May half term is the perfect moment to pause and reset, with early summer sunshine opening up a wide range of travel possibilities. Whether you’re looking for laid-back coastal escapes, cities full of culture and energy, or nature-led getaways with space to explore, this is the ideal time to travel before the peak season arrives. From stylish resorts with plenty of comfort to destinations made for discovery and downtime, these trips offer an easy blend of adventure, relaxation and quality time away.
Istria, Croatia
Well-suited to a May half-term that feels active but easy, Istria offers a variety of activities that work across ages without too much planning. Spring is a particularly good time to visit Croatia’s heart-shaped peninsula, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it comfortable to be outside for most of the day. Families can explore the peninsula by bike – e-bikes make the rolling terrain far more accessible – following coastal paths or inland routes between hilltop villages or tackling sections of the Parenzana trail. Time by the water is equally alluring, with boat trips, swimming spots and quiet stretches of coastline around Rovinj, while inland towns like Motovun offer unique history and culture. Food is a particular highlight, with a strong regional identity – think fresh seafood, olive oil, local wines and truffles. Compact, scenic and easy to move around, it’s a destination that lends itself well to a family break.
Direct return flights with Tui from London Gatwick to Pula during half term start from £326 per person.
Ibiza Gran Hotel, Ibiza
A contemporary, design-led retreat, Ibiza Gran Hotel is excellent for families with older children who want independence, comfort and easy access to the island’s culture and coastline. Set on the waterfront near the marina and Dalt Vila, it offers a walkable base for cafés, harbourfront evenings and trips out to beaches or boat excursions. The hotel itself has spacious suites with private terraces, multiple restaurants including Michelin-starred La Gaia by Óscar Molina, relaxed poolside dining, and the expansive Open Spa with hydrotherapy circuit, treatment rooms and gym — giving both older children and adults space to unwind in between activities. Families can arrange private boat trips, snorkelling and kayaking in nearby coves, along with cultural visits and market trips across the island. In May, Ibiza is warm but not overcrowded, making it an easy, flexible base for families who want freedom to explore without being tied to a structured resort schedule.
Rates start from £460 per night for a double room. Return flights with Ryanair from London Stansted to Ibiza start from £103 per person.
Yazz Collective, Turkey
Perfectly suited to families with older children, Yazz Collective is a dream setting for May half-term. Tucked away in a secluded bay in Fethiye and accessible only by boat, the resort is intimate, stylish and secure — a naturally social hideaway where younger guests can meet new friends and create unforgettable memories, while adults can fully switch-off and enjoy a slower pace of life. Its close-knit setting, comprised of two restaurants, two bars, five private pool lounges, an outdoor gym and 36 stylish guest houses woven through verdant gardens, fosters a stress-free sense of independence. By day, families can stretch out on plush Bali beds along the beach, indulge in Balinese spa treatments in private cabanas, or immerse themselves in a cultural calendar designed to spark curiosity and friendships. From sunrise yoga and art workshops to a variety of water sports including, kayaking, paddleboarding and James Bond-style Sea bobbing, there’s never a dull moment.
Rates start from £550 per night for a double room. Return flights with British Airways, from London to Dalaman start from £527 per person.
Conrad Athens, The Ilisian
Opening on 23 April 2026, Conrad Athens, The Ilisian is set to enhance family travel in the Greek capital through thoughtful design, playful touches and culturally rich programming. The 102 sq. m. Family Suite will host up to six guests, welcoming children with fun amenities, creative activities and in-room tent set-ups for a magical stay. This spirit continues in the 1960s-inspired kids club, where young travellers can explore vintage games, ride a bellhop trolley or relax in a mini spa. Honouring The Ilisian’s setting at the crossroads of old and new Athens, the hotel will also launch a family discovery programme, turning the city into a classroom. Curated walks around the Acropolis, storytelling, and hands-on activities – from decoding temple friezes to trying ancient-inspired crafts – will bring the city’s history to life in a way that resonates across generations. Between explorations, the hotel offers ample opportunity for families to switch off or stay active, from leisurely afternoons beside the largest outdoor pool in central Athens, to competitive matches on the pickleball court.
