KEEPING THE KIDS HAPPY IS CHILD’S PLAY AT CENTER PARCS, SAYS CLAIRE SPREADBURY
It’s not often I swing a leg over a bicycle and go for a pedal, but it’s true what they say: you never forget how to ride. Travelling around on two wheels is pretty popular at Center Parcs, especially at Elveden Forest in Suffolk, as nothing is far away and it’s flat.
If you fancy a getaway for a big group of people, which includes kids, Center Parcs is a sure-fire hit.
Whether it’s a generational gathering (so nanny and gramps can babysit while mummy and daddy hit the delightful Aqua Sana spa), or a couple of clans clubbing together to splash out on some of the higher-end accommodation (a two-storey treehouse complete with games den, Physiotherm infrared room and outdoor hot tub), there’s something to suit everyone, at every budget.
Every lodge comes with its own kitchen, but you can also dine in one of the many family-friendly restaurants.
Children (and adults) can join a plethora of activities, from quad biking or creating cupcakes, to aerial tree trekking and wildlife walks. You can be as busy or relaxed as you please.
It doesn’t matter that my entire family is better than me on a bike. I’ll be back to wobble on two wheels again pretty soon.
Lodgings from £229 (sleeps six) for a mid-week four-night break. For more information, visit www.centerparcs.co.uk
A FRIENDLY APARTMENT IS THE TOP CHOICE FOR A WEEKEND BREAK WITH MATES TO BERLIN, SAYS SARAH MARSHALL
“If you arrive after 6pm, you’ll need to collect the keys from our bar, Red Rabbit, in Friedrichshain.”
That’s the message I receive from my Berlin host, Lisa, who has kindly loaned her apartment to myself and four friends for the weekend.
When we finally reach the doorway to the drinking hole, it’s well beyond midnight, but for the trendy crowd sinking beers and bottles of Club-Mate, the evening is only just beginning.
A Jiffy envelope is waiting for me behind the bar, packed with keys and a batch of tantalising club flyers, and I know my trip is off to a good start.
Booking an apartment is often the most comfortable and fun choice for a group of friends going on holiday, but so many properties end up being empty shells, devoid of personality.
Airbnb, however, poses the appealing proposition of staying at a (new) friend’s place – while they’ve (most likely) skipped out of town for a few days. And sure enough, when we turn the lock in Lisa’s door, we find the radiators on full blast, coffee percolator stacked with filters, and a fruit bowl overflowing with Haribo gummy bears.
The position of the flat is excellent; overlooking the East Side gallery, where remnants of the Berlin Wall remain, and close to the squatter-style bars and creative hubbub of Kreuzberg.
Of course, every flat registered with Airbnb is different, with more than 34,000 properties to peruse in 192 countries.
Owners are often, as in Lisa’s case, plugged into the local social scene and can recommend the best cafes, bars, galleries and shops in the area. But best of all, this accommodation option is more comfortable than a hostel and far cheaper than staying in a hotel.
Our stay works out less than £25 each per night.
Book this apartment from £221 for minimum two-night stay (sleeps five) at www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/115345. Cheapflights.co.uk offers the best online deals through its strong partner network, with return flights from London to Berlin from £89. Regional departures available.
A ROMAN HOLIDAY IS A GRAND CHOICE FOR BIG FAMILIES, SAYS TORI MAYO
When your base for a long weekend in Rome is the seriously chic Villa Nocetta, just 10 minutes from the centre, you may consider taking up permanent residence.
This beautifully renovated villa has been in the owners’ family for three generations and sits in landscaped gardens.
It’s certainly enough to impress my three generations of relatives, who are here for a family gathering in grand surroundings.
While my boyfriend and I spend evenings enjoying sundowners on the tower-top terrace made for two, other family members head to the basement gym or relax by the pool under the shade of pine trees.
Each of the five guest suites has been individually styled.
Even though a continental buffet breakfast and shuttle service are provided, as well as the option of a personal concierge, Villa Nocetta feels like a luxury home rather than a hotel.
All the major sights are within walking distance of each other. It’s quite possible to peer at the Pantheon, shop in the designer stores along Via Condotti, walk up and down the Spanish Steps, or surround yourself with papal pomp and ceremony in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican – all in a day.
My boyfriend and I even take a tour on vintage Vespas, riding along the cobbled streets lined with candy-coloured houses and cafes.
My parents opt for the more leisurely Roman approach, taking it all in via pit stops in the piazza for a macchiato or an Aperol spritz.
But we all end up at the Trevi fountain, where we each throw a coin into the water and make a wish.
If the legends are true, next year, we’ll be back at Villa Nocetta for more of la dolce vita.
Villa Nocetta (www.villanocetta.com; +39 06 663 7119) sleeps up to 12 people and is available from 2,900 euros per night (approx £200 per person per night). Minimum stay of three nights. easyJet (www.easyjet.com) fly from London Gatwick to Rome from £28.74 per person (one way).