Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
This one is pure luxury – with the added bonus of the whole trip being mapped out for you… Travel to South Africa with the family and visit Tswalu and its meerkat residents in the remote, magical (and malaria-free) Kalahari Reserve. As well as daily game drives, expect horse-riding, hot air balloon trips, children’s programmes, a seriously glorious spa and dinners in the dunes.

Accommodation at The Motse consists of eight houses, two of which have been designed especially for families and sleep four people (very) comfortably. After four nights discovering the wildlife and natural beauty of the Kalahari Reserve, fly to Cape Town and spend a few nights in the heart of the city at The Belmond Mount Nelson. Known as the ‘grand dame’ of Cape Town, it has nine acres of stunning gardens, two swimming pools, a spa and a kid’s club for children aged between three and 12 – as well as a Teen’s Lounge for older kids.

A 10-night Family Friendly African Itinerary from £3,820 per person, is based on a family of four travelling together, with free accommodation for up to two children under 12 at both locations, international and domestic flights and private transfers; scottdunn.com; 020 8682 5070

Provence and Corsica, France
Fancy a rather dreamy family adventure closer to home? Unwind in lavender-scented Provence at the Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, a super luxurious family-friendly hotel set high in the Provencal hills in a 750-acre estate. The spectacular Gorges du Verdon, considered to be one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe is just a short drive away. With its steep cliff like sides and turquoise glacial waters, it’s popular with climbers and kayakers although it’s possible to hire pedalos in some parts… perfect for the smaller travellers. If all that sounds like rather hard work, wander round the local market and enjoy an ice cream at a little square in the nearby hilltop village, instead…

Corsica is just a short flight from Nice, and is very nice indeed: a mountainous island surrounded by a dramatic coastline, with countless beautiful beaches and crystal clear bays, with its own distinct culture and way of life. Explore its natural beauty whilst staying at the Domaine de Murtoli, a villa estate made up of renovated shepherds’ houses on the south coast. Each property is unique and can sleep between two and 13, ideal for large family gatherings.

Choose between eating at one of the two restaurants by the beach or using the service of a private chef (yes, really). Alternatively, the estate can deliver meal baskets to the villa, full of fresh and delicious local produce. We told you this was posh.

A 10-night family adventure in France and Corsica costs from £2,102 per person, based on a family of four travelling together and includes flights, private transfers and car hire; scottdunn.com; 020 8682 5080

Nihiwatu, on Indonesia’s lesser-explored Sumba island, is an environmentally-conscious resort offering hidden waterfalls, horse-rides along the beach and huge waves for surfing – along with plenty of wild kids activities amidst unspoilt nature. Surf lessons are offered on the resort’s private beach to swimmers aged 8 and over, while younger splashers might prefer the rock pools… or prefer to bias the water in favour of horse-riding classes for the over-5s.

Explore the lush Wanukaka Valley and idyllic jungle setting of the Lapopu Waterfalls, replete with lagoon and pandanus-tree-shaded rocks. Or try paddle-boarding or spear-fishing; or simply appreciate the wildlife, with baby leatherback turtles hatched on site between April and October. (Or dream about all these possibilities while being pampered in the Nihioka Spa Safari or testing the cocktails in the perfectly rustic Ombak Bar.)

Rates from £585 per villa per night based on two people sharing on a full-board basis and including wi-fi. Sumba is a one hour flight from Bali and there are daily flights from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar; nihiwatu.com