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News / 20 October half term family holidays for 2021

As the days get chillier and the nights arrive earlier during autumn, October is the perfect time to escape the British weather for some quality time on a luxury family holiday. Fly and flop to destinations close to home and enjoy the last of the warm European weather or travel further afield for action-packed family adventures in Mexico or Florida. Whatever takes your fancy, we’ve curated our favourites that provide some much needed respite in the most family-friendly destinations during October Half Term.

Spain

Rich culture, delectable cuisine and diverse landscapes combined with a short flight time for younger children and a consistently warm climate throughout the year; Spain has the perfect formula for a last minute luxury family holiday this October half term.

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Tenerife / Ritz Carlton Abama, Tenerife

Ritz Carlton

With one of the most expansive kids clubs in Europe, children can challenge their minds in eight distinct zones including a science lab, planetarium, theatre space and rolling gardens at Ritz Carlton Abama.

Lanzarote / Princess Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort

Princess Yaiza, Lanzarote

Designed in colonial Canarian-style and overlooking the white sands of Playa Dorada, Princess Yaiza a wide choice of accommodation including superior rooms with delightful views and well-appointed suites with every conceivable amenity.

Tenerife / Bahía Del Duque, Tenerife

For young children aged three to 12 years, Bahía del Duque is the ultimate playground with plenty to keep them occupied including games by the pools, painting workshops, sports competitions, cookery lessons and mini-discos.

Florida

Families visiting in October half term can still enjoy the Floridian warmth without the tropical humidity the state usually experiences in the summer months, perfect for theme park thrills. Families should aim to book at least a year in advance for the best airfares and hotel availability.

Where to stay / Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

After a day of Disney magic, head back to Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Disney World ® Resort to slip and glide on the waterslides and enjoy breakfast with Goofy and pals. Opt for a Park View Room to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks light up the night sky.

The Breakers

A spectacular resort destination on Florida’s Atlantic coast right in the heart of Palm Beach, The Breakers offers up friendly entertainment and beach-side Miami living on an elegant platter. In addition to the beachfront location there's two golf courses, watersports and tennis courts, so your October half term can be as laid back or activity-filled as you and your little ones would like.

Antigua

Between the coves of the island’s puckered coastline and the Crayola buildings of Harbour Quay, the buzz of Antigua’s English heritage hums softly beneath the beat of its Caribbean core. Discover a playground for kids both big and small this October and soak in a much needed dose of winter sun in its toasty climes.

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Antigua / Jumby Bay

Arrival lobby at Jumby Bay, Luxury Holidays Antigua

Set on its own dot of an island a six minute boat ride off the coast of Antigua and boasting some of the best accommodation in the region, this estate’s reputation often proceeds it.

Antigua / Blue Waters & The Cove Suites

exterior view of blue waters Antigua

With its secluded feel and hidden-away coves, this long-established resort is particularly well loved for its fresher take on Antigua’s characteristic easy-going living, away from the hubbub.

Antigua / Curtain Bluff

Lobby of Curtian Bluff Angtigua

In a plum position on a headland with a fabulous beach on either side, this sought-after, all-inclusive is on a mission to keep you in a state of utmost relaxation. It more than delivers.

Dubai

High temperatures and minimal rainfall throughout the year makes Dubai the ideal destination for families seeking to soak up the Arabian sun. Visit in October when it’s cooler to enjoy a desert balloon flight or morning safari with the kids.

One&Only Royal Mirage - Arabian Court

Oodles of opportunities for family time present themselves at One&Only Royal Mirage – Arabian Court. Try sand skiing or camp in the desert under a blanket of glistening stars. Or if golden sand dunes aren’t your thing, head to the city for a taste of cosmopolitan life.

Atlantis the Palm

Record-breaking slides, rides and a zipline of Aquaventure Waterpark, The Lost Chambers Aquarium which is home to 65,000 marine animals and 23 different eateries, guarantees you’ll never be bored at this larger than life resort.

