LOTUS has collated a selection of affordable trips that are perfect for a well-deserved sun-filled family getaway this Easter.
Take kids onto the sunny green in Murcia to practice their golf swing, visit Tenerife for a mini yoga session, ski with the whole family to a backdrop of the mighty UNESCO Dolomites or simply relax on the beaches of Palma de Mallorca.
ENJOY MINI YOGA, MIME CLASSES, GAMES NIGHTS AND MORE AT LANDMAR COSTA LOS GIGANTES
Situated on the South-West coast of Tenerife the all-inclusive Landmar Los Gigantes, is one of the hotels with the most open spaces in the Canary Islands. The property offers the perfect getaway for families with a total of six swimming pools including three family pools, an action pool with a giant slide, and two baby pools. The beach is also just a mere 500m walk from the hotel.
Landi, Landmar Costa Los Gigantes's very own mascot, welcomes guests, young and old, to the all-inclusive family hotel. The family rooms, "Landi Village", named after the friendly turtle, have a balcony as well as a play corner for the younger children. There is an extensive program of experiences for kids such as mini yoga, non-stop dancing at the Landi Disco, movie and games nights with musical statues and bingo, mime classes, a variety of sports activities and much more.
Whilst the youngest members of the family enjoy the Mini Club with Landi, the children's water park, climbing wall and tree top rope course, the parents can sit back and relax in the peaceful thermal circuit and Spa, Mind Up, sunbathe on impressive Balinese sunbeds.
Landmar Costa Los Gigantes has the exclusive offer where the first child, and all babies under one, stay for free. Landmar Hotels has a four-night stay at Landmar Costa Los Gigantes, staying in the ocean view family suite on an all-inclusive basis, priced from £688 per family based on two adults, one child under one and one child over one sharing. Based on 10 April departure.
ENJOY AN ACTIVE ADVENTURE IN THE REGION OF MURCIA
The coastal region of Murcia, in southern Spain, receives 300 days of sunshine a year and is the perfect getaway for families that want an action-packed adventure. Families can hike through the forests of Sierra Espuña Nature Park, Murcia’s prime ecotourist destination, to spot the array of wildlife that lives here, or walk along the stunning coastline of the region, stopping at the beaches of Calblanque. The Mar Menor, a large lagoon with warm, shallow waters, offers a place for visitors to enjoy the sunshine and nautical sports 365 days a year. Estación Náutica del Mar Menor-Cabo de Palos provides several schools to enjoy sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, SUP paddle, motorboat racing, etc. for all ages and abilities. The region is well renowned for its golf offering and is blessed with year-round sunshine and a tranquil setting perfect to unwind as golfers make their way through one of the 6 local courses near the Caleia Mar Menor Golf Resort. Meanwhile the kids can practice their swing at Golf Delux in Los Alcazares, preparing for the bigger courses.
Booking.com has a three-night stay at the Caleia Mar Menor Golf Resort located in Murcia, with a remarkable pool. The holiday is priced from £311 per family based on two adults and two children sharing, including return flights from London Gatwick departing on 1 April departure. For more information visit here.
ESCAPE TO TEL AVIV FOR FAMILY FUN IN THE WHITE CITY
Situated on the West coast of Israel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv is renowned for its beautiful beaches and cosmopolitan culture. During the day, visitors can choose to relax on the expansive Tel Aviv Beach, explore the local shops and markets, dabble in the local food scene or soak in the culture at one of the city’s fames museums and galleries.
Located just a 5-minute walk from the infamous Rothschild Boulevard, one of the principal streets in the whole of the city, and in the centre of Tel Aviv’s commercial centre, Hotel BoBo by Brown Hotel is positioned so that families can make the most of their stay. The hotel is just 1.6 miles from Jerusalem Beach, one of the most family friendly beaches in Israel, and also features its own outdoor pool. With options for kids meals, parents can relax knowing that their children are catered for. Families can take an excursion to Ramat Gan Safari Park in Tel Aviv, where animals roam freely within 250 acres of parkland.
Based on a five-night stay in a Junior Suite for a family of four, departing from London Luton airport on the 10 April. The price is based on a room-only tariff, including flights, from £694 per person. For more information, please see HERE.
ACTIVE GETAWAYS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY ON THE ISLANDS OF GUERNSEY
Guernsey is blessed with stunning beaches such as that of Vazon Bay. Here, guests will find Guernsey Surf School, which provides families with the opportunity to get out onto the water and learn a new skill. With friendly instructors to help you learn the necessary skills, it is perfect for those that are just starting out. For a slightly slower pace, families can take a tour with head of Guernsey Seaweed, Ben, to learn more about the history and uses of seaweed, from cosmetics and cooking to the fashion industry. Visitors will be given the chance to sample seaweed moisturiser, as well as try many different types of seaweed straight from Guernsey’s beaches. The tours cost £20 per adult and children under the age of 15 go free!
