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The Sun
21 hours ago
- The Sun
I used AI to find me a cheap holiday – ChatGPT scored me seven nights in Spain with flights for £99 each
LOOKING for holiday packages can often seriously take the fun out of booking holidays - but AI can help save you time and money. Trawling website after website to find different holiday offers, to finally discover one you like the look (and price) of can be extremely time-consuming. So why not just cut out the middle man? ChatGPT can search thousands of sites, simultaneously and give you an answer in seconds. So I decided to put the AI assistant to the test and see whether it could do a better job than me scrolling for hours. The key with ChatGPT is to give clear instructions. And the best way to do this is to think about what you want from a holiday. Personally, I think it works best when you are flexible on when you go and where you will be going. So I asked the AI bot: "Find me the cheapest package holidays for two adults and two children under 12 years old in Europe in the next 60 days. Flights and hotel must be included." Initially, the bot gave me a few suggestions totalling around £1,000 each. I knew it could do better, so I added: "They need to be under £1,000." Not only did the result give me options for different places for under £1,000 for a family of four, I was also given some tips. 3 tips to help you get the cheapest flights when booking holidays 8 For example, I was told that Antalya and Dalaman resorts in Turkey are often well-rated and ideal for families. I then asked: "Can you add the live URL links." This prompt means that ChatGPT linked me straight to the sites where it was finding these deals and precisely how to find them on these sites. I was immediately impressed by the list as it was full of reputable holiday companies including Love Holidays, Thomas Cook and easyJet holidays. Going through to the Thomas Cook site, I added the filters suggest - 'Turkey' for destination, left the flights from 'anywhere' and the dates 'anytime', added two adults and two children under 12, and simply pressed search. 8 The results were shocking. Admittedly, there are some flaws with the process – like I was suggested holidays beyond 60 days but it managed to find some within that time frame as little as £112 per person. For example, I selected the Sincerity Apart Hotel in Marmaris, Turkey. The holiday would be from September 22 to September 30 and for £112 per person departing from London Luton with Wizz Air, I would get the flights and the room. While the hotel itself might be basic, it still had a garden, lounge area, children's playground and outdoor pool. 8 Plus, the reviews from previous guests were good. After the added cost of ATOL protection (£10), I could book my seven-night holiday for £448 for the entire family. The only other hidden cost is luggage – whilst the fee includes a small bag, it doesn't include a cabin bag or checked bag which you would need to add if wanted, costing an additional £53 or £82 respectively. When you search, if the cheapest option isn't your favourite - there will most likely be other options. For example, with my search, 31 different hotels appeared for under £150 per person. And other options, like Leda Beach Hotel in the Antalya Region also include bed and breakfast for £118 per person for seven nights between December 4 and 12. 8 This spot was also only a four-minute walk from the nearest beach, just seven miles from Aquapark and less than a mile from the city of Manavgat. Don't want to head to Turkey? Then that's fine, there are other options. Using Love Holidays, I added my filters and this time left the destination completely blank. I then filtered from low to high prices, and up came my options. Near the top, a seven-day holiday to Costa Dorada, Spain came up for October 4 to 11 flying from London Southend with easyJet for just £99 per person. If you want to add checked luggage then it will be an additional £36.49 per bag, per journey. However, included in the price you do get a 15kg underseat bag, per person. 8 8 Or how about Portugal? For seven nights, you could head to Colina da Lapa and Villas in Algarve between December 13 to 20 with Ryanair for £119 per person. So here is the full run-down on what to ask ChatGPT to get offers like these. How to use ChatGPT to find you a cheap holiday Firstly, ask ChatGPT: "Find me affordable package holidays in Europe, in the next 60 days, for two adults and two children aged under 12 years old. They must include flights and accommodation. Please then include the live URL links for the offers found." Once the answers have loaded, select the one you are most interested and click on the blue hyperlink. This should open a new tab. Once in the tab, make sure to add in the filters ChatGPT has suggested depending on what it suggests for the specific site you have selected. Then change the 'sort by' option to 'Price: low to high' and you're all set to explore your cheap holiday packages. Cheap holiday essentials IF you're jetting abroad this summer, here are the cheap holiday essentials you won't want to miss. PACKING CUBES: They're loved by mum-of-22 Sue Radford and not only do they save space in