Escape the February freeze and jet off to winter sunshine or snow-clad Alps as soon as school’s out!
Whether your ideal family holiday is all about building sandcastles on the beach, going on an action-packed adventure or escaping to the mountains to challenge your ski skills on the slopes, we’ve picked some of the best luxury family holidays in February half term for quality time together.
Skip to the short haul or long haul sections below to find which kind of getaway you're looking for:
Short haul getaways:
Long haul getaways:
From waterpark thrills in Abu Dhabi and beach breaks in Jamaica to winter lodge getaways, these are the best places to go in February half term. Just remember to book sooner rather than later!
February Half-Term Ideas for You
1. Tenerife
Flight time from UK: Four hours and 30 minutes (Short haul)
Tenerife average temperature in February: 20°C
While the UK is likely experiencing a torrent of rain and snow, you could be making the most of your February half-term holiday in the Canary Islands. For a short haul getaway with pleasant weather, Tenerife is the ideal place to go in February. And you won't have to worry about jet lag!
One of the best places to stay is Bahia del Duque Resort, occupying a privileged seaside spot in Costa Adeje, one of the warmest parts of Tenerife. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is another great option for families in February half term, home to the largest 'Ritz Kids' in Europe.
While little ones are entertained with playgrounds, pools and a planetarium, adults can take the resort's funicular down to the private sandy cove to soak up some winter sun, distraction-free. The restaurants here are another highlight. Even the Michelin-starred M.B and Kabuki welcome kids with dishes to delight even the pickiest of eaters.
Outside the resort, Siam Park, the biggest water park of the island and boat trips to see whales and dolphins provide hours of fun. For a dreamy experience, escape the light pollution and go stargazing in Teide National Park.
Suggested hotels in Tenerife
2. Morocco
Flight time from UK: Three hours fifteen minutes (Short haul)
Morocco average temperature in February: 20°C
With similar temperatures to Tenerife, Morocco offers sunshine through February for your family getaway this half term. Enjoy spectacular diversity whilst you discover the sweeping wonders of the Sahara Desert or the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
One of the best places to visit in Morocco is Marrakech. Browse the lively markets of the narrow streets framed by markets selling good-quality leather, pottery, jewellery and much more.
To find the perfect spot to soak up the warm rays of sun, take to the Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort. This family-friendly resort is stretched along the sandy beach of Moroccan beach, embellished in traditional Moroccan designs, and ideally placed nearby luxury boutiques, restaurants, and a bustling casino. If you enjoy your golf, you can enjoy Morocco’s longest, 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player, comprised of an impressive 7,484 yards.
Enjoy all your favourite activities while served with a friendly and energetic service, who are also dedicated to catering for children with sporting activities, special events, trips, and themed evenings.
Suggested hotels in Morocco
3. Courmayeur, Italy
Flight time from UK: One hour 50 minutes (Short haul)
Courmayeur average temperature in February: -2°C
Swap the slushy ice of the winter in UK for the glistening white blankets of snow on the Italian Alps for a week of ski fun.
Located atop the Aosta Valley is renowned ski holiday destination, Courmayeur, a favourite amongst winter sports enthusiasts because of its high-altitude slopes (2,500m above sea level) with excellent snow conditions. Plus, the alpine village offers a welcoming atmosphere to bring the home-away-from-home feeling to the surface. Whether you’re an advanced skier or a complete novice, find opportunities to improve your skills with ski schools and challenging off-piste runs.
Courmayeur is home to numerous comforting lodges, including Le Massif Hotel & Lodge. This family hotel and lodge is embellished in a chalet-style décor paired with Italian tradition, offering something for everyone in the beating heart of Courmayeur.
If you want to be on the slopes within minutes, opt for this retreat that sits just steps from the ski lift. Plus, you can take a short stroll to the historic town centre, and end the day with a delicious meal from the restaurant. While the little ones are entertained in the kids’ club, you can indulge in a revitalising spa treatment.
Looking for more ski ideas for half term? See our guide to Europe's best ski resorts for families.
4. Abu Dhabi
Flight time from UK: Seven hours (Long haul)
Abu Dhabi average temperature in February: 25°C
If you're craving a frost-free February, Abu Dhabi's mild weather is guaranteed to keep you toasty. Just over an hour's drive from Dubai, this city in the UAE is a favourite for February half term holidays.
From dune-bashing in the desert to navigating a maze of souks, boat trips alongside playful dolphins and relaxing on palm tree-studded beaches, there are enough activities here to span a month, let alone a week!
