This summer’s best holiday destinations for families might come as a surprise

This summer’s best family holiday destinations might not all be ones you’ve considered before, but Kuoni have very good reasons for recommending them, take a look.

Extend your holiday horizons this summer

This summer’s best family holiday destinations aren’t just the obvious choices

It’s easy to understand why many UK families automatically think Europe for holidays in July and August; there’s the comfort of familiar places, and shorter flights are undeniably appealing, especially with younger kids.

However, according to Kuoni, summer is also a good time to expand your horizons, as some of the more far-flung and unusual family holiday destinations are at their most affordable in July and August.

So where would you like to go this summer? Are you happy closer to home or ready for a bigger adventure? Naturally, Kuoni have family holidays to fit all those dreams.

Great places to go this summer if you’re happy closer to home

Ikos Odisia, Corfu

Ikos Odisia, Corfu: best for beachy, All Inclusive family holidays this summer

A Greek island paradise for kids of all ages

All Inclusive can often mean a limited package with optional extras, but that’s very much not the case at Ikos Odisia on Dassia Bay.

Tucked into 60 acres of lush, green woodland on a peninsula with views of the Ionian in every direction, Ikos Odisia features Infinite Lifestyle All Inclusive. This generous package includes everything, from drinks and snacks served by your sun lounger at the beach or pool to meals at both the resort’s outstanding restaurants. Also included is a wide choice of wines and branded spirits, plus complimentary minibar refills. And, as the resort sits between the lively villages of Ipsos and Gouria, you’ll be pleased to know that ‘Dine Around’ experiences at handpicked local restaurants are also part of Infinite Lifestyle All Inclusive.

The freedom of your own Tesla for the day

Although the generosity doesn’t stop at food and drink, it even extends to a Local Drive Adventure which gives families the use of a Tesla Model 3 to explore Corfu for the day. And to make sure you get the most out of the experience, your adventure comes with culture passes for free entry to many of the island’s attractions.

However, beautiful as Corfu is, you may find the resort itself is hard to leave. No fewer than 10 heated pools as well as separate kids’ splash parks, mean cool, summery fun is impossible to avoid. The children’s clubs focus on sports and creative activities designed to delight young guests from age 4 to 17 years. And as well as water and land sports for all ages, fitness classes, yoga and even a luxurious spa, each family receives 30-minutes of free childcare on the beach each day; because parents deserve a holiday too.

See more of the best family holiday destinations in Greece this summer

Pine Cliffs Resort, Algarve, Portugal

Pine Cliffs Resort, Algarve, Portugal: best for active adventures

A spectacular and sporty resort for all ages of kids

Award-winning, five-star Pine Cliffs Resort is a bit of an Algarve icon; from its Moorish-inspired design and beautifully landscaped gardens to a dramatic clifftop setting above legendary Praia da Falésia.

But it’s also a superb resort for families thanks to a wide choice of unusually spacious rooms and suites, ranging from One to Two Bedroom Ocean Suites, as well as One, Two and Three Bedroom Garden Suites, and Residences, also with up to three bedrooms. There’s also the option to book any accommodation as self catering, although you might find it hard to resist Pine Cliffs’ 12 excellent restaurants, several of which come with stunning Atlantic views on the side.

Take the stairs down to Praia da Falésia

Speaking of the Atlantic, the resort has direct access to the golden sands of Praia da Falésia, either by lift or stairs. This is probably the most famous beach in the Algarve and regularly listed among Europe’s loveliest, but older kids are likely to be more impressed by the water sports than the good looks: a great place to take first time surf lessons.

Although you won’t find sport in short supply at the resort itself. Not only is it home to the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, there’s also a children’s football academy, as well as a nine-hole golf course, padel court and five tennis courts, eight swimming pools, and two health clubs. Alternatively, if you prefer something more tranquil, the Serenity Spa has that covered and it’s a perfect place to spend some time if you’re taking advantage of supervised Porto Pirata kids’ club; known for its fun and creative activities, plus, two life-size pirate ships.

