Its collection of timber-and-glass self-catering lodges, set among hills near the north Cornish coast, all have a private terrace with a barbecue and outdoor eating area. But if cooking is off the menu, then a private chef can be requested

ALL STAR LANESFor a swish American-style bowling party choose from one of three All Star Lanes venues in Holborn, Bayswater and Brick Lane. Each has a private bowling alley and function room, perfect for private parties. For lanes with buffers, opt

lends itself to big, Italian-style house parties, and Invitation To Tuscany offer some stunning villas to suit larger groups. Podere dell’Amore, an old, fully-restored hilltop house near Siena with a private swimming pool and tennis court, sleeps ten

in Mykonos are gorgeous, with minimalist interiors, private pools, fully-equipped kitchens and all the amenities of the hotel on site – including a private beach, a children’s pool, playground, babysitting, tennis and spa, as well as restaurants (for when you

beaches. To the east, the hotels are built on lagoons, or have exquisite private beaches on pretty islands – like Le Touessrok’s Ile aux Cerfs. There are golf courses all over the island, and practically every hotel has an amazing spa.Eating in Mauritius

of lush vegetation and fruits so plentiful – juicy red tomatoes ripening on the vine, plump pears and figs, and boughs bowing with lemons – that Grace, 13, and Joe, four, were already plotting their own mini harvest festival.The remainder of our party

further with activities ranging from gladiator lessons (for all guests aged seven and over) and pizza making to parties with clowns and magicians. On arrival, children are presented with either a Welcome Activity Box or rubber duck.How much? From £285 per

the chance to bake delicious cookies with one of the hotel’s top chefs or even enjoy a specially tailored treatment at Azura’s African spa, such as a girls’ pamper party.From £1,383 per night for a family of four staying in the Villa Amizade all

During February 6-28 Gran Canaria goes carnival-mad with parades and all-night street parties with partygoers from one to 100 years old – and plenty of music and dancing. The theme for 2009 is Pirates, so pack accordingly and join the half million people who turn

by the restaurant waiters. GRANDPARENTSPerfect for multi-generation groups, cruises cater for everyone. Splash out and take a suite with a dining area if you’re celebrating something special and want a private party. NCL’s huge three-bedroomed Garden Suites