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News / Luxury October half-term breaks 2023

Sneak off for a week of warmth in Spain's sunniest spots or travel further afield for action-packed family adventures in Arabia and the Caribbean. Whatever takes your fancy, we’ve curated our top picks that provide some much needed respite in the most family-friendly destinations during October Half Term.

Canary Islands

From impressive volcanic national parks to sweeping sandy beaches, the enticing laid-back destinations of Tenerife and Gran Canaria combined a consistently warm climate make the Canary Islands a perfect short haul hot-spot for a luxury family holiday this October half term.

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Tenerife / Ritz Carlton Abama, Tenerife

Fountains and inflatables of the dedicated family pool means sunbathers won’t be disturbed by joyful squeals meanwhile over at the kids’ club, there’s activities developed with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, plus a staggering eight distinct zones including a scientific area, planetarium, theatre space and rolling gardens.

Lanzarote / Princess Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort

Unwind by one of eight outdoor swimming pools, keep fit with yoga in the gym or succumb to rejuvenating treatments in the Thalasso Spa while children from three to sixteen years will enjoy the wonders of Kikoland, with trained entertainers running a variety of activities from football to climbing

Tenerife / Bahía Del Duque, Tenerife

No child-friendly stone is left unturned here. Five pools for family splashing sessions strategically dotted throughout the resort, and enthusiastic entertainers at the kids’ club leading treasure hunts around Bahía’s paths and bridges, leaves no time for boredom.

Cyprus

A luxury Cyprus holiday offers much more than meets the eye. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, sunshine is plentiful between mid-September to October averaging 24°C so you'll be able to spend your October half term holiday enjoying its immaculate beaches and exquisite sunshine. Step away from the beach though and you'll find a magical island that's graced with an enthralling heritage.

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Cyprus / Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Parklane

With no less than four outdoor/indoor pools, five restaurants, two bars, a veritable play-paradise for little ones and a child-free sanctuary for the grown-ups, this is a resort that defies the notion that you can’t please everyone.

Cyprus / Columbia Beach Resort

Columbia Beach Resort

There’s a distinct Cypriot feel to life in Pissouri Bay, the setting for Columbia Beach Resort on the bay’s two kilometres of Blue Flag beach. A sense of ease settles around life here; little ones have space to roam free while adults can get lost on the resort's fairways.

Cyprus / Anassa

There's a reason Anassa is named after the classical Greek for ‘Queen’. Perched majestically on one of Cyprus' finest beaches, this luxury hotel masquerades as an authentic Cypriot village with four pools, renowned children's clubs and a fully stocked watersports centre.

Morocco

With average temperatures hovering 25 °C and between 6-8 hours of sunshine a day, Autumn is a popular time to immerse yourself in the clamour of Marrakech, while the slightly cooler temperatures of the remote Atlas Mountains are ideal for hiking, horse-riding and mountain-biking.

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Marrakech / Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

Families are ideally placed to explore the Red City. Head to the resort’s kids’ club for a slice of Moroccan heritage with a traditional kitchen, instruments and pottery making; or join a workshop to learn how to brew traditional mint tea and bargain in the souks

Morocco / Kasbah Tamadot

With a name that means ‘soft breeze’ in Berber, Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan retreat in the Atlas foothills acts as basecamp for a week of reflection and cultural immersion. There’s a deep-blue reflecting pool,cooking lessons on the rooftop terrace and visiting the local Berber villages partaking in traditional mint tea ceremonies.

Marrakech / Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

Step into an oasis of calm, just ten minutes away from the city’s famous Medina. It’s hard to get little ones out of the Kids’ Kasbah, where they’re found picking herbs or playing with the residents of the on-site farm.

Middle East

You’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else that brings the same level of exquisitely clashing and boredom-busting landscapes straight out of a sci-fi novel than cutting-edge Arabia. Although October marks the beginning of the winter in the Middle East, temperatures still hover between 25-30°C making it the ideal destination for sun-seeking families.

Atlantis The Palm

Opportunities for unforgettable family memories come in spades at this dream-like resort. Feel what it’s like to walk underwater in the Ambassador Lagoon surrounded by 65,000 marine animals on an exhilarating Atlantis Aquatrek. Wearing a specially designed state-of-the-art helmet, you’ll get up close and personal with sharks, giant rays and vibrant fish on a family marine adventure you will never forget.

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Dubai / One&Only Royal Mirage - Arabian Court

Dip into the full panoply of watersports from sailing and kayaking to Hobie Cats and windsurfing while younger guests can discover the wonders of Dubai with camel rides, henna painting, Arabian camping and traditional games at the Kids Club.

Dubai / Jumeirah Beach Hotel

With an iconic silhouette of a breaking wave on the Dubai skyline, the hotel itself is an even more iconic family favourite. Perhaps because the endless activities here let every member of the family release their inner child.

Abu Dhabi / Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas

Slip into an exclusive sanctuary set beside a private stretch of protected beach on Saadiyat Island. A developing art district and home to the Louvre and long-awaited Guggenheim museums, it’s an ideal hotspot for cultural explorers.

Antigua

Between the coves of the island’s puckered coastline and the Crayola buildings of Harbour Quay, the buzz of Antigua’s English heritage hums softly beneath the beat of its Caribbean core. Discover a playground for kids both big and small this October and soak in a much needed dose of winter sun in its toasty climes.

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Antigua / Jumby Bay

Arrival lobby at Jumby Bay, Luxury Holidays Antigua

Set on its own dot of an island a six minute boat ride off the coast of Antigua and boasting some of the best accommodation in the region, this estate’s reputation often proceeds it.

Antigua / Blue Waters & The Cove Suites

exterior view of blue waters Antigua

With its secluded feel and hidden-away coves, this long-established resort is particularly well loved for its fresher take on Antigua’s characteristic easy-going living, away from the hubbub.

Antigua / Curtain Bluff

In a plum position on a headland with a fabulous beach on either side, this sought-after, all-inclusive is on a mission to keep you in a state of utmost relaxation. It more than delivers.

Barbados

Outwardly, Barbados is a fusion of Bajan fare fragrances and Oliver Messel-designed houses, yet venture further in and you’ll discover a laid-back surf scene and a child-friendly carnival spirit, making it the ideal long-haul half term escape for those families looking to soak up the sun this October.

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Barbados / Sandy Lane

Outdoor seating at Sandy Lane, Luxury Holidays Barbados

A Bajan institution synonymous with conspicuous luxury, Sandy Lane exists in its own Palladian-style microcosm full of Rolls-Royces and celebrity patrons who treat it as a home-away-from-home.

Barbados / Fairmont Royal Pavillion

Beach view at Fairmont Royal Pavillion, luxury holidays Barbados

Roll out of bed and on to the beach; built on the west shore before Barbados’ coastal restrictions, it’s near impossible to find a greater beachside location than at this legendary hotel.

Barbados / Coral Reef Club Resort

The pool at Coral Reef Club, luxury holidays Barbados

Tranquil, secluded and very British in manner, this charming boutique hotel in its tropical-garden setting stands out for its warm welcome and genuine hospitality, even by Bajan standards.

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