Luxury Family Holidays

Sparkling infinity pools, white-sand beaches, ocean views, kids’ clubs packed with creative adventures and even, at the upper end of the scale, private villas and personal butlers… These are just some of the possible elements of an indulgent holiday with your crew – one during which all members of the family can escape from life's daily demands and stresses.

But luxury family holidays aren't about Insta-worthy glossy perfection at huge expense – it's more about those thoughtful choices and little tweaks that make life easier, lighter and more fun. Because true indulgence is seeing your children's faces light up when they spot a starfish or come running up the beach with a new friend in tow, while you finally getting to sip your beer while it’s still chilled.

Of course, along the way, drinks will be spilt, teddies will be mislaid, and someone will have a tantrum. Accepting the chaos – and even laughing about it – is all part of the deal. But give yourself the best chance at the luxury family holiday of your dreams by considering some of the following tips.

Consider the key features of a luxury family holiday

Luxury means different things to different people, and we can help you define and refine what luxury means to you and your family. Child-friendly amenities at upscale resorts often include the likes of crèches and kids' clubs, plus dining that is high-end but also takes younger palates into consideration.

What makes a luxury family trip successful? In short, we'd bring it down to that feeling of effortlessness you can positively feel yourself dropping into when just about everything is taken care of for you, thanks to services and facilities that might include private transfers and excursions, interconnecting rooms, family suites or private villas, and even dedicated butler service,

Sure, Egyptian cotton sheets are blissful, but we think that genuine indulgence is freedom from faff – not having to cook breakfast, find your way in a new country or travel encumbered by baby or toddler equipment (our motto: the less you lug, the more luxurious you’ll feel). 

We have at our fingertips tried-and-tested resorts that will have baby gear waiting in your room, or remember your coffee and cocktail preferences, as well as villas with private chefs who are as au fait with child-friendly dishes as they are with whipping up something special for the grown-ups.

We'll also make sure you arrive as unflustered and as rested as possible: we can include airport lounge access, fast-track security, deluxe transfers, and other services and amenities in your booking – those essential touches that will set the tone for your entire holiday.

Use a trusted travel advisor to go beyond the brochure

Delegate the workload and the sheer time that is so often spent on planning holidays by using experts well versed in which resorts combine elegance and energy. A good family travel designer goes beyond booking flights and hotels by personalising your trip according to both your needs and your passions. We'll put time and care into understanding your ‘why’, advising you about the most desirable destination for your tastes and budget, and weaving your personalities into the holiday we create for you.

Ask about the different types of luxury experiences on offer

Luxury family travel isn’t just about five-star hotels and resorts and the usual tourist attractions. In fact, it's less about how many stars your hotel has than the stories you'll keep coming back to for years – those shared memories of that sailing lesson or that market tour followed by a family cooking class with a local chef, and the yummy meal you tucked into together afterwards. We can add on experiences you can’t access on your own, such as private tours, unique local encounters and after-hours museum visits.

Luxury family holidays can include safaris with private game drives, boutique lodges and tented camps, and expert wildlife guides specialising in families. Or you might try a tropical-island paradise such the Maldives with its overwater villas, white-sand beaches and dazzling marine life.

Many luxury resorts (we know the best ones) cater specifically to families, with family suites or villas, kids' clubs, and spas for a spot of grown-up indulgence. Some of the resorts we can book for you include an all-inclusive option that includes gastronomic (sometimes even Michelin-starred) dining, top-shelf drinks and butler service.

Make good use of your hotel concierge

Beyond the special services and amenities we will arrange for you as part of your holiday, hit up your concierge team. It's their job to make your life easy, whether you need to book a babysitter so you can enjoy a dinner without a side order of chips or want insider intel on spectacular days out and activities with the makings of lasting memories for everyone.

Factor unscheduled time into your holiday and make everyone happy

Remember that the greatest luxury can be doing nothing at all. Guilt-free naps, aimless wandering, reading that book and letting the kids splash about in the water for as long as they want are all part of a luxury family holiday in addition to water sports and other activities or cultural exploration. And balance connection and breathing room by taking turns as parents to enjoy some solo time, perhaps in the spa or simply poolside with a book and a cocktail at hand, while the other has fun with the kids.

Be mindful of the impact of your luxury holiday

We support responsible and sustainable travel by working with partners who work hard to ensure that however indulgent your holiday, it will also benefit local communities, respect local culture and help conserve or even improve the environment.