Last updated on November 24, 2023

At Bridges and Balloons, we talk a lot about finding that elusive balance between a holiday kids enjoy and one that retains the style of travel you enjoyed pre-parenthood.

Many people are put off the idea of travel altogether once they have kids, while others see package holidays as the only available “easy” option. But if you weren’t a package holiday sort of person pre-kids, then you still might not be as a parent.

And while some people (like us) love doing family road trips and city breaks, for others that might feel too busy or overwhelming, especially with babies or toddlers.

So is there a middle option for a relaxing holiday with toddlers or babies that isn’t a typical package holiday, but also has more facilitates than a self-catering holiday rental? Luckily, the answer is yes!

There’s a whole niche of boutique family escapes in stylish baby- and toddler-friendly hotels and guesthouses. These places tend to have things like baby-listening services so grown-ups can enjoy evening meals in the restaurant once the little ones are asleep. They have earlier kids’ tea times with plenty of crowd pleaser options and the chance to mingle with other guests. And they often have play areas, toys, kid’s activities and all you need to make the trip go well (and not travel with so much baby stuff!).

Crucially, these luxury toddler holidays are stylish and they place equal emphasis on the adults’ and kids’ enjoyment, creating pockets of time for you as a couple, along with endless opportunities to make memories as a family in as relaxing a way as possible.

We’ve stayed in a few of these stylish baby and toddler guesthouses, so here’s a round-up of our favourites. We think they’re exactly what plenty of people are looking for when it comes to their first holidays with little ones in tow. 

For more tips, see our creative family travel hub, including an epic bucket list of family travel trips, tips for travelling with a baby, a flying with a baby survival guide and handy baby packing list.

5 luxurious toddler holidays in Europe

1. Caserio del Mirador, Spain

It’s hard for me to imagine a more perfect first family holiday abroad than a visit to Caserio del Mirador in Spain. Host Sarah has perfected the art of creating relaxing family breaks where every last detail has been thought out for you.

All the baby and toddler equipment is there and there are toys aplenty, so you’ll easily travel light. Pastries are delivered each morning, there’s a kids’ tea at 6pm and adults can eat later in their apartment or at shared meals with the other guests (baby monitors are provided in every room).

Add to that play areas, a pool, farm animals, lush gardens, and plenty to do nearby, and you have the perfect recipe for a relaxing stay. And on top of all of that, the views and setting is stunning with a mountain backdrop and views to the ocean across the valley.

It’s one of the most relaxing holidays we’ve ever had with kids. See our full review here.

2. Watergate Bay Hotel, UK

The Watergate Bay Hotel was our first taste of the luxury family boutique genre of hotels, and it kind of blew our minds. We didn’t know that places like this existed before. The boutique hotel on the Cornish coast near Newquay is one of the UK’s most famous escapes for families looking for something stylish but family orientated. The play room is all Montessori style, looking like something out of a magazine, and they have a whole programme of kids’ activities.

All rooms have baby monitors so grown-ups can enjoy meals or drinks later on. And there are several restaurants and bars to choose from, all serving kids meals as well as a grown-up menu. It’s all beautifully decorated in a moody, coastal chic vibe, and being right on the beach, the views are stunning.  

We loved everything about it, from our spa treatments to time on the beach. Read the full review here.

3. Martinhal Hotels, Portugal

The Martinhal group in Portugal specialise in hotels and resorts aimed at discerning families looking for a luxurious holiday with style. When doing out Portugal road trip, we stayed at Martinhal Chiado in Lisbon, a collection of serviced apartments that come with toys, baby equipment, and an on-site playroom and kid-friendly restaurant. They even baby proof the room  with safety gates etc. See our full Lisbon guide.

We’re also keen to visit the Martinhal resort in Sagres, which has even more facilities, including water sports, mini golf, petanque and a bike track. Because of its size, the Sagres resort leans more towards a classic package holiday than somewhere like Caserio del Mirador, but its five-star status and sleek design makes it fit the luxury family boutique vibe.

4. Woolley Grange Hotel, UK

Woolley Grange Hotel is part of the UK’s Luxury Family Hotel Group, which has four hotels across England, all specialising in family-friendly breaks. They have all the classic boutique family hotel perks, including baby listening service, kids’ tea time and activities for the whole family.

Housed in an old manor house with huge gardens, Woolley Grange is just outside Bath, near Bradford on Avon. The grounds are beautiful and filled with play areas, including a trampoline, mud kitchen and tree swing. There are indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and a kids playroom that offers one free 2-hour, supervised session for kids every day. We loved the evenings when, once the kids were sleeping, we could go down to the atmospheric lounge and drink cocktails by the fire.

We also recommend Lucknam Park in the Costwolds, which is well set up for families (but not aimed exclusively at them).

5. Country Kids, France

Country Kids in the South of France is run by Laure and Silvian, a couple who have made this historic private estate into a gorgeous family resort. There are seven farmhouses to choose from with 2-5 bedrooms, and all are kitted out with any equipment you need, plus toys and games.

You can choose from an a la carte or ‘absolutely everything’s included’ package, with the latter including drinks, meals, activities, spa treatments, shop items and entertainment.  All guests, on either package, have unlimited access to the creche and kids club, and two nights of free babysitting, plus a daily tea time, and arrival drinks and food.

The grounds are extensive and have everything you need for a beautiful family holiday, including mini golf, petting farm, trampolines, tennis, play areas, treehouse, zip wires, heated pool with slide and bikes for all the family.

We haven’t been to this one yet, but it’s definitely on the bucket list!

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