Family Features
Vila Vita Park: My favourite family holiday
Our most enjoyable family holiday was in the summer of 2005, when we spent 10 days at the fabulous Vila Vita Park hotel in Portugal. When it comes to 'child-friendly' resorts, it can be hit and miss with many places, but this Algarve hotel ticked all the right boxes.
My kids, then aged two and three, were restless travelers, so the three-hour flight to Faro airport and then the 20-minute transfer time to the resort was short enough to cope with. Not old enough to appreciate the stunning grounds that surround the hotel, the boys were far more excited by the 'golf buggy' that greeted us on arrival and transported us to our family apartment. While we took in the breathtaking décor, the kids screeched in delight at their fabulous children's welcome pack, along with their own mini slippers and dressing gowns.
Being a five-star hotel, Vila Vita bends over backwards to keep little ones entertained and allow stressed-out parents to have some much-needed ‘us’ time. It boasts the best kids’ club I have ever experienced, with its own vast playground, where our kids were very well cared for.
With direct access to two private beaches, the hotel has thought of everything - forget lugging your own beach toys along with you: the lovely beach we visited was laden with toys and buckets and spades. Even the sun loungers had shields to protect us from the burning heat. As well as having fun on the football pitch and huge trampoline, our kids spent a huge amount of time in and out of the fresh-water swimming pools (there were five of them to explore!).
All in all, this hotel provided the perfect holiday break for the four of us. It does not come cheap, but then 10 days without any toddler tantrums or squabbles is priceless.
Suzanne Baum
May 2008
Useful information about Algarve:
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See Take the Family's Algarve destination guide.
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Accommodation
Vila Vita Parc, Algarve
from £2,980 *
Great value and facilities, based on reviews from delighted families. More
* based on 7 nights 2 adults 2 children sharing a family suite including breakfast, transfers and return flights from London.
La Pirogue, Mauritius
from £1,685 *
A very informal and popular beachfront resort, with watersports, Kids' and Teens' Clubs, and guests benefit from access to the sister hotel Sugar Beach More
* from £1,685 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and half board
Legends, Mauritius
from £1,620 *
A stylish resort, great for families, with watersports, excellent cuisine, kids club and Spa More
* from £1,620 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and half board
Le Meridien Ile Maurice, Mauritius
from £1,509 *
A cosmopolitan resort with stunning views, excellent leisure facilities and wonderful warm welcome More
* from £1,509 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and half board
Le Touessrok, Mauritius
from £3,925 *
A truly luxurious resort - romantic, exclusive and beautiful More
* from £3925 per family for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and half board
Movenpick Resort & Spa, Mauritius
from £1,589 *
A first class resort with fabulous Family rooms, kids' club and tropical Spa More
* from £1,589 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and half board
One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius
from £3,995 *
A spectacular world class hotel, which will deliver an indulgent holiday with superb service, facilities and cuisine More
* from £3995 per family of four for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and buffet breakfast
La Palmeraie Hotel, Mauritius
from £1,405 *
A small and intimate boutique hotel with a wonderful welcome, offering value for money More
* from £1,405 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and half board
Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius
from £2,125 *
Boutique hotel with stunning beaches, local golf courses and children's club More
* per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and half board
Royal Palm, Mauritius
from £2,420 *
Experience the very best that Mauritius offers More
* per person for 7 nights on a half board basis flights with Air Mauritius and shared transfers.
Le Canonnier, Mauritius
from £1,279 *
An Idyllic Setting on a historical peninsula More
* per person for 7 nights on a half board basis flights with Air Mauritius and shared transfers.
Le Telfair Golf and Spa Resort , Bel Ombre, Mauritius
from £4,596 *
A stunning hotel set upon one of the most pristine stretches of beach on the island, with a Spa, golf courses and children's club More
* from £4596 per family of 4 for 7 nights, including breakfast and dinner, transfers and flights
Veranda Pointe aux Biches Hotel Mauritius, Mauritius
from £190 *
A real Robinson Crusoe family escape More
* for a family room for 2 adults and 2 kids under 12 years per night on All Inclusive basis
Veranda Grand Baie Hotel & Spa Mauritius, Mauritius
from £116 *
On the beach in the heart of a bustling town More
* per standard room for 2 adults and 2 kids under 12 years per night on Half Board Basis.
Veranda Palmar Beach Hotel Mauritius, Mauritius
from £140 *
An affordable option with kids clubs More
* per standard room for 2 adults and 2 kids under 12 years per night on All Inclusive basis.
Heritage Golf & Spa Resort Veranda, Mauritius
from £275 *
Fantastic spa resort with Mini Club from 3yrs More
* per night for a deluxe room for 2 adults and 2 kids under 12 years per night on HB basis
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