The stunning exterior of The Marcus Portrush Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog

The North Coast of Ireland has always been one of our absolute favourite spots for a quick family escape.  There is something about that fresh Atlantic breeze and the sound of the sea that completely resets the soul. Recently, we packed up the boys and headed up to County Antrim for a whirlwind 24-hour trip. We had the absolute pleasure of checking out the newly opened The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. If you are looking for the perfect, effortless base for a North Coast family getaway, let me tell you why this spot needs to be on your radar.

A Stunning, Fresh Transformation

The hotel is located right in a beautifully restored Grade A listed Victorian building from the 1880s on Portrush Main Street. While it completely honours its heritage (you’ll see gorgeous original mosaic signs and period features), the inside has been beautifully renovated into a bold, boutique contemporary haven. The design is inspired by “Marcus,” a fictional comic-book-style adventurer, giving the whole place a playful, free-spirited energy that the kids absolutely loved. Our family room was bright, spotlessly clean, and incredibly clever with its layout—plenty of room for the boys to sprawl out after a long drive without any of us feeling cramped.  We loved the colour scheme and the fresh feeling. Kids loved the Marcus comic and the stick of rock! Very nostalgic! I’m not sure when I last saw one.

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Pic Credit: Mamma Fairy Blog

Any regular readers will know that most of my travels are family-focused, usually with my husband and children in tow. But this trip to Vienna was something a little different, a special getaway with my mum to say a huge thank you for everything she does for us. We would genuinely be lost without her and how good she is to us all.

After doing a lot of research we decided on the Vienna Marriott Hotel, and from the moment we arrived, it felt like the perfect choice.

A Warm Welcome (and the Little Touches That Matter)

First impressions count, and the Vienna Marriott sets the tone beautifully. We were greeted with a sparkling glass of wine on arrival and a genuine warm welcome. The lady who checked us in was so nice and kind to us and made us feel personally welcomed.

The staff throughout the hotel were exceptional, but a special mention has to go to Sarah from the Marketing team, who truly embodies everything you expect from a five-star luxury brand: professional, warm, attentive, and passionate about the guest experience. Encounters like that stay with you long after check-out.

Our Junior Suite: Spacious, Stylish, and Brand New

We stayed in a Junior Suite, and it was honestly fabulous. Newly refurbished, the space felt modern, elegant, and incredibly comfortable exactly what you want after long days exploring a city like Vienna.

The suite was  itself contained two good size double beds, a seating area which was bright, spacious, and beautifully finished.  It’s the kind of room that works just as well for a couple’s break, a mother–daughter trip, or even a family stay when travelling with children. In fact it was my first thought when I entered the room was that it would be perfect too for our family to visit. Have already promised them id take them to Vienna some day hopefully soon!

Location, Location, Location

One of the Vienna Marriott’s greatest strengths is its exceptional location. Situated on the famous Ringstrasse, directly opposite Stadtpark, the hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the city on foot. Given we only had a very short time in Vienna, we really wanted to make the most of this trip and location was a key factor in our decision to choose the Vienna Marriott Hotel.

We walked everywhere, to historic landmarks, cafés, shops, and cultural sights, never once feeling the need for public transport. For anyone visiting Vienna for the first time (or returning and wanting to soak it all in), this central location is a huge advantage. I had asked at the hotel and everybody I spoke to said how safe the city is and we really did feel that, we were walking admiring the architecture at 10pm and it felt calm and safe exactly what we were looking for as two females travelling.

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Some places wrap themselves around you quietly. No fuss, no fanfare, just warmth, calm, and that deep exhale you didn’t realise you’d been holding. Aurora Hill Resort was one of those places for us. After busy travel days and big Lapland adventures, this is where we slowed right down. Where mittens dried by the door, boots lined up in a row, and evenings felt soft and safe, the way family holidays should. We had just left their sister property Postmaster Hotel, which was our second visit and honestly it was really exceptional so the Aurora Hill  Resort cabins had a lot to live up to.

Arriving Was Effortless (and So Welcome)

What a view from the bedroom

Travel days with kids can be long, no matter how magical the destination. So the ease of check-in at Aurora Hill was such a gift.  No desks. No queues. No paperwork.  Just a simple key-code system (via WhatsApp) that let us arrive, step inside, and settle immediately. And check-out was just as easy, no rushing, no stress, just one last look out at the snow before we left.  It set the tone for the whole stay: calm, uncomplicated, and thoughtfully designed for families.

Cosy Cabins Made for Real Family Life

The cabins themselves are warm, welcoming, and perfectly laid out for family stays. Not showy  just genuinely comfortable. Small but perfect kitchen, good wifi, good TV, soft lighting, snug beds, and space to stretch out after cold days outdoors. It felt like a place where children could relax and parents could finally sit down with a cup of tea and breathe. We had the family suite which has one double bedroom and a sofa bed for the kids. The location is prime for Northern Lights but we weren’t lucky during our time there.  A perfect the reason to go back again.

There is also a Kota on site if you want to light it and grill food. Kids loved this part.

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Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog

Some places feel instantly special, the kind where everything slows the moment you arrive. Lapland Winter Park, set just outside Rovaniemi, was exactly that for us. Calm, unhurried, and quietly magical, it felt less like a day trip and more like stepping into a winter film set.  Snow-covered trees, crisp Arctic air, and a sense of space that’s hard to come by especially when travelling as a family and to the home of Santa at possibly the busiest time of the year.

