Family Hotels Beyond the All Inclusive & Theme Parks

You may have heard the quote from writer Robert Benchley that "there are two classes of travel: first class and with children." Fortunately for families that appreciate the finer things in life when they travel, that doesn't have to be the case!

Family vacations don't have to mean theme parks, chicken nuggets, crowded pools, or mass-market cruises. Some of the most beautiful hotels in the world do an outstanding job at welcoming guests of all ages… no matter how small.

We've put together a list of our top 5 luxury resorts that cater to families with specialized amenities, kids' programming, and special touches for younger guests…

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Australia

photo ©Four Seasons

If you are looking for a well-appointed, family-friendly hotel, with friendly, attentive service, and a prime location in Sydney, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. The spectacular views of the harbor, Sydney Harbor Bridge, and the Opera House are particularly stunning (the corner rooms on the upper floors have the best views.

Family-friendly attractions such as the Taronga Zoo, the Rocks district, and Manly Beach are easily accessible by ferries, trains, and buses that regularly leave from stops across from the hotel.

Rooms are spacious and well appointed, and even come with child-size bathrobes and slippers for the kids! In-room babysitting services are available for parents who want to plan an evening out.

Outrigger Castaway Island, Fiji

photo ©Outrigger Hotels

Castaway Island is part of the Mamanuca islands in Fiji, and it is a paradise for families!

The Outrigger Castaway Island is one of the few properties with private bures for families. The resort is accessible only by seaplane, helicopter or boat… an adventurous start to your vacation that the kids are sure to love! The layout of the resort is such that it doesn't feel crowded, even when it is booked to full capacity.

Kid-friendly amenities include a children's pool area, available in-room babysitting, a whimsical kids' club, and even a special bistro that caters to the kids for breakfast and lunch.

Kids 8 and up can join in an introductory scuba course at the resort pool. Those age 12 and up can even get dive certified!

The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland

This one is a must for any family with a Harry Potter fan! Author JK Rowling wrote the final book in the Potter series while staying here.

The Balmoral is a Rocco Forte property. Rocco Forte is known for luxury hotels that cater to families. Everything is designed with convenience for families without sacrificing the luxurious touches discerning travelers have come to expect. Rooms have kid-friendly amenities such as content protected WiFi service, kids' backpacks, age-appropriate books, movies, and games, and so much more. Older kids and teens can even enjoy unique teen spa treatments.

Parents will appreciate the availability of interconnecting rooms and extra beds upon request – both options not readily available at most European hotels. 

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

photo ©Four Seasons

The Four Seasons is one of the world's top luxury hotel brands. It is also well known for its Kids for All Seasons program. The Four Seasons Koh Samui is one of their highest rated hotels for families looking for luxury vacations with the kids.

Children are greeted with their own complimentary welcome packages, treats, and other goodies. The kids' clubs are top notch with their own versions of typically adult activities such as cooking classes, spa treatments, or even Muay Thai boxing.

The pool and beach areas will have family activities throughout the week, including sports like volleyball, table tennis, and soccer. The beach house has activities, games, and video games for kids of all ages.

Family accommodations include pool villas with separate sleeping areas for kids and parents and private infinity pools. There are also private residences that are ideal for large families and multigenerational groups.

Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland

photo ©Ashford Castle

What kid… or even teen… wouldn't love staying in a 13th-century castle! You won't find too many more family-friendly resorts anywhere in the world either. This hotel is consistently ranked as one of the top hotels in the world, and it's easy to see why!

Located on 350 acres of Irish parkland, Ashford Castle recently underwent a $75-millon renovation. The spacious bedrooms are beautifully appointed and include extras for the kids such as juice and cookies upon arrival and kid-sized robes and slippers. Larger families and those who wish to have separate sleeping spaces for parents and kids will be pleased to learn that connecting rooms can be guaranteed at the time of booking.

One of the unique touches is a personalized storybook for each child. They will be delighted to discover that they are the main character in the story!

Onsite activities include a falconry school, fishing, tennis, watersports, golf, cycling, kayaking, and a host of other options. The onsite activities coordinators will even document your family's activities with Go-Pro cameras.

The perfect vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat . We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

World's Most Luxurious All Inclusive Resorts

When you think of “all-inclusive resorts,” what comes to mind?

For some people, the idea of a vacation where everything is covered is appealing. For others, a “package deal” conjures images of cookie-cutter hotels with so-so buffets and crowded pool decks with loud music.

There are many flavors of all-inclusive resorts, including luxury properties far from the closest beach. There are exclusive resorts that offer discerning travelers an “everything is included” option.

We’re not just talking unlimited food and beverages. Guests will find things like unlimited spa treatments, yoga, wellness workshops, cooking classes, butler service, and more.

