Winged Boots' top family holidays for Easter half term 2019

The Easter holidays are a great time to travel across the pond to Orlando. Generally less busy than in the height of summer, the Easter break is the perfect amount of time to soak up some sunshine, scream your lungs out on fast rollercoasters and enjoy some good ol’ fashioned family fun. Whether your children are Disney lovers or animal enthusiasts, there’s bound to be a park to please all… and let’s not forget the thrilling rides and gluttonous food that’ll please mum and dad too. Harry Potter fans will feel as if they’ve stepped inside the wizarding world at Universal Studios Florida where you can jump on board the actual Hogwarts Express to take you across to Universal’s Islands of Adventure for more Potter paraphernalia. Alternatively, if you love water rides you’re certain to be in your element at Universal’s Volcano Bay or Discovery Cove.
 
Book it: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Boasting a trophy cabinet of awards, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes’ accolades simply speak for themselves. Five-star excellence is paramount here. From the service through to the facilities, your every need is dutifully catered for in swift fashion. With 11 restaurants on offer, everyone in your party is sure to find something to satisfy their palate. Why not check the little ones into the Ritz-Kids club for an afternoon of frolics while you practise your swing on the fairways? Alternatively, you can explore the gorgeous lake as a family with kayaking, mountain bike trails and even fishing. Expect a 10 out of 10 stay.
 

How about opening your children’s eyes to a new culture, stunning scenery and a completely laid-back way of living in Phuket, Thailand? Stretches of gorgeous golden sands, mesmerising Buddhist temples and endless shades of Tiffany-blue water and sapphire skies… it’s a picture-perfect paradise. You could hire a long tail boat and explore the neighbouring islands, or why not jump onboard a speedboat for a day at the serene Phi Phi Islands? Alternatively, you can wander through the markets, try the local delicacies and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters from dawn ‘til dusk. However if you only venture away from your hotel once, make sure it’s on a daytrip to Phang Nga Bay. Home to the world-famous ‘James Bond Island’ (Koh Tapu), you can also stop by Koh Panyi’s stilted village and the cave of the reclining Buddha in Wat Suwan Khuha. However, beware of the cheeky monkeys around here who are known for pulling rubber strips and antennas off cars. The bay’s waters are littered with coral reefs so don’t forget your snorkel!

Book it: Elephant Hills
Expect a truly unique experience with a stay at Elephant Hills in Phuket. Located in Khao Sok National Park, here you’ll stay in a luxury tented accommodation surrounded by Thailand’s beautiful tropical rainforest and some of it’s more magnificent creatures – Asian elephants of course. Expect to splash around with these gentle giants as they bathe, help out at feeding time and learn more about their heritage from expert guides. Riding the elephants is prohibited as the big-eared beauties’ welfare is at Elephant Hills’ core however guided treks are available through the lush foliage. Suitable for families big and small, this experience is sure to make the holiday hall of fame.

The second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is home to some of the dreamiest beaches that line European shores. Expect ribbons of silky soft sands lined with inviting loungers, parasols to provide welcome shade and topaz waves that almost beckon to you to take a dip. It’s a Mediterranean paradise that’s a favourite with celebs and a perfect destination for a Easter holiday break. Why? Because it’s approximately two and a half hours from London by plane and is home to a wealth of luxurious resorts that dutifully cater to families. Plus, as with all Italian escapes, the food needs no introduction here.

Book it: Forte Village
Set amidst lush greenery and tropical flowers, this Sardinian resort caters to all. Comprising nine hotels and suites, an army of restaurants and a range of refreshing swimming pools, both adults and children will relish a stay at Forte Village. For little princesses, there’s a designated Barbie VIP Package that includes a Barbie designed bedroom including a toiletry bag filled with Barbie products, a special gift as well as a Barbie doll. The package also includes access to the Barbie Spa where both mum and daughter can enjoy a natural facial mask treatment. What’s more, there’s also Marvin’s Magic Academy as well as a range of sporting academies from netball and rugby to tennis, Buglioni Boxing and Chelsea Football. Trust us, your family will never want to leave.
 