Rates start from £613 per night for a double room. Return flights with British Airways start from £377 per person.
Paradisus by Meliá Bali
Paradisus by Meliá Bali has officially opened in Nusa Dua, introducing Southeast Asia’s first luxury all-inclusive concept by a global brand – with families firmly at its core. Designed to take the stress out of travelling with children, the resort combines 492 spacious suites and private villas with the brand’s signature Destination Inclusive® model where experiences, dining and activities are built into the stay, making it particularly appealing for families looking for a more seamless, hassle-free holiday. Families can enjoy dedicated programming through KIDSDOM for younger children and YOURWAY for teens, alongside a water park, sports facilities and lagoon-style pools. Enjoy the premium Family Concierge experience, featuring dedicated check-in, exclusive beach areas and access to the full range of daily activities across the resort. Explore Bali with ease through included off-site cultural experiences, such as guided visits to temples including Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun, as well as evenings at the Devdan cultural show in Nusa Dua Theatre, allowing both children and parents to experience the destination without having to deal with the usual logistics of planning.
Rates start from £187 per night for a Premium Garden Room. Meliá Escapes packages (flight + hotel) start from £2,115 per person, based on two sharing (25th May – 30th May)
The Residence Zanzibar
The Residence Zanzibar is framed by powder-soft sand and the Indian Ocean’s crystal-clear waters, set within a forested 32-hectare estate. Providing both space and privacy, the all-villa retreat offers the perfect accommodation for families, furnished with rattan furniture and daybeds, overlooking a private swimming pool and colourful garden, with beach views on offer. There are a variety of experiences that cater to both parents and their children of all ages: nature lovers can explore the Jozani Forest, home to the rare red colobus monkeys, whilst water enthusiasts can seek out dolphins on a traditional sailing dhow, and foodies can don their chef’s hats to discover the spices of Zanzibar. Their air-conditioned clubhouse offers children aged 4–14 complimentary, all-day fun from with professionally trained, multilingual staff leading activities from cooking classes and Swahili lessons to volleyball and games.
Parents can retreat to the sanctuary of well-being at The Spa, featuring six spacious treatment pavilions, a relaxation area with a whirlpool, sauna, and steam room, all seamlessly woven into the natural landscape. End the day by bonding over a meal at one of the resort’s restaurants – the Dining Room offers a stunning showcase of local cuisine, while The Pavilion serves exquisite Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes – or enjoy a private dining experience in the intimacy of the villa.
Rates start from £328 per night for a Luxury Garden Pool Villa. Kenwood Travel packages (flight + hotel) start from £2,281 per person, based on two sharing (25th May – 2nd June)
Elysium, Paphos, Cyprus
Situated in the historical heartland of Paphos next to the one of the island’s most significant archaeological discoveries and UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Elysium Hotel has launched 47 newly refurbished luxury rooms and suites – now open for bookings – marking the completion of a significant €10 million reinvestment by Stademos Hotels. Designed to feel like a Cypriot home away from home, the Family Duplex Suite offers a galleried mezzanine bedroom and a cosy living area, while the Garden Villa Suite is filled with natural light and boasts a private patio garden with plunge pool. Tiny travellers can benefit from a range of dedicated services, including the Angel’s Kids Club for ages 3 to 12 and the Angel’s Crèche for infants aged 4 to 36 months. Surrounded by exciting attractions like Paphos Zoo, Aphrodite Waterpark, and more, guests of all ages are ensured a memorable stay. Parents can enjoy a relaxing dinner or spa treatment, thanks to the 24-hour babysitting service. Whether relaxing by one of the several swimming pools – including an adults-only pool exclusively for those staying in the Royal Studios and Royal Garden Villas – exploring the underwater beauty of the Mediterranean through scuba diving, working up a sweat with the guidance of skilled personal trainers or lighting up the tennis courts, there is no shortage of options to ensure an unforgettable stay.
