Where To Go Instead of Dubai This April: 7 Family Friendly Alternatives

We know that moving a trip at the last minute is stressful, and there’s nothing worse than rebooking only to discover you’ve made the wrong choice. Which is why this article is peppered with our personal experience: we’ve done the digging for you, checking availability at hotels we’ve stayed in ourselves, ones we’re visiting this April (and, if you spot us, do come and say hi – we promise we’re friendly), and those that sit at the very top of our bucket lists (which is a very coveted spot to sit in!). If last-minute changes are on the cards, this is the guide you can trust

For the best chances of swimwear weather this April, the Canary Islands are your go-to destination. And for those seeking a replacement for polished service and indulgent resort feel, then The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama steps in beautifully. It’s the sort of place where days unfold at an unhurried pace: mornings drifting between lagoon pools, afternoons hopping aboard the miniature train to the beach club below, and evenings sampling dining that ranges from Michelin-starred finesse to an incredible vegetable-led concept celebrating local produce. Children, mercifully, are not merely tolerated but warmly welcomed in the Ritz Kids Club (age 4+), which handily operates a stay and play policy. I visited myself in November and can honestly say it has hands down the best hotel dining scene I’ve *ever* experienced 

For families wanting the same sunshine but with a little more space and slightly gentler budgets, Las Terrazas de Abama Suites is a handy five-minute drive away, meaning you could combine a few nights at each (which is exactly what I did myself!) The spacious suites here feel refreshingly designed with real family life in mind: fully equipped kitchens, generous living areas, private terraces and up to three bedrooms mean nobody is tripping over suitcases (or each other). And then there’s the food and childcare. The signature restaurant’s menu was overseen by Martín Berasategui, the culinary mastermind boasting 12 Michelin stars, while childcare offers up the most impressive kids’ camps we’ve encountered 

From more recommendations, read our round up on the best family friendly hotels in the Canary Islands 

Swapping skyscrapers for souks, Morocco makes a rather excellent April alternative. Spring here is something of a sweet spot: mid-20s in Marrakech and often nudging a little warmer along the Agadir coast

An under the radar hotel you probably haven’t yet heard of, I’ll be spending a few days at Le Domaine Limoune during Easter half term. Set on a wildlife sanctuary this retreat is all about space, nature and the sort of small moments that become lasting holiday memories. Traditional hotel rooms and characterful African-style lodges (with amazing al fresco bath tubs) sit among fragrant citrus groves, while the onsite zoo – home to more than 100 animals – invites gentle exploration along shaded paths and viewing points designed with animal welfare firmly in mind. If you’d prefer a base close enough to dip in and out of Marrakech, take a look at Oasis Lodges instead – a laid-back collection of homes tucked among palms just outside the Medina. And if your holiday checklist still leans firmly towards UAE-style polish and five-star indulgence, then Four Seasons Resort will feel reassuringly familiar. With its vast gardens, impeccable service and serene pools framed by the Atlas Mountains, it brings that unmistakable Gulf-level luxury to North Africa

From more recommendations, read our round up on the best family friendly hotels in Morocco

Malta is a hidden gem for families seeking sun, sightseeing, and swimming all on one easy-to-access island. Having just returned, I can vouch firsthand for how remarkably family-friendly this relatively under-the-radar destination is. We visited in February, when the wind wasn’t entirely on our side, and yet we still enjoyed shiver-free days in the outdoor pool -the only heated one on the island, don’t you know – so I can confidently say an April escape would be nothing short of blissful. Our base was The Westin Dragonara Resort, which, if you book *now*, can still be snapped up at a very reasonable rate this Easter

Malta itself exceeded every expectation I had: towns are instantly charming, the vibe relaxed, and the island’s compact size makes exploring effortless. From winding streets that double as real-life Game of Thrones backdrops, to the Esplora Interactive Science Centre and a leisurely harbour boat trip, there’s no shortage of activities for families who want to mix adventure with downtime, and when the weather is on your side (like it’s pretty certain to be in April) you can also add golden beach days to the list. The Westin Dragonara ticks all the boxes for resort-style living: heated pools (inside and out), a kids’ club for 3+, and flexible half-board dining, all set within rooms I’d wager are larger than most of our first flats. The décor leans chain-hotel rather than boutique, but the service is top-notch

Portugal is the ultimate culture-meets-beach destination. Easter might be a little too chilly for a full fly-and-flop, but by the end of April, the Algarve truly comes into its own. Sunny days are long and glorious, yet blissfully free from the blistering heat of more tropical destinations. Our team stayed at both Domes Lake Algarve and Viceroy at Ombria last year, and returned full of praise. The genius outdoor heated pool at Domes is sheer magic for families, while Viceroy at Ombria offers a slightly more indulgent, grown-up vibe without skimping on family comforts: luxe design, stunning swim spots, and thoughtful kids’ programming that lets parents sneak off for a quiet cocktail or two

