Most of us only take one vacation a year, and when it comes to family trips, it can be hard to please everybody while indulging in affluence.
Luxury travel doesn’t just have to be for the adults; the kids can appreciate and embrace their surroundings, too with all of the amenities resorts offer these days. And when you are going to spend the time and money planning a big trip, you want it to be special, relaxing, luxurious, and enjoyed by all. Both near and far, traveling can be both accommodating and pleasant for the entire family no matter the age. Here are our picks for the most luxurious places to travel with your family.
1. The Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Chaing Rai, Thailand
Situated on a lavish hillside, the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is a family-friendly resort that offers exquisitely designed rooms decorated in traditional Thai fashion. With beautiful silk and teak features, the spacious floor plan incorporates a lovely balcony where you can hear the wildlife roam and talk amongst each other, making it perfect for the kids (and adults) to take in the environment. Activities include feeding the baby elephants every morning at breakfast and visiting the baby elephant camp that is onsite, learning how to “drive” an elephant by taking their mahout training course, bathing them, and ride them through the beautiful nature that surrounds you. There is also a pool, jacuzzi, their famous “jungle spa,” wellness activities, a cooking school, rice planting, mountain biking, and so much more.
2. Ashford Castle
Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Vacation like royalty at this 800-year-old Irish Castle. Voted number two best resort hotel in the United Kingdom and Ireland by Travel and Leisure, the Ashford Castle takes you back in time and offers many activities for the entire family. Their spacious rooms provide plenty of room for you to vacation with ease while their entertainment options impress with horseback riding through the acres of gardens, falconry, fishing, cycling, tennis, and golfing, along with a relaxing spa, pool, and jacuzzi! The food options also cater to family needs, which is great when traveling with small children.
3. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Located in the mountains of Switzerland, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel boasts five stars and highlights sweeping views, luxurious child-friendly amenities, and a staff that provides special attention to families. There’s an indoor pool, a kid’s welcome gift, and surprise chocolates offered by the staff to put a smile on your children’s face. Other fun amenities include water sports, a wellness spa, luxury shopping, fantastic dining options, and the Kids’ Club Palazzino, which offers a fun and safe environment for kids to hang out and enjoy their vacation!
Fun Fact: In 2014, the resort “hired,” Anna, an eight-year-old who became their Junior General Manager who put the kid’s food and drink menu to the test of the child’s taste buds, checked out the kids’ club and concierge, and fine-tuned all of the child amenities to ensure it would be the best experience.
4. Belmond Villa San Michele
Florence, Italy
Surrounded by lush foliage, the Belmond Villa San Michele’s ideal location has incredible views with tons of family activities and accommodations. It is recognized as one of the country’s most beautiful small boutique hotels. Stroll in the Italian gardens filled with lemon trees and fragrant roses, and savor magnificent Tuscan cuisine on the alfresco loggia as if in a private home. The former monastery showcases old-world Renaissance charm and is set outside of the hustle and bustle with shuttles that can take you into town for exploration, which is only a mere 15 minutes away. Families can partake in many onsite activities from cooking school for kids ages 6-14, painting lessons, heated swimming pool, gardens, and delicious fare with a children’s menu. The kid’s concierge also has excellent suggestions for activities such as a scavenger hunt and a chocolate factory visit.
5. Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina
St. Lucia, Carribean
If you want to vacation where there is turquoise water, breathtaking views, exotic palm trees, and gorgeous beaches, the Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina offers a range of conveniences that can be tailored to yours and your family’s needs. The resort overlooks the Capella Marina where mega-yachts from around the world come to lay their anchor. The beautiful suites feature a spacious balcony, beautiful kitchen, an assistant to help you with daily tasks such as planning an excursion or prepping breakfast. The resort’s activities include two freshwater infinity pools, one that is exclusively designed for families, babysitting services if you want to indulge in a luxe spa experience or enjoy a rum tasting at the Rum Cave Bar while being educated on its production and history, snorkeling, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, and so much more.
6. Fairmont Kia Lani
Maui, Hawaii
The Fairmont is known for its family-friendly amenities, and this location in Maui is no different. They feature spacious condo units that have kitchens for your convenience with direct access to the big lagoon pool and is only moments away from the beach. There are also plunge pools that the kids will enjoy among other pools that are great for the entire family. The resort’s activities include snorkeling, swimming, water sports, luaus, golfing, kid’s club, and horseback riding to name a few!
7. Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort
Fiji
An award-winning South Pacific destination built on the site of a former coconut plantation, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a one of a kind Fijian experience perfect for the entire family to enjoy. This resort was built on the foundation of experiencing the authentic cuisine and culture, providing a relaxing atmosphere, and exploring the beautiful surroundings and local environment. The destination offers a variety of activities including a complementary award-winning kids club with fun, exploration, educational games, and other activities that encourage kids to submerge themselves and discover the world around them. There is also a dedicated nanny for the duration of your child’s stay, a junior chef program, and dining options.
Fun fact: The resort is eco-friendly and all guests stay in private bungalows!