Rates start from £276 per night for a Deluxe Room. BA packages (flight + hotel) start from £812 per person, based on two sharing (30th May – 4th June)
Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, Lanzarote
Just a four-hour flight from the UK, Lanzarote is an easy choice for families seeking a mix of relaxation and adventures. Located on the shores of Playa Dorada in Playa Blanca, Princesa Yaiza offers Capitan Park – a 10,000m² children’s space catering to ages 0 to 16 – alongside a Baby Club for little ones aged 4 months to 3 years, plus spacious family-friendly suites, lagoon-style pools, and easy access to the beautiful Papagayo beaches. There is also a varied programme of sporting activities, such as football sessions with UEFA-qualified coaches, and magical evening adventures at the Dream Camp, filled with games, creative workshops, and surprises to spark kids’ imagination. Parents can unwind in the thalassotherapy spa or enjoy the hotel’s wide choice of restaurants, where menus highlight produce from Finca de Uga, the hotels’ organic farm and dairy in the south of Lanzarote.
Rates start from £164 per night for a double room. TUI Holidays packages (flight + hotel) start from from £3,384 for four guests (two adults and two children), based on a four-night stay from 25 to 29 May.
Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Shangri-La Le Touessrok is an ideal choice for families seeking space, endless activities and laid-back luxury on Mauritius’ pristine east coast. Set across 34 acres of lush tropical gardens and four kilometres of white sand beaches, the resort offers plenty of room for both relaxation and adventure, with calm lagoon waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling and water sports during the school holiday period. Families can take advantage of two swimming pools, a dedicated kids’ club and a wide range of activities like active play sessions and arts & crafts lessons, while parents can unwind at Chi, The Spa or enjoy access to Ilot Mangénie, an exclusive private island reserved for guests. Dining is equally varied, with five restaurants and three bars offering everything from local Mauritian flavours to international cuisine, ensuring options to suit all ages. With its combination of beachfront space, family-friendly facilities and warm, reliable weather in May, the resort offers a memorable half-term break.
Rates start from £400 per night for a double room. BA Holidays packages (flight + hotel) start from £8,998 for four guests (two adults and two children), based on a six-night stay from 23 to 30 May.
Sirru Fen Fushi, Maldives
One of the Maldives’ most secluded resorts, located in the remote Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi is known as the ‘secret water island’ for its expansive private lagoon. The island is home to the Coralarium, the country’s first underwater art installation, which doubles as a coral regeneration project, along with the Maldives’ longest infinity pool, along with the tranquil Arufen spa and three gastronomic restaurants. May half-term visitors can make the most of warm, calm conditions with snorkelling along the 9km house reef, dolphin safaris and kayaking, alongside tailored experiences such as beachfront yoga, creative kids’ club activities and a rolling programme of professional sports residencies, with recent names including footballer Marcus.
Rates start from £965 per night for a double room. Kenwood Travel packages (flights with BA + hotel) start from £8,644 for four guests (two adults and two children), based on a four-night stay from 26 to 30 May.
Jumeirah Mallorca
For a stylish yet relaxed May half-term escape closer to home, Jumeirah Mallorca is a great choice for families looking to switch off while keeping little ones happily entertained. Perched high above Port de Sóller’s sweeping horseshoe bay, the hotel combines dramatic clifftop views with easy access to beaches and the scenic Tramuntana mountains. Families are warmly welcomed with thoughtful touches such as gifts for children on arrival, a safe, child-friendly pool and English-speaking babysitting services, making travelling with kids feel effortless. Younger guests can spend fun-filled days at Barbaroja’s Kids Club, where professional carers run a varied programme of activities—from arts and crafts and storytelling to music, games and treasure hunts—alongside quieter options like books, films and TV. Meanwhile, parents can relax at the adults-only infinity pool with panoramic sea views or explore the surrounding villages.
Rates start from £1,163 per night for a double room. Kenwood Travel packages (flights with BA + hotel) start from £6,738 for four guests (two adults and two children), based on a four-night stay from 25 to 29 May.
