Look for the rainbow
Your little ones might be more energetic than ever on holiday, but that shouldn’t mean the grown-ups can’t find time to switch off from the stresses of daily life. Here’s a selection of the most seductive spa hotels – each of them perfect for keeping the kids entertained, too.
MARTINHAL SAGRES
Algarve, Portugal
This glass-enhanced hideaway in the Algarve dazzles thanks to its blissful stretch of sun-soaked sand, rugged neighbouring parkland (just begging to be cycled or hiked through), and an impressive all-natural spa that welcomes the kids, too – the place to go for getting wrapped head-to-toe in giant strips of seaweed (a proven cellulite-buster, apparently). Let off steam in the sauna, take to the tennis court or kick back in the sea-surveying restaurant.
You needn’t fear the protestations of older kids, either: they can lose themselves in the hotel’s extensive video game collection.
Smith extra: A glass of Portuguese sparkling wine for each adult and one mocktail for each child, plus a 10 per cent discount on one massage
DAR ZEMORA
Marrakech, Morocco
From the calmness felt on arrival at Dar Zemora, you’d never guess how close it is to the city’s bustling Medina. The beautiful country-house style hotel is surrounded by elegant gardens filled with orange and lemon trees – perfect for little Smiths to traipse around. Inside, jewel-accented interiors and floor cushions provide a fairytale setting for the whole family.
Set in a private garden complete with its own swimming pool, the Pavilion Suite is great for groups. And, in keeping with its peaceful atmosphere, there’s also a hammam offering massages, aromatherapy and reflexology treatments.
Smith extra: A candlelit scented bath with rose petals; if you’ve booked Dar Zemora for exclusive use, you’ll also get a camel ride from the gates
MAIA LUXURY RESORT & SPA
Seychelles
When it comes to relaxation, we’ll gladly take the usual Indian Ocean clichés: palms rippling in the warm breeze; white sand abutting turquoise waters. This is precisely what’s on offer at Maia Luxury Resort, but it’s ideal for family escapes, too. The ‘twenty dancing fingers’ massage is pure bliss in the twin pavilions of the Omorovicza spa, where young ones are also welcome – but they’ll probably prefer the extensive kids’ programme of excursions, swimming lessons, snorkelling and other adventures.
Babysitting is available 24 hours a day, which leaves you plenty of time to clink cocktail glasses at the idyllic Sunset Pool Bar.
Smith extra: A 60-minute Gentle Soul Massage each
With the amount of activities provided, you probably won’t see much of the your little ones from the moment your seaplane lands at Kokomo Private Island to the moment you take off again. The Kaji kids’ club has a packed daily schedule, including a dolphin safari, treasure hunts, beach Olympics, Fijian dance lessons and a hermit crab hunt, while the ‘tween’ club caters to older children, enabling them to go exploring across Kokomo.
With the kids taken care of, you can make the most of the Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary where treatments are unique to the Pacific Islands, including the fascinating seashell massage. Decompress further in your private infinity pool, and gather all the family together for dinner (cocktails for the grown-ups) in your spacious, open-plan villa.
Smith extra: For singles or couples, a sundowner cocktail each at Walker D’Plank. For families, a sunset cruise for two adults and two children
Originally built as a guesthouse for visitors of King Sihanouk, Amansara is today a 24-suite boutique bolthole, ideally situated to explore Angkor and Siem Reap. The hotel’s spa consists of four treatment rooms, each with a private relaxation area, steam bath and shower, as well as views of a reflection pond and Angkor-inspired bas-relief for the ultimate in Cambodian relaxation.
Despite its sophisticated offerings, Amansara caters fantastically to children: all excursions can be tailored to suit more junior members of the family, and baby welcome packs are offered on arrival.
Smith extra: A traditional noodle breakfast at Khmer Village House
With Mr & Mrs Smith you’ll enjoy our best-price guarantee, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call toll free at 800 905 326 or visit mrandmrssmith.com