If your mind is firmly focused on April, the cities call. Lisbon delivers effortlessly, with Martinhal Oriente and Martinhal Chiado putting families right in the heart of the action, with Kids’ Clubs catering from as young as six months (and Oriente even has a heated outdoor & indoor pool as well). Porto doesn’t disappoint either. Both myself and Becky are dying to get to The Rebello – which pairs a Kids Club (the only we’ve heard of in the city) with a beautiful indoor pool, all set against a riverside backdrop where interactive museums, family-friendly port tastings, and a nearby beach await 

From more recommendations, read our round up on the best family friendly hotels in Portugal

If you’re hunting for a wallet-friendly option, take a leaf out of Becky’s book (the queen of budget-but-beautiful escapes) and head to Mallorca. While April may not feel like a “horizontal holiday” month, this Balearic beauty makes a brilliant exploring-plus-sun trip. The weather isn’t guaranteed for full-on beach days, but if you enjoy wandering cities and towns at a slower pace, walking through stunning scenery, and your kids don’t mind a dip whatever the conditions, Mallorca won’t disappoint

Becky will be basing herself at Zafiro Palace Alcudia and hiring a car to explore the rest of the island. About 40 minutes away from the hotel, Palma is one of Europe’s finest gems. Cobblestone lanes, lively markets, and the dramatic Palma Cathedral rising above the sea make wandering a joy. Back at the hotel, you’ll find a rare mix of contemporary luxury and all-out family fun. The five-star resort sits within walking distance of Alcudia town, with modern rooms (including private pool or swim-up options), a pirate-ship splash pool lined with loungers, a comprehensive Kids Club and evening entertainment. Dining is both elevated and stress-free, with all-inclusive convenience meaning there’s no need to fret over the final bill

For those even more conscious of budgets, Blau Colonia Sant Jordi is another excellent option, walking distance to the postcard-perfect town of Colònia Sant Jordi. And if you’re after Dubai-level luxury in Europe, Ikos Porto Petro is hard to beat. When the brand launched, their mission was to bring Indian Ocean-style service and sparkle to the continent – although for this one you will be looking at outside of half term due to limited availability 

From more recommendations, read our round up on the best family friendly hotels in Mallorca

If the thought of getting on a plane feels stressful, don’t worry. The UK is home to a surprising number of brilliant family-friendly hotels, and while we’ve been lucky enough to try many staycations ourselves, the top recommendations on our list almost always come from the Luxury Family Hotel group. Spread across the South East, this collection almost guarantees you’ll find a property with Easter availability and a drive that works for your brood

Fowey Hall, in Cornwall, is your go-to for a chic, seaside getaway. Woolley Grange offers a hands-on countryside retreat, complete with roaring fires, plush sofas, and acres of fresh air to explore. A recent redesign has turned it into a cosy yet contemporary escape for families who love comfort with character. For those of you with little ones who never stop moving, Moonfleet Manor is a dream, and my personal pick of the bunch. With the Jurassic Coast on your doorstep, three indoor pools, old school arcade games, and even a skittles alley, boredom is simply not on the agenda. Meanwhile, New Park Manor is made for nature-lovers, offering the chance to spot wild ponies and deer, woodland adventures, and, for the tiniest visitors, the delights of Peppa Pig World just minutes away

From more recommendations, read our round up on the best family friendly hotels in the UK

Back to the Canaries – which, if we didn’t make it clear before, remain our top pick for guaranteed April sunshine. Princesa Yaiza may be larger than life, but for families with busy little ones in tow, that’s exactly the kind of scale you want. While no one on the team has stayed here personally, it’s the number-one booked hotel by our Tiny Travel Agency in the Canaries, and the praise we’ve received is nearly unanimous

The children’s facilities are nothing short of spectacular: a chargeable creche for 4 months+, a free Kids Club for 3+, evening entertainment and even a soft play room.  If that level of activity has you worried, fear not. What Princesa Yaiza excels at is clever separation; the giant Kikoland is set well apart from the rest of the grounds, meaning nothing but palm trees infringe on the serene main swimming pool. Step outside, and the upmarket Marina Rubicón is just a 10-minute stroll away, with a swish selection of designer shops, seafront restaurants, and lively marina vibes

From more recommendations, read our round up on the best family friendly hotels in the Canary Islands 

Themes: Where to go when by month, with kids, The Family Friendly European Edit, The Family Friendly UK Edit, 

You might also be interested in:  Where To Go When With Kids, The best family friendly hotels with heated swimming pools