your luggage, but they'll ensure that your case is super neat and tidy. TAG TRACKER: There's nothing worse than loosing your luggage, but thanks to this handy £15 buy from B&M, you won't have to worry about that on your next trip. KIDS' CABIN BAG: Don't worry if you can't afford to splash the cash on a Trunki, as Aldi are selling an alternative dupe buy for just £29.99 - and it's great for children. HAND LUGGAGE CASE: For those that are opting to go hand luggage instead of paying a fortune for a check-in bag, Morrisons are selling extra small cases, that are perfect for taking on a flight, for only £7.99. These are the UK's best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks, B&Bs and pubs from just £22 a night. Plus, 10 of the cheapest destinations for a summer holiday package deal this year, according to the experts. 8
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge movie star reveals low-key trips to Butlins and Legoland with Hollywood royalty husband – despite being worth £260m
A HUGE Hollywood power couple have revealed their low-key UK staycations in contrast to their lavish lifestyles. The screen stars have been determined to keep their kids grounded and leading an ordinary life away from the spotlight - even making sure they spend at least two weeks a year with their grandparents in Wales. 6 6 6 Now Wednesday actress Catherine Zeta Jones, 55, has revealed the very normal destinations she and hubby Michael Douglas, 80, enjoy their downtime. Catherine married Basic Instinct star Michael at the Plaza Hotel in New York on November 18, 2000, in a high-profile ceremony cost an estimated £1.5million. The couple share two children, a son Dylan Michael (born August 2000) and a daughter Carys Zeta (born April 2003). Welsh screen star Catherine, who shot to fame in 1991 when she starred in The Darling Buds Of May alongside David Jason, recently told of their family summer holidays. She said of her brood: "They've been to Butlin's, Legoland, seen the sights in London, up to Scotland, over to Ireland." She added to Radio Times: "They've even been to the Isle of Man, I think." Catherine told the publication her kids also spend two weeks a year in her home country, Wales, with her parents David James Jones and Patricia Fair. Previously, the Mask of Zorro actress spoke about their Swansea trips after being given the Freedom of the City. In a speech at the coastal area's Guildhall, Catherine said: 'My children have been coming back to Swansea all their life. "Usually for two weeks without Michael and I and they have nana and bampi's rules which means no rules. Catherine Zeta Jones joined by Bono to celebrate husband's Dublin birthday "It used to take us about two weeks to get them back on track but what it's done is it's instilled in our children their sense of belonging and where they come from." She added: "They'd be up at the crack of dawn down the beach, come rain or shine, digging and making castles so it was important for me that they have roots and know where they come from. "It's very grounding for the kids and they often love coming here and they come back every year to Wales." Aside from the staycations, the family have also ventured further overseas, with trips to Disneyland and Dubai to name a few. Legoland Windsor Factbox Here's everything you need to know about visiting Legoland Windsor in 2024: Legoland Windsor will be officially open from March 15, 2024, to September 25, 2024 Located in Windsor, just west of London, the theme park's full address is Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY Trains take half an hour from London Paddington to Windsor via Slough Trains from London Waterloo take around an hour and go directly to Windsor Tickets should be booked in advance online An online saver ticket costs £35 per adult, saving you £33 if you purchased the same ticket at the gate Parking is not included in the ticket, and you'll need to pay £8 for a ticket, although booking in advance will save you £1 MUM TAKE Catherine has candidly spoken out about her parenting role ahead of the new Wednesday series, to be aired on Netflix. She said: "Wednesday Addams and Morticia Addams' relationship is beautiful, it's encouraging, it's contentious, it's fraught. "It's all those things a mother-daughter relationship goes through, which is a wonderful experience as a mother and not so much as a daughter. I speak from experience." The star, who plays Morticia Addams, added: "To be able to play those in Wednesday is something that's very important and something that's very real." The star is known for her roles in The Mask Of Zorro and Entrapment. She also played the title character in the 1996 historical biopic Catherine The Great. Catherine then won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in the musical Chicago. 6 6 6
The Independent
22-07-2025
- The Independent
The best hotels in Lanzarote for spas, families and all-inclusive holidays
