10 Luxury family holidays to book for the May half-term
Because parents deserve five-star holidays too, we’ve curated the ultimate list of luxury getaways designed with families in mind for the May half term. Whether you dream of barefoot beach days, private villa seclusion, eco-conscious adventures, or all-inclusive ease, these handpicked destinations offer both style and substance for the modern family.
From the sun-drenched shores of Greece and Spain to Italy’s rolling countryside and Portugal’s chic coastal charm, each destination combines world-class comfort with thoughtful details that make travelling with children a breeze. Expect kids’ clubs worth bragging about, spaces for genuine connection, and experiences that leave both grown-ups and little ones inspired.
Here’s where to go for May Half-Term - stress-free, stylish, and guaranteed to create lasting family memories.
1. Porto Zante – Zakynthos, Greece
Location: Zakynthos, Greece
Looking for luxury, privacy, and genuine connection? Porto Zante is the perfect family hideaway. This exclusive resort offers just nine private beachfront villas, each with a private pool, direct sea access, and lush tropical gardens. Families will love the tailored service, world-class Kids’ Club, and hands-on fun from treasure hunts to beachside crafts. New for 2025: the resort’s overwater restaurant, serving up fresh Ionian seafood with unbeatable views. Sustainability lovers will appreciate eco-initiatives like electric-powered seacrafts and marine conservation partnerships.
Porto Zante is more than just a hotel - it’s a sanctuary for families seeking true privacy and tailored service in one of Europe’s most exclusive hideaways. With only nine villas, each boasting tropical gardens, a private pool, and direct beach access, this boutique resort offers both seclusion and barefoot luxury. Families can enjoy a host of activities, from electric-powered Ceclo sea-craft explorations and beachfront yoga to holistic spa therapies delivered in-villa or by the sea. The Kid’s Club here is designed for all ages, offering everything from treasure hunts to beachside sandcastle sessions - even supervised play, so parents can indulge in the spa or enjoy a quiet sunset meal. New for summer 2025: Porto Zante will debut its overwater restaurant, serving up Ionian Sea views alongside locally inspired, freshly caught seafood. Sustainability is also part of the ethos, with marine conservation initiatives in partnership with Ocean Culture Life. For parents who want refined, under-the-radar luxury with family at the heart - this is Greek island living at its finest.
Price: From £2,000 per night (One-Bedroom Villa, 2-4 guests)
2. Vivosa Apulia Resort – Puglia, Italy
Location: Litorale di Ugento Natural Park, Puglia, Italy
An all-inclusive eco-paradise in Puglia, perfect for half-term adventures. Nestled in the protected pine forests of the Litorale di Ugento Natural Park, Vivosa Apulia is designed for curious kids and nature-loving parents. Enjoy sea turtle conservation experiences, treetop adventures, falconry, ceramics workshops, and beekeeping. With five kids' clubs for ages 2-17, plus nutritionist-approved dining and sunny white-sand beaches, families will experience the best of Italian hospitality while supporting sustainable tourism.
Tucked away in the pine-scented embrace of the Litorale di Ugento Natural Park, Vivosa Apulia Resort is the perfect combination of all-inclusive ease and eco-conscious luxury. Awarded Italy’s Best All-Inclusive Resort multiple years running, Vivosa creates meaningful family holidays where nature is the star of the show. Children can join age-specific clubs for adventures like falconry, treetop ropes courses, Italian ceramics workshops, and even sea turtle conservation through the TartaFriends programme - a must for wildlife-loving little ones. The all-inclusive dining is crafted by nutritionists, ensuring parents can enjoy both healthy options and local delicacies, with plenty of room for gluten-free and allergy-friendly requests. Parents seeking relaxation can unwind at the spa, while those craving activity can dive into hiking, yoga, and beach sports. May’s mellow temperatures and long, sunlit days make this the perfect season for exploring Puglia’s untouched coastline without the summer crowds.