See more of the best family holiday destinations in Portugal this summer

Ikos Porto Petro, Mallorca

Ikos Porto Petro, Mallorca: best for babies and rustic luxury

A Balearic retreat that’s great for pre-school kids

Nowhere does pretty, pine-backed coves quite like Mallorca, and Infinite Lifestyle All Inclusive Ikos Porto Petro sits tucked between two of them, on the island’s southeast coast, close to Porto Petro Marina.

Harmonious is the only word to describe this resort where natural colours fuse with contemporary design, low-rise architecture blends seamlessly with the landscape, and all rooms and suites are light and bright with sea or garden views. And it’s not just a ‘sense’ of space you have here: Bungalow Suites offer up to three bedrooms and there’s a range of interconnecting Family Rooms which couldn’t be more perfect for holidays with older kids.

Infinite Lifestyle All Inclusive indulges everyone

Infinite Lifestyle All Inclusive includes all food and wine at the resort’s five à la carte restaurants, along with daily minibar refills, and the opportunity to ‘Dine Around’ at a choice of local restaurants, at no extra cost.

Young guests, aged between 4 and 17 years, are free to enjoy Heroes Kids Club and Just4Teens, plus there’s a Heroes Creche for babies of 4 months and older, as well as 30 minutes a day complimentary childcare on the beach.

Although, what’s particularly appealing to families is the inclusion of so many free activities here. Apart from water sports and land sports at the resort, every family is given complimentary access to a Tesla for the day. So you can explore nearby Mondrago Natural Park, drive into Palma de Mallorca – one of Europe’s greatest island capitals – or even head into the mountains to be charmed by the likes of Valldemossa and Deià. It’s up to you what you do, the car is all yours for the day, so take it away.

See more of the best family holiday destinations in Spain this summer

The best destinations for big summer adventures

Think island adventures for summer at Kuramathi Maldives

Kuramathi Maldives: best for tropical island vibes

A summer paradise for children of all ages

The Maldives is one of the Indian Ocean’s best family holiday destinations, and Kuramathi Maldives is the best of the best as far as Kuoni are concerned.

One of the larger Maldives’ resort islands, it even entertains tricky to please teens with a line-up of water sports and land sports, as well as some truly sensational snorkelling.

Raising the underwater exploration bar a little higher, children as young as eight can learn to dive in the clear seas here. But they may be more interested in Bageecha Kids’ Club for three to 12 year olds, not least because it has its own splash pools and fountains, as well as a daily activity programme which can mean anything from round-island treasure hunts to beach games and visits to the island’s Eco Centre.

Beautiful Beach Houses made for families

As you might expect, there’s a wide choice of accommodation, all of it luxurious and thoughtfully designed. However, the collection of Two Bedroom Beach Houses are particularly popular with families as they sleep up to six, and come with private sun decks or balconies overlooking the lagoon or reef.

Kuramathi also gives you the choice of Full Board, All Inclusive or Select All Inclusive and there’s no lack of choice when it comes to eating either. As well as family-friendly buffet restaurants, there are nine à la carte restaurants, all of which you can dine at when you upgrade to Select All Inclusive, although kids must be aged 6 or over to eat at Kobe, Duniye, Island Barbecue, The Reef and Inguru.

See more of the best family holiday destinations in the Indian Ocean this summer

Indian Ocean beach, Heritage Awali, Mauritius

Heritage Awali, Mauritius: best All Inclusive for the whole family

An experience-rich resort that’s perfect for families of all sizes

If this is the summer to make real family memories, then Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort is a wonderful choice.

The resort is beachfront, of course, on the island’s tranquil southwest coast. But it’s what families can get up to on All Inclusive holidays here which really gives Heritage Awali the edge.

For a start, nature and heritage lovers alike will be thrilled by the surrounding 2,500-acre Domaine de Bel Ombre; home to romantic Château de Bel Ombre, and also the place to learn about contemporary conservation and Mauritian history on the resort’s excellent guided walks.

The family resort where everyone can play

Naturally the Indian Ocean comes into play with a wide range of water sports, but Heritage Awali also features three swimming pools, including an adults-only pool where you can take time off parenting duty while your children are being happily entertained at Timomo Baby, Kids and Teens Clubs.

