Fun-filled family getaways to Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia

The Seven Historical Suites has a gorgeous design scheme – it mixes dramatic features like an oversized Sicilian chandelier with modern, muted walls. It felt so good coming back here to flop on our plush round bed after exploring Trieste. The rooms are spacious enough for small families – just ask for a crib or cot in advance if you’re travelling with a little one. We borrowed kids’ music and DVDs from the hotel as well to keep the children entertained while we were resting.

This alpine-chic hotel in Sauris is all rustic woods both inside and out, blending in with its tree-lined setting. We loved cuddling up on comfy plaid sofas after days breathing in the fresh air of this village 1,212 metres above sea level. Pick an apartment with a kitchenette so you can make little eaters their favourite meals, then bundle up and eat outside surrounded by the fiery colours of the autumn leaves.

This upscale hotel is surprisingly kid-friendly. I was dying to stay here because of the cutting-edge architecture designed by Alessio Princic. Once I heard you could go horse riding with the little ones, I was even more sold. My other half and I took it in turns babysitting so we could make the most of the facilities. I chose a spa session – hello, hydro and mud therapy – and he had a round of golf.

The kids got very excited when they found out we were staying in a castle. Truth be told, so did I! I was taken with this hotel’s fairytale-esque turreted architecture, along with the majestic views out over Colli’s rolling hills. Once the kids were tucked up in bed after a board game tournament, I sipped on a glass of Friuli vino – this spot’s also a wine estate – while gazing out over the grapevine-studded landscape. Bliss.