to the Chicago River. There’s a flamboyant procession with free activities that set the festive mood for the coming weeks, including a ice-skating rink at a festivally decorated Millennium Park with the impressive Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as a backdrop

, Elsie, ready for bed. A cot was set up in our room, and milk was available in the nursery downstairs. 
A member of staff on baby-listening duties – a service they ran every night – was stationed in the corridor, so once Elsie was asleep we went

and Teens. Horseback rides, nature hikes, rafting and power tubing down the Vallecito Lake are just some of the inclusive activities, and there’s even an overnight camp-out for Brave Buckaroos and older ones. Families can saddle up together on breakfast

Suites, stunning two-bedroom suites, ideal for families. Small children can run amok in the well-equipped Playroom with its own sandpit, water area and storytelling corner. A must-do activity is going junior off-road driving in mini Land Rovers and Argo

, and an 18-hole golf course. The Raffles Amrita Spa has two glass-bottom treatment rooms set over the water.What do you get for your money? Seven nights in a one-bedroom, ocean-view mezzanine suite, with breakfast, costs from £8,750 for a family of two adults

Forss House, The North HighlandsLocated in the far north of Scotland, Forss House is set on 20 acres of woodland and sits below a waterfall, on the gently meandering River Forss. With just 13 bedrooms, the house is informal and friendly and has

, which were used as a set for Star Wars. There’s also an impressive colosseum in El Jem and a wonderfully preserved Roman town to explore at Dougga. The Residence is a five-star hotel with excellent room combinations for families, a choice of four

immaculately maintained gondola had belonged to his grandfather – five generations of Victor’s family had been gondoliers, and his 19-year-old son Jacobi was set to carry on the tradition. In true Italian form, Victor immediately understood children

music gently tinkles and there’s a heady aromatic fragrance in the air, then so much the better. A soothing, stress-relieving massage or reviving facial could be just the pick-me-up you need so treat yourself. You know you’re worth it!Set amid 14 acres

. On this trip, they’ll view the pyramids from the back of a camel, glide down the Nile on a felucca, ride a donkey to the Valley of the Kings and set out in a horse-drawn carriage to Karnak Temple of James Bond fame.How much? From £699 per person and £659