Luxury October half term breaks 2026

The fountains and inflatables of the dedicated family pool mean sunbathers won’t be disturbed by joyful squeals. Meanwhile, over at the kids’ club, there’re activities developed with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, plus a staggering eight distinct zones including a scientific area, planetarium, theatre space and rolling gardens.

Unwind by one of eight outdoor swimming pools, keep fit with yoga in the gym or succumb to rejuvenating treatments in the Thalasso Spa. While children from three to sixteen years will enjoy the wonders of Kikoland, with trained entertainers running a variety of activities from football to climbing

No child-friendly stone is left unturned here. Five pools for family splashing sessions strategically dotted throughout the resort, and enthusiastic entertainers at the kids’ club leading treasure hunts around Bahía’s paths and bridges, leaves no time for boredom.

With no less than four outdoor/indoor pools, five restaurants, two bars, a veritable play-paradise for little ones and a child-free sanctuary for the grown-ups, this is a resort that defies the notion that you can’t please everyone.

There’s a distinct Cypriot feel to life in Pissouri Bay, the setting for Columbia Beach Resort on the bay’s two kilometres of Blue Flag beach. A sense of ease settles around life here; little ones have space to roam free while adults can get lost on the resort's fairways.

There's a reason Anassa is named after the classical Greek for ‘Queen’. Perched majestically on one of Cyprus' finest beaches, this luxury hotel masquerades as an authentic Cypriot village with four pools, renowned children's clubs and a fully stocked watersports centre.

Families are ideally placed to explore the Red City. Head to the resort’s kids’ club for a slice of Moroccan heritage with a traditional kitchen, instruments and pottery making; or join a workshop to learn how to brew traditional mint tea and bargain in the souks.

With a name that means ‘soft breeze’ in Berber, Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan retreat in the Atlas foothills acts as basecamp for a week of reflection and cultural immersion. There’s a deep-blue reflecting pool,cooking lessons on the rooftop terrace and visiting the local Berber villages partaking in traditional mint tea ceremonies.

Step into an oasis of calm, just ten minutes away from the city’s famous Medina. It’s hard to get little ones out of the Kids’ Kasbah, where they’re found picking herbs or playing with the residents of the on-site farm.

Set on its own private island at the heart of the V&A Waterfront, One&Only Cape Town is thoughtfully designed for families travelling together. Spacious suites, a dedicated KidsOnly club and flexible dining make time with little ones wonderfully easy, while pools, outdoor spaces and the city's highlights close at hand ensure every day brings something new for all ages to enjoy.

In the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe Hills is ideal for families seeking an immersive safari experience. Child-friendly game drives, junior ranger activities and guided bush walks bring wildlife to life, while spacious suites, a relaxed pool area and flexible schedules ensure time together feels both enriching and effortlessly comfortable.

At the foot of the Simonsberg, Babylonstoren invites families into a wonderfully immersive farm stay. Children can roam the gardens, collect eggs, join baking and gardening activities, cycle the estate and cool off in the pools, while parents enjoy world-class food, wine and spa experiences, making it a place where all generations can relax and reconnect. 

Set on its own dot of an island a six minute boat ride off the coast of Antigua and boasting some of the best accommodation in the region, this estate’s reputation often proceeds it.

With its secluded feel and hidden-away coves, this long-established resort is particularly well loved for its fresher take on Antigua’s characteristic easy-going living, away from the hubbub.

In a plum position on a headland with a fabulous beach on either side, this sought-after, all-inclusive is on a mission to keep you in a state of utmost relaxation. It more than delivers.

A Bajan institution synonymous with conspicuous luxury, Sandy Lane exists in its own Palladian-style microcosm full of Rolls-Royces and celebrity patrons who treat it as a home-away-from-home.

Tranquil, secluded and very British in manner, this charming boutique hotel in its tropical-garden setting stands out for its warm welcome and genuine hospitality, even by Bajan standards.