10 Family-Friendly Retreats You’ll Actually Enjoy
Palazzo Scanderbeg | Rome, Italy
Combining art, history, architecture, food and culture, Rome makes for an educational adventure that checks all the boxes. Visiting one of Europe’s most popular destinations with kids may seem daunting at first, but it’s absolutely worth it, and choosing the perfect allogio makes all the difference. Just a stone’s throw (or coin toss) from the Trevi Fountain, Palazzo Scanderbeg is a 15th-century palace that effortlessly captures the magic of the Eternal City. With understated rooms and apartment-style suites, a babysitting service and a signature Scanderbeg Treasure Hunt, it’s a gratifying refuge from the hectic tourist scene.
10 Family-Friendly Retreats You’ll Actually Enjoy
Enchantment Resort | Sedona, Arizona
It’s easy to see why Enchantment Resort made the list. The Sedona retreat is set within the ultimate natural playground that is Boynton Canyon, so families can easily access miles of trail and epic views without ever having to load up the minivan. Experienced guides lead mountain biking sessions and hiking excursions tailored to kid speeds, and for those not sure where to start, Adventure Advisors can offer intel on which trails are best suited based on scenery, skill level and steepness. After an invigorating day of adventures, parents are welcome to indulge in a sweet treat alongside their littles, with house-made “spirited popsicles” ranging from Blue Raspberry Vodka to Mango Margarita.
10 Family-Friendly Retreats You’ll Actually Enjoy
Raffles Bali | Bali, Indonesia
Family vacations in tropical paradise are always a treat, but Raffles Bali takes it further, striving to deliver a curated sensory experience that takes guests on an enriching cultural journey. A customized kids program offers everything from kite flying to Bahasa language lessons, and Raffles Wellbeing Butlers are always available to arrange unique experiences such as temple dance ceremonies and traditional cooking classes. Kiddos will be left wide-eyed with wonder at the famous Kecak performance at Uluwatu Temple, where dancers move in concentric circles while relating the epic Hindu story of Ramayana, all against a spectacular sunset backdrop.
10 Family-Friendly Retreats You’ll Actually Enjoy
Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor | Manama, Bahrain
The vibrant Gulf island nation of Bahrain is rapidly making a name for itself in the luxury travel market. Here, for those looking to celebrate a special family milestone, the easy choice for locale is Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor. Be it a birthday, baby shower or fairytale wedding, this elite retreat sure knows how to throw a party. Gatherings typically feature a feast of authentic barbecue and Arabic mezze, but those with picky eaters needn’t worry—the little ones get set up with their own buffet of mini burgers, pizza, chicken fingers, fries, ice cream and cotton candy. For a more casual affair, families can also enjoy a barbecue around a bonfire in the palace gardens with a private chef, which is free for kids under 12.
10 Family-Friendly Retreats You’ll Actually Enjoy
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa | Raa Atoll, Maldives
If you thought the Maldives was only for honeymooners, think again. At once low-key and catch-your-breath stunning, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive eco-retreat with amenities designed specifically for families, including Family Beach Villas, a Dolphin Kids Club and daily crafts such as coconut painting and bracelet-making. Boasting some of the Maldives’ most rich and diversified marine life, the area is rife with unique learning opportunities, helping prime young minds into considering the value of eco-conscious travel. The resort leads by example in this regard, with a food waste system and a coral farming initiative in the works.
10 Family-Friendly Retreats You’ll Actually Enjoy
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah | Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has a reputation as a playground for the rich, but it may come as a surprise that this upscale city is also very family friendly, with no shortage of exhilarating experiences for young travelers including rollercoasters, camel rides and shark lagoons. Occupying a prized location on the eastern crescent of Dubai’s iconic Palm Island, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is a pocket of seafront serenity that offers a breath of fresh air after a frenzied day of exploring. The hotel’s private beach and calm waters make for an ideal setting for kids to try their hand at a number of water activities, and the Water Sports Centre is equipped for them all, including sailing, kayaking, wakeboarding and jet skis.
10 Family-Friendly Retreats You’ll Actually Enjoy
Conrad Punta de Mita | Punta de Mita, Mexico
If you’re looking to avoid the throngs of families descending on Cancun, Tulum and other most-popular Mexican destinations, take your crew to the quieter but no less stunning Conrad Punta de Mita. The property’s well-considered layout allows it to effortlessly cater to both adults and kids. Though umbrellas and lounge chairs are set up on its two miles of sand, the three pools are the real star of the show here. Options include an infinity pool overlooking the ocean; an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar and easy access to the spa; and a kid-friendly pool complete with water fountains, a waterslide and a splash zone. Conveniently adjacent to the kiddie pool is the resort’s all-day poolside café and the best spot for a midday bite, Paleta.
