In The Know: May

Calcot’s new treehouses

Big news from the Cotswolds: Calcot & Spa is branching out – literally. This June, the much-loved country escape is unveiling a dreamy new collection of two-bedroom Treehouses, tucked away in its 220 acres of gorgeous landscape. Picture perfect – and with with a private sauna thrown in

These new storybook-style dwellings sit just beyond the main hotel, giving you that delicious “away from it all” feeling – while still keeping the spa, restaurant and all the other good stuff within easy reach. Throw open the curtains to dappled morning sunlight through the trees and in the evening you can chill out on the balcony overlooking uninterrupted woodland. Bliss

Inside, it’s all about comfort. Think warm wood, soft lighting, and calming, nature-inspired interiors. There’s a stunning master bedroom, plus a loft-style twin room that’s perfect for kids. The cosy living space spills out onto a personal deck, ideal for lazy breakfasts or a glass of wine as the sun dips. Thoughtful extras like binoculars for birdwatching, rewilding maps, and a pantry stocked with local treats just add to the loveliness

Calcot is well known for being heaven for families with 4 hours complimentary childcare per day for all ages in the awesome Playbarn; cots, baby monitors, bottle warmers, sterilisers and nappy bins all provided and a even a dedicated children’s tea time from 5pm. Then there’s a newly renovated state-of-the-art spa, with heated in & outdoor pools, fireside hot tub and wonderful treatment menu, as well as two amazing restaurants. So really it was already awesome even without the treehouses but they will undoubtably add to this fantastic family-friendly spot

Neilson x Mangia’s Torre del Barone Resort, Sicily

If you’re new to Neilson Active Holidays, here’s the deal: they’ve been absolutely nailing sporty family holidays for decades. We’re talking sailing, tennis, cycling, watersports – you name it – all included, all expertly run and all designed so parents can actually relax while the kids are off having the time of their lives

This summer they have a fab new spot to add to their list, Mangia’s Torre del Barone Resort. Set on Sicily’s southwest coast near Sciacca, this one’s shaping up to be a seriously fun, sun-drenched addition to the brand’s lineup. Think laid-back Sicilian charm meets Neilson’s signature all-action holiday magic

So, what’s new? Pretty much everything you’d want. The resort has had a stylish refurb, with upgraded rooms, slick new social spaces and a serious focus on outdoor living (hello, sea views everywhere). Expect shiny sports facilities, multiple pools, and easy access to that golden coastline. It’s also leaning hard into food – this is Italy, after all – so you can expect pizza, gelato mixed in with plenty of healthy options are one of the four restaurants – all welcoming of kids of course

There’s a new Racquet Sports Centre which makes this resort the only Neilson offering tennis, padel, and pickleball at a dedicated centre. Then there’s the water sports with cool new activities include efoiling, sea scooter snorkelling, paddleboarding, and sailing

Tiny Travelship’s interactive map

We love sharing great hotels and destinations with you – but did you know we also have a super-helpful interactive map that brings them all together in one handy location?

Our clever Tiny Travel Map features hundreds of hotels, resorts, and self-catering stays that we’ve highlighted on Instagram. You’ll find everything from simple rural getaways in France to glitzy five-star, all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and adventures in South Africa. There really is something for every kind of family holiday no matter what age your children are or what you like to get up to

It’s designed to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Want a kids’ club or a heated pool? Just tick the relevant boxes. Prefer to browse by destination? You can do that too. Each listing lets you click through to read honest reviews from fellow parents, giving you the real lowdown on what to expect – plus their top tips. Gold dust when you are trying to track down the dream escape with the kids

And those little heart icons? They mark the places our team truly loves. So if you’re searching for family holiday inspiration, our map is the perfect place to start

The Ickworth Hotel, Suffolk

The Luxury Family Hotels group really knows its stuff when it comes to stylish stays with children in tow – and now they’re welcoming a “new” addition back into the fold: The Ickworth. Reopening its doors this May after a major glow-up, this five-star grand property is set to be an instant hit with LFH’s loyal fan club of parents

