If airlines charged passengers for the weight of their mental loads as well as their luggage, most parents and carers would be paying fines. Thankfully they don’t – and one recent hotel trend has developed to help off-set such child-rearing stress: the renaissance of the glorious all-inclusive. No longer short-hand for quantity over quality and unimaginative itineraries, today a number of game-changing family hotels in Europe have redefined the concept to marry chic design with cutting-edge fine-dining, world-class kids’ clubs with the most soothing of adult-only spas, activities for all ages in simply stunning natural landscapes – all available without having the worry of a final bill hovering at the back of your mind. So why not make a plan to pretend money doesn’t exist for a bit and order all the drinks, spontaneous snacks and activities you like, while someone else takes over the cooking, cleaning and as much childcare as you want them to – as you take a well-earned load off.
Like a luscious Bond lair rising from the sea, Elix is a masterclass in welcoming hotel design, with its soaring lobby ceiling and gigantic windows drinking in the glimmering Ionian views. Kids of all ages will love the motorboat journey there from Corfu should you take that route (you should), and forever remember the dinky funicular that ferries guests to and from the sheltered beach cove below. Meanwhile, parents and littles alike will love the mini-moat that runs around the main heated infinity pool to perfectly contain petite paddlers. Food is all-local and all rather irresistible, even for those with under-developed tastebuds (there’s unlimited ice-cream all day, in a crisis), every eatery has a gorgeous – child-safe – view out into the horizon, and a dine-out meal also comes included. The Grasshoppers’ Adventures Kids’ Club offers Ofsted-standard Worldwide Kids Company childcare from four months to 12 years (an extra cost applies for those under four), with experiences ranging from robotics and pottery to theatre, eco trails and chef masterclasses, while antsy teenagers (and adults) are enticed to switch screens off and explore through the likes of pedalo and canoe sessions.
This mega, 469-room beachside resort was entirely renovated ahead of its 2021 opening, and stands out on this list for its VIP ‘Signature Level All-Inclusive concept’, launched in June 2023. The latter grants access to all sorts of special areas, such as an exclusive pool and private parts of the beach and certain restaurants, and includes a personal butler to cater to your every preference, right down to the snacks – restocked daily – in your mini-bar. It also allows you priority booking in the Miniclub, a space for those from four to 12 which runs arts and crafts, sports and educational games, and has its own pool. The Baby Club, meanwhile, is for babes, toddlers and pre-schoolers aged one to three, and The Black and White Junior Club is a private space for teens up to 16 to play video games and the like. Grand Palladium Sicilia’s location in the pretty town of Campofelice di Roccella and proximity to Palermo, as well as seaside spots such as Cefalù, Bagheria, Termini Imerese and Monreale, nature reserves including Serra Guarneri, and quiet beaches in Mazzaforno and Settefrati, is also wonderful for families who like to explore. For those that don’t or for down days, on site there’s an adults-only spa, steak and Sicilian dishes among other cuisines at the three à la carte restaurants, and six bars (Signature Level includes ‘premium’ drinks).
Top of every all-inclusive fan’s list right now is Ikos. Since 2015, the trailblazing Greek group has opened no less than seven hotels, blossoming across the Med from Halkidiki to Corfu and Kos, mainland Spain to Mallorca (with its sights on Portugal in the near future, too). On the latter Balearic, Ikos Porto Petro opened in 2023, by the sleepy fishing village of the same name. The brand’s ‘unconditional luxury’ concept is carefully woven into each spot, through the formidable but family-friendly restaurants led by Michelin star-winning chefs (Ettore Botrini, David Ibarboure and Thiou at Porto Petro) and offering healthy kid and toddler menus; the countless wines and cocktails to choose from and famed free-pouring Taittinger for every (adult) guest; as well as the ready-to-roll Teslas for family adventures (following a break from said Taittinger). Experience-led, Ofsted-standard childcare for four-month babies to 17-year-olds at the vast kids’ club or around the grounds comes all rolled in, as is 30-minutes’ (beautiful) beach or poolside babysitting, spa pool and thermal suite access, a dine-out excursion at a local taverna and even local cultural passes for grown-ups, too
It’s no wonder this iconic boho Turkish retreat, carefully camouflaged into a private cove and surrounded by pine trees and green mountains, has so many return visitors (68 per cent). There’s an adult-only ‘Silent Beach’ that’s home to a treehouse spa specialising in de-stressing, Balinese massages and Turkish baths, all set to birdsong, the sound of a waterfall and scent of blossoms, as well as an additional adult-only ‘Serenity Beach’ a short speedboat ride away, for grown-ups who want to truly dis- or reconnect. Back, refreshed, at the resort there’s a child-friendly beach (all three are Blue Flag), as well as an under-threes baby park with pool, playground, sandpit and waterpark. The kids’ club for those aged 4-12 serves up everything from DJ and piano workshops, to robot- or film-making, tennis lessons, outdoor cinema and professional evening shows, plus more adventurous sessions in windsurfing, diving, wakeboarding and much more. While the popular ‘full board plus’ package isn’t the whole all-inclusive she-bang, it covers all food and drink (wine, beer and soft) with meals at the Turkish and Mediterranean Main Restaurant, where you’ll find fussy-eater menus and a special Baby Chef. Post-supper, perhaps invest in a babysitter to join one of its Sunset Parties, or visit one of the hotel’s seven other bars.