Cyprus

A luxury Cyprus holiday offers much more than meets the eye. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, sunshine is plentiful between mid-September to October averaging 24°C so you'll be able to spend your October half term holiday enjoying its immaculate beaches and exquisite sunshine. Step away from the beach though and you'llfind a magical island that's graced with an enthralling heritage.

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Cyprus / Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Parklane

With no less than four outdoor/indoor pools, five restaurants, two bars, a veritable play-paradise for little ones and a child-free sanctuary for the grown-ups, this is a resort that defies the notion that you can’t please everyone.

Pissouri / Columbia Beach Resort

Columbia Beach Resort

There’s a distinct Cypriot feel to life in Pissouri Bay, the setting for Columbia Beach Resort on the bay’s two kilometres of Blue Flag beach. A sense of ease settles around life here; little ones have space to roam free while adults can get lost on the resort's fairways.

Cyprus / Anassa

Anassa Luxury October Half Term Holidays

There's a reason Anassa is named after the classical Greek for ‘Queen’. Perched majestically on one of Cyprus' finest beaches, this luxury hotel masquerades as an authentic Cypriot village with four pools, renowned children's clubs and a fully stocked watersports centre.

Maldives

If you’re prepared to travel further afield, you’ll be rewarded with endless sun in the Maldives where temperatures range between 18°C and 24°C in October, making these far flung atolls the ideal location to truly relax this October half term.

One&Only Reethi Rah

Meaning ‘beautiful island’ in the local language, classic luxury entwines with modern escapism at arguably the Maldives’ premier address – a glamorous island hideout for ritzy-glitzy beach goers. One&Only are renowned crowd pleasers, so expect every whim to be catered for this October half term.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

A short speedboat transfer from the airport and you've reached the petite garden island that plays host to Four Seasons Kuda Huraa where, despite its airs and graces, the general feeling is that of an intimate Maldavian village.

Barbados

Outwardly, Barbados is a fusion of Bajan fare fragrances and Oliver Messel-designed houses, yet venture further in and you’ll discover a laid-back surf scene and a child-friendly carnival spirit, making it the ideal long-haul half term escape for those families looking to soak up the sun this October.

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Barbados / Sandy Lane

Outdoor seating at Sandy Lane, Luxury Holidays Barbados

A Bajan institution synonymous with conspicuous luxury, Sandy Lane exists in its own Palladian-style microcosm full of Rolls-Royces and celebrity patrons who treat it as a home-away-from-home.

Barbados / Fairmont Royal Pavillion

Beach view at Fairmont Royal Pavillion, luxury holidays Barbados

Roll out of bed and on to the beach; built on the west shore before Barbados’ coastal restrictions, it’s near impossible to find a greater beachside location than at this legendary hotel.

Barbados / Coral Reef Club Resort

The pool at Coral Reef Club, luxury holidays Barbados

Tranquil, secluded and very British in manner, this charming boutique hotel in its tropical-garden setting stands out for its warm welcome and genuine hospitality, even by Bajan standards.

Mexico

Whilst Mexico's hurricane season ends in November, the Riviera Maya tends to have pleasant weather all year-round. With ancient Mayan ruins to explore and clear fresh waters to dive into, Mexico has everything you could want from a luxury family getaway.

Where to stay / Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Riviera Maya

Miles of pristine beach, mangroves and the Mayan jungle welcomes families at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico which offers the ultimate all-inclusive option along with interconnecting rooms. Explore the unspoiled coastline with a kayak tour, pedal your way through paradise on a bike ride or snorkel the local reef.

Where to stay / Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

The epitome of island resort chic, Rosewood Mayakoba is perfect for an idyllic family getaway. Parents and kids alike can enjoy a range of activities together; think scavenger hunts, Mayan storytelling and an eco-boat tour for a truly enriching family experience.

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