A glorious masterpiece of ancient times, Greece is a country where time stops still. Home to awe-inspiring monuments, wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the medieval old town of Rhodes and the beautiful Acropolis in Athens, Greece is where history and stunning scenes are fused together to create a holiday that you’re sure to remember. For a family getaway in the Easter holidays, Halkidiki should be top of your Greek travel list. With a reasonable travel time, Halkidiki offers a classic beach escape teamed with a range of luxurious hotels that showcase delicious food and facilities to occupy all. For the younger members in your party, Halkadiki offers a host of watersports, refreshing swimming pools to splash around in and a range of kids’ clubs, games rooms and excellent staff who are trained to entertain even the most restless of little tykes. 

Book it: Sani Resort
Sani Resort offers a unique holiday like no other. Comprising a yacht marina and five hotels each with their own distinct personality, Sani is sure to exceed all expectations. Sani Dunes offers the best of both child-friendly and adult-needed facilities such as a sumptuous spa for mum and dad and a Sani dance, sailing and football academy (in association with Chelsea FCF) for active children. There’s also a dedicated teen chill-out lounge, OZONE, as well as a Melissa Mini Club for four to 11 year olds. 
 

The Easter break is a great excuse to fly over to the UAE, and Dubai is always ready to welcome families with open arms. From the exciting La Perle by Dragone acrobatic show to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, there’s countless opportunities for family fun in the Middle East. Come tooth to tooth with sharks at The Lost Chambers Aquarium, shop ‘til you drop in the authentic souks, get up close and personal with a host of enchanting animals at Dubai Safari or enjoy a thrilling time at Wild Wadi Waterpark™… either way all ages are excellently catered for. What’s more, dining in Dubai is something to write home about. With a host of celebrity chef establishments, a trophy cabinet of Michelin stars and a range of simply stunning settings, every meal is an experience.

Book it: Atlantis, The Palm
More than just a hotel, Atlantis, The Palm is a destination. Dominating the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, this true integrated entertainment resort needs to be seen to be believed. Offering a 42-acre waterpark complete with zip lines, dolphins, sea lions and an aquarium – that’s home to more than 65,000 exotic marine animals – boredom simply isn’t on the agenda here. Plus, Atlantis is host to 23 eateries including four celebrity chef restaurants from household names such as Gordon Ramsay and Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa. Every mouthful in this hotel is sure to send you to heaven and back.

Silky soft sands, sprawling ocean vistas and delicious cuisine, Mexico is a great getaway. If travelling with little ones, head to Riviera Maya for a slightly quieter pace compared to its noisy neighbour Cancun especially during the Easter break when Cancun’s party area is flooded with Spring break revellers and hen and stag parties in search of one last hurrah. While visiting Mexico, be sure to check-out Chichén Itzá, a complex of Mayan ruins on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Alternatively, Tulum makes for a great day trip and you’ll always find a great area to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and cenotes. For slightly older children, XPLOR makes for an adventurous day out. Swim in caves, raft, drive four-by-four vehicles and complete a zipline course high above the treetops for a thrilling time they’ll never forget.

Book it: Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya
All-inclusive and all-out luxury, Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya is a beachfront hotel with a difference. Each and every one of its amazing facilities is specifically catered towards rockstars… From rocking parents to mini rockers in the making and little stars, all guests are sure to find an exciting way to fill each day. Complete with an extensive kids’ club and seven on-site restaurants, you’ll soon discover that there’s no need to even step foot outside of the resort. Our top tip? Drop the kids off with Angelina Ballerina, Barney, Thomas the Tank Engine and Bob The Builder at The Little Big Club so you can sneak off to the spa guilt-free. Everybody wins!

To find out more on our family Easter holiday offers and destination recommendations call one of our personal travel managers today on 0203 816 0985, or click here to submit an enquiry.