Top ten luxury family resorts

Charitable Travel’s luxury expert Lizzi Trimble shares her top resort recommendations for a family holiday in the lap of luxury

The pandemic has affected each family

differently but most will admit that being in lockdown with children has been challenging and, at times, fractious. Never has a holiday been so anticipated! If you’re one of the lucky ones that has been able to save up a bigger budget for your next trip, here are our suggestions for a family treat.

Jumby Bay Island, Antigua

Lizzi says: “Set on a 300-acre island, 10 minutes by boat from Antigua, this resort has fabulous facilities and children can roam free in complete safety.”

Guests can arrive by private yacht and check into a luxurious suite or villa steps from the Caribbean Sea. The Camp Jumby Pavilion has fun and games for three to 11-year-olds with programmes like Little Chefs, Wildlife and Ocean Adventures, Discover Science and Pirates of the Caribbean. Older kids can try watersports or join a mocktail mixology class.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Lizzi says: “A very upmarket, purposebuilt hotel with stunning modern décor including glass and water features, plus the famous Camp Hyatt kids club.”

Spanning the secluded Banana Bay with its golden sandy beach at the foot of rolling hills, this resort has a pool dedicated to families but some suites feature private roof-top pools and sundecks. The complimentary kids club, Island Fort, entertains children aged from three to twelve years with a mix of outdoor activities, storytelling, arts and crafts.

Ritz-Carlton Abama Tenerife

Lizzi says: “Perfect for a quick break, this resort has a huge kids club, fabulous accommodation in rooms and villas, fine dining for parents and a lovely, secluded location.”

The Ritz-Carlton is in a central location on Tenerife for land and sea adventures and boasts the largest Ritz Kids club in Europe. Based around an environmental programme by ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, it fosters a sense of adventure by encouraging exploration, There is a science lab, soft play area, planetarium, garden and playground.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Lizzi says: “Recently renovated, this resort is set on a secluded and stunning beach. Great dining and a fabulous kids club make this an island paradise for families.” This resort has villas with up to five bedrooms and a pool. The complimentary Kids For All Seasons club takes those aged three to nine for supervised activities including reading, games, painting and scavenger hunts. Kids can also get involved in a turtle education programme or play eco-bio golf on the beach (the balls turn into fish food).

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One&Only Le St. Géran, Mauritius

Lizzi says: “This incredibly stylish resort is the Grand Dame of Mauritius. Beautiful views and meals for adults and a great choice of watersports and kids clubs.”

The resort has three clubs: KidsOnly for three to seven year-olds, TweensOnly for eight to 12 years and One Tribe for eight to 17 years. Kids can enjoy their own chill-out zones for meeting and mingling with friends and enjoy activities like treasure hunts, table tennis tournaments, snorkelling trips, bonfires and karaoke.

Forte Village Resort, Sardinia

Lizzi says: “ A superb resort with sporting activities suitable for young kids up to teenagers and Children’s Wonderland, absolutely dedicated to little ones.”

Set in 50 hectares of gardens along a white sand beach, this resort has five five-star hotels and 13 luxury villas with private pools. Families have a choice of gourmet and buffet restaurants, numerous pools and infinite activities. Children’s wonderland includes a theatrical workshop, two pools, a Barbie-themed area, child-sized village and vegetable garden.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai

Lizzi says: “One of the first luxury hotels in Dubai but it has still got it and now it is attached to the famous Wild Wadi Waterpark!”

This wave-shaped hotel is in an established and buzzing beachside area of Dubai and gives guests free access to the Wild Wadi’s thrilling slides and fun pools plus 40 Jumeirah restaurants. On site it offers a huge range of water and land sports. The free kids’ club has various play areas for kids aged two to 12. Beit Al Bahar is an area of one-and two-bedroom villas with private terraces and 24-hour butler service.

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Oman

Lizzi says: “This is a world-class hotel for families set on a dramatic horseshoe bay near Muscat (great for sightseeing and souks) but with plenty to entertainment on-site.”

The family-focused Al Waha hotel has an Arabian oasis-style pool area, the Cool Zone Kids Club – with indoor and outdoor play areas for kids up to eight years – and the Adventure Zone with slides, a climbing wall, gaming equipment and soft play. Al Bandar Hotel is based on an Arabian town, with a souk and plethora of restaurants. Between the two hotels is a lazy river and kids can also enjoy the Splashpad aquatic play area, mini golf and camel or pony rides.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Lizzi says: “This is the perfect place for a family safari. Not only is it Malaria-free but accommodation is geared to families and there’s a programme of activities for kids.”

Shamwari comprises seven lodges and one camp, as well as the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre, but families should stay at Riverdene. Children aged four and over can join the Kids on Safari Programme and learn about the importance of conservation. There’s also a pool and the Adventure Centre, which has zip-lines, slides and climbing walls. Indoor areas for little ones include a kids’ library.

Four Seasons Langkawi, Malaysia

Lizzi says: “An upmarket resort with a jungle backdrop to its family-friendly villas and the chance for children to learn about animals and the eco system.” Located in a UNESCO World Geopark, this resort lets kids go wild! They can step aboard a floating classroom with the swamp skipper on a Monkeys and Mangroves tour, make their own kite and fly it on the beach or try rock climbing in the jungle. Kids aged one to five eat free, there is a four-pools-in-one family area and the Lutong Kids Club entertains kids aged four to 12.

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