After Christmas, it can seem like a long stretch before Easter and the return of sunshine. To help break up those chilly winter months, we’re presenting our favourite deals for February half-term getaways (and one staycation!) to give you something sunny to look forward.
1/11 Seven nights all-inclusive at water-park resort, Egypt
Kids will love staying at the Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort and Aqua Park in the popular tourist destination of Hurghada in Egypt. The rooms are light and contemporary, with a calming colour palette of nautical blues and whites. There are eleven full-sized waterslides to choose from as well as six pools, two kids’ pools and more children’s waterslides. Guests can indulge on this holiday with a main buffet restaurant, six a la carte restaurants and afternoon tea and cake served daily. There’s also complimentary ice-creams for the kids! If you manage to convince the kids to venture out of the resort, boat trips to snorkelling and scuba diving spots are a good idea. ATV safaris and longer trips to the Great Pyramids are also organised locally.
2/11 Seven nights all-inclusive, Marrakech
With great ratings on Tripadvisor, this break to Marrakech is an ideal way to get some winter sun while seeing a new country and culture. Stay at the LABRANDA Targa Club Aquapark which can be easily reached with a free shuttle from the centre of the city. After the hustle and bustle of the city streets, relax in the spacious grounds of the resort which features four swimming pools and plenty of waterslides. The garden view rooms all have satellite television and air conditioning and the hotel also features tennis courts, games tables, complimentary WiFi and a fitness centre. Families will love heading into the buzzing city to explore the souks and medinas, pick up herbal teas and spices, and trying out one of the many spas. The Jardin Majorelle is also very popular with families, as the immaculate gardens are both stunning to look at and great for kids to stretch their legs.
3/11 Seven nights all-inclusive, Fuerteventura
With plenty of sunshine to get you through those winter months, Fuerteventura is a great option for a warmer February family break. With two freshwater swimming pools as well as a separate children’s pool, a stay at the LABRANDA Tahona Garden is perfect for families with young children who want convenience and plenty to keep them busy. The hotel is situated in the popular resort of Caleta de Fuste with local shops and restaurants within walking distance. The family apartments have one or two bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchenette and a living area with satellite television as well as a balcony or terrace. The buffet restaurant serves local and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and snacks are available from the pool bar.
4/11 Four nights at Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest, England
A staycation is a great way to make the most of your time with the family at half-term. Centre Parcs in Sherwood Forest is an ideal base for a fun and child-friendly activity break, with lots of options to keep little ones busy. Staying in a two-bedroom woodland lodge with complimentary WiFi families will be able to spot deer and other wildlife from their veranda and even feed squirrels, ducks and geese from their screen doors! Activities include archery, horse riding, chocolate-making workshops and den-making in the heart of the woods. There is also a Subtropical Swimming Paradise with multiple pools and slides; families often find that they spend most of their time here! In the shopping district Centre Parcs offers plenty of restaurants, cafes and even takeaway so that guests can relax in the comfort of their lodge after a fun day’s exploring.
5/11 Seven nights self-catering in Lanzarote
One of the most popular islands for winter sun, Lanzarote is a family-friendly destination with plenty of great beaches and things to do. The Bitacora Beach Club is just a ten-minute walk to the beach and the Old Town so families can enjoy a balance of relaxation, culture and exploration. The hotel is well rated on Tripadvisor and the one-bedroom apartments have satellite television and a fully equipped kitchen. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to day trips and activities on Lanzarote; why not check out the Rancho Texas Lanzarote theme park and zoo with its own water gardens. There is also the Timanfaya National Park with volcanic landscape to explore, a series of tunnels formed by lava and even an underwater museum! Several museums such as the Castillo de San Gabriel and the contemporary art museum are also great options for educational days out with kids.
6/11 Seven nights’ all-inclusive in the Algarve, Portugal
This deal at the popular coastal resort of Albufeira in the southern Algarve region of Portugal is ideal for families who want a complete break from cooking while on holiday. Staying at the Auramar Beach resort, guests can enjoy the hotel’s beach-side location as well as having the local nightlife and entertainment within walking distance. All rooms have air-conditioning and a balcony or terrace, and guests can enjoy a wide selection of international cuisine in the buffet restaurants. Evening entertainment at the hotel varies from snake charmers to Brasilian dancers and is one of the highlights according to previous guests. As well as the all-inclusive board, guests can make use of the kitchenette within their apartment for convenience.
7/11 Seven nights, 4* award-winning all-inclusive resort, Tenerife
A holiday in Costa Adeje, staying at the GF Fanabe Hotel, is an increasingly popular option with families who are drawn to its award-winning facilities and convenient location. Children can enjoy the two large swimming pools and kids’ play area, while adults relax in the Turkish baths and spa. More active guests can take part in tennis, basketball and volleyball lessons, play football and mini-golf and try their hand at petanque. All of the rooms have views of the mountains, pool or ocean and feature a balcony or terrace and satellite television. A buffet restaurant and all-day snack bar makes mealtimes easy for families, who can choose what they like from the local and international cuisine to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. Families may want to check out the Las Aguilas Jungle Park, the Pyramids of Gulmar, Siam water-park and Teide Volcano World Heritage National Park.
8/11 Three nights B&B near Disneyland Paris
Ideally located for visiting every child’s dream theme park, the Vienna House Magic Circus Paris hotel is circus-themed to inspire and delight young visitors. With ‘big top’ drapes in the dining room, tent-themed beds in each suite and even a mini carousel in the lobby, this is the perfect place to stay with little ones. Aside from Disneyland Paris there are plenty of fun activities to do with kids. Why not check out the Louvre museum, do a spot of shopping or climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
9/11 Seven nights at a luxury 5* hotel, Kusadasi, Turkey
Families can unwind in luxury at the 5* Palm Bay resort in the popular Turkish holiday destination of Bodrum. Kids will love the on-site water-park with slides for little ones as well as more adventurous holidaymakers. The hotel is well known for its selection of quality food, and the rooms and bungalows are spacious, with balconies or a terrace. Boat trips to local snorkelling spots are brilliant for a family day out, as well as trips to the marina for local Turkish ice cream and to feed the fish. Bodrum castle, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and the Arts Museum are great for cultural outings, while nearby ATV safaris and Aqualand water-park are sure to be a favourite with kids.
10/11 Seven nights’ half-board at 5* hotel, Cyprus
The luxury King Evelthon Beach Hotel and Resort in Chlorakas is a contemporary and indulgent base for a family holiday. The rooms are decorated in a light and minimalist style, with luxury toiletries in the marble bathrooms and crisp white linens. The family suites have two separate bedrooms, a living area and two bathrooms as well as tea and coffee making facilities and daily housekeeping service. There is an indoor pool, outdoor pool and kids’ splash pool with a water-park and outdoor children’s playground. Adults can enjoy the fitness centre, spa and popular restaurant offering Cypriot dishes and kids’ favourites. The hotel is on Chlorakas Bay and guests can visit the nearby Tombs of the Kings and Coral Beach for a family day out.
11/11 Seven nights all-inclusive water-park hotel, Tenerife
Playa Olid is a family-focused hotel with plenty going on for little ones. Kids can get stuck into cookery classes, having fun in the party room and enjoying team games with their new friends. They’ll also get unlimited access to the neighbouring Siam Water-park, with its artificial surfing waves, lazy river and adrenaline-pumping slides. Guests can enjoy three buffet meals a day as well as all-day snacks and drinks, afternoon tea and cakes, ice cream and regular entertainment. There’s also a hotel kids’ club for guests aged 4-12, a TV lounge and exercise classes such as aquaerobics for adults.