So Much to Do, All in One Beautiful Place

One of the things I loved most was how much there is to do on site, without it ever feeling hectic. Everything is close by, well organised, and designed so families can enjoy it at their own pace. You purchase an area ticket which is €39 for kids 3-11 and €69 for kids 12+ and adults.  Much of the below is included there are a number of extra paid for activities which I have noted below.

• Ice Karting

Such a highlight. Slippery, laughter-filled fun that had everyone smiling from ear to ear. Watching confidence grow lap by lap was pure joy exciting without being overwhelming. My youngest was just at the height requirements so worth bearing that in mind. That you need to be 150cm minimum. Drive time is 30 minutes which we found plenty for our kids.  This is extra not included in the area ticket.

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If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know that travel is our family’s love language. Whether it’s chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, soaking up sunshine in Dubrovnik, or exploring the magic of Lapland, our adventures have one thing in common — I’m always looking for clever ways to make family travel more affordable and accessible.

So, when I heard about the new partnership between Aer Lingus and Tesco Ireland, I actually smiled out loud (is that a thing?). Because this one’s a real game changer for families like ours who love to travel and love a good deal too.

Turning Everyday Shopping into Travel Adventures

From now on, you can convert your Tesco Clubcard vouchers into Avios, the reward currency of AerClub (Aer Lingus’ loyalty programme). For every €2.50 in Tesco vouchers, you’ll get 600 Avios  which can be used towards flights, upgrades, hotels, car hire and more.

To put that into real terms  just €17.50 in vouchers could cover a reward flight to Paris, London or Amsterdam (4,000 Avios + taxes). Imagine that a few weekly shops at Tesco and you could be sipping coffee by the Seine, strolling along the canals, or planning your next family city break!

And if you’ve been dreaming bigger (hello, New York!), €55 in Tesco vouchers could get you enough Avios for a flight to the Big Apple. Each apple in your Tesco basket really could bring you closer to the Big Apple.

Why This Feels Like a Win for Families

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Pic Credit: Hotel Washington

Planning a family trip to Washington, D.C. can feel exciting… and a little overwhelming if im totally honest. With limited time, jet lag and young kids we wanted to see it all but we were realistic about what we could do in the time we were there. Between trying to hit all the big sights and keeping the boys entertained, the right hotel can make or break a trip. For us, Hotel Washington was an absolute winner. From its perfect location right by the White House to thoughtful touches like a birthday cake for my son, it really made our stay feel special.

Location, Location, Location

Honestly, you couldn’t ask for a better spot. And if im being totally honest it was the location that sealed the deal for us when looking at hotel option of which there are many! Hotel Washington is just steps from the White House, which made our tour there a breeze. Less walking = fewer complaints from little legs (and happier parents!), so that was a huge win.

We also loved that so many iconic landmarks were within easy walking distance — the National Mall, the Washington Monument, museums galore. Being able to pop back to the hotel for a quick snack or a breather made all the difference between a chaotic day and a fun one.

Mamma F Tip: Staying central with kids is a lifesaver. You’ll thank yourself when you can sneak back to the room for a nap or just to recharge mid-day.

Breakfast That Really Hits the Spot

Breakfast is a make-or-break moment on family trips, and Hotel Washington absolutely delivered. The big highlight for the kids? Steak and eggs — perfectly cooked and so hearty it kept us fuelled for hours of exploring. The coffee was refilled, the juices refilled and the service really was top notch.

The boys happily tucked in to the steak and eggs each morning, and there were plenty of other choices if steak isn’t your thing. I loved the salmon bagel and don’t miss the crab benedict. Pic opposite. It was unbelievably good. My husband loved the ham and cheese croissant. The portions are very generous and really kept us full for the day.

Mamma F Tip: Portion sizes are generous, so don’t be afraid to share plates with kids. Saves on food waste and keeps everyone full for the day ahead.

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We recently spent a few days in Old Town Alexandria, just across the river from Washington, D.C. It turned out to be one of those trips where every corner had a story, every meal was memorable, and we instantly felt at home.  Shamefully, it hadn’t been on my radar up to now but here’s why it should be on your list too.

1. A Warm Welcome at the Hyatt Centric

Our base was the Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria, and it couldn’t have been a better choice. We had a spacious room with two double beds – perfect for a family stay – and a lovely street view that gave us that Old Town charm even from the window.

Breakfast was included each morning, which made starting the day so easy (and delicious!). And when it came time to leave, we asked for a late checkout – no problem at all. The staff were genuinely kind and accommodating, which made such a difference. The hotel had a lovely relaxed friendly vibe.  For us the overriding thing about this hotel is its location. The location is right on the famous King Street and you can walk to the shops, waterfront and restaurant areas so easily.

Stylish, central, and so comfortable, it set the tone for the whole trip. I do have a full blog post on the hotel in the works which I will link here when its completed.

2. Food Adventures at Every Turn

We (literally) ate our way through Old Town and loved every bite. There is so much choice and we didn’t have any issues with not booking places we were able to pop in to wherever took our fancy on at day. Some highlights

• IndoChen for vibrant flavours and cosy vibes. Located at the Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria, we ate here the day we arrived and kids adore the food.
• Like typical Irish, we popped into the local Irish bar (s) for a pint! There are two located along King Street so we did both!
• Emmy Squared Pizza served up a slice of heaven. Not only that the manager made my eldest’s birthday very special.
• Call Your Mother was the perfect bagel stop for lunch. This is located very close to the hotel, its very instagrammable and the bagels are seriously good.
• And of course, Jeni’s Ice Cream – huge scoops, worth every calorie! There was a queue here literally all day every day until late in the evening. Best ice cream ever the kids reckoned.

Food in Old Town is not just good, it’s fun.

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