Thankfully the half-term, spring and Easter school vacations will soon be upon us. After several long months of having the family cooped up inside, perhaps you all need some rest and relaxation in a sunny beach destination. Or maybe it’s the ideal time for an adventurous or cultural break in an exciting new travel destination? From Scottish castles to sand castles, we’ve kept the whole family in mind when pulling together these fabulous family-friendly luxury villas and cruises by our UltraVilla experts across the globe.
Samujana – Koh Samui, Thailand
Samujana is an excellent choice for families in search of a holiday that will keep the entire family entertained. Many of the villas are perfect for families and in addition, the team at Samujana can baby-proof the pools and villas to ensure that the little ones enjoy their holiday in a fun and safe environment.
To further attract families, Samujana has just introduced a new family package which boasts an array of fun and educational activities for children of all ages. The package is very flexible and the activities can take place on whichever day the family choose. It includes a family BBQ, a Muay Thai boxing lesson for the whole family, Thai cooking class, movie night with pizza making and popcorn, children’s swimming lesson and arts and craft such as painting the view. The package is priced at 5000 THB for adults and 6000 THB for children.
In addition to the package, a childcare service is available with fully qualified nannies trained at the Royal Thai Ministry of Education An hourly babysitting service, daily nanny service or weekly nanny service and live in or live out services are available. All the villas have private infinity edge pools and some feature private cinemas and games rooms that are perfect to keep the children entertained. Koh Samui’s beaches are safe for children. Other activities on the island include two water parks, modern cinemas, tenpin bowling and a jumping castle playzone.
Please the whole family and create memories to last a lifetime by holidaying at Samujana.
Masseria Petriolo – Puglia, Italy
Combine charm and history with fantastic facilities and beach proximity for the ideal family break in Italy at the beautiful Masseria Petriolo, available through excellence.villas by Trust&Travel. Situated in Apulia, Puglia, this fortified eight-bedroom country house is only six kilometers from the beach, has two pools, endless gardens and gorgeous seas views.
Dating back to 1689, Masseria Petriolo was restored by renowned interior designers Alexander Waterworth (Soho House) who highlighted the home’s lovely historic features like stunning vaulted ceilings and the 17th-century chapel while incorporating fresh modernity.
The house is built around a large courtyard and has six bedrooms, as well as living, dining rooms, three kitchens, a hammam and a rooftop terrace with pool. It also includes an extra double bedroom and a fully separate concierge apartment. It is set on a 30-hectare (75 acre) organic farm filled with orange, mandarin and lemon groves, ancient olive groves, and organic fruit, vegetable and herb gardens.
The pool house, located about 25 meters from the main villa, consists of two interconnecting rooms, with wonderful uninterrupted views, covered terrace and outdoor kitchen, dining and lounging area. The pool features a shallower area for playing and a toddler circle for the little ones.
Onsite there is also a kids playground and an astro turf tennis court with viewing gazebo. An 1973 Airstream Overlander, found in the olive groves, can be used as a base for a picnic or al fresco dinner and is a fun additional place for the children to explore.
Enjoy the endless family pleasures of Masseria Petriolo and the nearby beach by reaching out to excellence.villas / Trust & Travel at this link.
Villa Ganesh – Flamands Beach, Saint Barthélemy
With the perfect blend of relaxed luxury, family friendly amenities and an incredible location, the beachfront Villa Ganesh, by St Barth Properties, is an amazing family destination for this spring break.
Kids will adore being a mere few steps from the warm waters of fabulous Flamands Beach, the expansive decks cool pool, play area and the ping pong table is always a big hit. They are two kayaks and two paddleboards available for guests who want to hit the waves. The terrace features gorgeous panoramic views of the sea and neighboring islands, and a staircase leads directly down to the white sandy beach. Due to its great location you’ll be able to walk along the water for breakfast, lunch or dinner at a number of nearby restaurants or meals can be enjoyed al fresco on the villa’s covered dining portico.
