Plan Your Next Family Adventure

Whether your crew is into city breaks or nature getaways, we’ve got you covered with island, Highland and urban vacation ideas to inspire your next great escape.

By Claire Sibonney

Saint Lucia

For an island with the long- time slogan “Simply Beautiful,” it’s no wonder Saint Lucia makes for a picture-perfect Caribbean family holiday, complete with spectacular hiking trails and pristine beaches. “While each Caribbean destination has its individual charm, Saint Lucia offers a unique blend of natural beauty, stunning vistas and incredible landscapes where tropical rainforests abound,” says Erwin Louisy, from Saint Lucia-based destination management company Barefoot Holidays.

From bathing in natural mineral mud baths to climbing the famed Gros Piton, Saint Lucia is a playground for the intrepid, with loads of experiences for the culturally curious, too. Adventures await at the island’s bustling markets, rhythmic dance parties and local restaurants, where must-try fare includes lambi (conch stew), breadfruit balls and the national dish of green fig — green bananas cooked with salted codfish. “It’s a hearty and flavorful way to start your Saint Lucian experience,” says Louisy.

FOR NATURE ENTHUSIASTS

Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating waters of Sulphur Springs, the world’s only “drive-in volcano,” where visitors pull up to the dormant crater’s edge and plunge into its therapeutic mud baths. Families with active older kids can scale Gros Piton, the larger of Saint Lucia’s twin volcanic peaks, which towers 2,600 feet above the sea. The steep and rocky climb takes anywhere from three to six hours round trip (there are multiple routes that cater to various skill levels), culminating in panoramic island views at the summit.

FOR THRILL SEEKERS

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled outing, head to the rainforest in the eastern interior of the island for zip-line and aerial tram rides. Various tours combine both activities, often with the addition of a guided hike, making for an exhilarating half-day adventure spent gliding through Saint Lucia’s verdant canopies. Both experienced and novice birders will delight at the sight of the technicolor Saint Lucia Parrot, the striking blackand-yellow Saint Lucia Oriole, and tiny hummingbirds flitting by.

FOR UNDERSEA EXPLORERS

Snorkelers should swim into the crystal-clear waters of Anse Chastanet, a tranquil beach with offshore coral reefs teeming with marine life, including colorful parrotfish, graceful sea turtles and elusive nurse sharks. On a day trip to Pigeon Island National Landmark (the 44-acre island reserve is the site of 18th-century Fort Rodney), snorkelers might encounter eagle rays and moray eels, starfish, anemone and giant barracuda.

WHERE TO STAY

Located on the northwest coast, Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences is comprised of hillside suites and villas (the latter make ideal home bases for multi-generational groups), six pools and five restaurants, all facing a crescent-shaped white-sand beach. Younger guests can hang at the kids’ club, sign up for tennis lessons, and, come bedtime, get their own turn-down service with a story from the adorable mascot Jacquot the Parrot. Even better, the resort has certified nannies, giving parents the chance to slip away for some grown-up fun knowing their little ones are in good hands. Ask your advisor about Ensemble Exclusive Amenities at this property.

Scotland

Perthshire, in the heart of Scotland, is the ultimate summer spot for families keen to swap screen time for green time. Known for its towering trees and lush landscapes, this region is an untamed playground for everything from kayaking the River Tay to exploring trails that could double as scenes from your clan’s favorite fairy tale. “The River Ericht Walk is a lovely journey from the former market town of Blairgowrie,” says Derek Dear, from the Ireland and U.K. destination management company Moloney & Kelly. “It takes you along the River Ericht as it rushes down to the town with sites along the way, including lookouts and old mills.”

Perthshire is also where history comes alive, not just in museums, but in ancient castles you can step inside. And the region’s abundant wildlife, from cheeky red squirrels to the iconic woolly sheep and Highland cattle grazing in the fields, transforms outdoor excursions into enchanting encounters with nature’s locals.

FOR HISTORY BUFFS

Explore the ancient halls of Blair Castle, a centuries-old estate steeped in tumultuous history, including a siege that was part of the Jacobite rising of 1745. Leave enough time to walk the castle’s sprawling grounds, exploring its nine-acre walled garden, scenic sculpture trail and red-deer park, home to a resident herd. Then, at the newly opened Perth Museum, get an up-close look at the legendary Stone of Destiny — also known as the Stone of Scone — which has returned to Perthshire for the first time in more than 700 years (it was previously on display at Edinburgh Castle). The slab of sandstone served in the medieval coronations of Scottish kings and, later, English and then British monarchs, including the most recent crowning of King Charles III.

