Our Travel Scouts Favourite Secret Places for Family Holidays

Why the off-season is the best time to visit Mallorca, and what new discoveries await off the beaten path, by Mallorca-Expert Alexandra Maschewski

Fewer tourists, mild temperatures, empty beaches, and a silvery shimmer on the sea that I’ve only ever seen here – Mallorca in the off-season is a true gem. October, in particular, is my favorite time to visit. One of my top recommendations is the charming town of Artà in the northeast. Wandering through its narrow streets, I love browsing Joan Peix’s gallery and savoring a Cortado at the hidden Café Sa Gripia, nestled on the town hall square. A recent addition to the town is the boutique hotel Juz de Yartan, an adults-only retreat housed in a beautifully restored town palace. Though I haven’t stayed yet, I can’t wait to try the restaurant.

Another insider gem is Espai Kamándalu, a workshop store where artisan Laura Micheletti crafts stunning baskets using traditional techniques. Beyond Artà, I recommend a scenic drive along the coast to the south. In Felanitx, Hamburg-based interior designer Janina Krinke recently opened Casa Bon Voyage, a meticulously designed townhouse that hosts regular pop-up events – the next one is on October 26, 2024. For art lovers, arrange a visit to painter Vera Edwards’ countryside studio.

Lastly, for families, the panoramic view from Santuari de Sant Salvador is breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the old harbor at Portocolom. To cap off the day, reserve a table under the charming retro umbrellas at Bar Blau on S’Arenal Bay – open until mid-November.

Our tip: Alexandra Maschewski, together with our travel scout Alexandra Kilian, has written a travel guide about her favorite island. Mallorca für Fortgeschrittene offers plenty of great insider tips and expert knowledge off the beaten path.

Iceland Uncovered: A Summer Journey Through Fire, Ice, and Unforgettable Landscapes, by Alice Mengers

Iceland isn't your typical summer destination, but that's exactly what makes it so special. The rugged beauty of nature, the mystical atmosphere, and the warm hospitality of the Icelandic people left a deep impression on us.

Reykjavík welcomed us on our first day of summer vacation with 12 degrees Celsius, low-hanging clouds, and drizzle. Never would I have thought I’d willingly travel to the cold. But Iceland's natural wonders are breathtaking. Everywhere you turn, the land is bubbling and steaming – from hot springs to geysers and the countless waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery and black lava fields. Nature here doesn't just impress; it feels almost alive.

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was whale watching. Seeing these majestic creatures up close was awe-inspiring. Later that same day, we visited the 3D show “Fly Over Iceland,” which was an amazing experience, especially for families with children. Not only does it give you a fantastic overview of the island and its stunning landscapes, but you also learn a lot about the history and culture of this extraordinary country.

For meat lovers, restaurant Grillmarkadurinn in Reykjavik is a dream come true, offering a highly regional and seasonal menu. Mokka is a charming café, and one of Reykjavik’s oldest, known for its delicious Icelandic waffles. For a more hipster vibe, head to Braud & Co, a popular bakery famous for its mouthwatering cinnamon rolls and freshly baked bread.

Iceland is generally a very accessible country for travellers. The best way to explore the island is by renting a car and driving along the famous Ring Road. This route offers endless adventures: roaring waterfalls (my favorites are Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss), endless hiking trails, mystical lava fields, impressive geysers (be sure to visit Strokkur), and mighty glaciers.

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Iceland is full of breathtaking highlights, hidden gems, and exciting activities, making it essential to plan your trip or road adventure carefully. Contact us at hello@niche-traveller.com or become a member for personalized trip planning that perfectly suits your needs.

Escape to Paradise: Why Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is Your Ultimate Tranquility and Digital Detox Haven, by Bianka Poeting

Our stay at the Four Seasons Desroches felt like a journey to paradise. The island exudes tranquility and seclusion, instantly melting away the worries of everyday life. It was as if we had the stunning beaches entirely to ourselves. Each beach, framed by pristine white sand and exotic flora, had its own unique charm. Our Sunset Beach Villa offered not only luxury but also privacy, making it perfect for our family. The staff was always attentive, anticipating our every need, while our children were thrilled with special activities like surfing and mocktail-making classes.

Culinary delights awaited us at the island’s three restaurants, where themed evenings and beachside dinners became unforgettable highlights. Exploring the island by bike and discovering new beaches were adventures in themselves.

Adding to its allure, the island is also home to majestic turtles, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in nature. The limited Wi-Fi availability made our experience a true digital detox, allowing us to fully disconnect and savor the moment.

Whether for families or couples, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is a dream destination, enchanting with its idyllic and romantic atmosphere. Sustainability is a core value here, and living in harmony with nature makes this place truly special. Our stay was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we would love to repeat some time in the future.

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Two Perfect Summer Escapes: A New Hotel in Usedom Island and a Top Beach Destination North of Lisbon, by Kirsten Lindemann

My discovery of the year for a short getaway is the breeze on Usedom. The hotel, which just opened last year, literally brings a fresh breeze to the Kaiserbäder Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin with its contemporary concept and modern design. It offers spacious, fully-equipped family apartments for 2 to 6 people with all the hotel amenities: a fantastic breakfast, pool and spa, bicycles and buggies, and a comprehensive package for dogs, including a dog washing salon. The premium beachfront location is priceless, and a weekend getaway—especially outside of peak vacation times—is definitely worth it. What we particularly loved: the freedom to spontaneously choose between cooking ourselves and enjoying the sea view from the huge balcony or dining at the hotel's own restaurant, BRACA. Relaxing in the hotel spa or letting the kids have fun on the large playground. In the evenings, you can sip a glass of wine by the large fire pit with a view of the promenade or cozy up with the apartment's fireplace and read to the kids. It ticks all the boxes!