Inside, a spacious open floor plan includes a well-equipped kitchen and living and dining areas. The chic, island decor is comfortable and luxurious without a fuss. A private upper-level master suite with a king-size bed has its own private terrace with a spectacular view. Its bath has an elegant bathtub, perfect for soaking after a long day of family fun. A bunk room sleeps four, and there is also a third bedroom (with a king bed), all have en-suite baths, TVs and an iPod docking station for downtime.
Savor some amazing family time in the Caribbean with St Barth’s Properties here.
ATHOS Barge – Canal du Midi, France
Family, festivity, and fun are the calling cards of the congenial experience aboard the Athos. This Barge Lady Cruise can accommodate up to 10 passengers, making it ideal for two and three generation families who will love cruising on their own vessel during spring break.
Owner-operated by Captain Julian and Barge Manager Dannielle Farrant, parents of small children themselves, they understand that happy children mean happy parents! With its charming yet informal ambiance, the Athos fits perfectly into canal cruising’s wonderfully relaxed lifestyle. The cabins are cozy and are decorated in a “country French” in style with nautical elements.
“Dining is a celebratory affair, with elaborate table settings and attentive service by the crew furthering the convivial atmosphere, especially because the chef makes sure even the pickiest eaters enjoy their meals,” says Stephanie Sack of Barge Lady Cruises. “The hospitable and convivial crew ensure that guests are comfortable and content at all times.”
Claiming the bragging rights for the barge with the largest deck on the Canal du Midi, guests of all ages enjoy this perfect spot to soak in the passing pastoral scenery, perhaps while enjoying a glass of wine, a cup of tea, or a sip of soda. Strolling and bicycling along the canal’s tree-lined towpath reveals the area’s abundant flora and fauna.
The team at Barge Lady Cruises will create a custom sightseeing program for your family to showcase the best of the region’s sights and scenes; family fun is offered every day and includes such activities as kayaking, swimming, picnicking, bicycling, tennis, and horseback riding.
Contact Barge Lady Cruises here to start planning your fun and enriching family vacation aboard the Athos.
Cloud 9 Villa – Bay of Islands, New Zealand
You don’t have to miss out on a warm spring break by travelling to the southern hemisphere. The very north of New Zealand’s North Island has a surprisingly tropical climate and is host to some amazing seaside villas, like the Cloud 9 villa by MajorDomo.
This exquisite villa offers sweeping views across both the Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Islands in which the town of Russell nestles. This Bay of Islands holiday house is on a securely gated private road and surrounded by beautiful natural bush. Crashing waves can be heard from 100 meters below, whilst at night, Kiwis can be heard foraging in the bush.
This self-contained villa sleeps six people in three double bedrooms (two with ensuites) and two people in one twin room. All rooms have sea views. It has large open plan living, dining and kitchen and is equipped and furnished to the highest standards. Both living areas have gas log fires for those cooler evenings. The villa is fully air-conditioned for the warmer months. It has state of the art entertainment systems, including flat screen televisions, Sky TV and complimentary wireless internet, all integrated into the house.
The villa is surrounded on three sides by decking and terracing so there is plenty of room for children to play, plus there’s a stunning infinity pool and a five-person spa pool, where you can unwind at the end of the day and soak up the gorgeous views. There is an outdoor BBQ to whip up casual meals that will appeal to the whole family.
Make the most of the balmy end of summer and beginning autumn in New Zealand with Majordomo at this link.
Marchons Sur l’Eau – St-Tropez, France
A seamless horizon from the exquisite infinity pool to the shimmering Mediterranean has baptized this striking villa “Walk on Water,” by Villas Prestiges et Services. With its hidden location above the picturesque port of Ramatuelle, it offers complete seclusion within a short drive from glamorous St-Tropez is only a short drive away.
The spacious, newly built eight-bedroom villa is has a sleek modern juxtaposed with bright furniture and Miro inspired art. The open plan living room and kitchen is flanked with vast windows to highlight the phenomenal views of the sea and includes a one-of-a-kind dining room table which could be consider a work of art itself. Bedrooms are divided into two wings offering guests privacy and space. A highlight is definitely the spectacular terrace with an exquisite heated infinity pool, plenty of daybeds, comfortable seating and a bar and barbecue area.