FOR THRILL SEEKERS

Dive into Perthshire’s adventurous side with a guided gorge scrambling (a.k.a. canyoning or gorge walking) tour. You’ll navigate natural gorges or canyons, such as the stunning Bruar Canyon, tackling obstacles like cascading waterfalls and rocky pools, all while safely attached to ropes for abseiling and climbing. You can also explore the region’s waters by kayak, paddling the sometimes serene, sometimes wild River Tay, or experience the thrill of speeding along the rapids on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) adventure.

FOR SWEET TOOTHS

Cap off an action-packed day with a visit to Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier to sample artisanal chocolates crafted by the award-winning master chocolatier. The shop, located in the picturesque village of Grandtully, offers audio-guided tasting flights, showcasing the signature Velvet Truffle — a culinary masterpiece refined over three years and 120 recipe iterations.

WHERE TO STAY

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, the Gleneagles Hotel is where you’ll find a host of Highland activities for the whole family. While parents enjoy a round of golf or a spa treatment that includes exfoliation with Himalayan and Scottish sea salts, kids can partake in a range of supervised programming on the more than 850acre estate. They might groom a pony, try archery and axe-throwing, go bug hunting or even learn to handle and fly a hawk at the on-site falconry school.

Singapore

he island of Singapore might lure you with its year-round tropical climate, futuristic gardens and accessible transit system, but it’s the blend of cultures that truly lights up this destination for all ages. “Various ethnicities — Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian — are mixed together in Singapore,” says Marlina Binte Rafai, from destination management company EXO Travel. “Our cuisines, dialects, celebrations and customs all reflect this diversity, offering families a range of cultural experiences to explore.”

If you’re a foodie family, come hungry: Eating is a national pastime in Singapore. In 2020, UNESCO recognized Singapore’s hawker centers (bustling food hubs where stalls serve quick and affordable dishes) as part of the city-state’s “intangible cultural heritage.”

Fill your table with an assortment of kid-friendly dishes, such as satay skewers and noodles, and don’t forget the beloved shaved-ice dessert known as ice kachang.

FOR NATURE ENTHUSIASTS

A sky-high nature escape, the Southern Ridges is a six-mile trail connecting five major parks on a natural crest in southern Singapore. Don’t miss the undulating Henderson Waves bridge suspended 118 feet above the ground, a top spot for taking in views of the city. At the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the National Orchid Garden with more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids on display, as well as the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, where kids can get their hands dirty learning about plant ecology.

FOR BEACHGOERS

Sentosa Island, one of Singapore’s most popular island getaways, is easily accessible from the city’s southern coast by car, train, cable car or on foot via a scenic boardwalk. The island is known for its luxury resorts and theme parks, including Universal Studios Singapore, but its immaculate man-made beaches are ideal for families seeking fun in the sun. Palawan Beach has shallow waters and a suspension bridge that leads to a small island, while lively Siloso Beach offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking and skimboarding.

FOR ANIMAL LOVERS

See your kids wide-eyed with wonder as they feed elephants or watch free-ranging orangutans swing overhead. Located at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore Zoo’s 65 acres of naturalistic enclosures are home to more than 4,200 animals, including two-toed sloths, ring-tailed lemurs and white tigers. Renowned for its animal care, conservation and immersive experiences, the zoo also offers “Zookeeper for a Day” tours, where kids aged six and up can go behind the scenes to learn about wildlife stewardship firsthand.

WHERE TO STAY

At the newly opened COMO Metropolitan Singapore, check your brood into a spacious suite with wall-to-wall windows, a sleek kitchenette and tech-forward touches like universal charging stations. Start your day in the lobby with a coffee brewed by the resident robot barista, Bruno, and cool off at the rooftop pool. Families also get access to b_together, an exclusive on-site club with indoor and outdoor play zones for kids and a botanical-themed cocktail bar for parents.

Ask your advisor about Ensemble Exclusive Amenities at this property.