[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whether you dream of a deserted tropical paradise, a city getaway like no other or the ultimate adventure in a world where the wildlife is fearless, these magical, off-the-grid destinations offer endless unforgettable experiences and a lifetime of memories for your whole family.
Nicaragua
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Rooftop view of the cathedral in Granada, Nicaragua
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When people think about visiting Central America, Costa Rica and Peru usually spring to mind. Often missed but entirely underrated is Nicaragua, an unexpected but increasingly popular gem for families. This enchanting country is one of the safest countries in Central America and offers an exotic combination of fascinating culture, undeveloped beaches and awe-inspiring natural wonders.
In the southwest is Granada, the oldest city on the continent. Founded during the Spanish conquest, this utterly charming lakeside city is filled with rainbow-coloured colonial architecture, cobbled streets and horse-drawn carriages. Surprisingly, there are plenty of hip hotels and restaurants including Hotel Plaza Colon and The Garden Café. At the nearby Mombacho Volcano, you can zipline through the cloud forest, spotting sloths and howler monkeys along the way. Exploring the Las Isletas, an archipelago of 300 tiny islands, on Lake Nicaragua is a must. Jicara Lodge is divine.
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Isletas, Granada, Nicaragua
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On the Pacific Coast, there’s endless beaches and the surfer town of San Juan del Sur. On La Flor beach, you can help release Olive Ridley turtles between July and January. The Mukul, an Auberge Resort is fabulous and has a kids club. As well as four miles of white sand beach and rugged coastline at your disposal at this Pacific Coast gem, you can surf, snorkel or hike nature trails. Tailormade experiences include a helicopter ride to a sugar mill and sugar cane plantation or to Cerro Negro for some volcano boarding, or a fishing trip with local fisherman in Gigante.
The Galapagos
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Amongst wildlife and azure setting, The Galapagos
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Located off the coast of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands, a bewitching archipelago that continues to be a top destination for families wanting to follow in the footsteps of Darwin.
The best way to explore this hauntingly beautiful natural wonderland is on a boat cruise. One of the best companies is Lindblad Expeditions who launched their family programme National Geographic Global Explorers in 2017, aboard the newly refurbished 48-passenger National Geographic Islander or 96-passenger Endeavour II.
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People swimming in a scenic natural pool in Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, by Fernando Espinosa
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]They’ll take you to Isla Bartolome, where you can swim with Galapagos Penguins, to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Isla Santa Cruz, home of the legendary giant tortoises, and see the bizarre mating ritual of blue-footed boobies on Isla Espanola. You can even snorkel with sea lions and summer is prime whale-watching time as they migrate to the area to feed.
Iceland
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Skating on Tjörnin, the Reykjavik City Pond, Iceland
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Renowned for its lunar-like landscapes, colossal volcanoes, bubbling hot springs and mesmerising waterfalls, Iceland is fast becoming a family hot spot, and in the summer, you can expect warmer temperatures and up to a mind-blowing 24-hours of sunlight. The trendy and child-friendly capital, Reykjavik, is filled with cool shops and attractions such as the Whales of Iceland Museum and the Family Park and Zoo. A relaxing swim in the famed Blue Lagoon’s thermal waters is a must. There is a thriving bar and restaurant scene and top spots are Glo and Kaffivagninn. Hotel Borg is ideally located in the centre.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Further south is the famous Golden Circle route with some of the country’s most spectacular sights including Thingvellir National Park, the exploding Strokkur geysir and the jaw-dropping Gullfoss waterfall. Hotel Ranga is a fabulous boutique hotel in the area. The Langkokull glacier offers hiking and snowmobiling even in the summer, while on the Westman Islands, you can see the country’s famous puffins and spot minke, blue and humpback whales and quite possibly orcas. Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach and the stunning Lake Myvtan are also worth a visit.
Havana
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Havana’s sexy vibe and classic cars go hand in hand
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The popularity of Cuba and its colourful, Instagram-worthy capital, Havana is on the rise. As well as iconic sights such as The Plaza de la Revolucion, famous for the giant sculptures of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos on the ministry buildings, there are a host of family-friendly attractions including Museo del Chocolate and the Parque La Maestranza amusement park. It may be a Cuban cliché, but the best way to experience Havana is cruising around in a vintage convertible. A horse and cart or cyclo can be equally fun. Old Havana’s cobbled streets and historic squares are best explored on foot. Plaza Vieja is particularly popular with families at dusk, when children gather to play and watch street entertainers.
