Whether you live around the corner or halfway around the world, we are all missing the quality time we usually spend with our families and friends. Facetime just isn’t the same. Whilst we may not be able to travel right now, it is the perfect time to plan the ultimate multi-generation holiday for a reunion celebration to remember. From private villas in Italy and Greece to luxury resorts in Portugal, Turkey, Greece and St Lucia, we have rounded up the best destinations to reconnect with family and friends:

Sightseeing and Sports at Villa Erato, Antiparos from Bright Blue Villas

Situated within a complex of five independent villas overlooking the Aegean Sea, Villa Erato comfortably sleeps up to 14 guests in seven bedrooms, making it ideal for a multi-generation family. Within the complex, guests can find a tennis court, a basketball court and a private pebble beach just moments away, which creates the perfect offering for active families before lounging by their private pool. After a busy day, Bright Blue Villas can arrange a chef to prepare their dinner or can get together to enjoy a BBQ whilst watching the warm Aegean sun go down.

The island of Antiparos offers guests a plethora of exciting activities that can be organised by Bright Blue Villas’ on-call concierge. Guests are invited to learn about the Cycladic era on a tour to Despotiko Island, admiring the remains of pre-historic settlements and a Dorian temple dedicated to Apollo, or explore the spooky cave of Ayios Yiannis. Alternatively, families can hire a private boat to marvel at the beauty of Greece’s underwater world.

This 7-bedroom property sleeps up to 14 people and Bright Blue Villas (www.brightbluevillas.com/, +30 210 3410210) offers Villa Erato from £14,406/EUROS 16,500 per week. Activities: price available on request.

A Home Away From Home At Il Borgo Di Petroio From Tuscany Now & More

Set on an important 900 acre estate, this beautiful stone farmhouse rises in the hills above Rufina. Il Borgo Di Petroio from Tuscany Now & More makes for a perfect family villa thanks to its large size and recent renovation. The villa features large rooms with high white wash beamed ceilings, air-conditioned bedrooms and contemporary en-suite bathrooms.

The whole family can take advantage of the professional kitchen and spacious dining room as well as natural lighting pouring in through the doors and windows from the wide garden just outside. Tuscany Now & More’s expert concierge team can arrange cooking classes for all ages.

A guest house – perfect for grandparents or teenage children is attached to the main villa. It features more rooms and leads to a charming courtyard with a second kitchen, brick oven and large fireplace. The villa’s large private swimming pool is the perfect place for children to play and for parents to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hills, while sunbathing under the Tuscan sun. A playful or competitive match of tennis can also be enjoyed on the estate’s astro-turf tennis court.

This 5 bedroom property sleeps up to 14 people and Tuscany Now & More (www.tuscanynowandmore.com, 020 7684 8888) offer Il Borgo Di Petroio from £4,933 per week.

Caribbean Dreams at Windjammer Landing

Nestled into 60 acres of lush hillside on St Lucia’s north western coast, Windjammer Landing is a Mediterranean style resort on a large crescent-shaped stretch of beach, boasting six swimming pools (two of them for kids), a selection of signature restaurants and bars, spa, fitness centre, watersports programmes and well-equipped kids club.

With activities aplenty, the resort is perfect for families of all ages. Opt for Windjammer Landing’s spectacular two to four-bedroom villas feature luxury amenities such as private plunge pools or private terraces. Its larger villas offer full kitchens with services of a dedicated chef available on request.

With complimentary windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding, pedal boating, day and night tennis, 24-hour fitness centre access, and water aerobics guests are encouraged to be as busy or relaxed as they like. Motorised water sports and scuba diving are also available and the St Lucia Golf and Country Club’s 18-hole course is just a 25-minute drive away. At the end of an action-packed day, Windjammer’s Spa provides the perfect tranquil setting to relax and unwind. 

For younger guests, the Jacquot Kids Club offers a fun-filled daily programme of activities for children aged from 4 to 12, while teens can participate in escorted outings both at the resort and further afield.

Rooms at Windjammer Landing (http://www.windjammer-landing.com) start a US$266.00 per night with Villas starting at US$448.00.

Thrilling Holiday Adventures at Quinta Do Lago

Combine a thrilling holiday adventure in Quinta do Lago with the relaxed contemporary accommodation at The Magnolia Hotel. Nestled within the beautiful Algarve region, the hotel offers access to the brand-new multi-sports hub, The Campus, and the hive of activity in the surrounding Quinta do Lago area. Located just 15 minutes from Faro airport, travelling to this exciting resort is easy with fantastic connections to most airports in the UK and Ireland in winter.