Forget everything you think you know about Lanzarote. Gone are the days of its 'Lanzagrotty' moniker, in exchange for exceptional value stays, high-end luxury hotels, oh-so-cool rural retreats and a grown-up sophistication thanks to its tourism know-how. The government made a conscious effort a decade or so ago to combat the mass tourism that was plaguing the major resorts and has invested in improving facilities across the island. To match, hotels, apartments, villas and B&Bs have upped their game too. But Lanzarote is not an expensive destination and there is incredible value to be had for family holidays, romantic getaways, luxury stays, and sunny beach breaks. The island's popular resorts such as Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise are packed with family-friendly facilities and amenities, watersports and long promenades to while away the hours. Lanzarote also has around 100 beaches to choose from with both golden and black sand. For the best luxury hotels in Lanzarote, the best budget hotels in Lanzarote and the best family hotels in Lanzarote, see our guides. Best hotels in Lanzarote 2025 At a glance 1. Hotel Fariones Puerto del Carmen The Hotel Fariones has legendary status, as it was one of the first proper hotels to be built on the island in the 1960s. It went through a complete transformation in 2020 and has remerged once again as the go-to for visiting elite, from heads of state to movie stars – although the guest book is kept strictly hush-hush. You can tell its history, as popular Playa del Carmen essentially grew up around, so it occupies the best seafront location. While this is a family-friendly and pet-friendly hotel, it has a grown-up feel, with the effortlessly cool design eye of Canarian interior designer Rafael del Castillo touching every corner. All 213 rooms and suites have sea views, and there are adapted junior suites for those with reduced mobility. As well as a spa, there are stand-out dining options and even tours to the hotel's own winery. Address: Calle Roque del Este, 1, 35510 Lanzarote, Las Palmas 2. Hotel Palacio Ico, Villa de Teguise If you're not necessarily looking to be by the coast, then Hotel Palacio Ico might be a good shout. It's located in the beautiful old town of the island's former capital of Villa de Teguise. These days, the town is famous for its weekly market where you can stock up on local produce, handicrafts and souvenirs. The hotel itself is a Canarian manor house dating from 1690 that's been sympathetically converted into a boutique hotel of just nine gorgeous rooms – each with its own style, but all with wonderful original features. Food is served here at the Michelin-recommended in-house restaurant overseen by chef Víctor Valverde. It offers tasting menus that make the most of seasonal, local produce. Address: C. el Rayo, 2, 35530 Teguise, Las Palmas 3. Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada hotel, Playa Blanca This is very much a resort hotel with multiple wings to the main building right on the golden sands of Playa Dorada. Choice is of the essence with several board and room types and both family-friendly and adults-only areas. Club-level ocean view rooms and suites top the list of the most covetable rooms affording mesmerising views of neighbouring Fuerteventura and Isla de Lobos, plus the benefits of Preferred Club status, where you gain entry to extra pool areas, restaurants and lounges. For kids, there's a waterpark, and for adults, a soothing spa and a range of activities such as yoga. The hotel is also moments from Playa Blanca town and Marina Rubicón. Address: Av. de Papagayo, 24, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas 4. Jardines del Sol hotel, Playa Blanca To say that these are apartments is to sell them short, as the accommodation at Jardines del Sol is made up of white-washed bungalows. They are all extremely well equipped – so much so, you could easily live in them – with full kitchens, including washing machines and dishwashers, spacious lounge-diners and private sun terraces. They also benefit from filter taps in the kitchen to cut down on buying the usually necessary bottled water. There are three pools – one for kids, a restaurant and bar, plus beautiful gardens, and all are around a 20-minute stroll to the main strip of Playa Blanca. 5. Finca Malvasia hotel, Tías This stunning group of apartments, suites and a villa is set amongst the vines of the prestigious La Geria wine region. Opened by two designers from London, the hotel beautifully and sympathetically blends the volcanic landscape with all mod-cons in a stylish mid-century vibe. All accommodation options come with private terraces with views over the lunar-like countryside. The kitchenettes are well equipped and there are BBQ areas for dining al fresco. Special details include a Lanzarote guide curated by the owners. The hotel can also arrange wellness treatments on site and off-site wine tasting, walking and surfing excursions. 