by Victoria Pollitt | Jan 14, 2020 | Advice, Top Story
Where are the best holiday destinations to take your children in February half-term?
Half-term in February is often the toughest month to find a break – it’s cold, money is tight after Christmas but there are some good options to enjoy a fabulous holiday with your children.
Gran Canaria
Travel time from the UK: 4 hours
Temperature: 18-21C
Maspalomas in Gran Canaria
This island has the most activities of any in the Canaries.
There is a wildlife sanctuary in the hills, Palmitos Park, plus watermarks, camel rides on the dunes of Maspalomas and much more.
We went in February and the weather was great.
*The other Canary Islands are also great options including Tenerife, Lanzarote (read our review here or ) and Fuerteventura (read our review of a holiday in Fuerteventura here).
Oman
Travel time from the UK: 7.5 hours
Temperature: 22-26C
Oman
Quieter and less developed than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Oman offers an authentic glimpse into the Middle East.
There are plenty of family resorts along the coastline and the capital Muscat is worth a visit too.
*It is a good time of year for other Middle East destinations as well such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where the temperature will be a similar 22-26C.
Malaysia
Travel time from the UK: 14 hours
Temperature: 28-32C
Malaysia
There is loads to see in Malaysia. You can spend a couple of days in the buzzing capital Kuala Lumpur with the Petronas Towers which were once the world’s tallest building, then travel to Penang for its beaches, resorts and colonial Georgetown.
New Zealand
Travel time from the UK: 22 hours
Temperature: 22-25C
New Zealand
The furthest family trip but it will be worth it. February is ideal for the North and South Island. Don’t miss the beaches of the Bay of Islands, the bubbling geysers in Rotorua, whale watching in Kaikoura and adrenaline fuelled fun in Queenstown. You need two weeks minimum but this is the time of year to take it.
Liverpool, UK
Temperature: 5C
Liverpool
Winter is a good time to try a big city like Liverpool with plenty of indoor attractions. You can meet some dinosaurs at the World Museum Liverpool, find out about the history of the city at the Liverpool Museum, pop into the Beatles Experience, take a tour of Anfield the home of Liverpool FC and cross the Mersey on the famous ferry.
The city centre is compact and the waterfront spectacular even in bracing weather.
*Where do you like to go in February? Let us know below!
by Victoria Pollitt | Jan 21, 2018 | Accommodation, Canary Islands - Gran Canaria
We enjoy a family holiday at Club Hotel Riu Gran Canaria
Name
Club Hotel Riu Gran Canaria.
Where is it?
In Maspalomas on the southern coast of Gran Canaria.
What is it?
A renovated, all-inclusive family resort with children’s pool area and restaurants, with views over the Atlantic.
Is it family friendly?
Yes, we think all-inclusive is a great option for young children and this hotel has a wonderful children’s pool with slides.
The rooms
The hotel has 600 modern rooms. Every room has whitewashed interiors with modern furniture and flat screen TVs with most balconies overlooking the sea.
Food and drink
The hotel is all-inclusive and the food is great, it is all buffet-style and the main, large restaurant can’t help but have a school canteen feel.
Fortunately there is also a smaller restaurant which overlooks the sea, this is definitely the best spot for breakfast and dinner.
Nearby
The hotel is a 10-minute walk to the nearest beach – you can either turn left along a pleasant promenade to Maspalomas, or head right to the smaller but quieter Playa de Las Mujeres.
The hotel is in the heart of the town so if you want restaurants or shops then you won’t have to walk far.
Our highlights
* Sea view restaurant. A great spot to enjoy breakfast and dinner, this smaller restaurant overlooked the ocean and was a lovely spot.
* Children’s pool. One of four pools, the children’s one has been designed to impress little ones. Dragon slides and shallow waters makes is safe and fun.
Children’s pool
The only problem if you are travelling in winter is that it isn’t heated.
Thankfully there is a larger heated pool and an adult-only infinity pool with sea views.
The infinity pool is not for children
*Children’s club – there’s a RiuLand Club for children aged four to 12 and, our son wanted to try it out – we stayed with him and he loved it.
Riuland children’s club
*Calu – this giant turtle is the Riu mascot who makes regular appearances through the day and at the evening entertainment. The children can’t get enough of him!
*Children’s evening entertainment – our son also loved the evenings when the energetic entertainers lead music and dancing for the excited children.
Address
Club Hotel Riu Gran Canaria, Urbanización Las Meloneras, Avenida del Mediterraneo, s/n, 35100 Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.
How to book
For prices and information visit the Club Hotel Riu Gran Canaria website.
(We received free accommodation, all views are our own).
