In The Know: April

Mondrian Ibiza

Every family has its hotel checklist when it comes to booking – from kids’ clubs and babysitting to beach access –  there are certain must-haves that sit firmly at the top of the priority list. One of the big ones? Interconnecting rooms. They give you that perfect balance of everyone staying together, but with just enough space (and sanity-saving separation) built in

If that’s big plus point for you and the White Isle is on your radar, then there’s good news. Mondrian Ibiza has just opened a collection of fantastic interconnecting rooms designed with families in mind. Think sleek, stylish interiors, plenty of space, and in many cases, dreamy sea views to wake up to. Even better, cots can be easily arranged, making it a smooth option for families with little ones in tow

And it’s not just about the rooms. The hotel delivers on all fronts with a brilliant kids’ club, a family-friendly pool, and plenty of dining options that go beyond the usual ‘kids’ menu on repeat’. There’s also a gym and spa for when you manage to sneak off-duty for an hour

But the real standout? Location. The hotel sits just above Cala Llonga, one of the island’s best beaches, complete with soft sand, calm waters, and a cool beach club right on your doorstep. Dreamy all round

Village Heights Resort, Crete

It’s always a win when a hotel puts as much thought into its kids’ club as it does the grown-up spaces – and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Village Heights Resort. This swish Greek spot has recently unveiled a newly renovated incredibly stylish play sanctuary (and honestly, it really does feel like one) designed especially for little guests

Bright, airy and seriously easy on the eye, this beautifully designed space is more than just somewhere to drop the kids – it’s somewhere they’ll genuinely want to be. Inside, you’ll find creative activities, hands-on crafts, chilled-out reading corners and interactive play zones, all thoughtfully laid out in one calm, spacious setting. It welcomes kids aged 3 to 12, giving them the freedom to explore, create and unwind

The fun doesn’t stop indoors either. Outside, there’s a dedicated play area plus a packed programme of organised activities where kids can try everything from sports to learning about Greek mythology (yes, they may come back full of Zeus facts). But all this ensures a wonderful mix of exciting holiday experiences alongside while buddying up with other kids

Back at the resort, families are well catered for with two family-friendly pools and a games room complete with pool tables and table ice hockey – a guaranteed hit with teens. All in all, it’s easy to see why this five-star spot in Crete is such a strong contender for a sunny, stress-free family escape this year

Elderflower Fields Festival

If you don’t have a holiday planned for May half-term, but fancy doing something fun, easy and UK-based with your kiddos, then check out Elderflower Fields Festival. Totally aimed at families, there’s a packed programme of activities and events for both parents and children

Set in the beautiful Sussex countryside, the festival takes place on a sprawling, easy-to-navigate site surrounded by woodland and open fields – big enough to feel like a proper adventure, but compact enough that you’re never trekking for miles with tired little legs. There’s plenty of food available too – big tick with kids

First up, the outdoorsy magic. Kids can get stuck into den building, bug hunting, bird-spotting safaris and guided nature walks, or try their hand at bushcraft and survival skills. There’s even pond dipping and environmental workshops for mini nature lovers. Add to this zip wires, climbing walls and obstacle courses, plus canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding on the lakes – basically, it’s non-stop adventure

There’s also a huge selection of music to enjoy – from folk to club classics (it is a festival after all) – and kids are completely part of the experience. Everything is designed to be enjoyed as a family, from dance classes and yoga to youth music workshops where kids can perform or learn from real artists

British Airways new destinations and boosted routes

Anyone planning a long haul trip this year should take note of the new destinations and increased services that British Airways has just announced for 2026

First up, they are now flying from London to Melbourne and Colombo in Sri Lanka – two completely new routes for BA and a big win for families keen to go further without complicated connections

In response to ongoing disruption in the Middle East, the airline has also added additional flights to Bangkok and Singapore, making it easier for passengers to bypass the region, whether flying direct to Asia or using these cities as stopovers

To meet increased demand, they’ve also boosted services to top winter sun favourites, including Cape Town in South Africa and Bridgetown in Barbados, as well as long-haul family-friendly hotspots like Tokyo and San José in Costa Rica

All in all, this is good news for families – more direct routes, better connectivity, and more flexibility for parents keen to set off on far flung adventures in 2026

Sunnylife

So summer is on its way (fingers crossed for sun!) and that means beach days, hotel pool hangs, and afternoons in the garden. If you’re looking for some fresh, fun kit for the kids, Sunnylife is the name to know. This cool Aussie brand totally gets families and summer, and they’ve been nailing it since 2003, straight out of Sydney. Think bold prints, bright colours, and a whole vibe that screams “holiday!” – even if you’re just at home with a paddling pool

When it comes to beach toys, they’re absolute pros. Classics like rainbow pool rings, ride-on flamingos, and surf mats sit alongside quirky little water toys like shark squirters. Safety isn’t an afterthought either – there are swimming vests, goggles and dive buddies that make splash time fun and worry-free

But Sunnylife isn’t just for kids. They’ve got stylish picnic gear, cool umbrellas, and outdoor games for the whole family (think frisbees, beach paddle sets, and oversized lawn games). Plus, little extras like drink ware, sandcastle kits, and funky floats make every beach day feel like a mini festival. Everything is designed to pack easily, survive enthusiastic kids, and aesthetically pleasing enough to bring out of your beach bag willingly even at the fanciest resort – all at a price that’s very reasonable for families

The best part? Parents can actually relax while the kids play. Durable, cheerful, and built for real-life family chaos – sand, sun, spills, and all – Sunnylife is the brand you need in your suitcase for your next holiday, pool day or backyard adventure

Ikos Kissamos

If you’re a parent of little ones, you have probably already heard the buzz about Ikos Hotels – the ultimate family-travel legend. With dreamy properties like Odisia, Corfu and Porto Petro, Mallorca, this brand have perfected the art of the all-out luxe family stay. And the exciting news is that they’ve just added another jewel, Ikos Kissamos, opening this month on gorgeous Crete

Perched on a long, golden beach and surrounded by 53 acres of lush gardens, Ikos Kissamos is basically paradise for all ages. Think enormous suites and villas for everyone to spread out, world-class kids’ clubs where your mini adventurers can run wild and activities galore – from water sports and beach fun to a state-of-the-art spa for the grown-ups

Foodies, rejoice! Seven gourmet restaurants are on site, with menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs – yes, parents, you can eat like royalty while the kids are happily entertained nearby or tucking into the healthy (but appealing) children’s menu

If you’ve stayed at an Ikos before, you know the magic. And if not, this Crete newcomer might just tempt you into booking what is sure to be an amazing family escape. But a heads-up: with luxury, beach vibes, and all-inclusive bliss rolled into one, spots are sure to go fast