7 Exceptional Family-Friendly Vacations
Vacationing with children can seem daunting for even the most seasoned of travelers. A two-year-old isn’t going to withstand a day of quiet museum hopping in Paris, a high school sophomore doesn’t want to do anything, and the parents just want a break. If the idea of shipping off to an amusement park for the hundredth time is unbearable, and Grandma and Grandpa aren’t up for babysitting, all is not lost. Family-friendly resorts might conjure nightmares of cheesy all-inclusives and endless buffet lines, but a few standouts are brilliantly mixing all-out luxury with clever programs to keep the little ones occupied. Here are seven family-friendly resorts that you’ll want to visit with (or even without) your little munchkins.
Photo: Ryan Forbes / Courtesy of Mukul1/7Mukul Beach, Golf Spa, Nicaragua
For the parents: This luxurious resort features an eighteen-hole oceanfront golf course and a spa made up of six themed sanctuaries (including a hammam and crystal-filled space). Meanwhile, a private tour of the Flor de Caña rum distillery (helicopter transfer included) is decidedly for grown-ups. And for the adventurous guest, try ash boarding down the active Cerro Negro volcano. For the kids and the whole family: Aside from the supervised Kids Kul Club that houses a playroom and pool, children can learn about protecting local endangered olive ridley sea turtles and may even be able to participate in the release of hatchlings. For the crafty child (or parent), there are family-friendly cooking lessons, basket weaving, and pottery making. And if the water is the main draw, there are deep-sea fishing tours (look out for marlin and yellow-fin tuna) and surf lessons (there are seventeen surf breaks within a 45-minute drive of the resort) at your disposal.
Photo: Courtesy of Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France2/7Cheval Blanc St.-Barth Isle de France, St. Barth s
For the parents: A romantic private picnic on the beach followed by a sunset cruise off of the dreamy island might be mistaken for a second honeymoon. While the kids are occupied during the day, go sailing, water skiing, practice yoga on the beach, or or relax with an alfresco massage and a steam in the hammam. For the kids and the whole family: It doesn’t get much more magical than Amaryllis the “mermaid,” who will go swimming and snorkeling with the kids all while teaching them about the native marine life. On dry land, children can take French lessons (the official language of the island), visit the local goat farm just down the road from the hotel, or take a painting class with a local artist. And, if you have an infant in tow, requests for custom baby food made from fresh vegetable and fruit purees are happily accommodated.
Photo: Courtesy of Carmel Valley Ranch3/7Carmel Valley Ranch, California
For the parents: Sitting pretty on 500 acres of lush California land, this recently renovated resort is essentially a year-round summer camp for the whole family. There’s a treetop spa that employs lavender and honey harvested from the hotel grounds, barre and yoga classes, a pool with cabanas and an infinity hot tub overlooking the new pinot noir vineyard, eighteen-hole golf course, and tennis complex, not to mention romantic concrete soaking tubs off many of the new suites. For the kids and the whole family: In addition to the daily camps (with programs designed by certified teachers), there are archery classes, butterfly garden expeditions, geocaching treasure hunts, an equestrian program with trail and pony rides, farm adventures including Chicken Chats, and a beekeeping experience. But a night at Carmel Valley Ranch isn’t complete without toasting up a s’more around the fire pit to satisfy that late-night sweet tooth.
Photo: Courtesy of Sugar Beach4/7Sugar Beach, St. Lucia
For the parents: Located by Petit Piton—part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of two mountains that overlooks Soufière Bay—Mom and Dad might be tempted to do nothing more than relax with a mojito from the Bayside Bar and take in the views. For the (slightly) more ambitious, head to the Rainforest Spa—made of seven tree house treatment gazebos and an earthen steam dome—which makes use of local “ingredients” like bananas, coconuts, and the mineral-rich waters from nearby volcanic springs. In addition to all manner of water sports and complimentary exercise classes, sightseeing and hiking excursions can also be arranged. For the kids and the whole family: The crown jewel of this St. Lucia property is its sailing club. The five- or six-day program teaches teens about the basics of sailing and seamanship. There are also more traditional kids clubs that provide activities like treasure hunts, coconut bowling, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. And for the truly pampered tyke, children’s spa treatments like chocolate wraps and facials are available.
Photo: Courtesy of Castello di Casole5/7Castello di Casole, Italy
For the parents: If you’re visiting in the fall, don’t miss out on a truffle hunt followed by a dinner starring the delicacy. And what’s a trip to Italy without wine? The estate—actually an eighteenth-century castle—has more than 100 acres of organic vineyards that produce a range of reds, like full-bodied merlots and light sangioveses. And for the exotic car enthusiast, the concierge can arrange a tour through Tuscany in a Ferrari. For the kids and the whole family: The budding young foodie will thoroughly enjoy this hotel. Castello di Casole’s chefs are on hand to teach your bambini how to make Tuscan-style pizza, and little ones can tour a nearby chocolate factory and gelateria (and learn how to make their own gelato). For those who enjoy arts and crafts, there are also classes in puppet-making, ceramic painting, creative sewing, and decoupage.
