Whilst some holidaymakers jet off to the Alps each winter in search of their annual ski-fix, many of our guests dream of travelling to warmer climates. A dose of Vitamin D during the winter can not only give your skin a healthy glow but can improve your mood, mental health and more. 

There are lots of things to consider for families. These include travelling during the school holidays, the time difference to avoid jet lagged children, childcare and family bedrooms to name a few. Some of our favourite winter sun holidays for families are below for you to have a look through.

Heritage Awali Golf & Spa, Mauritius

Mauritius is a stunning tropical island in the Indian Ocean and ideal for a winter break. It enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year but in particular is popular with families who are looking for an October half-term or festive holiday. During the late autumn the weather is typically warm and dry with plenty of sunshine. With direct flights from both British Airways and Air Mauritius it is approximately 12 hours away from the UK and only a few hours ahead of UK time. 

Why it’s great for families: The Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort is unique as it offers childcare from infants upwards, whereas many resorts start at three to four years old. With a dedicated babies club ‘Baby Timono’ up to ‘Umuzi Teens Club’ there’s something for everyone. Children from three years might take part in bike rides, a cinema on the beach, Sega dance classes or a mega treasure hunt!

Are there any age restrictions: No – all ages are welcome at The Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort

What family-friendly amenities are there: All the kids clubs, all-inclusive to ensure the holiday is friendly to parents wallets, 12 restaurants and bars to choose from, lots of sports and activities, a playground and a beautiful shallow water beach.

What’s the weather like: Sunny with mid-high 20 degree celsius temperatures for much of October to December.

&Beyond Lake Manyara Tree House, Lake Manyara, Tanzania:

Tanzania is sometimes overlooked as a family destination but it is a wonderful choice for those seeking a safari adventure in a warmer winter climate. Being positioned close to the equator means that year-round temperatures are beautiful. With a choice of flights taking just over 12 hours with a quick stopover and just two hours time difference it’s an easy long-haul destination with little ones.

Why it’s great for families: &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree House is ideal for an introduction to safari with children. The only lodge that is located within Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park, it is not far from Kilimanjaro Airport. As it is one of the &Beyond properties, there is the exciting WILDChild programme which inspires children from an early age and gets them involved. Each child received a backpack, scrapbook and plenty of interaction with the guide or ranger introducing Tanzania’s bush to them. Activities are tailored to children around the local environment. The family suite is also jaw droppingly beautiful. Expect your children to be the envy of the school when they come back with tales of African adventure!

Are there any age restrictions: No – all ages are welcome at &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree House.

What family-friendly amenities are there: WILDChild programme, swimming pool, game drives from six to 11 years (at the manager’s discretion) and the family suite

What’s the weather like: Warm year-round, normally sitting in the high 20 degrees celsius range during the daytime. For a winter break January and February are often best as the ‘short dry season’.

Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:

The Dominican Republic is a perfect winter break option from December through to April. During this period temperatures are a delightful 25 – 30 degrees celsius in the daytime approximately, whilst rain is a lot less likely than in the summer months. With a direct flight from the UK taking nine hours it’s a relatively short flight for a long-haul reward. 

Why it’s great for families: Club Med Punta Cana is an all-inclusive delight for both adults and children. Children have more all-inclusive activities than they could possibly hope to try out in a week’s holiday, meanwhile adults can retreat to the Zen Oasis with its adult-only swimming pool, spa and smoothie and cocktail bar. There are children’s clubs included from four years old and Baby and Mini Club Med clubs can be added as a supplement for younger children. There are also family rooms and interconnecting bedrooms available as well.

Are there any age restrictions: No – all ages are welcome at Club Med Punta Cana.

What family-friendly amenities are there: A baby corner with facilities for feeding, provided equipment, children’s clubs from zero to 17 years, on-demand babysitting (at an additional cost), a children’s swimming pool, playground, shows, trampolines, Cirque du Soleil, sailing, kayaking and more included! Age restrictions apply to some activities.

What’s the weather like: Tropical, warm and dry for the majority of December through to April, this is the Caribbean’s dry season.

North Island, Seychelles:

The Seychelles is often seen as a romantic destination for couples and honeymooners, but it can be an amazing choice for families as well. With giant tortoises, jungle-like landscapes and lots of marine life, little ones can go on a journey of discovery whilst on holiday and see and do so much. With sub-12 hour direct flights and three hours time difference from the UK, it is often overlooked for an Easter break but idyllic for a week or 10 day holiday. Just note that as a popular time early booking is recommended.

Why it’s great for families: North Island is a luxurious resort, a private island in the Indian Ocean. For families there’s so much for children to explore. The jungle gym, swings, trampolines and arts and crafts area provides hours of entertainment. The Beach Buddy Programme is the cherry on top however; adults can spend time with one another whilst children have a ball, perhaps with a pizza making lessons, a pirate treasure hunt or learning about the flora and fauna of the island. Activities are tailored to each child so that they get the most from their holiday! There’s plenty for families to do together as well from snorkelling to private picnics.

Are there any age restrictions: No – all ages are welcome at North Island

What family-friendly amenities are there: As mentioned the jungle gym, arts and crafts area, swings, trampolines, Beach Buddy Programme, tortoise adoption, turtle patrol, tree planting, mountain bikes and much more!

What’s the weather like: The Seychelles has lovely year-round temperatures but it is ideal for an Easter holiday when temperatures are high, rainfall is low and the winds are calm.

La Medina Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech:

For those in search of pleasant winter weather but not balmy temperatures and a short-haul destination, Morocco is ideal. Picture a more than agreeable 20 degrees celsius, give or take a few degrees, and the winter months are beautiful. There can be a little rain but generally speaking just a little, and the nighttime temperatures will require a jumper or jacket, but it is still a lovely option within easy reach of the UK. With flight times under four hours and zero to one hours time difference depending on the time of year, it’s a perfect family destination.

Why it’s great for families: At La Medina Mandarin Oriental there is plenty on offer for children. Whilst Marrakech in our opinion generally suits families with slightly older children as it is a busy and vibrant city, the hotel has a range of amenities. These include family suites and villas, a children’s club built as a Moroccan Kasbah, babysitting services and children’s menus. The Kid’s Kasbah has plenty of activities to enjoy for children.

Are there any age restrictions: No – all ages are welcome at La Medina Mandarin Oriental

What family-friendly amenities are there: There’s plenty to explore in the city with children from museums to galleries, gardens and even the city from above with a hot air balloon ride (age restrictions apply). At the hotel the Kid’s Kasbah encourages fun, creativity and learning, there’s also cookery classes and playing with animals and nature. 

What’s the weather like: In the low 20 degrees celsius during October, November, February and March, a little colder approximately average high teens daytime temperatures during December and January.

If you’re looking to escape this winter then get in touch for further information and a bespoke set of options tailored to you and your families requirements.