Where to stay over the Easter Holidays with Newmark Hotels and Reserves

There’s a special kind of magic to the Easter break.  But if you have kids and a busy schedule, you know that deciding where to travel for the school holidays usually happens over a frantic late-night Google search. This year, we’re helping you do it all differently with a collection of our favourite family-friendly escapes.

Urban Energy at the Waterfront

If your idea of a holiday involves waking up to the sound of harbour gulls and a fresh pastry, Cape Town is your spot. The V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity during the holidays – perfect for keeping the family busy and connecting over activities everyone enjoys. Just think: naptime is over, and you can simply zip out of your room to the aquarium and Ferris wheel, with a dozen gelato spots to choose from – no buckling kids in the car and sitting in traffic.

Where to stay:

• Victoria & Alfred Hotel: Set on the working harbour at the V&A Waterfront, the Victoria & Alfred Hotel offers harbour-facing rooms and immediate access to the precinct’s shops, restaurants and family attractions. Spacious accommodation and a central location make it a practical and well-positioned base for the Easter school holidays.
• The Winchester Hotel: It’s perfectly positioned for a sunset stroll on the Sea Point promenade andjust wait till you see its stunning courtyard – and even better brunch with Shoreditch Restaurant.

Golden Grass and Big Five Tracking

April is a sweet spot for a safari – the mornings are crisp enough for a cosy fleece, and the afternoons are still warm enough for a midday dip in the pool. It’s about that shared thrill of hearing a lion roarin the distance while you get ready for dinner.

Private game reserve stays:

• Motswari: This is the kind of place with soul. A family-owned reserve where the rangers feel like old friends, with a  50-year heritage of conservation.
•  QWABI: A fantastic choice for families who want a truly special Big Five experience. There’s a dedicated Junior Conservationists club and padel courts, making “modern luxury" fun for all ages.
• Nkomazi: This is the gold standard if you’ve ever wanted to try ‘glamping’. Tented suites with private plunge pools are tucked away in a dramatic mountain valley where you can watch the wildlife right from your deck.

Salt Water and Slow Sunsets

Sometimes, the only goal for the holidays is to see how many days you can go without wearing shoes. There’s a certain rugged charm to the Cape coast, while the heat of the islands promises the ultimate tan.

Check out these places where parents get to do nothing and the kids are kept entertained:

• Blaauwklippen Manor: re-opened in February 2026, you get to enjoy fine wine tastings, while the kids are kept busy at the bike park, jungle gyms, or the famous family market with its pony rides and goats.
• Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge: Spend your Easter exploring the ruins of a Sultan’s palace, right on the property. Relax at the spa while the kids join a guided reef walk at low tide to find starfish, or head out on a traditional showboat for some line fishing.
• La Maison D’Été in Mauritius: An intimate slice of paradise that feels more like a private home. Kids can join the chefs for a hands-on cook-along or help prepare the day's fresh catch on the barbecue after a morning kayak in the lagoon.

Make Your Move

The best spots always fill up fast, especially over the East school holiday. If you’re still weighing up where to travel, visit Newmark Hotels & Reserves for some inspiration.

Q: What activities are available for children at the island resorts?

A: At Chuini Zanzibar, kids can enjoy guided reef walks and show boat fishing, while at La Maison D’Été in Mauritius, they can help cook meals with chefs.

Q: What is the benefit of staying at the V&A Waterfront during school holidays?

A: Staying at the Waterfront allows families to easily access attractions like the aquarium and Ferris wheel on foot, so you can avoid the hassle of traffic and car seats.