In The Know: March

Wyndham Portocolom, Mallorca

Mallorca is always one of our go-to picks for an easy, sunshine-filled family beach break – and this April there’s a brilliant new opening to have on your radar

Wyndham Portocolom ticks that sweet spot we know so many of you look for: the freedom of self-catering with the ease of resort facilities (and at prices that feel refreshingly reasonable for Mallorca). It’s just 150 metres from the beautiful, gently shelving Cala Marçal beach on the island’s east coast – ideal for bucket-and-spade mornings and low-stress swims with little ones

Accommodation comes in studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments sleeping up to four, all with balconies, open-plan living spaces and kitchenettes. In other words: space to spread out, easy breakfasts in pyjamas, and no pressure to be dressed and out by 9am

But when you don’t feel like cooking? There are on-site restaurants, plus a swimming pool, multi-use sports court and gym. Older kids and teens will love the games arcade and cinema room, and there’s even a co-working space if you need to sneak in a few emails while the kids are happily occupied

For families who want beach access, flexibility and facilities – without the full all-inclusive price tag – this is one we think will book up quickly

The Grove, Hertfordshire

If you’re looking for an easy Easter escape without the airport queues, The Grove is always a brilliant option. Just outside London in leafy Hertfordshire, this stylish family favourite goes all-in on school holiday magic – and Easter is one of its best

Throughout the holidays, the estate’s Spring Barn transforms into a lively hub of activity, with crafts, storytime and hands-on play alongside a charming pop-up farm. Children can meet farm animals, hop aboard a Woodland Tractor Ride through the grounds, or get stuck into Seedlings & Sprouts – a cute hands-on gardening workshop where little ones plant and care for their own creations. There’s also plenty of cupcake and biscuit decorating for those who prefer their crafts edible – who doesn’t?!

And because it wouldn’t be Easter without a proper hunt, The Grove lays on its much-loved Bunny Bonanza – a playful, high-energy egg hunt complete with hopping races, egg rolling and themed challenges, before celebrating with a special Easter Afternoon Tea. There’s also Easter Tales Live!, an interactive storytelling show that’s always a hit

Beyond the seasonal fun, this is a seriously slick hotel that manages to feel both luxurious and genuinely family-friendly. Think enormous family suites, a standout spa for parents, an indoor pool, golf course, bikes to explore the estate and acres of space for children to run free

Jet2’s New Summer Flights

Let’s be honest – we are so over winter and already dreaming of long, sunny summer holidays. So here’s some genuinely good news if you’re mentally stretched out on a beach with a cocktail in hand: Jet2 will operate 29 new routes throughout the summer season, giving families even more choice for sunshine escapes

Destinations span family favourites including Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus, alongside Turkey, Malta, Italy, Bulgaria and Croatia – meaning everything from easy beach breaks to culture-packed city stays is firmly on the table

Jet2 will launch operations from Gatwick with six aircraft and an exciting network of 29 routes, with very first flight will take off for Tenerife on 26 March 2026 – perfectly timed for the Easter holidays (and ideal for anyone desperate to swap chocolate eggs for guaranteed sunshine). And if you want to get on that plane, we’d highly recommend Kora Nivaria Beach in Tenerife – a great budget-friendly hotel that’s perfect for families

And crucially for families: more flight options across school holiday dates mean you’re not forced into travelling on one specific (and often pricier) day. With frequent departures during peak periods, it’s far easier to plan around inset days, split breaks or opt for shorter getaways – making summer 2026 travel feel that little bit more manageable. Because if we’re already dreaming of summer, we may as well start planning it properly

Grecotel Creta Palace, Crete

Reopening this May after a full-scale renovation, Grecotel Creta Palace reveals a complete resort-wide transformation, taking this long-standing family favourite to a whole new level of child-friendly luxury

There are lavish new family suites and interconnecting rooms (perfect if you’re travelling with grandparents or teens), plus a specially designed kids’ pool and play area. Then there’s Grecoland – a state-of-the-art kids’ club offering everything from cooking workshops to an eco-farming programme. It’s thoughtful, creative and genuinely engaging – not just a token playroom

The resort has also joined the LUXME® Edition – Grecotel’s Luxury Made Easy® concept – meaning a truly elevated all-inclusive experience. Expect seven excellent restaurants, a beautiful spa, wine tasting, tennis, and a huge range of other activities to keep everyone entertained

The brand-new Aqua Park transforms every day into an unforgettable family adventure. Exhilarating water slides, playful splash zones, and a dedicated zero-entry family pool create a safe, joyful space where children and parents can share the thrill of the water – all overseen by an experienced, multilingual team

And the setting? You’ll wake up on Crete’s longest sandy beach – a 12-kilometre stretch of soft sand with gently shelving sea, ideal for little ones. With plenty of loungers and attentive beach service, it’s the kind of environment that makes long, lazy family days feel effortless

It might feel like we’re still knee-deep in winter coats and (missing!) gloves and hats, but honestly – it’s never too early to talk about suncream. The second those first rays break through, it’s time to engage in that annual parenting ritual: wrestling your child into submission while applying SPF, accompanied by dramatic threats along the lines of, “No one is ever having ice cream again if you don’t stand still!”

While we can’t make the process any less torturous, we can recommend a brand that makes the protection part reassuringly easy

Childs Farm was founded in 2010 by mum Joanna Jensen, who struggled to find sun cream suitable for her daughters’ sensitive, eczema-prone skin. What started as a kitchen-table solution has grown into one of the UK’s best-loved children’s toiletry brands

Today, the range spans everything from shower gels and shampoos to moisturisers and bubble bath – all designed for delicate skin and free from harsh ingredients. But it’s the suncream we really rate

The SPF 50 offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, is quick-absorbing (so you’re not left chasing a slippery child around the garden), and – crucially – is extra water-resistant. The roll-on stick is particularly brilliant for squirmers and makes top-ups at the beach or by the pool far less dramatic

Reasonably priced, gentle on sensitive skin and sweet-smelling without being overpowering, it’s exactly the sort of reliable essential you’ll want to chuck in your beach bag this summer

It’s the holy grail of family travel: somewhere that feels properly stylish and grown-up, yet still genuinely welcoming to children. And this year, that’s exactly what’s on offer at Casa La Siesta

Long known as a rustic-chic hideaway in the heart of Andalucía, this beautiful boutique retreat has built its reputation as a “home from home” for design-loving adults. Think whitewashed walls, bougainvillea-draped courtyards and slow, sun-drenched afternoons by the pool

The property offers six individually designed bedrooms alongside two self-catering villas, all set around a gorgeous pool and an excellent restaurant that champions relaxed, seasonal dining

Previously adults-only, Casa La Siesta is now welcoming children into the fold with specially curated family weeks throughout the year during school holidays – giving parents the chance to experience its laid-back luxury without compromising on child-friendly accommodation or activities. Babysitters, early suppers for children and kids’ menus all make an appearance

You won’t find a kids’ club or a playground, but you can immerse yourself in the stunning grounds and make the most of the great location with some awesome beaches right on your doorstep. For families who don’t want to swap style for practicality, this feels like a great opportunity to get the best of both worlds

The dates to know are 27th March to 15th April; 9th July until 24th August and 18th October to 3rd November. Be quick!