Blackberry Farm, Tennessee, USA
How do you keep kids in search of adventure happy at the same time as delighting their parents? Right around the world, Relais & Châteaux members offer vacations and breaks with kids-friendly activities as standard.
1. Meet the gardener at the foot of Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains
Tennesse isn’t just about country music; it’s also about peace and quiet in the Great Smoky Mountains. Blackberry Farm is a traditional American-style farm offering a luxury, kids-friendly service; they’ll love playing cowboys on horseback treks, learning archery or kayaking on the quiet waters of Hesse Creek. And after a full-on day of adventure, follow the guide to discover the vegetable garden and enjoy the delicious fruits of the orchard.
2. Fly high over Tuscany by balloon
Time seems to stand still somewhere between contemporary luxury and medieval heritage in this superb 700-hectare estate at Il Borro in Tuscany. Explore the hidden treasures of this thousand-year-old village, horseback ride through the countryside, brush up your painting skills with the kids in the art workshops or, for the more adventurous, take to the skies by balloon to marvel at the sublime Arno Valley below.
3. Tease the giant tortoises of Prison Island in Zanzibar
Live a unique experience in an ultra-luxurious resort: the Zanzibar White Sand. Kick off your shoes, explore this white paradise surrounded by tropical nature on the edge of the Indian Ocean, and enjoy exquisite local cuisine. Take your mini-castaways on a trip to meet the giant tortoises of Prison Island, or perhaps on a Sea Safari to swim with the dolphins.
4. Take a guided hike in the Dolomites
This 5-star hotel in the center of Ortiseiin the Val Gardena will satisfy all your cravings for open-air adventure. The Gardena Grödnerhof offers an enormous choice of outdoor activities: from via ferrata to guided hikes designed to make sure that you miss none of the splendors of the world’s most fascinating Alpine landscapes. In winter, you’ll be as close as possible to the slopes, and your instructor will introduce you and your family to the must-ski runs of the Dolomites.
5. Watch the whales in Ardmore Bay, Ireland
Perched high on a cliff with incredible views of Ardmore Bay, the Cliff House Hotel is an amazing place. Its direct access to the sea means lots of open-air activities to enjoy with the kids, from surfing and kayaking to fishing and whale watching. You can also explore the surrounding countryside and discover Irish culture with a visit to Lismore Castle or the historic center of Cork. Back at the hotel, let yourself be rocked to sleep by the sound of the waves breaking on the rocks below.