Reopening after a refurbishment in spring 2024, Tivoli Alvor is our big and bold option. Spread over nearly 28 acres with 491 guest rooms, the all-inclusive deal here expands even beyond the grounds to the best local restaurants, theme parks and attractions such as Zoo Marine, Slide & Splash or Lagos Zoo. At the resort there are no less than six pools (five heated and outdoor, one inside; one for adults, one for kids – with slides – and four for families), four restaurants, two bars and a wellness centre, with Turkish bath, saunas and spa treatments, and even bars. The kids’ club, meanwhile, caters to those between four and 12 and includes a new playground and mini-golf plus a games room, while teens have the opportunity to join in or play football, tennis and padel. Take your pick between the standard or even more exclusive premium all-inclusive, with the latter offering access to VIP areas, one 30-minute massage and a minibar upgrade. Everyone at the resort gets to participate in what sounds like the most fun: a complimentary miniature train transfer to sandy beaches or Alvor village.
For crews looking for the winning combination of all-inclusive and winter sun, this new Canary Island spot is worth a look. Fresh from Meliá Hotel International, the enormous and rapidly expanding Spanish company also behind ZEL, a new hook-up with Rafael Nadal, Paradisus Gran Canaria launched in 2023. Its ‘Destination Inclusive’ deal covers off-grounds experiences such as ‘Sacred Mountain’ hikes, coffee plantation tastings and rum distillery tours, all as part of the brand’s drive to connect guests with the broader island environment. This goes both ways, with organic minibar products made by local artisans, and Canarian food served (alongside other international dishes) in its nine dining areas. The Kidsdom Club, open to those aged five to 10, is also sustainability-focussed (and has a splash pad), while older children are entertained with sports, video consoles and movie evenings. Smart rooms come from the ASAH studio of the architect Álvaro Sans, the team behind dozens of hotels sprinkled across the world including Nikki Beach and Nobu Ibiza. Its Nikté (or ‘flower of water’) family offering includes priority child-friendly room and restaurant reservations, a concierge service and access to the spa’s water circuit.
Set in a dreamy sandy cove dotted with olive trees and ideal for children to play in, this family-run resort comprises a scattering of pretty stone-built villas that edge towards the beach in amphitheatre formation, each with sweeping sea views. Opt for a villa with a private pool if possible: it comes with all the inflatable kiddie paraphernalia they could ever require. The Crèche, Kids and Children’s Clubs staffed by multilingual WorldWide Kids Co nursery nurses can occupy your little ones aged from four months to 12 (an extra fee applies for under fours) with the likes of treasure hunts, dino adventures and space exploration, as well as supervise them later in the evening to allow parents a quiet supper together. Opt for a two-storey Vathi Bay villa if you can: not only do they look out on an infinity pool, terrace and the beautiful bay itself, but children can sleep on a sofa bed in their own top half, with separate bathroom. For à la carte dining in the six restaurants, lengthy wine list and open-ended room service, upgrade to the Residents Club – after saving money with the Kids Stay Free offer which applies to babies up to two-years-old (and can include stair gates and baby monitors), kids from two to 12 in suites and villas, and a first child aged between two and 12 in deluxe rooms.
One for families who ski-out, ski-in together, or indeed don’t – there is a busy childcare service here, from the complimentary baby equipment package to the seven-day Rocky’s Kids Club for two- to 14-year-olds which includes all meals and such fun as helping with the miniature animals at the on-site farm or crafting in the Art Studio wood workshop, plus the indoor parkour and film screening space for older ones. That’s not to mention the lessons, excursions and pony parties on offer at the riding school (where you can also hire stables for your own steeds), the resident alpacas and donkey that families can take for a walk, and the weekly feeding time at resort owner Christoph Schmuck’s deer reserve. There are also seven pools – one with a 70m waterslide; others strictly for toddlers and babies – plus a natural swimming lake open year-round (refreshing). Rather uniquely, there is both a family and kids’ spa area offering swim lessons and an – entirely separate – adults-only spa spot and lake house. Food, meanwhile, is totally organic at the four restaurants, which are also divided into child-friendly and child-free. The numerous family suites include bunk beds in separate kids’ rooms, while Garden Lofts come with a terrace and hot tub, and many options boast lake and mountain views. Beyond the grounds, guests can access Alpine forests with free mountain railway rides in summer; slopes and a ski kindergarten with a private toboggan run plus ski-pass service and toboggan rental, come winter. Finally, it’s even dog-friendly, so you can bring the whole gang.
The most family-friendly of the Domes hotels, a collection which includes 13 locations across Greece and Portugal, Domes Aulūs Zante opened in a protected turtle sanctuary on the island’s longest beach in summer 2022. Understated, slow-paced, sustainability focussed, it’s another of the Med’s new school of all-inclusives, set within 230 acres of white-sand pine forest and with earthy-toned roomy suites that sleep up to six. The interactive kids’ club, inspired by the child-led Montessori and Reggio Emilia educational methods and open to four to 12-year-olds, meets UK Ofsted standards and includes a beachside gazebo classroom and botanical eco garden where your ‘Turtle Scouts’ can learn how to support the local reptile’s habitat. The whole family can go along on eco-friendly recycling excursions and trips to botanical gardens, or to meet the farmers and fishermen who supply the resort’s restaurants. And those after an even-more-exclusive stay can opt for its ‘Cool Living’ section: its ‘hotel within a hotel’ that includes suites in a private area with dedicated concierge services.