Here are some of our favorite unique luxury all-inclusive resorts…

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, Thailand

photo ©Four Seasons

Set on hillside in the northernmost edge of Thailand with a view of Myanmar and Laos, this luxury tented camp is inspired by 19th-century safari-adventures. The romance of the era is reflected in the handcrafted leather furnishings, mosquito nets, hurricane lamps and hardwood floors of the resorts 15 air-conditioned tents.

With a maximum of 51 guests per night, service is exceptional. The staff prides themselves on remembering and anticipating the personal preferences of their guests. All-inclusive rates include not only food and drink but a 90-minute spa treatment for each guest, and activities such as interacting with the resort’s rehabilitated elephants, an excursion on the Mekong River, visits to the Hall of Opium, early-morning hikes up to the Camp Peak, yoga, meditation sessions, wine and cheese tastings and more.

If you are looking for something unique, exotic, and adventurous… this may be just the thing for your next vacation.

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

photo ©Jade Mountain

If impeccable service, stunning location, unique accommodations, and gourmet dining sounds like the perfect vacation destination, then Jade Mountain resort in St. Lucia should be on your list.

This absolutely stunning resort features 28 unique open-air suites they refer to as “sanctuaries.” With 15’ ceilings, lack of a 4th wall, private infinity pools, and unrivaled views of Soufriere Bay and the Caribbean Sea, the sanctuaries are most destinations unto themselves. Room service, massages, and even cooking classes can be arranged in your private sanctuary if you wish.

Should you decide to venture out of your room to enjoy the property, you’ll find the ultimate in fine dining at the Jade Mountain Club with an on-staff James Beard Award-winning chef. You are also welcomed to enjoy all of the amenities at the neighboring Anse Chastanet resort, including their soft sand beaches, water sports, and multiple dining options.

Jade Mountain is truly the epitome of luxury travel!

The Point Resort, New York

photo ©The Point

“Camping” takes on a whole new meaning at The Point Resort. The term “glamping” doesn’t even begin to cover the experience you’ll have here. The atmosphere at The Point can best be described as rustic elegance.

This 75-acre estate in upstate New York was built by the Rockefeller’s as a woodland retreat. It is the ultimate escape for discerning travelers who want to get “back to nature” without giving up the comforts and world-class service of their favorite luxury resort.

Where else will you find black-tie suggested dinners twice a week combined with accommodations like rustic log cabins or a waterfront boathouse? These gourmet dinners come with premium wine pairings and breathtaking surroundings.

During the warmer months, guests can enjoy activities including boating, fishing, tennis, waterskiing, croquet, badminton, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking. In the winter the property transforms into a veritable winter wonderland. Ice skating, curling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking, boating, and cozy bonfires are just a few of the outdoor activities available. But don’t forget the indoor fun like sipping hot toddies by the fire, classic movies, billiards, and more.

explora Patagonia - Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

photo ©explora

Outdoor enthusiasts will love this eco-friendly resort that gives the term “all-inclusive” new meaning.

 

Located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in southern Patagonia, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, explora Patagonia is situated on the banks of Lake Pehoe and treats guests to unparalleled views of the lake, Paine ridge, and the granite towers. The location provides the perfect base for exploring the surrounding park.

Like all explora properties, the amenities of the hotel are all thoughtfully created to encourage guests to get out and explore nature. The healthy menus are crafted with fresh, local ingredients and paired with fine Chilean wines. The hotel’s rooms and suites are “designed to take full advantage of the silence, privacy, and spaciousness of the surrounding landscape, ensuring deep rest after a long day of exploration.” You won’t find televisions or Wi-Fi in the rooms… but Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and common areas.

During your stay chose from over 40 different explorations led by bilingual expert guides all throughout the park. Explorations are available by foot, horseback or by van and there are options for all fitness and skill levels. Popular options include “walks towards crystal clear lakes, and lenga tree forests, hikes to viewpoints and horseback rides through the Park’s pampas (grasslands) and along its rivers.”

Transfers, food, beverages, and all explorations are included in your all-inclusive package.  


 The Resort at Paws Up-Greenough, Montana

photo ©The Resort at Paws Up

The perfect resort for families to couples that like the great outdoors and don't want to sit on a beach. Luxury tents(glamping) to luxury homes that can accommodate the whole family down to that couple celebrating their honeymoon or anniversary. Unlike a lot of ranches there is there is no main lodge at Paws Up so each accommodation offers a level of privacy. Food and select activities are included, as are transfers from Missoula airport. The resort boasts an impressive 400 bottle wine cellar and their executive chef earned his cooking chops at the French Laundry in Napa working with Thomas Keller and Corey Lee. 

Planning the perfect luxury vacation begins with scheduling your vacation consultation call. Click here to request a time for us to meet. We’ll discuss the details and what you are looking for. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams