Words: Cass Chapman
Above image: The Surrey, New York
It may feel as though the little ones have only just returned to school but half term will be here in a flash and, personally, I can’t wait. Having got so used to having Lola by my side over the nine weeks of summer, it feels terribly odd not having her around and I’m, rather pathetically, counting down the minutes to that last week of October.
And whether you want to flee this rapidly disappearing summer or stay right here at home, there are some wonderful options available that will keep you well pampered and the kids happily occupied, all under one roof.
Gleneagles, Scotland (pictured above)
If you’re not up for a lengthy journey but want a proper break away, Gleneagles – the iconic and absolutely beautiful landmark of world class golf – has far more than 18 holes to its name.
Family-friendly all year round, Gleneagles is pulling out all the stops this upcoming half term. From 11 October to 2 November 2, the line-up includes falconry, horse riding, learning to train a gun dog, cycling, off-road safaris, junior golf lessons, every day. Babies and toddlers will adore the playroom, while teenagers have their own ‘zone’, which includes table football and karaoke.
There will be Mini Athletics, Football Skills, Basketball Drills and Kids Zumba classes going on that will help children make friends while you indulge in the world class ESPA spa. One of the world’s few hotels considered a Luxury Spa “Resort” you’ll find everything from Ayurvedic treatments to deep tissue massages, and the choices of holistic therapies on offer are seemingly endless. If you’re up for something a little more energetic, the hot air balloon rides and off-road driving will thrill as, of course, will the golf.
Le Meurice, Paris (above)
If you fancy jetting off without, literally, jetting off, Paris is a fabulous option. Loaded with stunning parks, lashings of culture (the galleries are extremely welcoming of children) and fabulous food, this is a wonderful place for a city break en famille. And if you can swing it, Le Meurice is a stunning, decadent and extremely luxurious option as far as Parisian hotels go.
Foodies will adore high tea in Le Dali or dinner in the three Michelin-starred resident restaurant. Children are welcomed with their own robes and slippers, complementary cookies, a treasure hunt in the hotel and the use of a wooden boat to sail in the pond at the Tuileries. The hotel also offers two tickets to ride the beloved Carousel at the Tuileries. This hotel is known as the “hotel of kings” with good reason and it’s a stone’s throw from the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement so it couldn’t be better located.
The Surrey, New York (above)
So many parents of young children fear plane travel and, while no one can guarantee an easy ride, I’ve personally never had a problem, finding Lola’s early years the easiest time to deal with long-haul flights and jet-lag. The East Coast of America is definitely more appealing than the West given the time difference and New York is as fabulous in the Fall as it is at any other time of year.
If you don’t know Manhattan well, The Surrey hotel’s Clef d’Or Concierge team is on hand to recommend local family-friendly attractions, which, in a city as culturally saturated as New York, is handy. Book here and you’ll get two complementary passes for the family programme at The Whitney Museum of American Art (arguably one of the most gorgeous inner city galleries in the city) and, after a day of exploration, the private roof-garden is a gorgeous oasis with stunning panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
This 1920s stunner was once home to JFK and Bette Davis and retains its intimate home-from-home feel to this day. In a city that never switches off, this a wonderfully calming and very indulgent spot to rest one’s head at the end each day.
The James Royal Palm, Miami (above)
And if some sunshine and hot weather is top of your list of priorities this October, The James Royal Palm is a surefire winner. Between the ocean-front gym, beachside location, choice of two swimming pools and on-site nutritionist, every member of the family will be more than happy at this South Beach beauty.
Originally built in 1939, The James Royal Palm recently reopened after a serious facelift and the results speak for themselves. The two bedroom suites can be transformed into three bedroom boltholes so even those with large broods can book in. And as children’s clubs go, the Lil’ James is unbeatable. Both the indoor and outdoor play areas that were designed in conjunction with the Miami Children’s Museum; day trips are arranged if children are itching for a change of scenery and the Lil’ James beach area offers a sandcastle building section. Milk and cookies are served as a turndown service and toddlers are welcome to use the bike seats, helmets, baby baths, children’s movies and kids’ games that are available for guests’ use.
Cass Chapman is the founder of kodomo.com a luxury travel site offering information to parents on where to eat, stay and play with babies, toddlers and young teens in tow. Visit each month to catch up on their latest parent-of-interest Kodomo Q&A