6. Barceló Teguise Beach hotel, Costa Teguise As locations go, you can't get much better than this, as it is on the beachfront and bang in the middle of the Costa Teguise resort. The intimate thermal spa circuit is well worth the €10 entry fee, and there are soothing treatments also available, as well as a small but bright and airy gym. Opt to go all-inclusive to give you free range of both the buffet and à la carte restaurants on site, plus your usual all-in drinks and snacks. Rooms and suites are a vision of white, and some come with balcony hot tubs and far-reaching sea views. Don't miss the hotel's dedicated playlists, including a selection of four-minute shower songs. Check-in comes with a complimentary glass of cava to start your holiday off on the right foot. The weekly market is a short stroll behind the hotel, and one of the island's best restaurants, SeBe, is just a 10-minute walk away. Address: Pl. el Janubio, 1, 35508 Costa Teguise, Las Palmas 7. Cesar Lanzarote hotel, La Asomada One of the new breed of luxe rural Lanzarote hotels, Cesar Lanzarote – a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – could be the star in any Wes Anderson movie. Former home to the parents of local starchitect César Manrique, the design-forward hotel brims with artistic touches, from frilled lampshades and candy-stripe sun loungers, to natural wood and raffia room decorations. Views from the pool terrace, which also includes an outdoor gym, stretch to the sea and mountains across the palm and vine-dotted gardens. Rooms and suites are cosy and comfortable with walk-in showers, some of which include dreamy stand-alone baths, and all come with private terraces. The Cesar restaurant serves an à la carte lunch menu and seasonal, local tasting menu in the evening – it's also where the à la carte and buffet breakfast is served. 8. Paradisus by Meliá Salinas Lanzarote hotel, Costa Teguise The Paradisus brand by Meliá has really nailed the modern all-inclusive with their Destination-inclusive offering. It means that you not only get to enjoy classic all-in benefits such as restaurants and bars, but also cultural activities that connect you to the destination around you. In the case of the adults-only Salinas Lanzarote, it includes local wine tastings, Manrique architecture tours and volcanic experiences. If you're here for relaxation, you'll find Playa de los Charcos and Playa de las Cucharas beaches on your doorstep. For a special occasion, opt for The Reserve suites and villas, where you'll have exclusive access to private pools, lounges and more. There are fully accessible rooms for those with limited mobility. Address: Av. de las Islas Canarias, s/n, 35508 Costa Teguise, Las Palmas 9. GA7 Colores hotel, Montaña Blanca This LGBTQ+ friendly rural retreat offers a mix of rooms and studios near the famous Montaña Blanca – a good spot for hiking. Set around a tempting swimming pool and sun terrace, rooms are all different in terms of décor but each is chic and comfortable. The studio apartments also come with spacious private enclosed terraces as well as kitchenettes. The hotel is pet friendly and you'll probably meet one or two of the owners' four-legged residents during your stay. You can opt in for dinner, while breakfast is included and served in the airy indoors/outdoors dining room. There's also a bijou spa with hot tub, sauna, and steam room, and massages are available on request. This hotel's calling cards are its laid-back, friendly and inclusive vibe. Address: C. las Rosas, 96, 35559 Montaña Blanca, Las Palmas 10. Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park hotel, Playa Blanca Located plum on the seafront in Playa Blanca means stunning views over the water to Fuerteventura and Isla de Lobos from most of this hotel. Built to resemble three zocos – semicircular constructions used in Lanzarote grapevine growing – the hotel is set up for all sorts of travellers. There's an aquapark, club and two pools specifically for kids, a spa and sports facilities for adults, and a range of dining options including a cool food truck serving hot dogs, ice creams and beers. Guests on the Star Prestige option also enjoy access to an exclusive pool, sun terrace and restaurant areas and other benefits, such as the possibility of late check out. Iberostar prides itself on its sustainability credentials and Lanzarote Park is no exception with zero single-use plastic, 100 per cent renewable electricity and refillable filtered water fountains around the hotel. 11. La Casa de los Naranjos hotel, Haría A beautifully restored 19th-century Canarian manor house turned boutique hotel, La Casa de los Naranjos (House of the Oranges) has just eight thoughtfully designed rooms with antique furnishings, freestanding bathtubs and sweet little touches that make each room feel unique. The serene communal areas include a traditional Canarian interior patio, an orange grove, a tranquil terrace and Lanzarote's oldest private library, complete with vintage books and an Underwood typewriter. Located in the quiet town of Haría, this place is an escape from the rowdier resorts on the coast. Breakfast is made to order to offer guests a more bespoke service and to limit food waste. Address: Calle Rincón de Aganada, 4, 35520 Haría, Las Palmas, Spain Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert Canary Islands travel writer, Ross Clarke, who used to live in Gran Canaria and has been travelling to the Canary Islands for many years. Ross holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and writes about food and wine for several publications, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, Ross considered his own experience staying in the hotels and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs What currency do I need in Lanzarote? The