Guest post by Kathryn Wright from Luxury & Little Ones

From horse-riding in rural Wiltshire, dung safaris in South Africa and dog sledding in Chamonix there is plenty on offer for families looking for a more adventurous holiday. Exploring new places, trying new activities and putting your family outside their comfort zone is a fun way to bond and spend time together as a family; turn a family holiday into a magical adventure.

At Lucknam Park, Wiltshirepretend to be cowboys and girls and book a pony ride (available for children from 3 and older) or take part in a family hack around the grounds.  If you don’t fancy a ride on the real thing check out the rocking horse in the hotel’s outdoor adventure play area, complete with a triple tower play system, swings for infants and separate swings for children. Don’t stop there though why not borrow the hotel’s go carts, bikes or scooters for a race around the grounds.  With advance notice the hotel can even arrange for tennis coaching, falconry and clay pigeon shooting.

Visit the unspoilt Isle of Bryher, Isles of Scilly and stay at Hell Bayand spend your days, exploring this virtually traffic free island. Head down to Rushy Bay and wander for miles along the fine white sands or hire some kayaks with the kids from Green Bay and explore the tranquil waters between Bryher, Tresco, Samson and St Martin’s. You can also hire wet suits and take advantage of the safe, clear waters around Bryher, ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Why not head to Atlantis, Dubai and swim with Dolphins in Dolphin Bay one of the world’s most sophisticated dolphin habitats. If you don’t fancy actually getting into the water then discover The Lost Chambers Aquarium where you can imagine exploring the mysterious ruins of Atlantis, check out the underwater mazes and tunnels of this lost civilization while encountering sharks, eels, seahorses, and piranhas. For the thrill seekers in your family head to the hotel’s waterpark and shoot down the speedslide, ride the rapids, and surf the waves.

Explore a bit further afield the Maldives and stay at the stunning LUX* Maldivesresort.  Here the little ones can become the next Andy Murray and play Teddy Tennis. For the less sporty why not get into the spirit of the “Great British Bake Off” and find one of the cake decorating bars where you can choose from a variety of pre-baked cakes and cupcakes and, with a helping hand from one of LUX*’s pastry chefs create your own masterpiece.

Or for that once in a life time trip why not safari at Ulusaba, Richard Branson’s Private Game Reserve. Although under 6’s are only allowed on the Game Drives at the Manager’s discretion there is still plenty for youngsters to see, explore and experience.  Children are encouraged to learn about the region and take part in cultural arts and crafts activities including musical instrument making, coloured sand art and an afternoon of rock painting. There is a mini Ranger’s course where the little ones (known as Cub Rangers) will learn about the African bush and how to track and identify animal footprints and dung droppings, they will be taken on safari walks to spot birds, insects, lizards and anything else the Cub Rangers may find.

And one for the winter season learn to ‘mush’ with your very own husky dogs. Skiing is an adventure in itself; the younger the little ones learn the better. Stay at Chalet Prarion, Chamonix and enjoy the skiing and fresh mountain air but for something a little more unusual try travelling by dogsled.  Experience the thrill and excitement of driving your own dog team through a spectacular winter wonderland.  Children from 8 and up (children under 8 can take rides in the back) can learn about the sport, the dogs, how to ‘mush’ and drive their very own husky dog sled - with a little assistance, of course.

To book any of the above hotels and holidays please contact info@luxuryandlittleones.com or visit www.luxuryandlittleones.com

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About Kathryn Wright, Luxury and Little Ones

  I set up Luxury and Little Ones, now an award winning online travel company, after I had my two little girls.  Finding a holiday suitable for the whole family was no longer as easy as it was when there were just me and my other half! I wanted to create the kind of site I wanted to use when looking for our family holidays that would give parents all the information necessary to travel in style with buggy, toddler and child in tow.

As a family, with two little ones under four, I think I understand what parents are looking for in order to make a holiday a true retreat for the whole family. Luxury and Little Ones source and review only those hotels which we think are above and beyond what you would expect for your family holiday. We want you to come back from your holiday refreshed and revived with wonderful memories. The directory has hotels from Cornwall to Mauritius with a few luxury child-friendly ski chalets added into the mix.