Romance and family holidays aren’t often heard in the same sentence, but those unable or unwilling to leave younger kids with overnight sitters can still have a romantic break courtesy of properties providing baby-listening or babysitting services. Some, such as the Luxury Family Hotels group, even offer a Sunday lie-in for parents, with their Den staff taking kids off for breakfast and games.
For parents needing some one-on-one time, look for hotels that have crèches, kids’ clubs, the option of children’s high teas and adult-only dinners, and ideally also a spa. The following are some of our favourites, at home and abroad.
UK
A much-loved spot rated among the Top 10 Family Hotels in the UK by TripAdvisor, with kids’ clubs and baby-listening so parents can get some ‘us’ time.
A country house pile on a vast National Trust estate with woodlands, featuring babysitting, intimate dining and swimming pools.
Rest of Europe
A parents’ paradise with self-catering villa/apartments and two nights' babysitting and evening meals included in its prices at certain times of year, plus a kids’ club, Pilates studio and massage room.
A gorgeous 18th-century farmhouse with a babysitting option so that parents can enjoy the Michelin-starred food, sumptuous Shiseido spa and infinity pool.
An intimate, ‘away from it all’ rural manor with a mountain backdrop, outdoor pool and babysitting so parents can enjoy a bike ride or quiet meal.
A five-star Mark Warner property with the firm’s trademark quality childcare, including an evening crèche so parents can dine alone should they choose.
An elegant property with Murano glass lamps, offering a babysitting service so parents can take advantage of the rooftop restaurant/cocktail terrace.
A 17th-century residential palace with babysitting, an indoor pool, a spa and a courtyard garden.
Rest of World
A unique hotel occupying a former bullring, with babysitting so you can enjoy the outlandishly romantic restaurant.
An ultra-chic family-friendly retreat with kids’ club and facilities, early dinners and babysitting.
See also our Favourite Boutique Hotels with Kids and our Favourite Holidays with Childcare.