We are always scouting out the best properties that we know our guests will love and that match our values – incredible locations, delicious food and the warmest of welcomes. Our properties have been scrupulously inspected by our team, with every detail considered and noted.
As booking ahead continues to be important, our team has shared their recommendations of our hot properties for 2023, from ultimate barefoot luxury, safari lodges that offer a real taste of life in the bush, and the Greek holiday in foodie heaven.
Cosme – Paros
Chosen by Gemma for its perfect location
This hotel ticks all the F&P boxes. Staying here finds you in foodie heaven, right on the beach and a stone’s throw away from the beautiful picturesque fishing village of Naoussa allowing you to wander into town. Cosme is the perfect place for families with slightly older children who are seeking the freedom to enjoy their holiday their own way. Watersports enthusiasts will also not be disappointed, with an enormous choice of sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving and snorkelling.
Best time to visit: June, July & September
Shanti Maurice – Mauritius
Chosen by Clare for the kids clubs & dining experiences
From the moment you step into Shanti Maurice, you’ll be greeted with the warmest of welcomes as the attentive concierge team look after your every need. The kids club, with its programme of activities and extensive facilities, will keep children duly entertained giving the grown-ups a real break. It’s no wonder that families flock back to Shanti Maurice year after year. The dining experiences cater to all tastes with locally inspired dishes made using ingredients picked from the resort’s garden, as well as freshly caught fish and international cuisine.
Best time to visit: April to May, & October to November.
House in the Wild – Kenya
Chosen by Jo because it is authentic Kenya
What was once farmland, the 1,000-acre private estate that House in the Wild sits on has been restored to thriving bush, where guests can explore the surroundings and all the game that lives within it. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the local culture to get a real taste of life in the bush. You’ll get to see a wonderful variety of wildlife on the morning game drives, enjoy bush breakfasts, and be encouraged to visit local schools and local conservation projects. Take time to relax in camp by playing tennis or croquet and enjoy some sundowners on an escarpment overlooking the Maasai Mara.
Best time to visit: December to March, & June to October.
Les Hautes Mers – Ile de Yeu
Chosen by Gemma as it’s something new
Meet Ile de Re’s little sister Ile de Yeu. This island remains comparatively undiscovered with exceptional and preserved nature, remarkable architectural heritage and some delicious seafood on offer. Les Hautes Mers is right on the seafront, looking back towards the Vendée coast with a swimming pool overlooking the beach and a new spa soon to be opened. A magical place for families to spend time together with plenty of activities on offer from sailing, kayaking, surfing and diving to exploring the island on bike or by foot.
Best time to visit: June, July & August.
Ol Malo – Kenya
Chosen by Jo to experience the Samburu culture
Get a taste for the real Africa and life in the bush at Ol Malo. This is a safari lodge like no other, run by a family with an outstanding knowledge and devotion for the land and its people. Excellent for families and honeymooners, there’s no shortage of things to do; learn bush skills with the Samburu warriors, experience a camel or horseback safaris and head out on a bush walk with their expert guides. A stay in the Ol Malo Treehouse, even if it’s just for seeing the starlit African sky, should also be on your itinerary. Our Africa expert, Jo recommends the helicopter safaris which take you into the remote reaches of Kenya.
Best time to visit: December to March, & June to October
Boschendal – South Africa
Chosen by Jo for its family-friendly facilities and range of activities
In the heart of the Winelands and an hour from Cape Town, Boschendal is a real sanctuary. Perfect for families and multi-generational getaways, this is idyllic living at its best with each of the private houses set in beautiful surroundings. Children will love the tree house playground, and the Friday night market with food stalls, live music and local artisans selling their produce will be a hit with everyone in the family. Wild swimming in the dam is a must, and of course no visit to some of the world’s most famous vineyards should be without a wine tour or tasting.
Best time to visit: November to April.
Gili Lankanfushi – Maldives
Chosen by Clare for its sustainability mission
The Indian Ocean offers some of the most stunning retreats in the world where you’ll want for nothing. Gili Lankanfushi is barefoot luxury at its finest. Overwater villas make up this private island retreat, where you can jump off your villa terrace into the clear blue lagoon and be waited on by your very own private butler. Inspired by their natural surroundings, the buildings have been built using sustainably sourced natural resources or recycled telegraph poles, while the dishes are made using ingredients grown from the island’s organic gardens.
Best time to visit: December to April.
Castello di Reschio – Italy
Chosen by Gemma for its uniqueness, family values and spa
Set high in the wilderness and ancient woodlands of the Umbrian hills, on the Tuscany border, the 1,500 hectare estate La Reschio is a peaceful corner of Italian heaven. Everything about this beautiful castle has been lovingly re-imagined, restored and is run by family with family values at its core. With every little detail taken care of and each suite completely unique there is so much discover here. Although we would all love to stay here for a week, a long weekend is all you need to feel like you have escaped the daily routine back home – don’t forget to sample their award-winning spa.
Best time to visit: September & October.
To plan your 2023 getaway, call to speak to our friendly experts, Clare, Gemma or Jo on +44 (0)1306 264 005 or email [email protected]. And don’t forget we recommend booking at least 6 months ahead for preferred accommodation, flights and prices!