When it comes to island life, Greece and the Canary Islands are unrivalled, meanwhile, in the holiday department, retreats are at their ultimate with Indulgent Escapes.

These isles come with a selection of destinations and even more lush hideaways though, so we’ve taken the biggest ones – Tenerife and Crete – and explored their most sophisticated hotels for families.

Tenerife

Tenerife has always lured holidaymakers in with its year-round warmth, pristine beaches and sumptuously fresh seafood. So choosing this Canary Island is a wise decision. Expect impressive natural landscapes, beachfront postcodes and impressive interiors, but venture towards the properties and fun-filled days on-site and in the great outdoors await.

Royal Hideaway Corales Suites, Costa Adeje

Step inside the marine life-inspired Royal Hideaway Corales Suites and prepare to laze in swish surroundings with your little ones. The unique design of this hotel is bound to catch everyone’s eye, but mini holidaymakers will be the most in awe of the trendy colours in the exceptional children’s club. Days here are filled to the brim with team games, sports and arts and crafts – activities for all ages and interests. While children are busy in their own world of entertainment, parents can make the most of the impeccable spa, inspired by Indian wellness rituals. Dining is an occasion in its own right here too – find a seat in one of the four intimate restaurants and let the chefs’ creations stir your senses. The youngsters’ favourite is almost guaranteed to be La Gelateria though, an upscale ice cream bar sitting pretty on a lavish terrace.

Iberostar Selection Anthelia, Costa Adeje

With a children’s club for every age and fine restaurants and bars for all taste buds, families thrive at Iberostar Selection Anthelia. State-of-the-art children’s facilities will wow both parents and little ones, and we aren’t sure who will be happier about it. Toddlers from four years old have an indoor play area as well as their separate Monkey Club, while teenagers will be pleased to see games consoles and water-based sports in theirs. If that was not enough, there are three designated children’s pools as well as another trio for their parents – pool days are best spent together, after all. Furnished-to-perfection suite options are close to endless and, if your smallest ones are big enough to sleep alone, interconnecting rooms are available too.

Crete

When it comes to opulent island life in Greece, you have a selection of destinations to pick from, but allow us to shine a light on Crete. It holds the title of the biggest Greek island, yet Crete boasts idyllic pockets that have harmonious havens written all over them. Add a Venetian harbour, an abundance of emerald-green gorges and a menu of Blue Flag beaches, and you have one fabulous stay on your itinerary.

Thalassa Villas, Aghios Nikolaos

Thalassa Villas is the epitome of Greek paradise for families. You will be set in striking surroundings from the moment your family enters the lobby – far-spanning vistas of Mirabello Bay and blue-hued room décor will please your eyes. With the beach on your doorstep and three pools even closer, you can choose where you will spend your days with ease. Can’t imagine leaving the comfort of your private villa? Nor can we. Staying in gains a whole new meaning when you have your own pool and a terrace, overlooking the Mediterranean. Though if you’re travelling with the infants, there’s a children’s club where they will be busy with team games, arts and crafts and story times. They won’t be able to resist the games room and snazzy cinema lounge either. Meanwhile, grown-ups ought to discover the spoils of hotel’s spa.

The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Chania and Heraklion

If your family feels most comfortable in water, let the second-to-none aquatic facilities at the Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete be your oyster. Three pools for adults and a heated one for children will keep everyone occupied, but the fun-seekers can whizz down the twirling slides in the on-site aqua park too. Parents can spend those minutes of peace unwinding on ultra-hip Bali beds, overlooking the private beach stretch. For total peace of mind, babysitting services are also available. So if an afternoon flush with holistic rituals and soothing treatments is needed, the kids will happily stay entertained in the children’s club, which means you can relish the R&R. Reunite for a beach day at hotel’s private stretch of seafront… bliss.

Which island are you going to choose?