Set in a swoon-worthy 1,800-acre estate in the Suffolk countryside, this Italianate beauty has had a full head-to-toe refurb. Think dreamy new bedrooms, seriously stylish lounges and a spa situation that’s firmly on our wish list (hello Nordic hot tubs and horse-box sauna)

The Ickworth joins much-loved sister properties like Fowey Hall, Moonfleet Manor, New Park Manor and Woolley Grange – all known for that winning combo of grown-up luxury and kid-friendly magic

And yes, families are very well looked after. Expect complimentary childcare from babies upwards, plus dedicated spaces for every age—from imaginative play zones for little ones to chilled hangouts for tweens and teens. There’s even a cinema for cosy movie nights. Family suites (cots come as standard), kid’s mealtimes and a wonderful family library add to the endless reasons to book

Then there’s the setting… acres of parkland to roam, bikes to hop on, deer to spot -it’s the kind of place where kids run free and parents actually switch off. If you’re after a staycation that’s equal parts chic and child-approved, this one’s heading straight to the top of your list

OKU Andalusia’s new kids’ club

If you’re a parent who’s already a fan of OKU’s laid-back, boho-luxe vibe, this is the news you’ve been waiting for – OKU Andalusia’s brand-new kids’ club has opened just in time for summer 2026

And yes, expectations are high. This marks a big moment for the brand as its first properly family-focused space – and it’s anything but ordinary. This is OKU, after all, so guests will discover a seriously stylish take on the classic kids’ club. Think earthy tones, natural materials and a beautiful Spanish ranch-style setting that feels more like a mini retreat than a drop-and-go playroom

Open to children aged 2–12 (with babysitting available for younger ones), it’s all about thoughtful, age-specific experiences. There are creative workshops, treasure hunts, splash play, storytelling and hands-on cultural activities inspired by the gorgeous Andalusian surroundings. Outdoors, there’s plenty to explore too – from adventure play areas to water-based fun in that glorious Spanish sunshine

Traditionally, OKU has been more geared towards grown-ups. Properties like OKU Kos and OKU Bodrum are adults-only (or 16+), centred around wellness, beach clubs and that effortlessly cool DJ-by-the-pool vibe. Even OKU Ibiza leans more towards couples and groups, with its stylish, social atmosphere

But OKU Andalusia keeps the brand’s signature barefoot luxury while adding a genuinely thoughtful family offering, with the kids’ club at its heart. The result? A hotel that perfectly bridges the gap – cool for design-loving parents and loads of fun for kids. And we’re very here for it

Phaea Cretan Malia’s treehouse kids’ club

If you’re on the lookout for a family holiday that feels a little more magical (and a lot more memorable), the new treehouses at Phaea Cretan Malia might just be your thing

Set on the north coast of Crete, chic, design-led resort has long been a favourite with families thanks to its amazing beachfront setting, beautiful gardens and easy-going vibe

Now there’s an extra layer of magic. Tucked within the Little Explorers Kids’ Club, the brand-new treehouses have been created to bring families closer to nature – and to each other. And they’re not just for show

There are two distinct spaces: one dedicated to creative play and exploration, and the other designed for cosy sleepovers, complete with bunk beds and all the fairy-tale feels. By day, kids can dive into imaginative adventures – think storytelling inspired by Cretan myths and legends, treasure hunts through the gardens, and hands-on, nature-based crafts that celebrate the island’s wild, beautiful surroundings

Food is part of the fun too, with picnic-style breakfasts, lunches and dinners that can be enjoyed in the treehouse itself – adding to that immersive, back-to-nature experience. And for something truly special, the sleepover option turns it into a mini adventure all of its own, with space for two to snuggle up high among the trees

Phaea Cretan Malia has always done family holidays well – but this takes it to another level. Well done to them!