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Busy street of Old Havana
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Havana has a thriving restaurant scene, although eating out can still be hit-or-miss. Top spots include Paladar La Guarida, made famous by the Oscar-nominated film Fresca y Chocolate, Café Bohemia and the Coppelia Ice Cream Parlour. In the centre is the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba.
Ireland
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Co. Cork in Ireland
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Ireland is topping travel lists this year, largely thanks to the release of Star Wars and Game of Thrones. The Emerald Isle is home to castles, mesmerising landscapes, little leprechauns with pots of gold and of course, Guinness. It is easy for families to navigate due to its relatively small size.
In the lively capital city of Dublin, kid-friendly attractions include Imaginosity Children’s Museum, the Leprechaun Museum and Dublin Zoo, famous for its endangered species breeding programme. There are plenty of superb restaurants such as French bistro Chez Max and Hugos for some good old Irish food. The Intercontinental Hotel Dublin is wonderful.
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Ireland
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Outside Dublin, alongside iconic sights such as the Cliffs of Moher, arguably Ireland’s most impressive natural attraction, there are colourful fishing villages, rolling fields and white sand beaches. Blarney Castle in County Cork is where you’ll find the fabled Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you kiss the stone, you will be bestowed with the gift of the gab – be prepared to balance precariously upside down though. The picture-perfect seaside village of Cobh – the last port of call for the doomed Titanic, the charming town of Killarney and the bewitchingly beautiful Dingle Peninsula are also worth a visit. Of course, no visit to Ireland would be the same without staying in a castle. One of the best is Dromoland Castle Hotel.
The Azores
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Lagoa de Fogo, a crater lake in San Miguel in The Azores
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About 1500km west of Lisbon, in the Atlantic Ocean, lies The Azores, a remote Portuguese archipelago of nine volcanic islands known for their bubbling geothermal springs and first-class whale-watching, especially in the summer months. Dubbed the Hawaii of the North Atlantic, these islands have remained under the radar, but this is changing thanks to direct flights from major cities into the island of Sao Miguel. The Azor Hotel in the capital, Ponta Delgada, makes an ideal starting point for families seeking the ultimate adventure.
One the most spectacular sights on the island is Sete Cidades, a dormant volcano with a twin lake set deep in its enormous crater. Here you can hike to the top, go kayaking or paddle boarding, or explore the surroundings by bike. The town of Furnas is famous for its hot springs, but one of the most amazing is Ponta Da Ferraria’s thermal pool that lies in a cove alongside the ocean. Other highlights are the 10,000-year–old Gruto de Carvao lava tunnel that you can walk through, the Priolo Environmental Center and the Cha Gorreana tea plantation.
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Lagoa de Fogo, a crater lake in San Miguel in The Azores
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For surfing and black sand beaches, head to Santa Barbara and stay at the hip Eco-Beach Resort. The Tuka Tula Bar has a stunning setting and is a great place eat. Other highlights are the 10,000-year–old Gruto de Carvao lava tunnel that you can walk through, Lagoa de Fogo, the Priolo Environmental Centre and the Cha Gorreana tea plantation.
Fiji
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The reef system around Castaway Island in the Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
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Almost two years after Cyclone Winston caused around $1.4 billion in damage, Fiji is back on its feet. This South Pacific tropical archipelago of over 300 islands is known for its endless white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and rugged volcanic landscapes. It offers families the perfect mix of Robinson Crusoe-style R&R and adventure year-round and maximum sunshine in the summer months.
The southern Coral Coast on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island is a beachcomber’s paradise with luxury accommodation such as the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. It’s close to Kula Eco Park where you can encounter the island’s exotic wildlife. Other highlights include bathing in mud at the Sabeto Hot Springs, rafting down the Sigatoka River and zip-lining above the lush rainforest canopy.
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Six Senses Fiji
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For a dreamy desert island experience, the exquisite Mamanuca Islands, where the Tom Hanks’ blockbuster Castaway was filmed, are easily accessible from Viti Levu. The swanky Six Senses Fiji has just opened on Malolo Island and has a fabulous kids’ club. A visit to world-famous Cloud 9, a two-storey floating bar and pizza hangout is a must. ◼
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© This article was first published in June-July 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