For The Niche Traveller Community, there's a little extra treat: each guest receives a snack box and a bottle of wine upon arrival. So don’t forget to mention The Niche Traveller when booking the breeze!

Our summer destination for this year’s family vacation: Cascais, just north of Lisbon and a kid-friendly 40-minute drive from the airport. Within five minutes, we were at the beach, Praia do Guincho – a picture-perfect family beach with restaurants, surf schools, short walks, and a wonderful vibe. My favorite time: the golden hour around 5 PM, a cold drink at the beach bar, sandy, happy kids, and the feel of salt on my skin. The temperatures were a pleasant 25°C, and the crowd was laid-back – lots of surfers, families, locals, and tourists. In the evenings, we drove into Cascais, strolled a bit, and enjoyed amazing meals. My recommendation: the Seafood Bar Sr Manuel and Taberna Clandestina, lit by countless fairy lights – an incredibly beautiful and lively atmosphere. Nice sightseeing trips in the area include the famous Castle of Sintra, with its fairy-tale architecture and breathtaking views. Another must-visit is the Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic. Don't miss the picturesque Quinta da Regaleira, known for its enchanting gardens, hidden tunnels, and mystical atmosphere.

Why Bornholm is the Ultimate Summer Island Escape for Families with Young Kids, by Anne Haladin

I visited Bornholm for the first time this summer, and I have to say, I fell in love instantly. Bornholm is located in the Baltic Sea and is Denmark's largest island—it takes about 45 minutes to drive from one end to the other. We spent the first few nights at Hotel Nordlandet, where I highly recommend staying in the apartments. They’re more modern inside and offer more space for a family. After that, we spent a week with friends, 11 of us in total, in a large house. The best ice cream on the island can be found at Kalas Bornholm, where you can enjoy your treat on wooden benches built into the rocks with a view of the sea. For tired parents: be sure to order an affogato. Then there's Kadeau, which is more suited for a night out without the kids. Behind the restaurant, there's a small stand selling homemade honey and vegetables from their garden. The beach in front of Kadeau is also beautiful and surprisingly quiet, even during peak season. The amusement park Brændesgårdshaven is as quirky as it is entertaining. All the rides have to be operated by hand, and yes, it's as absurd as it sounds. You must try the water ride with the boat!Bornholm is famous for its excellent fish smokehouses, and I really liked the one in Svaneke. Svaneke also has a charming weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where you can find hand-knit wool sweaters in beautiful color combinations and much more. We´ll definitely be back!

Dubrovnik's Hidden Island Escapes: Lokrum and Šipan's Secret Treasures, by Annelien Orbie

This summer, I uncovered two incredible island getaways just off the coast of Dubrovnik, each offering a unique experience that goes beyond the usual tourist trail. Only a 15-minute boat ride south of Dubrovnik, Lokrum is a perfect retreat from the city’s busy streets. Boats run every 30 minutes, making it an easy and spontaneous day trip. The island is ideal for those who love nature, with hiking trails winding through a lush botanical garden and the haunting ruins of an old monastery. But the real magic of Lokrum lies in its many swimming spots. Locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the refreshing waters, creating a laid-back atmosphere. And if you love wildlife photography, you’ll be thrilled with the abundance of photogenic peacocks roaming the island. The surprise highlight of my journey was Šipan Island, home to a hidden treasure: Bowa, a stunning beach restaurant and club. Reaching this secluded spot involves a 30-minute taxi ride (€30) to Brsečine Harbour, followed by a scenic boat ride to the restaurant. Upon arrival, it feels like you’ve stepped onto a private island, completely detached from the outside world. Children splashed in the in the calm waters of the bay while we soaked in the beautiful setting, with exceptional food and a peaceful, exclusive atmosphere to match. It was truly a magical escape. Both islands offer a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and unique charm—ideal for anyone looking to discover the more tranquil side of Dubrovnik.

From Olhão to Odeceixe – Mirjana’s Secret Tips from Her Portugal Vacation

Portugal captivated me this summer. I had visited the Algarve as a child, and I wanted to relive those memories with my family: collecting seashells, jumping into the icy Atlantic, and eating Pastéis de Nata on the sand. My personal highlight was the charming boutique hotel Casa Rosa in Olhão. The pool in the patio and the delightful, intimate breakfast made it particularly special. Our journey continued to the small fishing village of Salema, where we stayed in a Seven Collection apartment with a stunning view of the Atlantic. The proximity to the beach was the ultimate luxury. Next, we travelled towards Odeceixe. The beach here, with its adjoining river, is perfect for children to catch crabs and swim. Be sure to try the homemade apple or carrot cake and freshly squeezed juices at Ao Largo in Odeceixe on the Costa Vicentina coast. My absolute favorite food spot was the restaurant Cal, perched above Praia Arrifana, offering exquisite seafood dishes.

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