10 Family-Friendly Retreats You’ll Actually Enjoy
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa | Carlsbad, California
Practicing self-care when traveling with kids is a must, but it’s often much easier said than done. Just down the road from Legoland in picturesque Southern California, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa is a fun-filled haven for families that puts wellness at the forefront. The staff work tirelessly to keep children engaged, giving weary parents the freedom to refill their mental reserves guilt-free. Upon arrival, schedules are customized to suit every need. The family pool area alone will keep the littles occupied for days, with two corkscrew slides, a water playground, s’mores making and sandcastle building contests. If Legoland doesn’t get the wiggles out of your youngsters, 20 trips up and down the aforementioned two-story slides should do the trick.
10 Family-Friendly Retreats You’ll Actually Enjoy
Shangri-La Singapore | Singapore
When it comes to family fun, nowhere accommodates budding globetrotters quite like Shangri-La Singapore. Both the young and the young at heart can look forward to a stay here, with a dedicated kids program featuring nearly 2000 square metres of interactive play areas, including Singapore’s largest outdoor water playground. Creativity is highly encouraged in all its forms with activities such as art classes, jam sessions and hands-on baking classes conducted by the hotel pastry chef. To complete the experience, there are Themed Family Suites, a Family Concierge service and a Family Pantry, assuring a heavenly hassle-free stay.
10 Family-Friendly Retreats You’ll Actually Enjoy
Six Senses Zighy Bay | Zighy Bay, Oman
Finding tot-friendly vacation venues is hard enough, but planning trips with a boisterous brood of high-energy adolescents is a whole different story. Enter Six Senses Zighy Bay, a village-inspired adventure getaway in Oman that deems itself up for the challenge. After a chauffeured paraglide into the resort gets their blood pumping, teens will be spoiled for choice by the wealth of heart-pounding pursuits on offer. The Teen Club hosts hiking, wadi swimming and canyoning excursions, as well as the chance to learn new skills such as archery, raft building and abseiling. After an action-packed day, generations can reunite with a sunset cruise on the bay, before cozying up at Cinema Paradiso for movies on the beach under a blanket of stars.
1 /10
Palazzo Scanderbeg | Rome, Italy
Combining art, history, architecture, food and culture, Rome makes for an educational adventure that checks all the boxes. Visiting one of Europe’s most popular destinations with kids may seem daunting at first, but it’s absolutely worth it, and choosing the perfect allogio makes all the difference. Just a stone’s throw (or coin toss) from the Trevi Fountain, Palazzo Scanderbeg is a 15th-century palace that effortlessly captures the magic of the Eternal City. With understated rooms and apartment-style suites, a babysitting service and a signature Scanderbeg Treasure Hunt, it’s a gratifying refuge from the hectic tourist scene.
2 /10
Enchantment Resort | Sedona, Arizona
It’s easy to see why Enchantment Resort made the list. The Sedona retreat is set within the ultimate natural playground that is Boynton Canyon, so families can easily access miles of trail and epic views without ever having to load up the minivan. Experienced guides lead mountain biking sessions and hiking excursions tailored to kid speeds, and for those not sure where to start, Adventure Advisors can offer intel on which trails are best suited based on scenery, skill level and steepness. After an invigorating day of adventures, parents are welcome to indulge in a sweet treat alongside their littles, with house-made “spirited popsicles” ranging from Blue Raspberry Vodka to Mango Margarita.
3 /10
Raffles Bali | Bali, Indonesia
Family vacations in tropical paradise are always a treat, but Raffles Bali takes it further, striving to deliver a curated sensory experience that takes guests on an enriching cultural journey. A customized kids program offers everything from kite flying to Bahasa language lessons, and Raffles Wellbeing Butlers are always available to arrange unique experiences such as temple dance ceremonies and traditional cooking classes. Kiddos will be left wide-eyed with wonder at the famous Kecak performance at Uluwatu Temple, where dancers move in concentric circles while relating the epic Hindu story of Ramayana, all against a spectacular sunset backdrop.