official currency in Lanzarote – and across all of Spain, including the Canary Islands – is the Euro (€). When is the best time of year to visit Lanzarote? The best overall time to visit Lanzarote is the shoulder season of March to May and September to early November. Here, you can expect warm weather (21–27°C), plenty of sunshine and low rainfall, plus fewer tourists and lower prices. June to August is a busier period, with higher temperatures (27–32°C) and hot and dry weather. School holidays also make this a more expensive time. If you're seeking a more active holiday, December to February is an ideal time for walking, cycling and sightseeing, with temperatures of around 18–22°C and cooler evenings. What is the nicest area of Lanzarote? Playa Blanca on the southern coasts is arguably one of the 'nicest' spots in Lanzarote, with a relaxed vibe that's suitable for couples, beautiful beaches and restaurants and ferry access to Fuerteventura. Haría & the northern interior and coast is home to stunning volcanic and coastal landscapes, whitewashed villages and fewer tourists, making it ideal for those seeking a more authentic, local experience. Costa Teguise is a great choice for families and water sports, with calm beaches and a relaxed, resort feel, while La Geria is an inland choice that wine lovers and those seeking a rural retreat will love. Elsewhere, Puerto del Carmen is a lively choice for those seeking nightlife and bars in a destination that's also close to the airport. How to get the best deal Package deals from travel providers like Tui and Jet2holidays can offer affordable holidays that cover everything from flights and accommodation to hotel transfers. Most also offer extra savings – such as single-parent discounts, last-minute deals and free child places – to help bring the cost down. But, if you don't mind a little more planning, you may find that booking your travel and hotel separately is actually cheaper. Booking platforms like Expedia and have thousands of listings all over the world with competitive rates and extra discounts. For example, you can book some of our featured Lanzarote hotels, including the Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park hotel and the Cesar Lanzarote hotel, and save an extra six per cent on your booking using our exclusive Expedia discount code. Here's an extra tip: should you find a cheaper rate, it's also worth checking with the hotel directly to see if they will match the price or offer a discounted rate.
Times
22-07-2025
- Times
22 of the best family hotels in the Maldives
Palm-painted paradise islands surrounded by concentric circles of the softest whitest sands; warm, calm, turquoise lagoons; and coral reefs populated with colourful little fishes — honeymooners may have originally claimed the Maldives as their own, but this country might have been made for families. Then there are the resorts, which go all-out to create memorable family holidays. Spacious villas often have private pools — and sometimes waterslides — and there's an endless array of fun-for-everyone activities from snorkelling to treasure hunts, to dolphin-spotting cruises, to watching baby turtles hatch on the beach. Kids' clubs have been taken to a new level, with giant pirate ships, climbing walls, 3D-printers, designer dress-up boxes, sustainability sessions and talks with marine biologists — leaving parents free to hit the spa, learn to dive, and indulge in candlelit meals beneath the stars. Whether you've got toddlers, tweens or teens in tow, follow our guide to the archipelago's best family hotels. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue ££ | POOL | SPA | Best for an off-the-beaten-track stay The longer journey time to JA Manafaru — it takes a 90-minute domestic flight from the capital plus a 45-minute speedboat ride to reach the resort — is better suited to older kids with plenty of stamina. As is the resort, which has a seemingly endless array of outdoor activities, from cookery classes to parasailing, tennis, badminton and volleyball. Family villas come with private pools and the all-inclusive option is a boon for families, especially considering how good the food is. But the real star attraction here is the still untouched Haa Alif atoll, teeming with healthy multicoloured coral reefs, manta rays, turtles, eels and eagle rays. • Discover our full guide to the Maldives ££ | POOL | SPA | Best for tweens and teensThis swish island resort pulls off a neat trick, catering equally well to honeymooners, solo travellers and families. Found on swathes of clotted-cream beach or stilted over turquoise water, all of the villas are super-sized with private pools and acres of outdoor space, so the children can squeal and giggle without disturbing the neighbours. Adventurous programmes encourage munchkins to ditch the video games in favour of scouring the island in a series of puzzles and challenges — lizard-spotting, coral reef-scaping, wishing-tree walks — gaining stamps that can be traded in for toys and ice-cream sundaes.