Family Friendly Hotels with the most Sumptuous Buffet Spreads

Giving a whole new meaning to “all you can eat…”

We know how precious family holidays are, but finding a hotel to please every age can be a struggle – especially when it comes to mealtimes. To take stress off our agenda, travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have handpicked a collection of luxury escapes, focusing on glorious dining options for big and little eaters. Oh, and you can rest assured that these family friendly hotels have fun-filled activities to keep the whole clan entertained, AND all the necessary parent-pleasing extras. From breakfast banquets to sumptuous suppers, these delectable getaways will have you shamelessly singing “we could have had it ALL…” as you and the family dance your merry way down the buffet!

Marbella Club: Marbella, Spain

World-famous resort, the Marbella Club offers families a fitting foray into sun-soaked luxury. Set by the shore on the Golden Mile, the hotel’s legendary lustre hasn’t faded one bit, with genteel service befitting its royal pedigree, retro-chic rooms and debonair dining. And yet the Beach Club’s renowned buffet is a laid-back affair, with elegantly-dressed seafood platters, sizzling paella pans, pasta, salads and hot and cold carne cuts. The kids’ club activity programme is just as creative: young ones can head to the vegetable garden to nurture their own crop or cook up local dishes in the kitchen. Looking for something out of the tastebud terrain to keep them entertained? Hip-hop and flamenco dancing, off-site kayaking, horse-riding and golf lessons can all be arranged!

Smith extra: A bottle of Oloroso sherry for BlackSmiths and SilverSmiths; GoldSmiths get a bottle of champagne

Almyra: Paphos, Cyprus

This family-friendly all-rounder scores highly in the categories of sun, fun and food. It ticks boxes for being both practical and romantic, with sleek, white, contemporary design is tempered throughout by earth-toned Roman-style mosaics. Taking it up a notch, the Mosaic restaurant serves mouthwatering Asian-fusion food on tables that spill out onto the sea-facing terrace. On site childcare is provided for youngsters, and the resort’s top activities include parasailing, windsurfing, waterskiing and kitesurfing.

Smith extra: A sachet of locally-made herbal tea; guests staying five nights or more will receive one 30-minute spa treatment each and be upgraded to half board with buffet dinners at Mosaic restaurant

Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas: Crete, Greece

These breathtaking villas are cut right into the craggy cliff overlooking Daios bay! With 129 private saltwater plunge pools across the resort, this luxurious spot is a solid families option. The buffets take centre stage at Pangaea, the hotel’s main restaurant. The place is decked in fresh, scented bouquets and complimented by the extensive salad and pasta bar! Combine that with a glittering spa, a choice of aquatic activities (such as diving, water-skiing and windsurfing) and your retreat is complete! For younger children, the peerless Daios Kids Club offers cooking classes, face painting, mini Greek lessons and supervised beach trips.

Smith extra: Welcome champagne and a 2-hour spa session per booking. Children get 4 crèche sessions or 2 hours’ babysitting (stays of 5 nights or more, advance booking). For stays of 7 nights or more, kids’ meals are free. All extras subject to availability.

QT Port Douglas: Port Douglas, Australia

Bringing the wow-factor to the tropical north-east of Queensland, QT Port Douglas is a boutique hotel bursting with juicy citrus hues, quirky designs and uniquely styled rooms. However, it’s the indoor-outdoor lobby, bar and restaurant that really sell the spot. Bazaar restaurant offers a smart, contemporary buffet with delicacies from around the world – in fact, it’s as popular with guests as it is with locals (a telling sign in our books!). It’s tremendously kid-friendly, too, with chefs more than happy to make adjustments to dishes for smaller, fussier customers.

Smith extra: A bottle of bubbles plus a late check-out at 12 noon

Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort: Da Nang, Vietnam

Bill Bensley’s idiosyncratic design shines through at this phenomenal resort on Vietnam’s Da Nang Peninsula, but not at the expense of the region’s already vivid tapestry of sea, jungle, rainforest and mountains. The resort claims a major victory, too, when it comes to cuisine. Family-oriented restaurant Citron is a relaxed space with mango-yellow and lime-bright furnishings and a seemingly never-ending buffet area stocked with Western and Asian dishes. Kids will love making new friends at the free kids’ club Planet Trekkers, where they can take part in water-sports organised by the hotel and try new food in Hoi An.

Smith extra: Afternoon tea for two at Citron (plus free babysitting throughout your stay, if you need it)

With Mr & Mrs Smith you’ll enjoy our best-price guarantee, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call toll free at 800 905 326 or visit mrandmrssmith.com.