It’s time to start making holiday plans.
Without many of the prohibitive Covid travel restrictions (the UK government looks set to scrap all remaining red tape including passenger locator forms and testing for the unvaccinated), the Easter break (April 11 - 24) will be the first time in two years that many families will have the chance to go abroad.
The race for the best break is already on: travel insurance expert Staysure saw a 396 per cent rise in bookings over February compared to the same time before the pandemic.
Whether you’re picturing sand, snow or the vivid greenery of the great outdoors, we’ve rounded up the best European breaks for your little chicks - with plenty of special treats in store for the grown ups too.
Leave the hunting for chocolate eggs: your search for the perfect Easter break ends here.
Forte Village, Sardinia
In just over two hours, you could find yourself blinking in the sunlight at the Forte Village resort in southern Sardinia, where eight hotels (majority five-star), multiple restaurants and a roster of activities are waiting. Channel your little ones’ excitement towards on-site sports sessions, or better yet, enrol them in the Real Madrid Academy and the LOL Surprise Dance Academy - both new this season. With the kids sorted for a few hours, you’re free to enjoy the many soothing pleasures at the Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa.
Forte Village is offering three nights (between April 14 -18) from €890pp based on two adults in a Pineta Superior Terrace room, full board (incl wine with meals). Includes daily entrance to the spa, Gala dinner on Easter Sunday, Easter Monday lunch, sport activities and programmes and evening entertainment. One child under 13 can stay for free; fortevillageresort.com
Sonnwies, South Tyrol, Italy
Head to northern Italy where the family-run Sonnwies resort sits resplendent in the shadows of the mighty Dolomites. Lungfuls of crisp mountain air and epic views are just for starters here; the resort runs a weekly schedule that includes biking, treasure hunts, picnics in mountain huts, pony rides and lake trips, and - here’s the cherry on top - there’s 70 hours of free childcare to take advantage of too. Make lifelong memories roasting marshmallows, collecting fresh eggs or initiating your ducklings to the wonders of the family spa, which includes a kid-friendly cinema sauna.
From €380pn per room based on two adults and two children sharing a double on a half board basis; sonnwies.com
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
Italy pulls out all the stops at Easter; and one of the most scenic spots to visit is Lake Como. Children and parents alike will adore Grand Hotel Tremezzo, where this April you can expect a mega Easter egg on arrival, nightly Easter egg turndowns, and an obligatory Easter egg hunt with Bobo the Bear, the hotel’s adorable mascot. Grand Hotel Tremezzo has devised a special Easter Escape offer this year, which includes breakfast, a four-course Easter lunch and a festive in-room surprise for two nights over April 14 - 19.
From €850 for two in a park view prestige room; grandhoteltremezzo.com
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Feel like you’re starring in your very own fairytale at Ashford Castle, a five-star Irish resort that’s received nobility and US Presidents in the past. The whole family will feel like royalty here; kids get their own mini-robes and slippers and can call for a LEGO Butler who will bring building sets to the room - on a polished silver tray, natch.
Older children and teens can get stuck into high-adrenaline pursuits like zip-wiring, falconry, clay shooting and even SUP if the weather plays ball. As for you, Ashford Castle’s extensive wine cellar is ripe for exploring.
From £485 per room per night for a family-sized Deluxe Queen room, B&B; ashfordcastle.com
Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, Tenerife
Hatch a plan to escape to this Spanish island, and you’ll be rewarded with temperatures in the high 20s. Not only does Guía de Isora boast the longest salt-water hotel infinity pool on the Continent, but there’s a 2,000sqm Clarins spa to check out too. Paradise found. Admittedly these perks are more fun for the adults, but Melia hasn’t forgotten the kids. The resort’s Mini Club and the Infant Park, complete with colourful water slides and climbing apparatus, is on hand to keep joy levels high.
B&B from £4,315, half board from £5,364, all-inclusive from £5,961; melia.com
Almyra, Paphos, Cyprus
Children are the focus at the uber-chic Almyra in Cyprus and the hotel is rolling out a brand new Explorers Kids Club this April, just in time for the great Easter getaway. The clubhouse is designed to amuse kids from infants to 13 year-olds, offering tailored activities to suit: everything from soft play and games tables to interactive gaming.
Keen to cut their screen time? Give them a taste of Cypriot culture with a baking class or pottery-making, or simply splash around together in the heated pools. With the Kids Club’s non-stop rota of fun, you can get on with the very important business of relaxing too - a treatment for two in the adults-only spa, perhaps?
From £5,600 for 7 nights based on a family of four (two adults, two children) in connecting Superior Sea View Rooms on a B&B basis with 2x Explorer Kids Club places. Includes return flights and private transfers; scottdunn.com
Six Senses Residences, Courchevel, France
Balancing quality time together with a spot of kids-free peace and quiet, Six Senses in Courchevel offers a Family Time package that hits multiple sweet spots. It includes four hours of nanny service so you can enjoy a couple’s hammam treatment or dinner at the resort’s acclaimed Japanese restaurant without little ones to keep an eye on. Capture family photos for the mantelpiece at home on a hot air balloon excursion or an exhilarating husky sled ride.
From £1,053.17pn based on two adults and two children sharing an apartment between April 10 - 16; sixsenses.com
Evian Resort, France
Nurture the talents of your budding Emma Raducanu at the Evian resort which sits in a wholesome 47-acres between Lake Geneva and the Alps. There are four tennis courts on-site, complemented with personalised coaching sessions from resident ATP ranked tennis coaches. Off court, a visit to the Cailler chocolate factory (complete with tastings) promises to delight all, or go full Von Trapp by asking concierge to arrange a family picnic laden with local produce in the mountains.
Choose from two hotels: Hotel Royal (from £324pn) and Hôtel Ermitage (from £182pn); evianresort.com
The Dylan, Amsterdam, Holland
There’s so much to love about Amsterdam in the springtime, not least the no-change Eurostar route - a dream for parents with kids still in buggies. The Dylan hotel, close to Dam Square, is marking Easter festivities with an egg hunt, scattering chocolates around the hotel’s secluded garden, as well as a delicious Easter Brunch held over the long weekend.
Beyond the hotel’s smart black exterior, decamp to the Amstel River Countryside where you can play eye spy in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, a 12th century village: there’s more ancient monuments, churches, and windmills than you can shake a bunch of tulips at.
Doubles from €350pn including breakfast; dylanamsterdam.com
Daios Cove, Crete
Feel the sun on your bones by checking into the luxury family-owned Daios Cove, which sprawls over 35 hectares on Crete’s picturesque northeast coast. Each spacious room, suite and villa is set in the cove and offers glorious sea views.
As well as six restaurants and bars, there’s a kids Mini Club catering from four months up to teens staffed with friendly, multilingual staff, including UK childcare experts Worldwide Kids Co. Drop them off for a few hours while you indulge in some much needed R&R before hitting the tennis courts or visiting the water sports centre for unbridled thrills on the waves.
