The Best Luxury Hotels for February

After the chilly days and long nights of the British winter, you're probably well in need of some sunshine. So there's perhaps no better time to jet off on a luxury family holiday than February half term. Whether you're after a short hop to Europe or a long-haul adventure further afield, we've rounded up some of our favourite family-friendly getaways - each one combining seriously stunning surroundings, fabulous facilities and enriching activities for all ages.

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla

A Greek-inspired design meets quintessential Caribbean surroundings at this beachfront retreat, where first-class family facilities offer a truly unforgettable stay for all ages. Sunshine-filled February days are best spent watching little ones enjoy the expansive swimming pool, cycling together around the island or heading on hikes along the coast. Then, when the sun sets (incredible views, guaranteed) it's time to head to the beach for a campfire and movies beneath the stars - S'mores included, of course. And if that wasn't enough, the resort will soon be unveiling a brand-new, state-of-the art entertainment complex, complete with a climbing wall, mini golf course and family-friendly waterpark!

Carlisle Bay, St Mary's, Antigua

Overlooking a pristine white-sand beach and backed by rich emerald rainforest, Carlisle Bay promises a five-star half term holiday filled with adventure. The littlest luxury seekers (up to aged six) can head to the aptly named Cool Kids Club, where a programme of inspiring activities is overseen by qualified childcare professionals. Think lizard hunting, local arts and crafts, and treasure hunts around the hotel's gorgeous grounds. The island adventures continue for older kids too - whether they fancy playing a game of tennis, hiking in the rainforest, trying out raft building, heading out on a hobie cat, or even swimming with stingrays.

Children's activities at the Cool Kids Club

Atlantis The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

A list of our recommended family-friendly luxury hotels wouldn't be complete without this iconic resort - particularly during February half term, which is one of the best times to visit Dubai. It's home to fabulous family rooms and suites, an incredible kids' club for 4 to 12 year olds, The Zone teen's club for those between 13 and 17 and the cutting-edge Wavehouse entertainment venue - which pairs food and drinks with live DJs, arcade games, bowling and a state-of-the-art wave machine. And for the young and young at heart, every stay includes complimentary access to the world's largest waterpark, Aquaventure. Enjoy adrenaline-pumping waterslides and Dubai's longest Lazy River, as well as the Splashers Zone just for children.

DAIOS COVE, Crete, Greece

With a short flight to get there and plenty to enjoy when you arrive, dreamy DAIOS COVE is the perfect spot for luxury-loving parents with tots in tow. Set within a sheltered cove, it's home to a wonderfully calm and child-friendly beach, as well as a huge infinity pool with a safe, shallow section. And if you want to sneak off to the spa, sip a cocktail at the beach bar or simply soak up the sunshine, the wonderful crèche and complimentary children's club are run by UK childcare experts Worldwide Kids Co, with qualified staff meeting UK standards and regulations - as well as promising hours of fun.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Bali

The whole family will be immersed in the natural beauty and rich culture of Bali during a stay at this all-villa beach resort. The wonderful Jimba Club for children offers a range of island inspired activities based around different daily themes. There's Balinese dancing, basket-weaving, crab hunting, coconut bowling and much more. Guest of all ages can join an expert instructor for surf lessons in the sheltered confines of Jimbaran Bay or embrace the rides and slides (including Asia's steepest) at the nearby Waterbom Bali waterpark. And when it's time to refuel, children under 6 dine for free, while half price meals are offered for children aged 7-12 years old.

Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Home to 240 hectares of tropical surroundings, 8 restaurants (along with 6 bars), a championship golf course, expansive spa and endless array of beach activities, this luxury Riviera Maya certainly doesn't do things by halves. The same can be said for the two children's clubs, Discovery Kids located in the middle of the Resort and Brisas Kids by the beach, which offer an ever-changing programme of fun-filled, educational activities that celebrate the best of the Yucatán Peninsula. We're talking nature walks, piñata decorating and even guided trips into the surrounding sacred Mayan jungle. There's loads for teens to enjoy too, including a range of watersports, beach football tournaments, alfresco fitness fun, and cultural insights.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Musandam Peninsula, Oman

