Tiny Travelship was born from a passion that parents shouldn’t have to compromise on the holidays of their dreams just because they have tiny travellers in tow. Travel designed to delight the whole family (even the dog) is made easy thanks to their curated collection of gorgeous getaways, expert advice, parent pleasing inspiration and family friendly itineraries. To celebrate the launch of our Mini-me collection, we spoke to Becky and Frankie, founders of Tiny Travelship, to find out where is on their family bucket list this summer.
Parent pleasing to me means holidaying with no children other than my own. I value privacy, space (and a little peace and quiet) above all else when looking for getaways, which is why you’ll mainly find me in local’s homes, boutique hotels and villas.
One of my top tips for a hassle free holiday with tots in tow is to rope in the grandparents - hello built in babysitters! My favourite find of the year has to be Villa Le Cerase, a cluster of 3 standalone converted trulli deep in the Puglian countryside. The total gem of a hidden hideaway sleeps 7 in total, making it ideal for extended families or friends.
Inside the main house you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, double bedroom, bathrooms and living room – which can be used to house the provided cot. A further two double bedrooms and bathrooms are located in the other annexes. The picturesque pool and alfresco dining areas are the star of the show, nestled in safe, secure, sublimely scented Mediterranean gardens.
If you can drag yourself aways from this personal paradise, you’re not far from the secret swimming spot at Marina Serra, Puglia’s best beaches, or tastiest restaurants - I highly recommend Taverna Del Porto
Turned off by the idea of a traditional All Inclusive? Me too. Enter Daios Cove - one of a new breed of hotels where the a la carte dining is SERIOUSLY good and top notch service is served alongside first class childcare. Beige buffets and plastic fantastic children’s entertainment this is not!
A super luxe hotel designed for ease and to please, your every whim and prayer is catered to and every adult indulgence imaginable can be found under their architecturally awe-inspiring roof. Whether you want to tantalise your tastebuds, hit the gym, be pampered head to toe in the spa, or bask in the sunshine on the private beach this is the ultimate fly and flop. You can't go wrong with room choice at Daios Cove, with even the entry level rooms boasting separate living spaces, blissfully private balconies and bathtubs (all music to parent’s ears).
For the golden baby monitor stretch of snoozing babe : sunbathing parent I recommend opting for a suite with a private pool - you won’t regret it. Unlike a lot of hotels, the creche welcomes tiny travellers from as young as 4 months. Babysitters can be arranged for an adults only date night or spa day. Run don’t walk to make a reservation
Fowey Hall is one of a very rare breed of hotels that you just cannot fault. As a devout off-the-beaten-pather, before visiting the hotel seemed far from my holiday match made in heaven, but if there’s anywhere that will change your mind about purpose built family getaways, this is it.
We hadn’t even checked in before our toddler was swept away, skipping off to make mocktails on the terrace with a gaggle of grinning children - giving us the chance to shed our bags and grab a cocktail of our own, drinking in the sea views. From marshmallow toasting to cinema screenings, resident rabbits and an adventure playground, there is entertainment galore yet somehow the vibe is always ‘laid back luxury’, never crossing over into chaotic (my number one fear).
Whether its the sea air and views over the waves, the vast green spaces, or the classic, clean interiors, there was an instant calming effect from which no one was immune.
Recently renovated, our favourite spot was the library, where sofas are strewn with plump cushions, children’s books line the walls and jigsaws are piled high under coffee tables - the perfect pre-dinner drinks spot following afternoons spent playing in the pool. Instantly warm and welcoming while timelessly elegant, we’ve found our first ever annual retreat at this gorgeous, quintessentially British bolthole