££ | POOL | SPA | Best for snorkelling Grab your bucket and spade — the big draw at this flamboyant resort is its magnificent white sand beach and sandbank, which swoops through the Baa Atoll like a comet. There's an inflatable waterpark set just offshore, a lagoon-shaped swimming pool and fantastic marine life with colourful corals and swirls of tropical fish in the house reef and spinner dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays all nearby. The Oceaneer's Club has a long list of daily activities — pirate workshops, sand art, kayaking competitions — and can throw birthday parties with gifts, games and cake.££ | POOL | SPA | Best for fashionable families Slick Patina Maldives has a few big draws for families. First, there's the location, just 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé. Then there's the sheer number of things to do. Patina is part of the Fari Islands, an artificial archipelago housing three resorts and a shared marina, with a beach club, water sports centre and multiple restaurants. The gently sloping main beach is sheltered on three sides, so it's always lake-calm and children get a free scuba-diving lesson, kayaks and paddleboard usage. The kids' club is a progressive affair, with mad science classes, 3D printers and Glowforge laser cutters. You'll find the entry-level villas aren't the largest but the two-bedroom pool villas are very spacious and can accommodate up to six guests.££ | POOL | SPA | Best for dolphin spottingThis contemporary luxury resort is set in a beautiful lagoon — complete with its very own mini blue hole — where spinner dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays swing by on a regular basis. The 67 villas — some on the beach and some over water — are spacious, with Hamptons-chic decor, big living rooms, private swimming pools and plenty of outdoor space. Happily, the Sultan's Village kids' club has some of the longest hours in the Maldives, from 9am until 8pm, and entertains with next-level sandcastle-making, kombucha classes and a Friday night disco.££ | POOL | SPA | Best for sustainable stays Everything at Gili Lankanfushi feels like an adventure, from the fantastical thatched-roof water villas, some of which are cast out in the Indian Ocean and can only be reached by boat, to mealtimes, which can involve fishing or foraging. The entire resort is big on conservation and promoting Maldivian culture and that extends to the kids' club, which puts on wild art classes using palm leaves and coconuts, underwater treasure hunts with a marine biologist and boduberu drumming classes. While they're busy, parents can head to the wonderful Meera Spa for some unravelling ayurvedic treatments. Read our full review of Gili Lankanfushi££ | POOL | SPA | Best for arty types It's not every island resort that has its own art gallery, never mind one that's underwater. But snorkel along Sirru Fen Fushi's shore and you'll find a semi-submerged steel box filled with mesmerising underwater sculptures, designed by Jason deCaires Taylor, which doubles as artificial coral reef. The artsy theme continues above the surface, where families can learn Maldivian painting techniques at art school and hang out in stylish family villas with private pools and free minibars. There's also miles of pearly beach and a kids' club for children aged four and above.££ | POOL | SPA | Best for turtles You're more likely to bump into sea turtles than guests on this sprawling jungly island in the remote Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Hawksbills, olive ridleys and green turtles make regular appearances, in the house reef but also along the shore and under the water villas — meaning you're pretty much guaranteed a daily sighting. It's attached to a sister resort by a kilometre-long wooden bridge and everyone gets around on bicycles, making runs from the beach to the gigantic infinity pool to cooking classes and the kids' club heaps of fun. Happily, you can reach it by commercial jet so you won't have to wrestle any nervous children onto a cramped seaplane.££ | POOL | SPA | Best for large families This forward-thinking eco-resort in the manta ray-teeming Baa Atoll has huge family villas with private pools, upstairs sun decks, direct beach access and up to nine bedrooms. It's big on facilities too; aside from its kids' club, The Den, there's a cookery school, a library, an outdoor cinema, a recycled glass-blowing studio, tennis courts and an observatory, where, on a clear night, you can marvel at the rings of Saturn. And then there are the animals: a veritable menagerie of fluffy rabbits, flapping chickens and fruit bats coursing around the island. Read our full review of Soneva Fushi££ | POOL | SPA | Best for personal service This family-friendly resort in dolphin-packed Shaviyani Atoll is primped and preened to sandy perfection, from the raked beaches and sea-view restaurants to the spa's glass-encased treatment rooms. It excels in the way it cares for families; the service is as warm as the Maldivian sun; duplex villas have two bedrooms, private pools and an upstairs den for movie nights; and the Little Griffins kids' club has a 13m pirate ship and over 100 activities a week. Babysitting is complimentary and children under the age of 12 eat for free. ££ | POOL | SPA | Best for little superstars This low-key resort in the Baa Atoll has a long list of loyal guests, including Madonna who visited for a family holiday