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.
No comments:
Post a Comment