Countries with the Most Relaxing Beaches and Top-Notch Resorts

The summer holidays are upon us (has this year flown by or what?) so it’s time to consider booking that last minute holiday, or even forward-planning an autumnal or winter break from now.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world thanks to adventurous parents, the opportunity to work abroad, and of course the many press trips I’ve been kindly invited on (our Lapland trip in Finland even saw the PR firm charter a plane for us). From -14 degrees in Finland to the golden sands of Jamaica, nothing beats exploring this precious earth of ours, huh?

I wanted to highlight the countries we’ve personally enjoyed as a family in this post, focusing on the most relaxing beaches (a must for my water babies and sea-loving self) and the top-notch resorts I’d like to recommend which take the hassle out of holidaying with kids, providing everyone with activities and entertainment plus the food they love, so we all feel like we’ve actually had a holiday rather than just travelling to a different country to parent. Yay!

 

Pine Cliffs, Portugal

With a megastic, cliff-top location, this 72-hectares resort boasting panoramic views in the Algarve in Portugal is one of most luxurious resorts in Europe.

Spanning Pine Cliffs Hotel, Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites and Pine Cliffs Residence within the resort’s complex, the facilities on offer are wide-ranging from tennis, golf, swimming and of course, a pristine beach boasting azure blue waters and a restaurant overlooking the sea just a short walk away.

The restaurants suit all dietary needs and requirements and the resort boasts vast playgrounds kids can enjoy as well as junior kids’ clubs making children front and centre at Pine Cliffs. 

My children were entertained daily during our stay and we divided our time between the many pools on-site and the adjacent beach the resort has direct access to, with breathtaking coastal views which was our favourite. The boys loved learning to play golf with a group session too.

You will not be disappointed with this blissful Portguese retreat. 

 

St Raphael, Limassol, Cyprus

A family-centred resort with private beach and gardens along with a gym, spa and pools, this resort was where we enjoyed our first holiday abroad as a family of five, and my husband and I, our three children, plus the grandparents who came along with us, wholeheartedly loved it. With a kids’ club and daily activities on offer plus water sports and world cuisine with ever-changing seasonal menus available, we found this to be a beautiful designed and dynamic resort for family members of all ages.

Cyprus is a truly magical island steeped in history and culture boasting pristine picture-postcard pretty beaches (hello Fig Tree Bay) and exceptional food. The friendly islanders coupled with sunny weather for most of the year plus archeological must-sees like Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, Aphrodite’s Rock and Bellapais Monastery make for an informative, relaxing and memorable family holiday in the Med. My family originate from the country and it’s a place we return to most years so ask me anything in the comments if you’re planning a trip there.

 

Beaches Resorts, Jamaica

A stand-out resort dedicated to family fun in the Caribbean, Beaches Ocho Rios, is a once-in-a-lifetime destination (you’ll want to go to more than once, of course). With a white sandy private beach scattered with palm trees and sunloungers, and every restaurant and cuisine you could conjur up, live entertainment including carnivals and character breakfasts and a kids’ club on offer daily, this is one of the greatest family holiday destinations we’ve ever been to. Friendly staff, beautiful flora, dreamy facilities with pools, bars, restaurants, a spa and themed activities for the kids to take part in daily, this resort truly feels like a slice of paradise. We fell deeply in love with the resort and Jamaica cannot wait to return now as a family of five. Pass me a coconut cocktail please!

Have you visited any of the above resorts, let me know in the comments?