with her six children. On arrival, little ones are given mini bathrobes and slippers, comics and books, a parrotfish soft toy and an indoor tepee. Later, those aged between 3 and 12 can check into the treehouse-themed kids' club, while teens can take part in foosball and volleyball competitions at the Coconut Club. The beach is a beauty, while the house reef is easy to access and in excellent shape, teeming with clown fish (Nemos), powder blue tang (Dorys) and sea turtles. • Read our full review of Vakkaru Maldives££ | POOL | SPA | Best for energetic families Run by a smashing team, Ritz Kids is hidden inside a Teletubbies-style grassy knoll with a mega-climbing frame, swimming pool, water slides and water jets at its centre, while indoor spaces include a gaming room and napping pods. For older children, there's a separate activity centre with pool tables and a photography studio. The whole family can enjoy cycling around nearly two miles of sandy lanes and at the excellent Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment programme (the only one in the Maldives) you can learn about ocean conservation using drones and underwater robots.£ | POOL | SPA | Best for affordable fun It's unusual to find a resort in the Maldives that brings anything other than pricy private villas, but this large, cheerful resort in the barely developed Dhaalu Atoll has more affordable rooms and family-sized apartments, as well as water villas and beach villas. Children under the age of six can stay and eat for free (every restaurant, including the fine-dining restaurant and the teppanyaki grill, have children's menus) and there's an action-packed kids' club, Kandiland, with a climbing wall, trampoline and waterpark, open from 9am to 7pm every day.£ | POOL | SPA | Best for sporty types Parents will love the hip Ibiza-esque design, feel-good spa treatments and choice of five different bars. Children, meanwhile, will love the club houses (one for wee tykes and one for teens), beach sports and adventure trips. The all-inclusive is likely to keep everyone smiling; it covers everything from tennis and yoga classes to in-room minibars and barista-made coffee, as well as unlimited ice cream and non-motorised watersports. Family lagoon villas are the accommodation of choice, rolling straight onto bright white beach and into placid Tiffany-blue waters. Read our full review of Lux* South Ari Atoll£££ | POOL | SPA | Best for budding marine biologists At Six Senses Laamu children can learn to be a marine biologist before they even get their feet wet, with a free ten-week junior marine biologist online programme, video tutorials, downloadable colouring-in books and worksheets, and home experiments. Any newfound skills can be put into action when they arrive in the remote Laamu Atoll (which also doubled as Planet Scarif in the Star Wars movie Rogue One), with swims through fields of seagrass (the favourite food of green sea turtles), snorkels with manta rays and kayak tours through shadowy mangroves.££ | POOL | SPA | Best for keeping little ones entertained The five-star Sun Siyam Iru Fushi provides plenty of creature comforts for stressed-out parents — not least its award-winning Balinese-style spa — as well as a dedicated kids' club to keep youngsters entertained too. They can burn off energy thanks to ping-pong, billiard tables and splashing about in the family pool, while parents can escape to the hair salon, enjoy wellness and yoga sessions, and swim in the adult-only pool. Live entertainment and DJ sets — and enough restaurants to dine somewhere different each night for a fortnight — mean that any little ones are unlikely to get bored. You can opt to go all-inclusive, though options for B&B, half-board, and full-board holidays are available too. Up to two children can stay and eat on the same basis as their parents, free of charge.££ | POOL | SPA | Best for TikTokkersThis easy-to-access property in the north Malé Atoll, a 50-minute speedboat ride from the airport, has some of the biggest entry-level beach and water villas in the Maldives. Every villa comes with a large private infinity pool and a rooftop deck perfect for family movie nights complete with boxes of popcorn. Access to the kids' club (open to children aged from three to 11, from 9am until 7pm) is included in the rate and kayaks, SUPs and other non-motorised water sports are free to use, as are the tennis courts and football pitch.££ | POOL | SPA | Best for water babiesIt's not every resort in the Maldives that has manta rays in the backyard — in fact, it's pretty rare to find the creatures outside of certain atolls at certain times of year — but cross the bridge that links the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island's two beautiful all-natural islands and the chances are you'll spot at least a couple of the magnificent mobulidae pirouetting along the surface. Book a boat trip and you'll also encounter whale sharks, green sea turtles and dolphins. Back on land, there's a complimentary kids' club for three to 12-year-olds and plenty of free activities for older kids, including scuba diving intros in the pool and windsurfing along the beach. Food won't be an issue either, with 12 superb dining options, including underwater restaurant Ithaa.