Just 100 metres from one of Guernsey’s most beautiful bays, Pembroke Bay Self Catering Apartments offer luxurious apartments that overlook the coastline and the L’ancresse golf course. It offers various sizes from one-bed to three-bed apartments for up to six people. In this idyllic location guests will also have access to a tennis court and outdoor swimming facilities. A two-bedroom apartment starts from £850 per week in April (Saturday to Saturday). £60 charge for pets. For more information, please see here and here.
VISIT EFTELING, HOLLAND’S BELOVED THEME PARK
Efteling, the beloved Dutch fairytale theme park in the south of Holland, is the ideal destination for all families looking for a fun-filled easter break, where attractions, roller coasters and theatre shows mean there are various activities that suit all ages.
Everyone, regardless of their age, will enjoy Efteling’s Fairytale Forest; Nearly thirty family-favourite fairy-tale characters such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Pinocchio are waiting to be found here. Six high-thrill roller coasters, including the dive-coaster Baron 1898, which plunges 37.5m into a mineshaft, will keep teens’ adrenaline levels high. There are also plenty of gentle rides such as the Stoomtrein (steam train) that are guaranteed to make sure the little ones are having fun whilst being immersed in the parks scenic attractions.
In the evenings, families can enjoy Aquanura – a show where 200 fountains, and fire and light installations are choreographed to Efteling melodies – or head to the Efteling Theatre for CARO – Efteling’s visually spectacular show, suitable for the whole family, that combines humour, dance, music and acrobatics to represent different aspects.
A one-night stay at Efteling Village Loonsche Land is priced at £521, based on a family of four staying in a six-person house. The price includes breakfast and two days of access to Efteling park (priced at £37 per person). Based on arriving on 6 April 2023. Book here. For more information, please visit here
VISIT LINCOLN FOR THE PERFECT FAMILY STAYCATION
Lincoln is known for its history and heritage, but the city and surrounding countryside is also packed full of great family day out experiences. No trip to Lincoln is complete without a visit to the iconic Castle. Dating back to 1068, Lincoln Castle offers its visitors an interactive discovery of British history over the past millennia. Explore the rest of the historic centre on the Mystery Treasure Trail. This self-guided tour allows visitors to discover Lincoln’s past in a fun way, all whilst solving different clues. As an independent tour, participants can go at their own pace, which is perfect for larger groups. For teenagers feeling couped up, Lincoln’s Castle to Coast route is highly recommended. The route begins at the iconic Lincoln Castle and continues through picturesque local villages with beautiful view of the Lincolnshire Wolds, before reaching the endpoint of Chapel St Leonard's by the North Sea coast.
Located just outside of the centre of Lincoln, the Doddington Hall and Gardens is one of the most beautiful Elizabethan houses in the country and is a great place to stay for the whole family. Perfect for getaways, flexible stays or special occasions, visitors can stay in one Doddington Hall’s beautifully renovated holiday cottages and individual ensuite room all situated within a beautiful setting on the Doddington estate.
The Doddington Estate offers a three-night stay in the Tailor Family Room priced from £330 which includes accommodation for two adults and two children and an ensuite bathroom. For more information visit here or call 01522 699162.
EASTER FAMILY SKI HOLIDAY IN TRENTINO, ITALY
Situated in the heart of the Italian Alps in northern Italy and known for its mighty UNESCO Dolomites, Trentino is a fantastic choice for a family ski break at easter. The region boasts some fantastic high-altitude resorts, with 800km of slopes, and some of the best snow-making equipment in Europe. The region also offers excellent mountain huts, giving skiers the opportunity to savour traditional gourmet dishes.
There is so much to love about spring skiing in Trentino; the weather boasts blue skies and sunshine, allowing skiers to admire the scenic views of the Dolomites from the pistes, making it the ideal getaway for families this easter for relaxed skiing. The days are longer, giving ski enthusiasts more time to carve up the snow and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Located in the heart of the stunning Val di Fassa valley in the Dolomites, Canazei is a popular skiing resort thanks to the surrounding Marmolada and Sella mountains. Located at an altitude of 1,460m, with 19km of marked runs and 10 lifts within its terrain. It’s a great resort for families as there are great ski schools and various activities for children.