Guests can walk a few minutes along the sea path to nearby Cap Taillat beach. In addition to the wide beach, there is a sailing club, tennis courts, boat, kayak and paddle board and jetski rentals. Guests can also enjoy gentle hikes along coastal paths featuring beautiful wild nature much loved by children.
The pretty village of Ramatuelle is well worth a visit to explore its charming boutiques quaint restaurants and exceptional views of the surrounding countryside, mountains and aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean.
Enjoy the best of the French Riviera for families without the summer crowds this spring break with Villas Prestige et Services at this link.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge – Uganda
This contemporary safari lodge by Volcanoes Safaris is the perfect place for a family or multi-generational group looking to enjoy the diversity of activities and the exceptional natural beauty of Uganda.
The lodge has been converted from an old coffee processing plant and has breathtaking views overlooking the Queen Elizabeth National Park, with the magical Mountains of the Moon in the distance. The original structure has been carefully restored to create a gorgeous and contemporary living space, maintaining its historic character with the addition of distinct luxurious spaces for guests to relax. The lovely individual bandas are tucked into the hillside and feature luxurious comforts like en-suite bathrooms and private views of the park.
Family activities include chimps treks in Kyambura Gorge and fun safari boat cruises on Kazinga Channel, to a tour of Omwani Cafè and Community Coffee Cooperative and exploration of bee-hives projects.
Introduce your children to Africa in this unique Ugandan mountain setting with Volcanoes Safaris.
Petite Plage 5 – St Martin
On a small private road at the far end of Grand Case is Petite Plage 5, this 6-bedroom contemporary estate by Carimo sits in an oasis of tranquility and is the perfect Caribbean base for food and beach loving families.
The large horseshoe shaped heated pool sits at sea’s edge with views out to neighbouring island Anguilla. In the center of the horseshoe is a covered terrace for relaxing pool side and a hot tub sits near the private Bali style gazebo away from the main pool, providing a peaceful retreat for taking in the sunset Caribbean sun. Covered and open terraces also span the length of this estate villa.
The waters off Petite Plage beach are calm, perfect for snorkeling out to the famous Creole Rock or better yet Stand-Up Paddle boarding there. Plus, only a short distance from Petite Plage you’re in Grand Case: the “Food Capital of the Caribbean.” Chefs comment that “if it was in Paris or New York this morning, it is in St. Martin tonight.” Some of the island’s best restaurants are only steps from this amazing villa.
In addition, there are many events in the first quarter of the year such as the Heineken Regatta in March which draws the global boating crowd and every Tuesday night from mid-January through mid-April, Grand Case hosts the Mardi de Grand Case, a lively evening of culture, local arts and crafts, music and colorful entertainment for the whole family.
Savor a taste of the Caribbean and the peacefulness of your own private villa haven with Carimo at this link. 
Villa Amina – Marrakech, Morocco
Only 20 minutes from the bustling Medina of Marrakech, the Villa Amina, by Kensington Luxury Properties, is the perfect family home to relax and enjoy some quiet and peaceful quality time.
The villa is located in the lush Ourika valley which spreads between the first foothills of the Atlas Mountains and the city. Built in 2004 in traditional style and named after Morocco’s most beautiful river, it is accessed through an archway over a canal bridge where you will find just ten villas in private and peaceful seclusion. The entrance to the villa itself is via a glorious Andalusian style courtyard filled with fragrant orange and lemon trees and a gurgling fountain.
The villa is set in a large garden, spectacularly planted with a thousand roses, bougainvillea, plumbago, olive, pomegranate and banana trees as well as cool, soft lawn for children to run and play on. The garden is home to Leila and Charlie, a tortoise couple, who boss around the exotic birds and butterflies drawn to this much-loved garden.
The pretty, colorful bedrooms are located on the ground floor of the villa and in the nearby Pavilion, which is ideal either for teenagers who want their own space.The impressive entrance hall is crowned with an oblong dome. Guests can gather in the media room with bar, which opens onto the upper terrace featuring Moroccan style seating and shady pergola. It overlooks the gardens and has awe-inspiring views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Children can enjoy hours of fun in the large heated swimming pool (12 x 5 meters), the separate paddling pool, or over matches of badminton and other games like Scrabble, Backgammon and cards.