Fit for all family members, the incredible resort offers an array of sports and activities, as well as an unrivalled food and drink offering. Perfect for kids, parents and grandparents, guests can take advantage of Quinta do Lago’s three award-winning golf courses and The Campus’ brand new high-performance sports and fitness training centre which offers celebrity rugby, football and dance camps with the likes of Anton Ferdinand, Jamie Redknapp and Brian O’Driscoll.

For accommodation, opt for The Magnolia Hotel. With a truly unique design, the boutique hotel brings a taste of Palm Springs to the Algarve. This hotel is turning heads with its cool neon signs and quirky hotel design aspects. With an exuberant spirit, the hotel pays homage to the iconic 1950’s motor-hotel aesthetic, offering affordable and stylish accommodations as well as a new energy in the heart of the Algarve.

For more information please visit The Quinta do Lago website (www.quintadolago.com) or contact on +351 289 005 300.

The Family Cottages are available from €216/£188 per night on a B&B basis and kids stay and eat for free.

Action Packed Explorations and Pool-side Relaxation at MarBella Elix, Greece

Opening in July 2020, MarBella Elix is an inspirational new 5* property in a previously undiscovered area of mainland Greece. As the third hotel to join the MarBella Collection portfolio and the brand’s first property outside of the island of Corfu, MarBella Elix will be perched above the beautiful Karavostasi Beach in the Parga region, looking west towards Corfu and Paxos. An area of astounding natural beauty, the luxurious MarBella Elix sits in unspoilt surroundings where the mountains meet the Ionian Sea.

Guests can expect beautiful sea views, 146 spacious and contemporary guest rooms and suites, a beautiful stretch of golden coastline with turquoise, crystal-clear waters and exceptional facilities.

MarBella Elix is a family-oriented property for those with a more adventurous and inquisitive mind. A fabulous choice for family holidays, it offers an incredible variety of activities afforded by the location in the heart of nature. MarBella Elix will offer an exciting Adventure Club for kids and teens run by the Exploration Society, putting the fun into each stay with an outdoor adventure of engaging, supervised activities that make the most of the great outdoors – all based on the tales and myths of Greek deities and legends.

Family rooms at MarBella Elix (www.marbellacollection.gr/marbella-elix/; +30 26610 71123) start from £180 / €212 per night per room on a half board basis

Long-haul Luxury at The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Situated on the large private island of Furanafushi, The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is the ideal family retreat uniquely located just 1km and a 15 minute speedboat ride away from Malé International Airport. This dream location prevents parents from worrying about additional travel time or costs of seaplanes. Children find themselves on a jet-ski or at the Sheraton Adventure Club within an hour of touching town at the airport. Parents can then relax and unwind at the resort’s spectacular food and beverage offerings after a smooth, easy journey.

Sheraton Maldives is much larger than most Maldivian islands offering 176 guest rooms designed to blend into the surrounding turquoise waters, pristine beaches and lush greenery. Cleverly spread out, the resorts also boasts 7 different restaurants and bars, the kids Sheraton Adventure Club, the Shine Spa for Sheraton located on its very own island, and 3 outdoor tropical fresh water pools. The resort caters for all guests and is the perfect destination for families.

The resort is simultaneously an all-round haven of pure relaxation as well as a playground for all outdoor passions. The Shine Spa for Sheraton is situated on its own secluded, private island where mothers and daughters can spend quality time together whilst relaxing and enjoying a variety of wellness treatments. On the other extreme, the resort proudly plays host to an extensive water sports offering, where families can get their adrenaline pumping. The resort also provides a selection of tailored themed evenings for families to enjoy and prides itself in its seasonal experience.

Nightly rates at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa (www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/mlesi-sheraton-maldives-full-moon-resort-and-spa/; +960 664 2010) start from $400/£315 per night based on 2 people sharing a Deluxe Garden View King Room on a B&B basis.

Reconnect in the heart of Istanbul with AJWA Homes

An artisanal gem, the five-star AJWA Hotel Sultanahmet blends the finest elements of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture with the utmost conformity to the highest international standards of comfort and hospitality. Perfect for families who want the privacy to reconnect, AJWA Homes, Beyaz Konak and The Clock House offer visitors a rich experience of a home-out-of-the-pages-of-history, coupled with all the amenities and services of a present-day five-star hotel.