££ | POOL | SPA | Best for beachIt's sandcastle heaven at this pretty island resort located in the Maldives' northern Lhaviyani Atoll. The natural island is ringed by a long band of broad white sand flecked with coral, seashells and tiny hermit crabs, which gently slopes into the warm shallow Indian Ocean — perfect for tots. All of the villas come with outdoor space but the beach villas feel more spacious, even if the decor is a bit businesslike. The kids' club, with its soft play area and slides, allows parents to enjoy some grown-up time at the adult-only pool and excellent spa.£££ | POOL | SPA | Best for action-packed all-inclusive There's no shortage of all-inclusive resorts nowadays but Ozen Reserve Bolifushi is a cut above the rest in terms of facilities and value for money. The island itself is large enough to comfortably accommodate 91 pool villas, including water villas with slides whooshing into the ocean, as well as a communal infinity pool, a sea-facing gym, an ice-skating rink, an overwater spa, a kids' club and a teens' lounge. The Reserve Plan includes all five restaurants, theme nights, unlimited champagne and aged whiskies, free laundry and a spoiling three hours of daily spa treatments.£££ | POOL | SPA | Best for laid-back luxury This hip luxury resort is the place for a family holiday that feels more personalised than some of the big international chains. The kids' club at Joali has especially long opening hours, from 9am to 8pm, and every activity is complimentary, from cooking classes and ceramic art classes to tennis coaching and DJ workshops. All of the cathedral-like villas come with private infinity pools and there are a number of two, three and four-bedroom residences available if you want to bring the whole clan. No one will go hungry or thirsty either, with five restaurants, a sunset bar, a whisky and cigar lounge and an ice-cream parlour to choose from. Read our full review of Joali Maldives£££ | POOL | SPA | Best for heirs to the throne If Succession's Kendall Roy built a private island escape it might look something like this oval-shaped island in the resplendent Noonu Atoll. Aside from having its own private seaplane, and the requisite supersized luxury villas, Velaa packs in a wealth of facilities, including a golf academy and seven-hole course designed by José María Olazábal, a holistic overwater spa with a snow room, and space-age restaurant tower with a secret wine cellar. Heirs to the throne are catered to with a kids' club that has its own waterpark; water jet boot lessons with staff dressed as superheroes (Spider-Man, Superman, Iron Man); and padel lessons with ex-tennis pros on fan-cooled courts. • When is the best time to visit the Maldives?• Discover the best overwater villas in the Maldives• Read about the best hotels in the Maldives Additional reporting by Hannah Summers
Times
19-07-2025
- Times
This European city offers the best value family holidays
Once a quiet fishing village nestled between pine-covered hills and the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, Marmaris has grown into one of Turkey's busiest resorts. This summer, the bustling port city has claimed the top spot for best-value family holidays for Britons seeking sun, sea and savings. Thanks to the tumbling Turkish lira, Marmaris is cheaper than anywhere else in Europe, as the pound goes further even as prices continue to rise across the continent. The total price for a typical daily basket of goods for a family of four in Marmaris, which includes lunch and evening meals, drinks, suncream and bug spray, comes in at £128.99, according to Post Office Travel Money's annual family holiday report. This is nearly half what Britons heading to Ibiza are likely to pay. The Mediterranean island, where beach clubs and cocktails aren't cheap, has again been named the most expensive destination; a day's costs are estimated at £240. Although local prices in Marmaris have risen since July last year, the continued decline in the lira means British holidaymakers are still getting significantly more for their money. Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at the Post Office, said: 'British visitors will only have to pay 10 per cent more than a year ago and this increase is much lower than in many other destinations.' Last year's cheapest destination, Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, came in as the second most affordable at £129.47 after prices jumped 17.2 per cent. The Algarve, on Portugal's south coast, claimed third place at £143.56. Beach Barometer, produced with the travel company Tui, compared costs in 16 European destinations and found prices had risen in 13 since last year. Plunkett said: 'This makes it important for holidaymakers to do their homework and take enough travel money to cover costs in the resort they are visiting.' The report also found 78 per cent of British families were planning a trip abroad this year. Many are likely to spend more than planned, as keeping children entertained, including visits to water or theme parks, and beach gear such as buckets and spades, costs £202 on average. Marmaris and Puglia, in Italy, emerged as the cheapest for children's attractions at about £179.
