Mon. Dec 23rd, 2024

This October half term (from 22-28 Oct 18), families are spoilt for choice with a selection of unique ‘Just for You’ Family Hotel experiences at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, fantastic family savings at Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Crete, extensive kid facilities at Terre Blanche, Provence, a new Cinema Offer from Les Manoirs de Tourgeville and family city escapes at Paris’ Le Meurice.

Anthropology Experience: Paleo Kids at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo

Any Indiana-Jones fans around? Families need look no further. They are whisked off to Monaco’s Prehistoric Anthropology Museum to travel back to the era of Jurassic Park with their ‘Paleo Kids’ experience. A Professor in Archaeology welcomes families and takes them on a unique guided tour. An excavation workshop, followed by tea time on the museum terrace and visit the prehistoric cave, revealing spectacular limestone formations. Children  then participate in either pottery or jewellery making classes for a taste of life in Prehistoric times, all in the safety of Monaco’s dinosaur-free principality.

Cooking Experience: Little Chefs at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo

Family Hotel Metropole’s Head Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano opens the doors of Michelin starred Restaurant Joël Robuchon’s kitchen to little chefs aged 6 to 10 years old. Children discover the joys of baking as they create cupcakes and customise their own chocolate egg, with ample opportunities to taste the treats along the way.

The novice bakers will leave the workshop with their own Little Chef apron, and their creations to proudly bring back to their family.

Family Package: Children stay for free in October at Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Crete

The authentic and family-run five-star Family Hotel Blue Palace Resort & Spa islocated between the picturesque fishing village of Plaka and Crete’s well known Elounda town. It offers the special Family Package. Children aged 2-12 stay for free in October when sharing their parents’ room.

There’s babysitting services, a vibrant Kids’ Club, children’s playground and pool,7 F&B outlets, fully equipped Water Sports & Dive Center. The beachfront spa offers a special ‘Young Travellers Collections’ for kids and teens alike (aged 8 plus), traditional Grecian caique boat, as well as an authentic Cretan experiences such as Cretan cooking classes.

Kids & Teens Club at Terre Blanche, Provence

Terre Blanche is the perfect five-star Family Hotel destination for families to get away to the French countryside, whilst being near all the cultural sites of Provence Côte d’Azur. Designed like a Provencal village on a hillside, the luxury hotel includes a Michelin-starred restaurant alongside three other in season restaurants. There’s a multi-award winning Spa and two 18 hole championship golf courses. Younger guests, 2 – 12 years old, may experience a wide variety of activities by Terre Blanche’s Kids’ Club. They can explore the beautiful natural surroundings with wildlife on site, including donkeys. More exhilarating experiences for teenagers, with everything from zip lines and nets in the trees, to water parks and laser games amidst Provence’s beautiful surroundings.

Passport for children at Le Meurice, Paris

Exceptional 18th century opulence with contemporary chic, Le Meurice Family Hotel welcomes families in the heart of historic Paris. Just a stone throw away from the Louvre on the rue de Rivoli.

With famous guests such as Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, fine art, literature and cultural delights are at the core of Le Meurice and the hotel’s passport for children helps to make these cultural experiences accessible to all members of the family. Upon arrival, the passport takes the whole family on a (re)discovery of Paris’s delights with a map of the city’s hidden gems, allowing children to lead the family on a fun day exploring the city.

 

Les Manoirs de Tourgéville

Charming countryside hotel  in Deauville, Normandy. Family owned, charming countryside hotel Les Manoirs de Tourgéville (owned by French luxury hotel group Groupe Floirat who also own Hotel Byblos in St Tropez), is the perfect getaway for families who want to travel short haul for a few days or for a long weekend, and who are looking for exceptional service and delicious food in a delightful destination. Nestled within 7 hectares of parkland, the hotel is located 10 minutes from the beautiful town of Deauville and only 1h30mins train ride from Paris. Guests can enjoy a relaxing and cosy atmosphere in the former home of famous French film director, Claude Lelouch, and make the most of an array of family-friendly activities: from complimentary bike hires and country walks, to an indoor heated swimming pool and an exclusive cinema room for private film viewings, where a new Cinema Offer is available (the offer includes a viewing of the film of their choice, with a selection of treats specially prepared by the hotel chef).

 

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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