Want to give your adventure-seeking teens a luxury holiday they'll never forget? Six Senses Zighy Bay might just be the perfect place. Enveloped by the mighty Musandam Mountains and overlooking a beautiful white-sand beach, this eco-conscious hideaway encourages guests of all ages to embrace its surroundings. While children of all ages are warmly welcomed at Zighy Bay, the awesome Al Faeetean's club offers utterly unforgettable adventures for teens. We're talking abseiling, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, raft building and snorkelling - all overseen by fully qualified staff. As evening falls, head to the beach Cinema Paradiso for movies, popcorn and handmade ice cream. For those with a green thumb, children can spend time at the complimentary kid's programme, Grow with Six Senses, where children can enjoy a range of activities based around wellness and sustainability, each tailored to the hotel's picturesque destination.

Vila Vita Parc, Algarve, Portugal

Perched proudly atop a cliff in The Algarve, this is easily one of Portugal's premier family resorts. Expect an abundance of space and luxury amenities, whether you choose to stay in a dedicated family suite, apartments, townhouse or fabulous private villa. While you head to the secluded beach, award-winning spa or championship golf course, you can rest assured little ones will be enjoying hours of fun at the Annabella's Kids' Park. Here, an ever-changing schedule of activities includes beach games, mini golf, t-shirt painting, baking cookies, excursions, pyjama parties and discos!

Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Costa Del Sol, Spain

With 325 days of sunshine a year, Marbella is a wonderful option for some short-haul sunshine this February half term. And where better to stay than this Prince's former residence turned luxury hotel? Resembling a mini village, and ideal for all ages, this stylish space combines plenty of fun with lots of learning - it is even home to one of Europe's largest children's clubs measuring 5,000m2! Set within a converted Andalusian villa, the Kids Club offers a wide range of activities for all ages, including herbology workshops, local music and dancing, perfume-making, and even culinary classes at the club's very own cookery school.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Banana Bay, St Kitts and Nevis

Experience a luxury resort in one of the Caribbean's most untouched island of St. Kitts known for its rich heritage, authentic Caribbean charm and stunning beauty. Spanning the entirety of the secluded beach at Banana Bay, the oceanfront Park Hyatt St. Kitts combines luxury accommodation, stimulating dining experiences and blissful relaxation with immersive activities and experiences for the entire family. Inspired by the historic forts on island, the Island Fort by Camp Hyatt gives children the chance to enjoy a variety of creative activities - from jewellery making and carnival hat making, to keepsake crafting and cookie decorating.

Malakiya Villas by Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai

'Malakiya' translates to 'royal' - an apt handle for the most luxurious accommodation option in Dubai's Madinat Jumeirah Resort. Promising plenty of space and privacy on your family escape, the seven secluded Jumeirah Malakiya Villas are accessed from the main resort by private abra boats. Each one offers multiple bedrooms, a huge living area, kitchen and a swimming pool. While super secluded, you're still invited to embrace the very best of the resort - from the bustling Souk Madinat to the complimentary Sinbad Kids' Club. A stay also includes complimentary access to the wonderful Wild Wadi Waterpark, where you'll find slides, rides and rapids to delight every family member.

The Landings Resort and Spa, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Looking for an all-inclusive, all-villa Caribbean hotel that promises fun in the sun for the whole family? You're in luck. From the spacious suites overlooking the water (many boasting private plunge pools and butler service) to the baby concierge that will take care of all the baby proofing and infant items that your little ones may need. As well as a housing the complimentary children's club - where kids can enjoy everything from treasure hunts to beach sports - Kids love the complimentary non-motorized watersports, flood lit tennis courts as well as water trampolines, hammocks and the ocean raft. The Landings encourages you to make the most of your tropical surroundings with a host of alfresco adventures. Get up close to local flora and fauna on a guided walk into the lush green rainforest or enjoy whole-family thrills with the exhilarating ziplining experience. If you've got children over 8 years old, don't miss the utterly unique Sea Trek Adventure Helmet Diving Tour, allowing you to walk underwater!

Elegant Traveller

From Toddlers to Teens: The Best Luxury Hotels for February Half Term