INTERNATIONAL

Niyama Private Island, Maldives

Set across two spacious islands, appropriately named Chill and Play, 'Nature's playground' takes on a new meaning at Niyama Private Islands. The luxury resort has been designed with families in mind and is home to the outstanding Explorers Kids Club, the only Kid's Club in the Maldives which hosts under 3's. The high ratio of staff on the private island are fully trained and qualified teachers or nannies allowing guests to enjoy total peace of mind during their stay. Children can also be part of a programme designed to promote coral growth and preserve the surrounding reef for future generations. Under the supervision of the resident marine biologist, children can adopt their own coral for transplanting on the reef, with regular snorkelling trips to learn more about the spectacular underwater environment. Families can also enjoy the family spa programme for the whole family – choosing their own setting for their spa journey from overwater spa suites open to the ocean horizon beyond, to garden hideaways floating on water. Drift by Niyama offers a range of treatments with children, providing both quality-time together and quiet 'me' time for adults. The signature Family Spa-rty begins with massages for all, before children are led away to be entertained with movies and popcorn, as well as kids' treatments such as hair braiding and 'polish for paws'. Afterwards, families reunite post-treatment in a lime grove offering cold-pressed juices from the Vitality Bar and ice cream sundaes for the kids.

Carrier (0161 820 1704, www.carrier.co.uk) offers seven nights at Niyama Private Islands, Maldives including breakfast, flights and transfers in resort. The price for selected departures in October 2018 is from £3,585 per person.

Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka

Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa is a paradise perfectly positioned for families of all ages. Young guests aged between four and twelve can relish the resort's 'Cool Zone' – the most extensive Kids' Club on the island offering a seven-metre-high flying trapeze, trampolining, a drone flying area, a children's pool and the resort's own child-friendly water park complete with slides and fun water features. For smaller children, an indoor crèche facility is available with a jungle gym and arts and crafts tables. Parents can enjoy this island paradise guilt-free while children are being expertly looked after, leaving time to indulge in bespoke wellness experiences in complete tranquillity at the resort's CHI Ayurveda Spa. Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa offers an incredible family experience – enjoying sunset bike rides together to the nearby fishing village of Godawaya, family golf days or soaking up the sun at one of the resort's three swimming pools. The resort boasts unrivalled proximity to some of the country's finest nature and wildlife reserves for the ultimate safari, including the magnificent Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, home to the elusive Sri Lankan leopard – making Hambantota more than just a luxurious break but an unforgettable experience for families to treasure.

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights at Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa in a Premier Ocean Room including breakfast, flights on Emirates from London Gatwick and transfers in resort. The price for selected departures in October 2018 based on two adults and two children (2-11 years old) sharing is from £5799 per family with a saving of up to £3152 per family. To book please quote tour ref: IO1024.

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives

The turquoise waters at Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa are as welcoming to families as they are to honeymooners. To celebrate the island's unique ecosystem, an immersive Tropical Safari encourages youngsters to engage with local wildlife. Little ones have the chance to meet an unassuming green turtle or black-tipped reef shark in a snorkelling garden close to the shoreline. Other marine highlights include dolphin cruises on a private yacht, a variety of water sports and coral planting at the resort's eco centre. Back on land, families can enjoy mother and daughter yoga with the resident Yogasphere instructor or private golf lessons with a professional on the Maldives' only 9-hole course. For younger guests aged between four and twelve, paradise also comes in the form of the resort's complimentary 'Cool Zone', which is supervised and dedicated to fun and educational activities such as an island treasure hunt.

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights at Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa in a Pool Villa with Private Pool including breakfast, flights on Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow and transfers in resort. The price for selected departures in October 2018 based on two adults and two children (2-11 years old) sharing is from £7329 per family with a saving of up to £6129 per family. To book please quote tour ref: KU9690. *Includes one nights at the Jetwing Beach in a Deluxe Room (for flight connection).

Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius

Located on the East coast of Mauritius, in one of the island's most breath-taking bays, Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa offers infinity views across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Offering an idyllic family holiday, the hotel boasts two swimming pools, an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course and CHI, The Spa which focuses on Ayurvedic, indigenous and holistic wellness. The resort's impressive T-Club for Kids offers parents' complete peace of mind for their children to enjoy fun-filled activities throughout their stay. The resort is also home to a clubhouse for children and a fantastic Teen's Club. Uniquely, the resort also has a private island - Ilôt Mangénie - which is reserved exclusively for guests to enjoy its secluded soft, white beaches and private cabana experiences together.

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights at Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa in a Junior Suite Hibiscus Oceanview, including breakfast, flights on Emirates from London Gatwick and transfers in resort. The price for selected departures in October 2018 based on two adults and two children (2-11 years old) sharing is from £7,949 per family with a saving of up to £5965 per family. To book please quote tour ref: I01191. *Includes dinner per stay at Republik Grill & Beach Club

Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico

Hugging Mexico's Caribbean coastline, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is fringed by the Yucatán jungle, powder white sands and breath-taking Riviera Maya landscape. This ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort offers utter indulgence in the Yuctan's most spectacular destination, perfect for adventure-seekers and beach dwellers alike. The resort boasts an exceptional Kids Club for children aged 4-12 years, including daily movies, piñata decorating and mini golf tournaments. The impressive Teen's Club is the perfect space for 13-18 year olds to relax and stay entertained in a supervised space, from beach volley ball, reef experiences, snorkelling and bike rides, to karaoke, evening discos and salsa classes. Ecological tours and kayak tours are also available for Kids and Adults. The family friendly ocean view suite is perfect for families to enjoy together, while feeling pampered with a 24hr concierge service, beach and pool concierge and endless amenities. Located on the Riviera Maya coastline, the luxury resort is 5 minutes from downtown Playa Del Carmen and 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport.