The hotel and the two AJWA homes are located within the fabled Old City of Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, means they are only a short distance away from all the major mosques, museums and bazaars. Guests can delve into the splendours of Byzantine and Ottoman Eras whilst also having the amenities and services of a present-day five-star hotel.

Beyaz Konak, an Ajwa Home (www.ajwa.com.tr/ , +90 212 638 22 00) has 4 bedrooms and is priced from £1,169/1299 EUR per night on a B&B basis.

The Clock House, an Ajwa Home (www.ajwa.com.tr/ , +90 212 638 22 00) has 3 bedrooms and is priced from £899/999 EUR per night on a B&B basis.

Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet (www.ajwa.com.tr/ , +90 212 638 22 00) offers rooms from £197/219 EUR per night based on two people sharing a double room on a B&B basis.

Family Fun in the Alps at Courmayeur Mont Blanc

Courmayeur Mont Blanc, situated on the Italian side of Mont Blanc is a veritable playground for families. With its car-free cobbled streets, family-run hotels, charming atmosphere, short transfer times and the superb summer offering of hiking, biking and fresh air, it’s no surprise that Courmayeur Mont Blanc is already a firm favourite among mountain-loving families, many of whom return year after year.

Treat the children and the whole family to a nature holiday in Courmayeur Mont Blanc, in the heart of the Alps. Courmayeur Mont Blanc, where the whole family can embrace the great outdoors, delicious mountain gourmet and unique aspects of Courmayeur from Skyway to white water rafting.

There are also indoor sports at the foot of Mont Blanc. The Courmayeur Forum Sports Centre has facilities for ice skating, indoor climbing, tennis, table tennis, golf and 5-a-side football.

For more information on Courmayeur Mont Blanc visit: https://www.courmayeurmontblanc.it/en

Sea, Spa and Sport at Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts

For travellers looking for an unforgettable holiday that blends luxury accommodation, fine dining and state-of-the-art spa therapies, Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts is the perfect choice. This elite hotel group offers the perfect island hideaway for romance, family memories and adventures. Whether discovering the legendary island home of the Greek God Zeus, relaxing on private jetties or indulging in luxurious treatments, Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts offer a magnificent retreat for all guests.

Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts believes that every member of the family deserves a fantastic getaway and that’s why all three of their properties offer a fantastic range of activities to keep the kids entertained. These properties include: Elounda Mare, the only member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group in Crete; Porto Elounda, the only spa and golf resort on the island and Elounda Peninsula, the only all-suite hotel with seafront private pools in Europe. In addition to stunning accommodation overlooking the Aegean Sea, other outstanding features include the Six Senses Spa, 10 culinary outlets and four glistening private beaches.

All three properties also allow access to an array of fun activities including the Soccer Camp, a dance school led by a Judge from Dancing with The Stars and a The Ark kids club.

Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort and Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel (Elounda-sa.com, +30 2841 068000) offers the three-day children’s wellness experiences from Monday-Saturday and are priced at 40 euro per day, or 100 euro for three days. Reservations can be made directly with the Six Senses Spa at +30 284 106 8060, ext. 6100, the Kids Ark at ext.6850 or by email at mgr-elounda-spa@sixsenses.com

Rebalance and Reset with Family Fitness at Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa

If you’re in need of a health MOT but the family deserve a holiday too why not combine the two at one of Europe’s leading spa hotels which also happens to be a superb beach resort? With its new 7 night Family Wellness Package, Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa is the ultimate family friendly wellness destination, where spa lovers can relax and enjoy a wide range of Longevity wellness programmes and treatments, whilst the family don’t have to compromise on a fabulous holiday at a stunning beach resort in the Algarve, Portugal. Families can enjoy a variety of activities together including yoga, fitness and healthy cooking sessions.

Idyllically set within the tranquillity of 11-hectare gardens and offering direct access to a secluded sandy beach, Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa is home to one of the best Thalassotherapy Centres in the world. Complemented by five outdoor pools of fresh or sea water, four tennis courts and two excellent restaurants providing quality healthy cuisine, the resort also offers a superb Kids Club and a range of options for kids to stay healthy and active alongside their parents.

Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa (longevityvilalara.com, +351 967 108 244) offers the 7-night Family Wellness Package from €2,347 / £2,028 based on two adults and one child staying in a Junior Suite Garden View and from €3,422 / £2,957 for a family of two adults and two children.