Price: From €191 per person per night (Family Classic Room)
3. La Zambra – Mijas, Spain
Location: Mijas, Andalusia, Spain (30 mins from Malaga Airport)
Once a glamorous hotspot for royalty and rockstars, the newly reimagined La Zambra combines old-world allure with thoughtful modern design and family-friendly ease. Set among the rolling hills of Mijas and just 20 minutes from Malaga Airport, this stylish hideaway offers a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure. Families can spend the day rotating between three swimming pools (including one for little ones), tennis and paddle courts, or the exceptional MOOD Spa, Southern Spain’s largest wellness sanctuary. The kids’ club offers a daily two-hour complimentary programme packed with supervised activities, including a dedicated baby club for infants as young as six months. Budding golfers can sharpen their swing at the Junior Golf Camp, while parents sip sangria at the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurants.
For sun-soaked relaxation with a splash of Spanish style, La Zambra is a perfect pick. Once a celebrity haunt, now a beautifully transformed modern family haven, this hotel offers three pools (including a kids’ pool), tennis and paddle courts, an outdoor gym, and a fabulous spa. The Kids’ Club and Baby Club (6 months–10 years) feature safe, inspiring spaces, plus extras like junior golf camps. Parents can soak in the calm while kids are fully entertained. With 320 days of sunshine a year, La Zambra is a year-round gem for families seeking Spanish sunshine without the tourist crush.
Price: From €325 per night (Double Room, breakfast included)
4. AlmaLusa Comporta – Comporta, Portugal
Location: Comporta, Portugal (1.5 hours from Lisbon)
AlmaLusa Comporta is where laid-back beach style meets quiet, sophisticated comfort. Located just 90 minutes from Lisbon, this boutique hotel is perfect for families who crave an authentic slice of coastal Portugal without sacrificing style. Think sandy tones, minimalist design, and rooms with balconies, terraces, or private gardens that are ideal for unwinding after a day at the beach. The 52-room property offers a tranquil outdoor pool and a spa suite for wellness treatments, while older kids and teens will enjoy exploring the nearby dunes, rice fields, and cycle-friendly village. This stylish coastal hideaway is all about barefoot luxury. AlmaLusa Comporta’s 52 rooms (many with balconies or gardens) are designed for chilled-out family living with easy beach access. The vibe is understated and natural, while the rooftop bar and grab-and-go café make dining easy and relaxed. The nearby beach and local charm make it a perfect base for family explorers looking for authenticity and tranquility in equal measure.
AlmaLusa Café and rooftop bar strike the perfect balance between casual and chic, making it easy for parents to enjoy a slow morning coffee or an Aperol at sunset. It’s a dream destination for families who favour unfussy, barefoot luxury with a side of Comporta’s bohemian charm.
Price: From £109 low season | £210 high season per night
5. Ikos Andalusia – Marbella, Spain
Location: Marbella, Spain
At Ikos Andalusia, families can expect more than just poolside relaxation - this is the ultimate blend of high-end hospitality and thoughtful child-friendly programming. The resort’s newly launched Heroes Kids Club ensures children aged 4–12 are immersed in meaningful activities, from cooking classes with local ingredients to eco-conscious projects like recycling workshops and beach clean-ups. Even the littlest guests, from six months old, are cared for at the Ikos Crèche, while parents enjoy Michelin-starred dining and wellness treatments, or explore the Andalusian coast with complimentary local experiences. With its signature Infinite Lifestyle all-inclusive concept, you can expect gourmet dining, unlimited drinks, kids’ clubs, and beachside bliss - all included. Ikos Andalusia is ideal for families who want to simplify holiday logistics without compromising on style, comfort, or sustainability. A resort designed with families in mind. Ikos Andalusia’s Heroes Kids Club welcomes children aged four to twelve with creative eco-activities and cooking classes. Even little ones (6 months to 3 years) can join the Ikos Crèche for supervised play. Adults can indulge in gourmet dining, pools, and spa treatments, while kids dive into fun, learning and adventure - all wrapped up in a luxury, sustainable setting.
6. Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, Portugal
Location: Ombria Algarve, near Loulé, Algarve, Portugal.