Mauritius is one of the Indian Ocean’s golfing greats, and Heritage Awali stays true to that tradition with both an 18-hole championship course and a learner course: lessons are available for adults and children. And if that’s not enough activity, the resort also offers mountain biking, horse riding, tennis and a variety of other sports.

Upgrade to Premium All Inclusive for extra indulgence

However, should you want to stretch your horizons a little, three Mauritian icons are also near neighbours: Morne Brabant and the Morne Pensinsula; Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths Geopark and thrillingly wild Black River Gorges National Park.

Heritage Awali’s superb All Inclusive includes dining at all five resort restaurants, along with free water sports and land sports, complimentary Timomo Creche and Kids’ Clubs, and unlimited green fees for golfers. Children stay and eat free during UK school holidays in 2024 and if you upgrade to Premium All Inclusive, you can factor in all sorts of other treats, like unlimited Champagne in the evening, free minibar refills and access to Heritage Awali’s Premium Customer Experience service.

See more of the best family holidays in Mauritius this summer

Elephant Hills Luxury Tented Camp, Khao Sok National Park

Elephant Hills and Sands Khao Lak, Thailand: best all-round adventure

A combo of wildlife and beaches for kids age 6 years and over

According to Kuoni, Thailand is another of this summer’s best family holiday destinations, particularly for older kids with a sense of adventure.

Elephant Hills and Sands Khao Lak, Phuket combine jungle exploration, up-close wildlife encounters and glorious Indian Ocean beaches into one unforgettable summer holiday starting with a two-night stay in Elephant Hills luxury tented camp in Khao Sok National Park. Apart from the thrill of coming face-to-face with elephants and learning about wildlife conservation first hand, the camp is set in one of the world’s oldest rainforests and experiences like Canoe Safaris on the Sok River are also part of the adventure.

Wind down on Thailand’s sunny beaches

Then, head for Thailand’s warm and sunny southwest coast for a stay at The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani. This something-for-everyone resort on Nang Thong Beach features a dedicated Family Wing with Family Rooms as well as Interconnecting Rooms and Two Bedroom Teens Suites. The kids’ club here is great fun, but comes good on learning too with Thai language and dancing lessons for children. And when you’re not on the beach, you’ve nine pools to choose from, including a kids’ pool and pools with waterslides.

Of course, you can just as easily combine Elephant Hills with a beach break in Krabi, known for its dramatic karsts and mangrove forests. Or, if you can’t resist one of Thailand’s southerly islands this summer, you also have the option of exceptional family resorts in Koh Samui too.

See more of the best family holiday destinations in Thailand this summer

Let Kuoni help you make this summer unforgettable

Why choose Kuoni to find you this summer’s best family holiday destinations?

This summer finding the best family holiday destinations couldn’t be easier with Kuoni. Of course, you’ve a choice of idyllic Mediterranean beach holidays – which Kuoni are known for – but this summer also means the Maldives or Mauritius or Thailand, or even an unforgettable adventure that weaves in several of the best family holiday destinations.

Where you go will always be down to your family, but right from the start you’ll be collaborating with a Kuoni expert, who’s also a passionate and knowledgeable traveller, so you can be sure any choice you make will be the right one.

Plan your holiday with your very own Kuoni expert

Of course, all Kuoni holidays begin with a conversation, which can be online, over the phone or even in person at one of 27 Kuoni stores across the UK or in selected branches of John Lewis. If you want destination advice, you only have to ask. Alternatively you may know exactly where you want to go and what you want to do, so your expert will make that happen, with you in the planning process every step of the way.

More than 50 years experience and a Which? Recommended Provider

More than 50 years of experience goes into all Kuoni holidays, and it’s easy to see why they were voted The Times & Sunday Times Best Luxury Tour Operator 2023, and why they’re also a Which? Recommended Provider.

In short, all you really have to do is bring Kuoni your dreams and they’ll transform them into your dream family holiday.

To find the best family holiday destinations for your family this summer call 0844 092 4444 or visit Kuoni or book an appointment in your local Kuoni store