4 /10
Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor | Manama, Bahrain
The vibrant Gulf island nation of Bahrain is rapidly making a name for itself in the luxury travel market. Here, for those looking to celebrate a special family milestone, the easy choice for locale is Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor. Be it a birthday, baby shower or fairytale wedding, this elite retreat sure knows how to throw a party. Gatherings typically feature a feast of authentic barbecue and Arabic mezze, but those with picky eaters needn’t worry—the little ones get set up with their own buffet of mini burgers, pizza, chicken fingers, fries, ice cream and cotton candy. For a more casual affair, families can also enjoy a barbecue around a bonfire in the palace gardens with a private chef, which is free for kids under 12.
5 /10
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa | Raa Atoll, Maldives
If you thought the Maldives was only for honeymooners, think again. At once low-key and catch-your-breath stunning, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive eco-retreat with amenities designed specifically for families, including Family Beach Villas, a Dolphin Kids Club and daily crafts such as coconut painting and bracelet-making. Boasting some of the Maldives’ most rich and diversified marine life, the area is rife with unique learning opportunities, helping prime young minds into considering the value of eco-conscious travel. The resort leads by example in this regard, with a food waste system and a coral farming initiative in the works.
6 /10
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah | Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has a reputation as a playground for the rich, but it may come as a surprise that this upscale city is also very family friendly, with no shortage of exhilarating experiences for young travelers including rollercoasters, camel rides and shark lagoons. Occupying a prized location on the eastern crescent of Dubai’s iconic Palm Island, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is a pocket of seafront serenity that offers a breath of fresh air after a frenzied day of exploring. The hotel’s private beach and calm waters make for an ideal setting for kids to try their hand at a number of water activities, and the Water Sports Centre is equipped for them all, including sailing, kayaking, wakeboarding and jet skis.
7 /10
Conrad Punta de Mita | Punta de Mita, Mexico
If you’re looking to avoid the throngs of families descending on Cancun, Tulum and other most-popular Mexican destinations, take your crew to the quieter but no less stunning Conrad Punta de Mita. The property’s well-considered layout allows it to effortlessly cater to both adults and kids. Though umbrellas and lounge chairs are set up on its two miles of sand, the three pools are the real star of the show here. Options include an infinity pool overlooking the ocean; an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar and easy access to the spa; and a kid-friendly pool complete with water fountains, a waterslide and a splash zone. Conveniently adjacent to the kiddie pool is the resort’s all-day poolside café and the best spot for a midday bite, Paleta.
8 /10
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa | Carlsbad, California
Practicing self-care when traveling with kids is a must, but it’s often much easier said than done. Just down the road from Legoland in picturesque Southern California, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa is a fun-filled haven for families that puts wellness at the forefront. The staff work tirelessly to keep children engaged, giving weary parents the freedom to refill their mental reserves guilt-free. Upon arrival, schedules are customized to suit every need. The family pool area alone will keep the littles occupied for days, with two corkscrew slides, a water playground, s’mores making and sandcastle building contests. If Legoland doesn’t get the wiggles out of your youngsters, 20 trips up and down the aforementioned two-story slides should do the trick.
9 /10
Shangri-La Singapore | Singapore
When it comes to family fun, nowhere accommodates budding globetrotters quite like Shangri-La Singapore. Both the young and the young at heart can look forward to a stay here, with a dedicated kids program featuring nearly 2000 square metres of interactive play areas, including Singapore’s largest outdoor water playground. Creativity is highly encouraged in all its forms with activities such as art classes, jam sessions and hands-on baking classes conducted by the hotel pastry chef. To complete the experience, there are Themed Family Suites, a Family Concierge service and a Family Pantry, assuring a heavenly hassle-free stay.
10 /10
Six Senses Zighy Bay | Zighy Bay, Oman
Finding tot-friendly vacation venues is hard enough, but planning trips with a boisterous brood of high-energy adolescents is a whole different story. Enter Six Senses Zighy Bay, a village-inspired adventure getaway in Oman that deems itself up for the challenge. After a chauffeured paraglide into the resort gets their blood pumping, teens will be spoiled for choice by the wealth of heart-pounding pursuits on offer. The Teen Club hosts hiking, wadi swimming and canyoning excursions, as well as the chance to learn new skills such as archery, raft building and abseiling. After an action-packed day, generations can reunite with a sunset cruise on the bay, before cozying up at Cinema Paradiso for movies on the beach under a blanket of stars.