Families will love Saadiyat island, brimming with exciting areas including Yas Island. You won’t be short of things to do to fill your days, from the thrilling rides at Ferrari World, taking the plunge at Yas Waterworld and exploring all kinds of film-fun at Warner Bros World. Plus, you can take a drive around the famous Yas Circuit or a night time bike ride. Stay at The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort to make the most of it.
The futuristic museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi is another ‘must’, home to archaeological artefacts dating back thousands of years. Be sure to book your tickets and enjoy a day of exploring the iconic galleries.
Suggested hotels in Abu Dhabi
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Abu Dhabi
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
Abu Dhabi
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas
Abu Dhabi
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Abu Dhabi
The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
Abu Dhabi
5. Jamaica
Flight time from UK: 10 hours (Long haul)
Jamaica average temperature in February: 25°C
Let's face it - February is a pretty miserable time of year in the UK. So, escape the cold weather and spend your half term holiday on other shores.
Despite it being long-haul, the turquoise Caribbean waters and a week’s blast of heat make a trip to Jamaica totally worth it.
You'll find everything you need at Half Moon Jamaican resort. Wake up to classic Jamaican paradise and relax in luxury to your heart's content with a unique overwater spa treatment at Fern Tree Spa. Whether you choose aromatherapy in their steam rooms, rejuvenating sunrise yoga or a relaxation in the private tropical gardens, you can find something that will bring you serenity in this resort on the Caribbean coast.
If you prefer something more discreet, Round Hill Hotel and Villas offers luxury sprawled along a glorious private beach. With rooms designed to elegant perfection by Ralph Lauren, you can choose between a number of standalone one-bedroom suites, villas with inviting plunge pools and living spaces.
From any room you choose, you can enjoy the sweeping ocean views either coated in the morning sun or dancing under the moonlight. Pair your paradise living with friendly staff accommodating families with children, offering The Pineapple Kids’ Club and frequent entertainment.
6. Krabi, Thailand
Flight time from UK: 14 hours five minutes (Long haul)
Krabi average temperature in February: 27.5°C
Keen for a mix of culture and beach in the school holidays? The beautiful destination of Krabi on southern Thailand’s west coast could be perfect for you.
With maximum temperatures sometimes reaching the mid-thirties, it's the perfect time to get in the balmy water for some thrills. Take your family snorkelling or island-hopping amongst giant limestone fortresses, stopping to swim at secret beaches along the way.
Spend February half term in a tropical rainforest setting at Banyan Tree Krabi, with land and watersports galore and luxury villas with private pools. The kids’ club is a paradise for youngsters, surrounded by a waterpark and play area with a zipline and climbing wall.
Dine with the whole family at one of the four venues and take a day trip to explore downtown on a complimentary shuttle. At the beach, build sandcastles with the whitest sands and recharge before the school routine resumes.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, get up close to gentle giants at Krabi Elephant Sanctuary. Feeding them in their natural habitat is delightful, especially for kids.
Where to stay in Krabi
7. Antigua
Flight time from UK: Eight hours and thirty minutes (Long haul)
Antigua average temperature in February: 25°C
A February half-term holiday doesn't get much better than the Antigua. Just over 100 square miles of beach paradise, this peaceful island welcomes you to explore its diverse landscapes, gentle sea waters and the vibrant Creole buildings of St John’s.
If you’re seeking luxury with an idyllic location amongst white-sand beaches and views of sweeping rainforests, opt to stay in Carlisle Bay. Embrace this idyllic location and bask on the crescent white sand beach with wonderful views of lush rainforest.
Partake in an array of family-friendly activities including watersports in the crystal ocean, or a game of pickleball or tennis. There's even a cosy 45-seat cinema, just the thing for a relaxing evening after your adventure-filled days in the sunshine.
When it comes time to refuel, indulge in the diverse dining options from Japanese and Thai cuisine to flavours from Indonesia.
Alternatively, the car-free resort Jumby Bay Island, hidden away on 300 acres of private land, sits just two miles away from the coast. Spend your sun-drenched week sprawling on the white sands of the fully-serviced Jumby Bay Beach, barely moving from your sun lounger. If you're a lover of wildlife, you'll love Pasture Bay Beach. Visit here in season to see the hawksbill turtles nest and and lay their eggs each year.
Excellent for families, this resort offers island bike rides and Jumby Explorers kids’ club to keep them entertained for hours.
Suggested hotels in Antigua
Have you been inspired by our ideas for February half term holidays?
We understand that every family is different, so tell us what you need and our team of dedicated experts go above and beyond to tailor make the perfect family holiday for you.