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Stories about our finest destinations and places to stay

Family vacation – Our favourite places to stay with kids

02 October 2023

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The school holidays are just around the corner, soon kindergarten is going into its annual break and you are now faced with the challenge of balancing everyone's needs. While the little ones would love to spend the whole day exploring the world, a teenager mostly has no intention of leaving the sun lounger by the pool. You, on the other hand, want nothing more than to spend quality time with your family. To assist you in finding the perfect place to stay with your family, we at Secretplaces have prepared a hotel guide where all your family needs are met.

Herdade da Matinha

The Herdade da Matinha is a dream come true - modern guest rooms and suites, a refreshing pool, lots of greenery, and a passionate chef as a host who will happily put together picnic baskets for you. Swing on horseback and let a professional guide take you on a family ride along the pristine coastline. Strengthen yourself with fresh fruit that you may pick yourself from the tree and let the beautiful evening end at the campfire.

Herdade da Matinha family-friendly Country House & Restaurant in Alentejo

Book your stay at Herdade da Matinha in Alentejo, Portugal

Aldeia da Pedralva

Antonio's vision has turned this formerly abandoned village into a family resort with a Portuguese touch and a high sense of security. You can let your kids explore the area independently while you settle down for a coffee on the restaurant patio. Embark on one of the many boat tours offered at the nearby ocean and enchant your children with the sight of wild dolphins swimming freely.

Book your stay at Aldeia da Pedralva in Vila do Bispo, Portugal

Aldeia da Mata Pequena

This dreamy vacation village in the middle of a nature reserve accommodates only up to 54 guests, which makes it a safe place for children and an oasis of peace for parents. While children are free to lose themselves in their games, parents are free to lose themselves in their books. Before going to bed - in your own cottage – go and say goodnight to the donkeys, sheep and the village pig "Cardoso" and look forward to fresh wood-fired bread for breakfast. For lunch, it's worth taking a short detour to the village's own restaurant that serves local dishes. In the nearby seaside resort and surfing hotspot Ericeira, surfing courses are offered for all ages.

Book your stay at Aldeia da Mata Pequena in Mafra, Portugal

Casas de Levada

Show your kids the stunning splendour of whales on a boat trip and the magical spell of dolphins cavorting off the coast of Madeira. Play water polo in the pool, visit your hosts' sheep and chickens, or test your balance on a session of stand-up paddle.

Book your stay at Casas de Levada in Madeira, Portugal

Borgo di Pianciano

Explore the diverse landscape together with your children, meet squirrels, deer and porcupines. Learn how and where to find wild asparagus or harvest wild plants, which you can then turn into a delicious dish in a cooking class. For the more classic and absolutely kid-friendly experience: homemade pizza from the wood stove! Discover the beauty of horseback riding, or take a ride on a rented mountain bike. Alternatively, the area invites you to pure relaxation with its pool and many hidden corners in the shade.

Book your stay at Borgo di Pianciano in Umbria, Italy

Fattoria Barbialla Nuova

This place calls itself a "natural amusement park for children", and we agree! You can let your kids climb trees, jump around, and run without any worries. They're probably just around the corner feeding the farm animals, cuddling with the cats, or in the middle of a heated ping-pong match, or painting a picture for the hotel's art gallery. If you want to spend a romantic evening just the two of you, do not hesitate to ask for the availability of the nanny at the reception.

Book your stay at Fattoria Barbialla Nuova in Montaione, Italy

Appartamenti la Sajun

In the middle of the Dolomites ski-paradise you will find these wonderful wooden houses for your whole family. While in summer you can hike and bike here, in winter everything revolves around skis and snowboards. The ski bus takes you directly from the front door to the lift and back. In summer, be sure not to miss the crystal-clear blue pool, offering the ultimate refreshment after an exhausting bike ride. If your children's energy reserves are still not fully exhausted, they should swing by the associated playground.

Book your stay at Appartamenti La Sajun in the Dolomites, Italy

Relais del Maro

From relaxing hours by the pool, to pottery classes and ceramic painting, to helicopter flights, this hotel is the perfect place and starting point for a variety of activities. Even the kids' culinary senses are well catered for – after all, what child doesn't love spaghetti and tomato sauce! You can even make it yourself here in a cooking class.

Book your stay at Relais del Maro in Liguria, Italy

L’Ariete

This jewel with a total of 6 apartments is nestled in the green heart of Italy. Besides the obligatory pool, L'Ariete is home not only to you and your family, but also to a small flock of chickens and a fluffy dog. This region offers breathtaking hiking routes and horseback riding is also a great option. Enjoy the freedom of nature and romp around together with your children!

Book your stay at L'Ariete in Umbria, Italy

Cabañitas del Bosque

A real highlight among family-friendly vacation accommodation: This small tree house settlement under the protection of the forest. The nearby river invites you to fish, the beaches are perfect for extended sunny days and boat trips, and the fields are great for horseback riding. Throne in the treetops with your family and listen to the birds sing while your kids beat you at cards.

Book your stay at Cabañitas del Bosque in Galicia, Spain

La Dehesa Experiences

Luxurious camping, also known as glamping: a dream vacation for parents and children! Spend the night under a breathtaking starry sky. Without the light pollution of nearby cities, it shines in all its luminosity. Take a sunset walk, enjoy the warmth of the campfire, and listen to the passionate stargazing guide. For something more action-packed, take a day trip to the nearby river for some family kayaking. Each glamping cottage also has a private pool on the terrace – so you can always keep an eye on your kids.

Book your stay at La Dehesa Experiences in Adamuz, Spain

Not quite found what you were looking for? On our website you will find a number of other accommodations, perfect for the whole family. We are also happy to help you personally on the phone, or by e-mail.


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