Expedia (www.expedia.co.uk) offers a seven-night stay at the three-star Albergo Alla Rosa from £772 per person (based on a family of four), including breakfast and flights from London to Verona. Based on departing 1 April 2023. Available to book here. For more information, please visit here.
ENJOY A BEACHSIDE CITY BREAK IN PALMA DE MALLORCA
Palma de Mallorca, the laidback capital city of the Balearic Islands, makes an excellent family getaway with its nearby beaches, family-friendly accommodation and short flight time from the UK. Easter is a special time to visit, as tourists can watch the traditional Holy Week processions from the old town’s rooftop bars. Children can play in large open plazas and gardens, and the city’s range of attractions, such as Palma Aquarium, Bellver Castle and Tirolinas Go adventure park, are sure to keep the whole family entertained. A great way to explore is to cycle along the designated waterfront cycle paths via the Paseo Maritimo to S’Arenal, a lively beach on the eastern edge of Playa de Palma. Back in the city, children and parents alike will love tucking into tasty ensaimadas, typical Mallorcan pastries served with hot chocolate, at the famed Ca’n Joan de S’aigo bakery.
The family-friendly Hotel Abelux offers six nights in a Triple Room from 9-15 April for £653. Easyjet offers return flights from London Stansted to Palma for these dates, priced from £147 per person.
To view Palma Tourism Board’s digital Family Guide featuring more recommendations, please visit here
BAG A FAMILY BARGAIN WITH TRAVELSUPERMARKET
TravelSupermarket allows consumers to find great-value holidays with the UK’s most trusted tour operators. When looking for an Easter holiday bargain, families need not look any further, as it provides comparisons for some of the best-value package holidays and last-minute getaways.
This five-star resort 5* Laguna Resort & Spa, Crete offers a stylish all-inclusive getaway for the whole family. With five swimming pools, kids club and water sports facilities there are enough activities to keep the kids entertained, whilst the adults retire to the hotel's luxury spa and state-of-the-art gym. The resort offers six à la carte restaurants, including both Italian and Asian cuisine, as well as six hotel bars, including beach side and night-time entertainment, the hotel has got everything covered for a relaxing Easter break.
Based on an all-inclusive stay with flights from London Gatwick on the 10 April for five nights. From £737 per person, based on a family of four in a Garden View Bungalow. For more information, please see HERE.
TAKE THE KIDS ON AN EASTER EGG HUNT OF THEIR DREAMS WITH RENAISSANCE TUSCANY II CIOCCO
In the quaint town of Barga, Tuscany, sits five-star luxury hotel Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa tucked away into the rolling hills and verdant vineyards of Barga’s medieval town. The hotel’s sleek rooms possess beautiful views of the cascading Serchio Valley, surrounded in 1,700 acres of lush vegetation and fauna. With the hotel located on the top of the Serchio Valley, families can take time to enjoy the stunning views and take quality time together in the serene and tranquil surroundings of the boutique hotel, with only the sound of nearby church bells from the towns medieval church, Duomo di San Cristoforo. Whilst the kids are enjoying the hotels green surroundings and activities, adults can also take time in the hotel’s luxury wellness spa, with a variety of treatments including facials and massages. The hotel will be assembling special menus for the Easter period, with family friendly Italian dishes including homemade ravioli, and a range of local cheeses from the nearby valley.
The hotel offers a 3-night Easter package from £242 per night, per room (available for dates 7-11 April). The package includes breakfast, Easter lunch, Easter Monday Lunch and a kid’s Easter Sunday treasure hunt. For more information, please see here.
FOR THOSE WANTING A REAL TREAT, VISIT ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY LUXURY AT GRAND PALLADIUM SICILIA RESORT & SPA
Set on the beachfront in the traditional town of Campofelice di Roccella, Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa is an excellent base for families looking to explore the nearby ancient castle, the seaside town of Cefalù, or Sicily’s bustling capital, Palermo. The extensive activity programme offered by the three-tiered kids club allows parents to relax in the Zentropia spa or with a cocktail in one of the resort’s six bars, knowing that their children are enjoying an entertaining Easter break. With three a la carte restaurants and four swimming pools to choose from, including a pool exclusively for children, there’s plenty to keep all of the family happy. By upgrading to The Signature Level, the hotel’s VIP all-inclusive concept, families can benefit from priority booking for the miniclub; access to exclusive areas; and a personal butler service tailored to their individual preferences, down to the snacks stocked in their minibar.
Seven nights in a family bungalow at Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa from the 1st – 8th April are priced at £3,521 on an all-inclusive basis (based on a family of four). For more information and to book, please visit here.
