Family Fun in the Winter Sun

For intrepid families looking for an epic adventure and wanting to spend quality time together, South Africa is the place to be. Canter into the wilderness on horseback, quadbike through Mashatu, an off-grid game reserve home to big cats and elephants, paddleboard with penguins in Cape Town and spot whales splashing about in the water in Grootbos.

Glistening coastlines, rolling desert sands, guaranteed sunshine - all just seven hours from the UK. Abu Dhabi is a top choice for families looking for winter sun, and with our newest Explorers Kids Club recently opening at Saadiyat Rotana Resorts & Villas, Abu Dhabi is a must-visit for families this winter. Enjoy the wonders of a resort stay and enjoy a wealth of attractions to keep the whole family happy. Travel to the famous Burj Khalifa skyscraper or take a helicopter tour in nearby Dubai, or head to the desert to sample Bedouin life.

Sri Lanka is simply spellbinding – a small teardrop-shaped island fringed by a sparkling Indian Ocean coastline. The diversity of activities on offer makes it perfect for all types of travellers, with endless adventures to choose from. Take an early morning hike through the rolling green hills of Tea Country, search for leopards in Yala National Park and unwind at one of the country’s renowned wellness retreats on the ruggedly beautiful south coast. 

Safe seas, colourful marine life and a whole host of fun-packed activities make the Maldives a wonderful place for a family winter getaway. Snorkel the house reefs, dive with manta rays, try your hand at surfing and lie in the sand for a spot of stargazing. With some of the best family-friendly resorts in the world, including our Scott Dunn Explores Kids Club at Niyama, it’s time you went.

Bursting with family-friendly hotels, safe swimming beaches and abundant water sports, Thailand is a haven for families. Frolic on palm-fringed beaches, snorkel with exotic marine life, plunge into waterfalls and savour the zingy flavours of Thai cuisine with a traditional cookery class. A really varied holiday destination, Thailand is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

A southern African island with a rich history, kids will love discovering Mauritius’ true melting pot of different cultures while getting stuck into our Scott Dunn Explorers Kids Club at Shanti Maurice. The varied beaches provide plenty of entertainment, but you can also try out kite surfing in Bel Ombre, go on food tours in Souillac, head out on some gentle hikes in Le Morne or enjoy a round of golf.

With an abundance of blue-flag beaches, reliable sunshine and steeped in history and culture, Cyprus offers the whole package for a fun-filled family holiday. With the historic cities of Larnaca and Paphos, and local pretty villages there is plenty to explore, along with super family-friendly resorts offering a myriad of activities and luxury pools to enjoy, while your little ones can enjoy action-packed fun at our Explorers Kids Club at Parklane.

Oman is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, where a blend of modern Arabia comes together with ancient traditions to offer families an incredible and superb experiences: on the coast, in Oman’s mysterious deserts or in the breathtaking Jabal Akhdar mountains. Travel here with your family to experience a luxury holiday with a big dose of culture, delicious cuisine and adventure, offering something for all ages.

For a small island, St Barths brings something for all the family. Brimming with luxury family-friendly resorts offering no end of activities with a plethora of non-motorised watersports and boat trips. Explore the unique charm of the island with its mountainous landscapes, idyllic beaches and peaceful towns, no wonder this stunning island is a favourite retreat for families. Boasting a selection of salubrious luxury resorts, with extraordinary facilities and delicious cuisine..

The low-lying Turks and Caicos are an archipelago of more than 40 coral islands forming the south-eastern end of the Bahamas chain. Offering luxe family-friendly hotels, gorgeous beaches and abundant water sports, with sailing, kayaking and snorkelling to name a few. These islands are a charming and unspoilt destination with national parks, beautiful white sand beaches, nature reserves, sanctuaries and British colonial history.

Journey to Egypt for a family holiday filled with ancient history, natural wonders and striking desert scenery this winter. The whole family will be mesmerized by Egypt’s greatest sites, from the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and Cairo’s historic museums to the flowing waters of the Nile River. Plus enjoy winter sun and Egypt’s pleasant weather at this time of year. When you’ve had your fix of history and culture, why not kick back and relax at a luxury Red Sea resort?

Get ready for your family to be charmed by Grenada. Bursting with adventure, you will be treated to tropical rainforests, plunging gorges and pristine beaches, Grenada is a relaxed island that brings a level of excitement to its shores. With decadent resorts and luxury all-inclusive hotels, it’s the perfect fit for a family winter escape. Explore the historic capital of St George’s, hike in the mountains and cool off with a dip in Concord Falls, or stick to the sea and sail and snorkel to your heart’s content.

For an unforgettable family holiday, head to Morocco this winter. With comfortable day time temperatures and cooler evenings, winter is a wonderful time to visit Morocco and experience the top sights, away from the blistering heat of summer. Soak up the buzz of Marrakech with its colourful souks and burgeoning foodie scene, explore the Agafay Desert by 4x4 and go hiking in the Atlas Mountains. It will be an adventurous winter to remember.

Costa Rica is the ultimate adventure playground and offers a dizzying array of things to see and do. Zip-lining through Monteverde Cloud Forest and rafting the white-water rapids of Pacuare River will keep kids of all ages entertained, while the stunning beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines offer a delightful place to unwind after sloth-filled adventures in the abundant national parks.

Why not spend this winter on a family holiday “down under”? At this time of year, Australia will be enjoying its balmy summer season. Add this to its natural beauty, buzzing cities, and exciting array of activities offering fun for the whole family, and it makes Australia one of our top travel destinations for winter sun. From the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient rainforests of Daintree and the stark scenery of the Outback, Australia is bursting full of iconic places to visit.

Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands and, with year-round sunshine and being only a short flight from the UK, it’s one of our favourite destinations in Europe for a family holiday. You and your brood could enjoy a fun-filled sunny winter holiday at the luxury Ritz-Carlton Abama in Tenerife. Here, you’ll find a great experiential kids programme as well as a superb golf course, incredible clifftop views and two Michelin-starred restaurants which are sure to be a treat for parents.

For a sunshine-filled winter getaway with your family, head to the sunny shores of Barbados. Here you will find some of the most luxurious family-friendly hotels in the Caribbean along with ultimate beach experiences, with its glistening clear seas and fine white sand, ready for you to set sail, snorkel, grab a surfboard or dive the open waters. Discover Barbados’ magnificent music scene, historical walks, island explorations and dining at vibrant restaurants on the island.