Exciting Family Resorts in the World
Adventure, luxury, excitement or tranquility, whatever you seek, shouldn’t mean leaving the kids behind. From little explorers to adventurous teens, world travel is no longer just a domain for adults. We’ve handpicked the 21 best family resorts in the world, where everyone is catered for and you’re guaranteed memories to last a lifetime.
1. Alfonso Island, Seychelles
Alphonse is a privately owned atoll-wide resort, ideal for families who want to reunite with nature. Kids can catch their own fish for dinner, learn to scuba dive, snorkel or kayak, and experience a truly diverse ecosystem in a pristine natural setting.
2. Boschendal Wine Estate, South Africa
Located in the Franschhoek wine region, Boschendal is a true back-to-basics retreat. Activities include biking, wild swimming, trout fishing, foraging, and cookouts. Families can stay in four-bed cabins with their own terrace, stove, and kitchen.
3. JA Palm Tree Court Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai isn’t exactly lacking in luxury hotels for families, but our top vote goes to the JA Palm Tree Court Hotel. Adults and kids alike will enjoy thoughtful amenities like shaded kiddy pools, kids’ clubs, a herd of peacocks, and a huge inflatable water park.
4. Sabi Sabi Private Reserve, South Africa
Who says you can’t enjoy a true luxury safari with the whole family? Sabi Sabi is one of the most child-friendly safari drives on the continent, where children are even allowed in safari vehicles. The Elefun Center hosts a busy schedule of interesting children’s activities.
Resorts in Thailand, Australia, and the Maldives
5. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Thailand
Away from the island’s beach parties is this quiet retreat in northern Thailand. It is the best destination for children who love wildlife. Sleep in a transparent “jungle bubble” for the ultimate close-up elephant experience.
6. Hayman Island Intercontinental Resort, Whitsundays, Australia
Nestled in a privately owned bay on Hayman Island is this fantastically family-friendly Intercontinental Resort. Choose from the extensive kids’ club activities, as well as water sports, diving, golf, boating and night tours.
7. JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort, Australia
This luxury hotel in Surfers Paradise is ideal for families seeking luxury services and unconventional activities. Kids enjoy surfing, kayaking in the saltwater lagoon, making sushi, and origami. Parents will enjoy easy access to SeaWorld and Dreamworld, as well as a luxury spa.
8. Soneva Resort, Maldives
Anyone who thinks that the Maldives is only for honeymoons should think again. Proof that luxury and family are not mutually exclusive, the Soneva resort ticks all the boxes worth checking. Choose from luxury beachfront villas and water retreats with private waterslides.
Family Resorts in Europe
9. Augill Castle Hotel, England
What kid doesn’t want to spend the night in a real life castle? This atmospheric castle-turned-hotel in Cumbria is an adventure in itself, with its small Art Deco cinema, four-poster beds and super-laid-back owners who let kids be kids.
10. Hotel Disneyland Paris, France
Of the eight resort hotels in the park, the imposing Disneyland Paris Hotel is the best option. In the style of a luxury American Victorian hotel, this five-star resort features a spa, pool, game room, and Disney characters.
11. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
Where better for a winter vacation than the house of Santa Claus himself? Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland is this extraordinary complex. During the day, enjoy a husky safari or a trip to Santa’s house. At night, see the Northern Lights through your own glass-roofed dome.
12. Legoland Hotel Billund, Denmark
The best Lego vacation will always be Billund, Denmark, the original Legoland. Visitors can choose between two hotels, the Legoland Hotel or the Castle Hotel, but the former is the best option for families, thanks to themed rooms, a larger pool, a Lego arcade, and a play area.
13. Family Beach Resort Martinhal Sagres, Portugal
Martinhal Sagres is an award-winning family hotel offering a beach holiday in Europe that far exceeds the rest. Set within a protected park in the Algarve, it’s perfect for those traveling with babies and toddlers, with extensive kids’ activities and even a kids’ spa.
14. Dolder Grand, Switzerland
A palace-like hotel overlooking Lake Zurich, the Dolder Grand has long attracted celebrities and even royalty. Today it has a courtesy children’s room, an aquatic area and a babysitting service that elevates it to being one of the most elegant and family-friendly options in Europe.
Family Resorts in Canada and the US
15. Aulani Disney Resort, Hawaii
Aulani Disney Resort in Hawaii may not be home to an actual theme park, but it still exudes the magic you’d expect from anything Disney. At this beachfront resort in Honolulu, you’ll meet your favorite Disney characters, as well as an expansive pool complex, reef diving and movie nights.
16. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Canada
Located in the vast remoteness of British Columbia’s Pacific Rim National Park, this wild and luxurious resort is perfect for families looking to bond and recharge. During the day, experience stunning scenery, bears, and whales. At night sleep in the most elegant tents in the hemisphere.
17. Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World, USA.
If you are going to the most popular Disney park in the world, you can also stay in one of its best hotels, in this case, the Four Seasons. Conveniently located next to the gates of the Magic Kingdom, this five-star resort does nothing by halves. It houses a large spa, an 18-hole golf course, a 242-foot water slide, and a rock-climbing wall.
18. Kimpton Shorebreak Resort, California, USA
A great choice for those traveling with older children and teens, Kimpton Shorebreak Resort in Huntington epitomizes the best of California bohemianity without commodifying it, which is lucky because teens pick up on inauthenticity right away.
19. Panorama Ski Resort, Canada
Arguably one of the best family ski resorts in North America. Located in BC’s Powder Highway mountain region, it’s a firm favorite with families thanks to its world-class slopes, lack of late-night parties, and natural hot springs.
Family Resorts in the Caribbean and Central America
20. Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
What else can be said about a hotel called paradise, on an island that is, literally, paradise. But still, Atlantis will surprise you. Children are entertained all day with rock climbing, a cinema, a dolphin habitat and an aquarium, as well as the large adventure pool complex.
21. Nickelodeon Hotels Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The perfect choice for adults seeking Caribbean beauty and children who need stimulation from morning to night. Kids’ menus, adventure playgrounds, and kid-focused entertainment. If kids designed hotels, this is what they would create.
