for children (including a free crèche, kids’ club and bikes to borrow) and one of the best spas in southern Italy. There’s also indoor and outdoor pools, a luxe spa and 2 beach clubs to choose from.
Abbie’s verdict: “Families looking for a luxurious one-stop shop will love this retreat”
Indulgent adults-only boltholes
6 Pensao Agricola, Algarve, Portugal
This uniquely restored and utterly relaxing farmhouse is an under-the-radar gem. Every last corner is superbly stylish, with whitewashed walls and concrete floors offsetting vintage furniture and quirky touches. Plus, it’s just less than a mile from the Ria Formosa delta and its idyllic deserted beaches.
Abbie’s verdict: “Lovers of Instagram-worthy interiors will be in their element”
7 The Pig at Combe, Devon, UK
If you’re looking to get away from it all, The Pig is the place. The Grade-1 listed manor is set in beautiful east Devon countryside, where you can enjoy imaginative cocktail infusions in the bar, superb gastro food from the kitchen garden or hot-stone massages in the former potting shed. Finish with a long, relaxing soak in a roll-top tub.
Abbie’s verdict: “Foodie heaven – all food is sourced from within a 25-mile radius, or grown in the gardens”
8 Chateau d’Olmet, Languedoc, France
Adults-only bliss in a tiny Languedoc hamlet (population 14), this intimate boutique B&B has just 5 romantic bedrooms. Stylish interiors marry modern comfort with rustic touches, and the beds are possibly the most comfortable we’ve ever slept in.
Abbie’s verdict: “Ideal for couples looking to get away from it all”
9 L’Escale du Ciel, Cote d’Azur, France
A peaceful Provençal B&B with understated design and soul-soothing panoramas, L’Escale du Ciel is ideal for tired mums in search of serenity. Owner Judith can arrange a plethora of pampering, from aromatherapy massages to Mayan treatments, Sophrology and yoga classes.
Abbie’s verdict: “Perfect for worn-out mums in need of quality me-time”
10 Casa La Siesta, Costa de la Luz, Spain
This shabby-chic bolthole set on a hilltop looking out towards the ocean is all about R&R. Its 5 stylish bohemian bedrooms are calming and uncluttered with spectacular views, and both the food and wine fall into the ‘extra special’ league.
Abbie’s verdict: “This will suit couples looking for an intimate vibe”
Check out Abbie’s blog and Instagram for exotic travel destinations for families, plus a lavish dose of fashion for mamas and kids.