As autumn leaves begin to paint the world in hues of gold and amber, October half-term presents the perfect opportunity if you’re looking for luxury family holidays to book. Imagine sinking your toes into warm sands, exploring opulent resorts, or embarking on exclusive adventures tailored just for you and your loved ones. In this guide, we’ve curated some of the best luxury family holidays for October that promise not only relaxation but unforgettable experiences for every member of the family. From serene beach getaways to lavish mountain retreats, get ready to discover the ultimate in comfort and style that will make your October half-term truly extraordinary.
Long haul destinations
1. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar
Overview: Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar offers a family-focused retreat through its Zulal Discovery, dedicated to wellness experiences for all ages. Families can enjoy activities like nature walks, creative arts, and fitness classes designed for bonding and learning together. There’s also a kids’ club with programs tailored to different age groups, from toddlers to teens, encouraging mindfulness and wellbeing. Family-friendly accommodations and healthy dining options are available, ensuring a holistic experience for both parents and children.
Key Features:
Activities: Over 400 curated activities including kayaking, organic gardening, meditation, and adventure walks.
Facilities: Discovery Oasis family wellness centre, three Wellness Cuisine meals daily, and one treatment per person per day.
Rates: From $418 USD per guest/night (approx. GBP 318). Special offer: Complimentary kids’ stay with two adults booking one room on a full retreat package, saving QAR 1,130 per night (approx. GBP 245).
2. Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius
Overview: Heritage Awali in Mauritius is a family-friendly resort offering various amenities for all ages. It features the Timomo Kids Club for children aged 3-11, with activities like treasure hunts and cooking classes, while teenagers can enjoy a dedicated teens club with sports and social events. The Baby Timomo Club caters to infants, and there are babysitting services available. Family rooms accommodate up to two children, and there’s a focus on outdoor family activities, including beach adventures and nature exploration in the nearby Bel Ombre Nature Reserve.
Key Features:
Activities: Timomo Kids Clubs with educational and fun activities, Petit Écolo Passport for sustainability education, and Baby Club for infants.
Facilities: Timomo Baby Club, Yellow Submarine marine education, and World of Seashells museum.
Rates: From £407 per night for a Deluxe Suite accommodating up to 2 adults and 2 children, including breakfast.
3. Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences, St Lucia
Overview: Windjammer Landing in St. Lucia offers a family-friendly experience with a focus on activities for all ages. The Jacquot Fun Club caters to children aged 4-12 with arts, crafts, and games, while the teen program provides water sports and social events. Babysitting services are available for younger children. Families can enjoy large villas with private pools, and the resort offers beach activities, water sports, and dining options that accommodate children.
Key Features:
Activities: Kiddie fruity mocktail mixing, yoga, arts & crafts, beach games, and starlit storytelling sessions.
Facilities: Jacquot Kids Club with VIP services, including turn-down service with cookies, milk, and a bedtime story.
Rates: Hilltop 2 Bedroom villas start from $978 USD per night on a B&B basis or $1436 USD per night for a premium all-inclusive (kids 11 and under eat for free).
4. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Overview: If you love sustainability and design you’ll love this resort. Known for its innovating design and cool kids’ club, this luxury family holiday at the Ritz-Carlton features the unique James Turrell Skyspace and a variety of family-friendly activities. From a design point of view, the resort is the first and only Kerry Hill designed property in the Maldives. With strong sustainability credentials, including the Maldives’ first Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program which starts with educating children first, this hotel offers more than your average luxury holiday for little ones.
Key Features:
Activities: Design-focused kids’ club, Masters of Crafts collaborations, and inclusive family programming.
Facilities: International art collection and luxury accommodation.
Rates: Ocean Pool Villas start from $1,800 USD per night.
5. Cap Maison, Saint Lucia
Overview: Set atop a private ocean-front bluff, Cap Maison boasts unobstructed views that overlooks Pigeon Island National Park and its neighbouring island of Martinique, with a glittering view of the Caribbean Sea in-between. The resort boastse from villa-style accommodation where families can enjoy a stay that feels like home, with the hacienda-inspired rooms. Cap Maison sits upon a well-situated beach that is set within a shallow cove and features its own water sports centre, ideal for thrill-seeking families who don’t wish to leave the resort.
Key Features:
Activities: Hobie cat sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, and windsurfing. Family-friendly dining options with a focus on local cuisine.