Experience a springtime family oasis in Morocco with Kensington Luxury Properties.
Otaha Beachfront Lodge – Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Spring transforms into autumn down under at this stylish five bedroom villa in New Zealand’s spectacular Bay of Island, only a two-minute walk to a secluded beach and available through by Touch of Spice.
Built in 2013, Otaha Beachfront Lodge has been designed to make the most out of its exceptional location. The golden wooden floors are made from the timber of neighboring trees and the floor to ceiling windows maximize the breathtaking views throughout the property. It’s incredibly spacious, with a modern, crisp feel – it’s definitely beachside living with a luxurious twist. Entertaining is made easy with a large open plan living area and plenty of outdoor space, complete with decking, dining area, and barbecue.
With five bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, it’s the ideal family beach getaway. If you’re after a vacation where you can sit back, unwind and enjoy the uninterrupted oceans views in your own private paradise, then this is the villa for you!
Bring together the best of the beach and New Zealand’s amazing nature on a family vacation with Touch of Spice at this link.
Forter Castle – Scotland
Take the family on a storybook holiday to the magical Forter Castle set in lovely Perthshire, Scotland and available through Loyd and Townsend Rose. An enchanting destination with an abundance of original activities for the whole family.
The castle was constructed by James Ogilvy, the fifth Lord of Airlie, in 1560 as a ‘Fortalice’, a fortified house to protect and fortify the area’s passes and a beautiful representation of its history is painted on its ceiling. In 1988 the castle underwent careful restorations overseen by a father and daughter team, Robert and Katharine Pooley, who brought it back to its former glory. Great care was taken to ensure that the authenticity of the castle’s history was retained while including all the modern comforts any visitor would expect. The successful result is a warm, welcoming, comfortable and intriguing Scottish castle.
The best of Scotland can be enjoyed at the castle and the surrounding countryside which is ideal for walks and a large variety of traditional Scottish outdoor activities such as archery, air rifle shooting, axe throwing and crossbow firing as well as horse riding, fishing and mountain biking.
Thrill your children with this fabulous Scottish castle holiday through Loyd and Townsend Rose here.
Beach Rendezvous – Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii is a fantastic destination for families in spring with its beachfront access, heated pool, and huge lawn the five bedroom Beach Rendezvous villa by Hawaii Hideaways is the ideal family base in the archipelago.
The classic two-story beach home by Hawaii Hideaways enjoys a prime location right on a sandy beach of Maui’s South side. The airy interior decorated in neutral colors and natural fabrics has open plan living areas, high ceilings, hardwood floors, ceiling fans and air-conditioning to keep guests cool. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors frame the stunning views of the tree-lined beach and the shimmering Pacific Ocean. The well-equipped kitchen contains everything you need to cook a great meal.
The downstairs master suite is furnished with a king-size bed, en-suite bath and outdoor shower. A queen guest suite with kitchenette and private bath is on the opposite end of the house off the kitchen, a second private entrance leads directly outdoors. The upstairs rooms include an en-suite master suite with a king-size bed and a queen guest suite that sharing a jack/jill bath with two twin bedroom. An additional queen bedroom with private living space and small kitchen is located on the second floor with access via the upstairs living space or stairs directly to outside.
The covered patio is the perfect place to relax and watch the stunning sunsets over the ocean. A private solar heated swimming pool is set amidst island landscaping, surrounded by a small lawn. The beach is calm all year round and is shallow for a distance. Children will love spending their days shelling, shallow snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, taking beach walks or whale watching excursions. Nearby there is access to a mild surfing break, for teen beginners.
In the vicinity, there are many good restaurants and excellent shopping. The pretty town of Wailea, with further restaurants and shopping, is just a five-minute drive away and the airport is less than a 20-minute drive.
Enjoy the beauty of Hawaii on a relaxing family vacation with Hawaii Hideaways at this link.
Villa Sirine – Oualidia, Morocco
Mahu Whenua – New Zealand
