In The Know: February

Rosewood Blue Palace, Crete

Just when we thought we couldn’t love sun-drenched Crete any more, news of a seriously stylish new family hotel has us checking flights immediately. Opening in time for summer, the lush new Rosewood Blue Palace marks the upmarket chain’s first-ever hotel in Greece — and it’s arriving with a message we wholeheartedly agree with: luxury holidays are absolutely possible with kids in tow.

Set above the sea between the charming fishing village of Plaka and the elegant port town of Elounda, the resort is laid out like a traditional village, with buggy-friendly paths linking pretty white-washed buildings throughout. There will be 154 rooms and suites, 85 of which feature private pools. Every option is designed with families in mind, offering plenty of space for cots and generous balconies – perfect for relaxing once the little ones are tucked up for the night

Children will be well catered for in the brand-new kids’ club. Rosewood’s much-loved Explorer Programme promises age-appropriate activities, creative play and hands-on fun, while babysitting services will also be available. Add to that a stunning beach and six different restaurants to explore. Positioning itself as a luxury wellness escape (we like the sound of that!), the hotel will also offer the Asaya Spa, holistic classes and a range of watersports.

While the official opening date is still under wraps, it’s expected that from July, families will be able to enjoy everything this barefoot-luxury resort has to offer

Universal Kids Resort, Texas

If you’ve already ticked the Orlando box – and even if you haven’t – Universal Kids Resort in Texas is one that theme-park-loving families will want firmly on their radar

Opening in 2026 in Frisco, Texas, this first-of-its-kind destination is a theme park and hotel created entirely with kids in mind. Unlike the mega parks that can sometimes overwhelm younger visitors, this resort has been designed through a child’s eyes, with slightly more gentle thrills, vibrant play zones and familiar characters around every corner – making it ideal for younger kids

At the heart of the resort are seven immersive lands, from Shrek’s swampy playground and SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom to Minions mayhem, TrollsFest dance parties, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Puss in Boots’ Del Mar and the colourful Isle of Curiosity from Gabby’s Dollhouse. There are tons of rides, with splash pads, junior roller coasters (less scary than the grown-up ones), interactive games and character meet-and-greets that feel like stepping straight into a favourite story

Parents will love how easy it all sounds: buggy-friendly pathways, shaded rest areas, calm spaces for snacks and downtime, and the Universal Kids Resort Hotel just steps away. This 300-room themed resort hotel will offer all the facilities and kit families need.

Following last year’s opening of Epic Universe – Universal Florida’s spectacular new park – this kid-centric resort near Dallas marks the next chapter in the company’s ever-growing world of action-packed theme park fun and is definitely one to know if theme parks are your thing

Eurostar Snow Train

If you’re still considering a family ski trip this season – or planning ahead for winter 26/27 – Eurostar Snow is well worth knowing about. It’s one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to reach the French Alps, swapping overpriced flights with airport queues and frequent delays, or mega-long road trips with bored, cooped-up kids, for a far more relaxed and scenic rail journey

Running seasonally during the winter ski months, Eurostar Snow is a direct train service from London St Pancras International to the heart of the French Alps. The route travels via Lille Europe before continuing through eastern France, stopping at several key alpine stations and terminating at Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Designed with skiers in mind, the service offers generous luggage allowances for skis and snowboards, plus plenty of space for kids to stretch their legs, have a nap or do some colouring in their comfy seats

The service typically runs once a week on Saturdays throughout the ski season, usually from mid-December through early April, aligning neatly with changeover days in most ski resorts. Passengers board in London in the morning and arrive in the Alps by late afternoon; roughly speaking, the journey takes between 7.5 and 8 hours from London to Bourg-Saint-Maurice

The days of kids’ clubs being an afterthought – basic rooms added to a hotel simply to tick the “family-friendly” box – are long gone. In fact, some of the world’s most luxurious resorts are now creating state-of-the-art spaces for children that rival the quality and creativity offered to grown-ups. The brand-new Palazzino Kids’ Club at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St Moritz is a perfect example

A true grande dame of the ski scene, Badrutt’s Palace has been welcoming guests since 1896 – yet it remains thoroughly up to date. Its newly opened kids’ area brings the magic of the Engadin to life for young guests aged three to 12, blending creativity, education and immersive storytelling in a beautifully designed space

The indoor playground takes inspiration from both the hotel and its alpine surroundings, featuring a scaled-down ‘Badrutt’s Tower’ slide, miniature regional mountain peaks and a shimmering lake filled with crystal-clear balls. There’s also the likes of cool arcade games for teens

The activity programme is equally impressive, with arts and crafts, baking classes, flower workshops, kid-friendly mocktail-making, swimming sessions, movie nights, and board-game and video-game tournaments all on offer

Falkensteiner Resort Lake Garda

Parents love Falkensteiner resorts because from the minute they arrive, all of their family’s needs are taken care of. From fun activities in the kids’ club to menus designed for little ones and enormous rooms, these folks just get it

And now, if a trip to the Italian Lakes has been floating around your family holiday wish list, there’s a brand-new reason to bump it right to the top. The shiny new Falkensteiner Resort Lake Garda opens this spring, blending laid-back lakeside glamour with plenty to keep kids happily entertained

Located in the elegant town of Salò, right on the shores of Lake Garda, this contemporary five-star resort is surrounded by beautiful parkland, giving children space to roam and explore while parents can soak up those impossibly pretty lake views – possibly from the swish rooftop bar

Youngsters are very much at the heart of things here. The much-loved Falky Rangers kids’ programme offers age-appropriate fun for every stage, from creative play and sensory activities for little ones to adventure games, sports and social hangouts for older kids and teens. There are indoor play areas for quieter moments, outdoor sports spaces for burning off energy, and a packed schedule of games, workshops and themed activities to keep boredom firmly at bay

Töastie at the Bedruthan Hotel

Bedruthan Hotel is one of the very best staycation spots in the UK. Not only does it overlook a stunning Cornish beach, it’s also totally geared up for little ones, with an amazing creche & kids club, gigantic softplay, indoor & outdoor pools, and toys and games galore

And as if you needed any more reason to pencil in an adventure with the kids – they’ve now teamed up with Töastie Kids to launch the brand new Little Explorers Break, designed for families who embrace the elements rather than hiding from the weather. Think shoreline shenanigans for tiny travellers thanks to their Coastal Explorer Guide, complimentary creative workshops, a Töastie welcome gift for each child and relaxed three course family dinners (included!) after salty-haired days outside. It’s all about curiosity, confidence and proper fresh-air childhood nostalgia

Plus there’s another reason to pop in if you’re nearby, but not staying. A brand-new Töastie Kids section is opening within the hotel’s gorgeous Create Shop, welcoming shoppers from February half-term onwards

Started by two mums, Töastie has grown into a go-to brand for outdoor kit that actually works. From cosy skiwear and the kind of coats that can withstand the worst of winter, to colourful UV-protective costumes for sunny beach days, it’s all designed to be practical as well as stylish