Guatemala and Belize

During Holy Week, the pretty colonial town of Antigua in Guatemala hosts the most beautiful religious celebration in the Americas. Never-ending processions wind their way through the town’s cobbled streets bearing huge religious sculptures that were made during the days of Spanish rule and date back to the 17th century. 

A short skip across the border of Guatemala takes you to Belize via the awesome Mayan ruins of Tikal, which poke through the canopy treetops deep in the jungle. 

Finally end up on the Caribbean Coast. Belize is home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world and there are few other reefs with such an abundance of marine life.

One of our favourite properties, Victoria House, is offering a 7th night free over the Easter season.

Mexico – Yucatan Peninsula

The Caribbean Coast of Mexico now has a direct British Airways flight from London Gatwick to Cancun. In about 40 minutes you can be well away from Cancun itself, sitting by an infinity pool watching the crystal clear Caribbean lapping up to impossibly white sand.

There’s still availability for March and April at our very favourite properties which tumble onto the sand.

For those who want to add some adventure and culture to their beach flop we can arrange a guide to drive you into the Yucatan Peninsula to visit the incredible Mayan ruins and unspoilt colonial cities which pepper this region. The Yucatan also sits above a network of underground caves and freshwater cenotes, which are fantastic for exploring by kayak or snorkeling.

Caribbean - Turks and Caicos

This hidden gem in the Caribbean amazingly still has space for March and April. Our two favourite properties on the island, Parrot Cay and Amanyara are filling up fast but there are still rooms available if you’re quick.

However, if you want something really private and extra special, the lovely Stargazer Villa has space for the Easter break. The house sleeps 12 people and is perfect for families with active teenagers or a group of friends.

When you’re not lounging by the pool or on the white sand of the private beach there’s tennis, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kite boarding and banana boats to keep you entertained.

Stargazer Villa is offering a complimentary half day deep sea fishing trip exclusive to bookings through cazenove+loyd for the Easter Season.

Peru – The Official Last City of the Incas

Peru is one of the best countries in the world for an active and exciting family holiday. We can take you directly  to the Sacred Valley from Lima, where there is so much to do from mountain biking, remote camping trips, pottery lessons and white water rafting.

This summer Machu Picchu celebrates the anniversary of its ‘discovery’ by explorer Hiram Bingham.

While Machu Picchu is an essential part of any trip to Peru we like to venture where others do not: a trek to the official Last City of the Incas – Espiritu Pampa- is a fantastic way to do something different. The trek is mainly downhill at low altitude- so very family friendly- and can be done on the way to Machu Picchu.

If Machu Picchu gets 2000 tourists a day, Espiritu Pampa has closer to 200 a year, so you’ll feel like you’re discovering somewhere very special and the chances are that you’ll have it all to yourselves.

Ecuador - Galapagos Islands and Amazon Jungle

With animals that do not see man as a predator, there is not a more intense and close-up wildlife experience for children than the Galapagos Islands.

One of our favourite boats for families- The Flamingo- is giving an Early Bird Offer of a 10% discount on departures for August.

If you’re going down the wildlife route we can also continue the experience with a few days in the Amazon rainforest in mainland Ecuador.

Ecuador is home to some of the most pristine and beautiful regions of the Amazon basin. It has the best lodges with diving boards into the river, zip lining, canopy walkways and guides that know exactly how to keep children entertained- from wildlife viewing to jungle adventures.

Brazil – Pantanal and Paraty

Brazil has something very special to offer in July/August. It is the best time to visit the Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland in the world.

We only work with the most remote lodges in the region to give you the feeling of pure isolation in breathtaking landscape.

Private guides will weave you through marshes by punt or you can ride in true cowboy style and at times you will feel that the world is made of nothing but glittering horizons of water and sky.

In August the literary festival begins in Paraty, a charming town on the coast between Rio and Sao Paulo. In true Brazilian style this book festival is delivered with a carnival atmosphere and buckets of caipirinha.

Heading out from Paraty by fishing boat for a day on the beach with a freshly signed book is the ultimate in a great holiday read.