A great resort—a place you dream about checking into again and again—isn’t easy to find, but a property that’s incredible and family-friendly at the same time is even harder to come by.
In an ideal world, it’s a self-encompassing getaway that offers entertainment for both kids and adults, hits all the marks when it comes to service, and features dining options that go beyond the typical uninspiring resort fare. Truth be told, it’s a hotel that you shouldn’t ever have a reason to leave no matter how appealing your destination may be.
Our list below of eight properties that qualify as fabulous for families traverses the globe from Sint Maarten, in the Caribbean, to the Puglian countryside, in Italy, and all the way to French Polynesia.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, Sint Maarten
Overlooking Maho Bay, the 10-acre, 420-room beachfront Sonesta Maho Beach Resort is the largest all-inclusive family resort in Sint Maarten. Adults and kids can enjoy several restaurants, including a pizzeria and Caribbean grill and a pool area with a swim-up bar, waterslides and kids pool with mini aqua park. The kids club goes beyond the same old with creative activities such as scavenger hunts and arts and crafts to learn about the local history and culture, and parents can entertain themselves at the casino or at the spa, which features a private outdoor treatment gazebo. Nightly all-inclusive rates from $141.50 per person.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida
It might seem like a given that every resort in Orlando is welcoming to families, but few offer the same level of luxury and service of the Four Seasons, which is by far and away the most upscale hotel to hang your hat in during that theme park vacation. And the hotel offers as much to please adults as it does kids including an adults-only pool with cabanas, an outstanding Italian restaurant where pastas and breads are made in-house, a Tom Fazio–designed golf course, and an impressive spa. The junior set, meanwhile, can pass their days at Explorer Island, a five-acre water park with two water slides, a family pool, a splash zone, a climbing wall, and lazy a river winding around a “ruined” mansion. Four Seasons also hosts twice-weekly Disney character breakfasts and has an on-site Disney planning center. Nightly rates from $725.
Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland
Adare Manor sits on an 842-acre estate and offers a lineup of activities to keep families entertained for days: falconry, clay pigeon shooting, archery, a walk with Adare’s dogs, and horse and carriage rides are just the beginning. The Woodland Walk across the entire estate is a family favorite, as is a new adventure course and the Padel Club—named after Padel tennis, the fastest- growing sport in Europe. And to top it all off, there’s the warm Irish hospitality from the effusive staff, who treat you like family from the moment you arrive. Nightly rates from $327.
Soneva Fushi, The Maldives
Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi is the place for dream family getaways. The Soneva Academy is new and a chance for kids ages 12 and up to learn about marine line, astronomy, navigation, and—get this—mosquitoes. Younger children, meanwhile, can partake in activities such as cooking classes; playing local instruments; and learning about nature, recycling, and conservation. Experiences for the whole family include excursions to deserted islands with guided snorkeling, dolphin-spotting cruises, astronomy lessons in the observatory, private screenings at the outdoor movie theater, and indulging in the resort’s 24-hour chocolate and ice cream rooms. Adults can also enjoy Soneva’s 500 different wines, eight restaurants, and three bars. Nightly rates from $1,550.
Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach, Sunny Isles, Florida
Spread over 4.5 gorgeous acres in Sunny Isles, just north of Miami Beach, Acqualina is a playground for families in every possible way. Young children will be entertained with the marine biology-inspired educational program, AcquaMarine, where they learn about the ocean through hands-on educational activities such as viewing coral under a microscope. Then there’s the three swimming pools, beachfront basketball with dual basketball hoops, soccer field, foosball and an oceanfront king-sized chess board. A unique Bedside Reading program includes story hour where kids get free books, and a program called Acqua Experiences gives families the chance to learn new skills together such as synchronized swimming and seashell crafts. The exceptional staff, many of which are longtime employees, makes stays that much more memorable. Nightly rates from $795.
Mohonk Mountain House, Hudson Valley, New York
Dating back to 1869, Mohonk Mountain House is the ultimate getaway for families with children of all ages and the reason why guests come back again and again for decades and even longer. Surrounded by 40,000 acres of forests, the resort offers an endless list of outdoor activities from hiking, biking, boating, swimming, and rock climbing in the summer to cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snow tubing come winter. Kids can also enjoy the kids’ club, an 18-hole disc golf course, mule-drawn carriage rides, and the dedicated children’s garden. And they’ll love the food: From BBQ, burgers and mac and cheese at the outdoor lakeside Granary to classic malt milkshakes and cold cider at the old-fashioned soda fountain, there’s plenty of choice. Parents, meanwhile, can hit the bar or escape to the spa. Nightly rates from $935 for two inclusive of meals.
The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming
It’s the ranch you’ll never want to leave: Families spend their days here partaking in two excursions a day, which include everything from horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, and archery to a ropes course, paintball, and ATV riding. Younger kids can participate in the Lil Wranglers program, which introduces them to ecological exploration and horseback riding. The new goat program is a chance for kids to interact with Brush Creek’s herd of goats and learn how they make cheese. In between adventures, families can refuel themselves with tasty meals such as taco fiestas and pizza nights. There’s evening entertainment too such as live country music, stargazing, and s’mores by the firepit. Nightly rates from $1,250 per person inclusive of meals, alcohol, and activities.
The Brando, French Polynesia
French Polynesia might seem like a destination more fitting for couples than families, but the Brando proves that this stereotype doesn’t hold true. The resort’s Lagoon School offers children ages six to 12 activities to learn about the benefits of protecting the natural environment, such as treasure hunts that give them the chance to explore the landscape. Children can also attend naturalist-led interactive talks and are catered to at mealtimes with customized menus. The spa even offers treatments just for kids. The Brando recently debuted three-bedroom residence-style accommodations, which are ideal for families. Nightly rates form $3,500 all-inclusive.
Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy
Steeped in Puglian culture, Borgo Egnazia overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is set among thousand-year-old olive trees. The many family-friendly amenities include six restaurants, two beach clubs, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and a golf club. In addition, Borgo Egnazia offers separate clubs for kids and teens where they can partake in experiences such as cooking Puglian dishes, visiting nearby farms, horseback riding, and water sports. Nightly rates from $1094.
Source: Read Full Article