Nestled in the serene Barrocal hills, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve offers a refined retreat that harmoniously blends luxury with nature. Located just a short 30-minute drive from Faro International Airport and north of the charming market town of Loulé, the resort is beautifully positioned for those seeking both seclusion and authentic cultural experiences. The resort features 141 accommodations, including rooms, suites, and residences, each thoughtfully designed with Mediterranean-inspired décor and modern amenities. Guests can indulge in six distinct dining venues, from the artisanal Café Central to the innovative Solalua, where local ingredients take center stage. For parents, the Spa by Viceroy (opening early 2025) will be a sanctuary, while the Kid’s Club keeps younger guests entertained with nature-inspired and hands-on activities. Dining is equally well thought out, with six restaurants offering everything from wood-fired pizzas topped with Portuguese ingredients to fine local wines and fresh seafood served with creative flair. The resort's commitment to sustainability is evident in its bioclimatic architecture and initiatives like the restoration of 1,800 meters of river habitat.
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve excels in immersive local experiences. Think: shepherd-for-a-day excursions, horseback riding picnics through the valleys, pottery workshops led by local artisans, and even hands-on beekeeping adventures.
Price: Rates from approx. £450 per night for a Deluxe King Room, bed & breakfast basis.
8. Four Seasons Marrakech
Location: Ten minutes from RAK Marrakech Airport
The Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is an exceptional choice for families seeking a luxurious yet child-friendly getaway. The resort offers a complimentary 'Kids For All Seasons' program, featuring a dedicated 'kasbah' with a mini theatre, kitchen, outdoor play zones, and a shallow pool for children aged 4–12. Teenagers can enjoy the Young Adult Centre, equipped with video games, movies, and sports facilities. Family activities include camel rides, hot-air ballooning, and guided cycling tours through Berber villages, providing enriching experiences for all ages.
Accommodations are thoughtfully designed for families, with options like connecting rooms and suites featuring private plunge pools. Children under 18 stay free when sharing a room with parents. Dining is a delight with kid-friendly menus and restaurants like Quattro, serving Sicilian comfort food. For relaxation, parents can unwind at the adults-only pool or indulge in spa treatments, while babysitting services are available.
Room rates start from approximately £294 per night in low season and £543 in high season.
9. Kimpton Aysla Mallorca
Location: Santa Ponsa, Mallorca
Tucked away in the peaceful town of Santa Ponsa, just 20 minutes from Palma de Mallorca, Kimpton Aysla Mallorca reopens its doors this spring as an elegant wellness and luxury resort perfect for families seeking sun-soaked Mediterranean adventures. The hotel blends contemporary design with traditional island charm, offering 79 stylish rooms -each with private outdoor spaces - and exceptional wellness facilities including an expansive spa, yoga and spinning studios, and outdoor activities like paddleboard yoga and hiking. Families will love the relaxed vibe at the new Zayt Pool Club, where Balinese beds and a local-inspired menu create the ultimate poolside retreat, while the kids can explore nearby nature trails or splash about.
Food lovers can indulge in a mix of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine at the Saba Bar & Bodega and the glass-enclosed Orangerie, while parents seeking relaxation can unwind with spa treatments or a cocktail masterclass. The resort also partners with the nearby Mallorca Country Club for tennis lessons and Golf Santa Ponsa for access to world-class fairways.
Price: Rates from £221 per night including breakfast
10. Peligoni Club, Greece
Credit: Nikolas Dost
Location: Zakynthos, Greece
The Peligoni Club, nestled on the serene northern coast of Zakynthos, Greece, offers an idyllic setting for a luxury family-friendly getaway during the May half term. Combining the privacy of hillside villas with exclusive access to a vibrant beach club, it provides a perfect blend of relaxation and activity for all ages. Situated in the tranquil northern region of Zakynthos, the Peligoni Club is surrounded by rugged coastlines and lush countryside. Guests stay in privately owned villas scattered across the hills, each offering unique charm and modern amenities.
Peligoni is renowned for its family-oriented services; partnering with TARKA, the club offers engaging programs for children aged 4 months-teens, Teen Programs: Teens can enjoy a sense of independence with activities like boat trips, pool parties, snorkelling excursions, and evening wakeboarding and evening entertainment: family-friendly events such as Greek dancing nights, open-fire feasts, and food festivals create a lively atmosphere.
The May half term is an ideal time to visit, with pleasant temperatures and a full schedule of activities:
PACE Wellness Retreat (17th–24th May): A week-long event featuring world-class experts offering fitness sessions, yoga, and wellness workshops.
Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Excursion: A signature boat trip to explore Zakynthos's famous landmarks.
Evening Events: From Greek dancing to food festivals, evenings are filled with entertainment for all ages
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