Designed for family time: 5 hotels for your next summer holiday

Sovereign have over 40 years’ experience designing luxury family holidays. That’s given them the kind of expertise that thinks of everything, so you don’t have to – they know the hotels where you’ll find the sandiest beaches, the best kids’ clubs for toddlers, teens and everyone in between, and the places where they’ve got staff on call to keep even the littlest family members happy. With a little help, you really can please everyone –so they’ve picked 5 unbeatable family hotels for this year’s summer holiday.

Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, Lanzarote

They’ll love… the kitted-out suites.

The Royal Kiko family suites comes with a dedicated children’s bedroom, complete with a kid-friendly mini bar and PlayStations. As for the kids’ club, it’s a family favourite. There’s a swimming pool and a huge range of activities (think tennis, football and a climbing wall), plus everything’s organised by age, so it’s easy for kids to make friends.

You’ll love… the food.

While the kids are busy in the playground or pool, you can relax. This place has a fantastic choice of restaurants, from Italian show cooking to Japanese. After dinner, head to the bar and sip a signature cocktail to a soundtrack of live music. By day, play a round on the 18-hole golf course, relax by one of three pools or visit the Thalasso & Spa Centre and try out the scented steam room, hydro massage or whirlpools.

Flight time: 4 hours 15 minutes from Gatwick
Transfer time from airport: 40 minutes from Arrecife airport
Time difference: None
Average high in summer: 29°C

Find out more about Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort.

Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort, Crete

They’ll love… the kids’ club.

The kids are going to be busy. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a fantastic kids’ club and crèche, where younger kids can play outdoor games, swim in their own pool and enjoy drawing and story time. Older kids have a choice of sports, treasure hunts and arts and crafts, while teens can take sailing and tennis lessons. There’s also a mini water park for all ages, plus a children’s dining room, special menu and fresh baby food.

You’ll love… sailing in Mirabello Bay.

At Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort, you can spend your days by the pool, in the spa or at the golf course, or try scuba diving and yachting in Mirabello Bay. In the evenings, choose from eight restaurants ranging from al fresco Italian dining to pan-Asian and Cretan fine dining in the Old Mill. Sip an aperitif in the Peninsula Lounge with panoramic sea views, or visit the beach bar for sunset cocktails by the sea.

Flight time: 4 hours from Gatwick
Transfer time from airport: 1 hour 15 minutes from Heraklion airport.
Time difference: + 2 hours
Average high in summer: 29°C

Find out more about Port Elounda Golf & Spa Resort.

Viva Zafiro Alcudia & Spa Hotel, Majorca

They’ll love… the swimming pools.

Water babies are sorted here – there’s a whopping 10 pools to pick from! As well as a main pool and swim-up pools (which lead right to the doorstep of the swim-up suites), kids have their own splash pool complete with water slides and a pirate ship. On dry land, there’s a kids’ club and teens’ club with an activities list that ticks off bike rides, tennis and mini golf. The buffet restaurant has a great kids’ menu for the little ones, too.

You’ll love… the golf club.

The kids don’t get all the fun. The hotel is a few minutes’ drive from the Alcanada golf course, one of the best in Majorca. When you’re not on the green, you can relax in a hammock in the gardens, visit the spa or dine in one of the hotel’s five restaurants. And in the pools, the swim-up bars mean you can enjoy a cocktail without even leaving the water.

Flight time: 2 hours 15 minutes from Gatwick
Transfer time from airport: 50 minutes from Palma airport.
Time difference: + 1 hour
Average high in summer: 31°C

Find out more about Viva Zafiro Alcudia & Spa Hotel.

Sani Beach Club, Halkidiki

They’ll love… the beach.

Sani Beach Club kids’ programme is packed with activities for everyone from tots to teens. Situated right on a sandy Blue Flag beach, there’s a mini Olympics by the sea, fun excursions, picnics and games. There’s also a special kids’ pool and lots going on in the evenings, like stage shows and a mini disco. Teenagers can get stuck into watersports, football and paintball, as well as bike rides.

You’ll love… the outdoor adventures.

The hotel’s breathtaking surroundings invite adventure – think long, leisurely walks, mountain biking, and watersports in the Aegean. If that isn’t your thing, visit the thermal baths and have a treatment in the spa. The Sani Beach Club has a fantastic choice of restaurants and bars, including a Greek taverna and a sleek cocktail bar. While you relax, the hotel’s beach babysitting service, Babewatch, will take care of the kids for you – and the first 30 minutes is complimentary.

Flight time: 3 hours from Gatwick
Transfer time from airport: 50 minutes from Thessalonikini airport
Time difference: + 2 hours
Average high in summer: 32°C

Find out more about Sani Beach Club.

Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Spa Resort, Mauritius

They’ll love… the teens’ hangout area.

Teenagers are really well catered for here, with a hangout area complete with video games, iPods and Apple TV. They can play musical instruments, relax at their pool bar or play some sports, and in the evenings there’s a DJ and dance floor. Kids of all ages will love the hotel’s kids’ club, with games, play areas and pool, plus excursions for older kids.

You’ll love… the choice of dining.

Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort lets you really experience Mauritius, from nature discovery excursions with a local guide to trekking and dolphin spotting. With a focus on gourmet dining, choose from 12 restaurants and eight bars that host fantastic themed nights and rum tasting. For keen golfers, the hotel is home to an 18-hole golf course claiming the title of Mauritius’ finest.

Flight time: 11 hours 30 minutes
Transfer time from airport: 45 minutes from Mauritius airport
Time difference: + 4 hours
Average high in summer: 30°C

Find out more about Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Spa Resort.