By Nadine Mellor, i-escape Kids Collection Editor
It’s always pleasing when families love our stylish family hideaways as much as we do. And here, according to you, are the absolute best places in our Kids Collection: boltholes and boutique hotels that have only had ‘perfect 10’ feedback scores. Quite the accolade!
Le Mas des Oules, Provence, France
This former farm and winery has been converted to elegant self-catering 2-5 bedroom houses and apartments with a communal pool, fragrant Mediterranean gardens and a boules pitch. It is close to the stupendous Pont du Gard, Uzes and Nimes, and near quintessential market towns for groceries.
You said: ‘Le Mas des Oules is a very special place and Christophe and Christine such lovely wonderful hosts… so welcoming and couldn’t be more helpful… It’s rare to find a holiday place that works for a large extended family, including teenagers, where everyone leaves happy!’
Casa Taos, nr Marrakech, Morocco
For when you want to experience the bustle of Marrakech and its colourful souks but need a peaceful spacious haven to relax in thereafter, Casa Taos is ideal. Just 25 minutes from town, it comes with enormous guest suites plus a separate villa for larger families, and is in 3 hectares of lawns and fruit groves with a large swimming pool.
You said: ‘Great hotel with super friendly service. Our kids were made to feel very welcome and it’s very close to the centre of Marrakech for day trips. Highly recommended’
Elies Hotel, Peloponnese, Greece
Secluded Elies Hotel is a collection of spacious stone cottages near lovely Kardamyli beach with its crystal-clear waters and rock pools. There’s an on-site taverna, a playground and the cottages have kitchenettes if you want to self-cater.
You said: ‘the peacefulness, the lack of pretension, the delicious fresh food, the setting and location’
Marari Villas, Kerala, India
For a completely relaxed stay, check out these 5 beachside boutique serviced villas. Each has its own garden where your meals are served (choose from a daily changing menu created by your private chef), some share a pool or have their own, and there’s loads of baby and toddler kit plus games, pool inflatables and toys.
You said: ‘great for families as the rooms are massive and there is plenty of space to run around, plus a brilliant pool’
Nadder Valley Barn, Wiltshire, UK
This great-value former horse barn has a new black steel wing making it a L-shaped 2-bed rental with underfloor heating and a sun trap terrace. Interiors are boho chic; the big open-plan living-dining space has a wood-burning stove. The lush Nadder Valley is on your doorstep and Stonehenge is only 20 minutes away.
You said: ‘Gorgeous barn with the most beautiful surroundings. Amazing hosts who gave us loads of great tips for our stay’
Batu Batu, Pulau Tengah, Malaysia
A private island resort just 20 minutes from the mainland, ringed by 8 white beaches and unspoilt coral, blissful Batu Batu enchants all. Activities include scuba diving, walking in the jungle, swimming in the stunning infinity pool or snorkelling, with reef sharks and clownfish. Many of the villas have annexes for kids.
You said: ‘This is paradise. The whole family loved it’
Reykjavik Hideaway, Reykjavik, Iceland
Right in downtown Reykjavik, steps away from the harbour and concert hall down a quiet side street, is this century-old 2-storey wooden house with a garden. Interiors are cosy, with an open-plan kitchen-diner on the top floor, and 2 bedrooms on the ground, plus a sofabed if you’re more than 4.
You said: ‘We loved this house and its location in the city was brilliant. We found it very convenient for our self-driving tours and it’s a very cost-effective holiday for a family in Reykjavik’
The Tarragon, Cape Town, South Africa
On the slopes of Table Mountain are these 5 serviced cottages (for 2-6) which share a verdant garden and large swimming pool. The cottages exude careful, simple design, enjoy private outdoor dining areas, and there’s a climbing frame with swings. A myriad of sights and beaches are close by.
You said: ‘We had a great stay in The Tarragon – it is located in the most beautiful area, with some amazing mountain views. The place is very spacious, set in a lush garden and a lovely swimming pool – perfect for families’
Cretan Contemporary Villas, Crete, Greece
On the NW coast of Crete, far from the crowds, is this collection of stunning contemporary villas, which come in 1, 2 & 3-bedroom configurations. Each has its own infinity pool, sea-view terrace and sleek kitchen. Stay high on the hill for breathtaking views across azure seas or you can choose to be right on the beach.
You said: ‘beautiful, tastefully and stylishly furnished, very comfortable and cool in the heat… amazing private infinity pool, spacious terrace and outdoor seating with stunning views over the coastline and hills’
Serendipity Villa, near Galle, Sri Lanka
This effortlessly stylish, staffed villa for 2-5 is found on one of the south coast’s best sandy beaches. Generous bedrooms gaze seawards, there’s a shimmering lap pool and an enclosed lawn; a gate leads directly onto the beach. Kids love the turtle hatchery 200m along.
You said: ‘Perfect beach villa for a family. Large pool, two nice bedrooms, perfect staff and excellent food’
See all boutique hotels and boltholes in the i-escape Kids Collection