Facilities: Two onsite restaurants, The Cliff at Cap and The Naked Fisherman, catering to both fine dining and casual family meals.
Rates: From $960 USD per room per night in a Spanish Courtyard Suite on a Half Board basis.
Short haul destinations
1. Peligoni Club, Greece
Overview: The Peligoni Club in Zakynthos, Greece, is a family-friendly beach club offering various activities for all age groups. Their Young Peligoni program includes a crèche for toddlers, Rugrats & Rascals for younger children, and TARKA for active learning and adventures. Teens can enjoy watersports and social events, ensuring fun for the entire family. Family villas are available, and the club offers a mix of relaxation and active pursuits like watersports and wellness, making it ideal for family vacations.
Key Features:
Activities: TARKA Kids Club activities for 6-10 year olds, focusing on outdoor play, creativity, and teamwork.
Facilities: Access to water sports, fitness classes, and entertainment. Two restaurants with guest chefs.
Rates: From £1,500 for a 2-bed villa, with £185 per person membership for the TARKA Kids Club. Total for a family of four starts from £2,240.
2. Sonnwies, South Tyrol, Italy
Overview: Sonnwies offers a family retreat at the edge of the Dolomites, featuring a year-round activity programme and a focus on both family and child-friendly amenities. It has grown organically from a small guesthouse on the owner’s farm to a modern family’s paradise, offering an activity-fuelled mountain holiday year-round. During warm summer evenings, children can sit around campfires roasting marshmallows and sleepovers are organised in the barn amongst hay bales and during the winter months, Sonnwies offers a free ski pass for the whole family who can enjoy direct access on the magic carpet and ski lift up to the beginners 1km ski slope located adjacent to the hotel.
Key Features:
Activities: Hiking, biking, cooking, treasure hunts, pony rides, and winter sports with a free ski pass.
Facilities: Adult-only spa, 70 hours of free childcare, and stylish rooms with private saunas and hot tubs.
Rates: Sonnwies offers family rooms from €620 per room per night based on two adults and two children sharing a Double Room on a full-board basis, excluding alcohol and drinks from service.
luxury family holidays october half term
3. Sani Resort, Greece
Overview: Sani Resort is a world-class luxury family holiday destination, featuring five award-winning hotels – Sani Beach, Sani Club, Porto Sani, Sani Asterias and Sani Dunes. Located on the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki, 80 km southeast of Thessaloniki international airport, Sani is nestled in a peaceful 1000-acre reserve, surrounded by pine forests and beautiful beaches. For nearly 50 years it has set the benchmark for luxury hospitality in Europe, with world-leading facilities including a private marina, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, the Chelsea FC Foundation and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy.
Key Features:
Activities: Creches, kids’ clubs, and activities for children of all ages. Babysitting services and adult-only dining options.
Facilities: 27 restaurants, spas, and various events including Sani Gourmet and Sani Festival.
Rates: Rates vary by accommodation and season.
4. Baia del Sole, Calabria, Italy
Overview: Baia del Sole Resort in Calabria is a family-friendly destination with a variety of activities tailored for all ages. It offers a kids’ club, family rooms, and outdoor adventures such as water sports and cycling. The resort’s “Family Time” program provides memorable bonding experiences, while the beach and poolside facilities are perfect for family relaxation. Dining options are also kid-friendly, ensuring an enjoyable stay for both children and adults.
Key Features:
Activities: Edu&Fun activities including creative recycling workshops, water sports, and evening discos.
Facilities: Kids’ club with environmental focus and opportunities for family excursions.
Rates: Rooms start from £110 per night on a B&B basis.
Luxury family holidays october
5. Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal
Overview: Quinta do Lago is a luxury lifestyle and wellness destination situated in the heart of the Algarve, just 15 minutes from Faro airport. This high-end resort offers a unique destination in which the local community as well as guests can experience an outdoors lifestyle in a protected natural environment, with a variety of unique restaurants and exclusive facilities. The resort’s aim is to inspire a lifestyle of wellness in which all guests can relax, be active and enjoy the beautiful setting of Quinta do Lago. The resort’s sustainable approach protects the surrounding environment and secures the future for generations to come.
Key Features:
Activities: Multi-sports hub, water sports, family cycle rides, mini-golf, and various wellness options.
Facilities: The Campus for sports training, rejuvenating yoga classes, and exclusive dining.
Rates: Rates vary by season and accommodation.
