Are We There Yet?

A new generation of luxury villas is springing up in a glorious part of Europe that is still relatively unspoilt by tourists. The mountains and coastline of Croatia's Istrian peninsula offer a heady mix of tranquillity and child-friendliness.

This year, Hidden Croatia (0800 021 7771; hiddencroatia.com) has extended its villa portfolio to include 42 new child-friendly properties in the region. Each comes with a pool and landscaped garden, and private chefs and babysitters are available on request. The company even has its own speedboat on hand for guests – perfect for exploring the nooks and crannies of the Adriatic coast.

Holiday Lettings (01865 312000; holidaylettings.co.uk) has just increased its offerings in the region, too: newly acquired family villas include the spacious Malinova Grana, which sleeps seven and is just a few minutes from the beach, and Klinkert, just outside the coastal town of Porec. Both villas still have some availability over the summer holidays.

If it's five-star hotel luxury you're after, you'll just wait till next spring, when the new Kempinski Hotel (00 385 527 08526; kempinski-adriatic.com) opens its doors near Umag. This lavish project will offer family suites and private villas, indoor and outdoor pools, babysitting, kids' clubs and has a private beach among its many attractions.