THE Balearics or Blighty – which will you pick this autumn?
Zafiro Mallorca, Mallorca
Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley found a kids’ haven on the Spanish isle.
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The Pad: A pirate ship kids’ pool and inflatable bubble slide make this place a winner for little ones.
Lying in a green oasis in the not-so-pretty ’60s resort of Ca’n Picafort, Zafiro Mallorca will delight under-sevens, as well as those handy with a hob and on a budget – the spacious, recently refreshed apartments have small kitchenettes, too.
For lazier evenings, the main restaurant serves up a plentiful themed buffet each night, while the playground – complete with bouncy castle – sits handily right outside it.
Hotel mascot Yzzy, a pirate koala, charms kids with regular appearances and the main pool is the perfect depth for learners.
Free balloon animals and face painting in the evenings go down a treat, plus there’s an adults-only pool surrounded by Bali beds, if you manage to rope the grandparents into coming, too!
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Explore: The old town of Alcúdia is just a 25-minute drive away, and makes for some light culture.
Walk the medieval walls then wander the pretty streets, making sure you stop by perfumery Agua de Baleares for a spritz of olive wood and black juniper scents (Aguadebaleares.com), as well as the foodie heaven that is Baccus.
Mallorcan wine is excellent, so pick up a Pecat red and salmon-hued rosé here, alongside other edible souvenirs like olive oil, honey, and cocoa-dusted almonds.
Plus, you’ll find chic island-made sandals at Audali Alcúdia, then lunch at Basico Gastrobar with its hidden courtyard and tapas treats.
Order the pa amb oli (AKA bread and oil) with ham and mahon cheese, £14, and the super-garlicky prawns, £15.
Sip a glass of red, £5, as you go. Later, drop by Giovanni L for delicious gelato – we loved the kiwi and pistachio flavours, £3 for two scoops.
Don’t miss: Alcúdia beach has huge, wide swathes of sand and shallow waters, plus the sea is much calmer than at Ca’n Picafort, with its narrower stretch.
Fancy horse riding with a petting farm on-site?
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You’ll find a warm welcome at Ranxo Ses Roques, 20 minutes’ drive away, with pony rides, £9, and a little play area.
One-hour excursions cost £25 per person (Ranxosesroques.com).
The peaceful wetlands of the S’Albufera Nature Reserve are also super-close – perfect for cycling and spotting loads of different birds, while a tad further is Museu Sa Bassa Blanca’s sculpture park with its giant animal art.
Entry costs £8 per adult, under-sevens go free (Msbb.org).
Book it: A week’s stay self-catering for a family of four at Zafiro Mallorca with Jet2holidays starts from £449 per person, including return flights from the UK with 22kg luggage, plus resort transfers (Jet2holidays.com).
Polurrian on the Lizard, Cornwall
Senior Designer Jade Leighfield checked into a coastal beauty in South-West England.
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The Pad: Sitting atop the cliffs with sea views aplenty, this gem of a hotel is all vintage glamour meets coastal vibes.
With tennis courts, an outdoor and indoor swimming pool and a games room with air hockey and pool tables, you won’t get bored.
But book the Elemis Coastal Trio – a back, neck and shoulder massage, express facial and luxe scalp massage – at the spa for pure bliss, £75 for 60 minutes.
For the ultimate family treat, check into the Island Suite with its three bedrooms, kitchenette and hot tub on the terrace, then take the hotel’s Nosmoke electric buggy for a spin.
Come evening, tuck into duck liver parfait with poached rhubarb, dill and orange, £9, and 10oz rump steak, vine cherry tomatoes, portobello mushroom and chips, £29.
For dessert, the white chocolate and pistachio torte is to die for.
Explore: Take the coastal path at the end of the garden and within 10 minutes you’ll hit Polurrian Cove, a secluded sandy beach perfect for picnics and body boarding.
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Walk a little further for Poldhu Cove and its beach cafe with bacon, brie and cranberry toasted ciabattas, £6.95, and mega #Poldhutastic hot chocolates topped with Reese’s Pieces on mountains of cream, £4.
Kynance Cove makes for a glorious 75-minute walk – or if you’ve got small kids in tow, a short drive!
Poldark fans will recognise it as Ross and Demelza’s beach at Nampara – and, thanks to its white sand and turquoise waters, this National Trust spot is often voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Don’t miss: Just five minutes’ drive away in Mullion village is the Old Inn, a traditional thatched pub.
Order hunter’s chicken, £15, with a Cornish Rattler cider (Oldinnmullion.co.uk).
Meanwhile, at Lizard Point – a 20-minute drive away – the panoramic views are something else.
Plus, you may even spy seals and dolphins!
Book it Double rooms cost from £129 B&B.
Dogs are welcome, from an extra £15 a night (Polurrianhotel.com).
