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The weather is grey and miserable in the Northermn Hemisphere at the end of October. Why not head off to one of these tempting destinations and make yourself happier?
1. Marbella
This is often my family’s destination for the half-term break. With a flight time of just under three hours from London to Malaga, and Marbella a further 40 minutes in a taxi, this is an ideal length to travel for a short break from the UK. In November, the weather may still be sunny every day and warm enough to splash in the outdoor pools.
With average temperatures of around 23’C, you can be pretty confident that you will enjoy some fabulous sunshine. Prices in even the very best hotels drop hugely at this time of year, so you are getting a real bargain too.
Try the gorgeous Marbella Club, with its beautifully stylish and recently refurbished rooms. Their kids’ club is vast and more or less empty at this time of year, so your munchkins will get one-on-one attention while you relax by the pool. I recommend the ground floor rooms so that you can bound straight out over the lawn and into the pool.
Another brilliant choice just up the road is the Punte Romano Beach Hotel (pictured above) which has a fabulous bar and restaurant area and a less impressive but caring kids club. If you fancy some golf, you can’t go wrong with the Finca Cortesin.
For something completely different, why not tag on a few nights at the five-star Sunborn SuperYacht Hotel right in the center of Gibraltar? You can sail, explore the rock’s Nature reserve as well as swim and snorkel off Gibraltar’s beaches. Rates start at around £200 GBP per night.
2. Monaco
Under two hours away from London and warmer than the UK, we can always find something fun to do in Monaco, even if it’s just a billionaire yacht and supercar watching. For the kids, there is the Oceanographic Museum with a huge aquarium section and a lot of gruesome pickled animals. There is a car museum, a naval museum, and a stamp museum, plus loads of free parks with ducks to feed and empty play areas.
Stay at the Hermitage Monte Carlo, which demonstrates stunning Belle Epoque facades and outstanding service, as well as views across Monaco that are almost unreal.
3. Dubai
This artificial oasis in the desert has a million things to amuse. Water parks include Atlantis The Palm Marine World with a dedicated area for young kids, desert safaris, the snow dome, as well as shopping and fine dining for mum and dad. The massive Mall of the Emirates offers Magic Planet, Dubai’s largest indoor family entertainment center, as well as Ski Dubai. In fact, why leave? For a surreal but fun experience, why not try the Kempinski ski chalet with views over the slopes of Ski Dubai.
You are simply a bad parent if you miss KidZania indoor play area built to resemble a small town. Fake narrow streets lined with fake businesses are lit by an eery twilight. Guided by adults, children can become firefighters, mechanics, milkmaids, post people, DJs, etc. Stay for long, and you might just go insania?!
An excellent luxury hotel choice is the One & Only Royal Mirage, with a super beach and kids club for ages 4 to 11.
4. Florida
Orlando has just gone upmarket! The Four Seasons Resort Orlando has now made this destination hugely tempting for a half-term break!
Located within the 47 m² that is Walt Disney World, in woodland and with its own golf course, this hotel offers a Spanish-style exterior with a sleek and modern finish inside. As you would expect, the grounds are beautifully manicured, with loads of greenery, palms, and grasses. There are two pools, one adult only and the other is “Explorer Island,” a family playground with two water slides, a splash pad, a rock climbing wall, sand volleyball, and more. There is also a rooftop steakhouse, a golf course clubhouse, the main bar as well a poolside bar and grill.
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