Carrier (0161 820 1704, www.carrier.co.uk) offer seven nights at Grand Velas Riviera Maya on an all-inclusive basis with private transfers. The price for selected departures in October 2018 is from £4,035 per person.

UK

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate, Cornwall

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate is set against the backdrop of their privately owned 25-acre Blue Flag beach. With family rooms, apartments and cottages available for those who desire more space, the estate ensures that its luxury facilities cater to all. Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate's new ultra-luxury beach lodges launching in August 2018 are the ultimate in family luxury, with floor-to-ceiling views of the glistening ocean. The beach's Ocean Sports Centre offers canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing and sea safaris, while younger guests can enjoy face painting, coastal-inspired drawing workshops, kite flying and treasure hunts organised by the hotel's Kids Club. In the evening, families can watch their favourite movies in a 3D cinema, or visit the outdoor terrace with live entertainment and panoramic views of the ocean.

Room rates at Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate are from £3,570 for a Family Room with Balcony/Terrace for seven nights including breakfast. For bookings please call 01736 795311 or visit  www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk.

Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, Cornwall

For a perfect Cornish staycation this autumn, the Bedruthan Hotel & Spa offers an action packed holiday for children as well as a relaxing break for adults. Located half way between surfing capital Newquay and the foodie mecca of Padstow, Bedruthan offers a variety of activities as well as on-site babysitters and two hours of free childcare per day. With a natural playground on its doorstep, the hotel is superbly situated for autumnal walks along the picturesque South West coastal bath as well as on the beach of Mawgan Porth below. Catering for all ages, Bedruthan Hotel & Spa seeks to deliver a family experience with indoor and for colder months, a soft play area and numerous activities as part of the entertainment programme to keep the whole family entertained. Overlooking the spectacular sea views, Bedruthan Hotel's outdoor Sensory Spa Garden experience is on hand to provide complete relaxation and rejuvenation.  Inspired by fire, earth, water, air and space, the Bedruthan Sensory Spa Garden is a thermal adventure designed to stimulate all the senses, providing a relaxing, restorative experience and is available all year round.  Complete with a cedar sauna, eucalyptus steam room, lavender caldarium, open showers and hot tubs, the spa garden is the perfect place to detoxify and renew the body.

Room rates at Bedruthan Hotel & Spa are from £156 per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes breakfast, taxes and fees. To book, please visit www.bedruthan.com/stay/rooms, email stay@bedruthan.com, or call 01637 861 200.

Shieldaig Lodge, West Highlands

For families seeking the great outdoors this Autumn, Shieldaig Lodge is a quintessential Highland retreat perfectly situated for exploring the north coast of Scotland. Set within 26,000 acres and boasting access to a number of country pursuits suitable for all ages, the renovated Victorian hunting lodge is in the ideal location for memorable family adventures. From fishing with a local fisherman to catch a fish supper and sea glass hunting on the estate's beach, to hiking along the Scottish landscapes and family falconry sessions on the estate's grounds, where families can enjoy a private falconry experience which includes handling and interacting with the beautiful birds and hiking along the surrounding Scottish landscapes, Shieldaig Lodge is an idyllic spot to make memories and reflect on family adventures. After a day of exploring the best of the West Highlands, families can retreat back to Shieldaig Lodge and spot wildlife from the comfort of the hotel. Guests can spot sea lions, dolphins, herons, pine marten and, of course Highland cows. Binoculars and telescopes are available in the lounge to enhance the experience for adults and little ones alike.

Room rates at Shieldaig Lodge are from £150 per room, per night including breakfast. For further information about Shieldaig Lodge and for reservations: www.shieldaiglodge.com.

Widbrook Grange, Bradford on Avon

Widbrook Grange nestled just outside of the historic town of Bradford on Avon is ideally situated for families wishing to roam the British countryside as balmy days turn slightly cooler. Set in 11 acres of private grounds, the hotel is the perfect countryside bolthole for exploring Somerset and Wiltshire's rolling green hills and the pretty towns and villages that sprinkle the counties and is also a short drive from Longleat for those wishing to visit the attraction and its Autumn offerings. From horse riding and cycling on one of the many nearby cycle trails to taking a canal boat through the waterways, particularly charming in the Autumn months; the hotel is an enticing base to retreat back to after a day of exploring the great outdoors. There is a cozy lounge with sumptuous leather armchairs and original fireplaces, a bright conservatory and an indoor heated pool ideal for post-exploring downtime.

Room rates at Widbrook Grange are from £105 per room, per night including breakfast. For further information about Widbrook Grange and for reservations: www.widbrookgrange.co.uk.

Soar Mill Cove, Devon

Located in a rolling valley, just a short walk from its own beach and the winding South West Coast Path, the family owned and run Soar Mill Cove welcomes guests of all ages, from the smallest, oldest to youngest. There is plenty to keep the young ones entertained, with a lawned tennis court, special children's play area, table tennis and snooker. That's if you can tear yourselves away from the lure of the cove, the magical coastal walks and opportunity for family adventures. With its own beach, salt-water swimming pool and leisure facilities, coastal path walks and Salcombe just a stone's throw away, you will never be short of something to do at Soar Mill Cove Hotel – whatever your age.

Room Rates at Soar Mill Cove are from £199 per night. This is based on double occupancy and includes breakfast, taxes and fees. To book, please visit www.soarmillcove.co.uk, email info@soarmillcove.co.uk , or call 01548 561566. Half Term Offer – Book 3 nights B&B and get a 4th free. (Does not include self-catering).