Mr and Mrs Smith Travels: Go off the beaten track!

The family-travel experts at Smith & Family know that sometimes you just need to escape the crowds and get a little rest and relaxation. They’ve uncovered three amazing off-the-beaten-track getaways across all corners of the globe, where you and your little tykes can explore and unwind. We’re talking donkey rides and cacti-filled deserts in Morocco, splashing around Cornwall at a clifftop hideaway and sandy sojourns and an outdoor cinema in Thailand. These secluded destinations promise maximum rejuvenation, without stinting on family fun.

Soneva Kiri – Koh Kood, Thailand

If it’s good enough for Brad and Angelina, then it’s good enough for us. Soneva Kiri, located on a pristine archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, has palm-fringed shores, an untamed jungle backdrop and crystal-clear waters. With private pools attached to each villa, you just need to choose between a stay amongst the treetops or on the soft, sandy shore. At this sustainably-minded resort, recycled timber is used throughout for a rustic feel, organic food is grown onsite and fresh produce is sourced from local fisherman and farmers. Kids will be drawn to the Den, an architect-designed bamboo construction with a drawbridge entrance and a slide exit that’s shaped like a manta ray floating among the trees. There, kids can learn Thai or play traditional instruments while parents visit the Six Senses Spa. At night, enjoy some family fun at the outdoor cinema under the stars.

Fellah Hotel – Marrakech, Morocco

Set on 27 acres in full view of the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, Fellah Hotel creates a contemporary Moroccan experience with Maghrebi design. Rooms feature Berber patterns, an eclectic mix of pop culture mementos and cultural knick-knacks, all housed in ochre-hued buildings. A small working farm provides produce for the hotel’s restaurant and the whole family can pitch in by collecting eggs, milking goats and grooming the donkeys. The kids club also organises Moroccan cooking classes, yoga sessions, script-writing and boxing lessons – the latter only for over-12s. Wat Po Thai spa will help revitalise with Argan oil massages, body wraps and mani-pedis for older and younger guests alike. From traditional briouat pastries to mushroom ravioli and Berber-style beef tenderloin, the hotel’s restaurant has it all. You can also enjoy local street food at Touco’s café by the pool, where residents of Tassoultante village (including Touco) create and serve you tasty delicacies.

Polurrian Bay Hotel – Cornwall, United Kingdom

A seaside escape where rolling green hills meet the Cornish coastal cliffs, Polurrian Bay Hotel is a renovated Edwardian masterpiece where kids and adults can let loose in a friendly, home-away-from-home setting. Parents can enjoy lime and ginger salt scrubs at Purity Spa while the kids are at the Den, a complimentary Ofsted-registered crèche. Older kids have free reign of a games room and cinema room; there’s an indoor and outdoor pool, too, so no matter the weather you can still enjoy a dip. The relaxed Vista Lounge and restaurant champion artisan ingredients from local suppliers, including freshly caught seafood. There’s organic beef from Goonhilly Downs, ice-cream from Moomaid of Zennor, wines from Camel Valley and St Austell-brewed Korev lager. Rooms are contemporary and bright, with floral cushions and vibrant-hued tartan bed throws. Interconnecting Family Superior rooms are best for those travelling with kids in tow.

Browse more hotels with plenty of great outdoor activities and exclusive offers on Smith & Family or contact our expert travel team.