City breaks, multi-destination trips and driving vacations are great for active families looking for adventure. But after two summers of exploring European cities and staying in cheap-and-cheerful apartments, I’m looking for something a little more luxurious: only luxury family vacation destinations are on my list for 2024.
Life with babies and young children is hard work, so next year I want a vacation that’s truly blissful. I want cocktails, pool loungers and warm sea water. I want it to be a holiday for us, the parents, as well as the kids.
I’m looking for super luxe interiors, huge spaces, glorious beaches and services to help make travelling internationally with kids that little bit more enjoyable. And when it comes to the budget, I’m prepared to start saving…
Our 7 Favorite Luxury Family Vacation Destinations
1. Bali
Visitors flock to this truly tropical paradise for its rich, varied landscape and outdoor adventures, all accessible across an island roughly the same size as Delaware state. Walk through rice fields, tour ancient temples, visit coffee plantations or marvel at the black volcanic sand beaches – these are views like no other.
Kids of all ages are drawn to the many beaches, where you can spot dolphins and snorkel alongside coral reefs in crystal clear waters.
Stay at: The Villa Bloom Bali
2. Dominican Republic
Parents can get a taste of a luxury lifestyle here, with designer shopping in Punta Cana, upscale resorts and of course, beautiful white sand beaches. You can keep active by hiking in one of the 18 national parks or swimming in the Damajagua waterfalls, but make sure to taste the local Caribbean rum, too.
It’s known for being one of the best places in the world to visit migrating humpback whales (in Samana Bay, January to March) and kids will love the other local animal encounters with manatees or dolphins.
Stay at: The Cabarete Residence
3. Italy
Glamorous locals, world-class boutiques and outstanding restaurants can be found in every corner of the country. Add to that an endless list of sandy beaches (lots of which are lined with buzzy beach bars offering ridiculously good food) plus stunning lakes and ski resorts in the North – it’s a year-round destination for every type of luxury family vacation.
The best bit about Italy? The Italians LOVE kids. Almost every restaurant caters for families and they’ll be able to order pizza, pasta and gelato pretty much everywhere you go.
Stay at: The Piegaro Residence
4. The Hamptons
This classic summer getaway for New Yorkers is littered with luxurious vacation mansions along sandy shores. Visitors are mainly drawn to the beaches but this fashionable enclave also maintains an artistic vibe, with museums and galleries in many of the historic villages.
If you can tear the kids away from the beach, visit the Children’s Museum in Bridgehampton, Long Island’s aquarium or the oldest lighthouse in New York State at Montawk.
Stay at: The East Hampton Residence
5. Portugal
Swap between sandy shores in the Algarve and sightseeing in historic Lisbon or Porto. Go surfing in Comporta or explore the islands of The Azores – known as the Hawaii of Europe.
This ever-fashionable destination is still as popular as ever, with more international tourists visiting the laid-back yet bustling towns along the Atlantic coast – think Carvalhal, Melides, Cascais and Sintra – which are now all filled with relaxed eateries and beach bars, together with toddler-friendly turquoise waters.
Stay at: The Rua do Pinhal Residence
6. South Africa
World-class Vineyards, year-round safaris, huge cities and 2000 miles of coastline – where else could you find such a fascinating mix of scenery?
Winter (May to October) is driest, with chilly nights but warm sunny days – perfect conditions for spotting The Big 5 on safari. Visit early or late summer and combine it with a beach vacation in St Helena Bay and a trip up Table Mountain by cable car.
Stay at: The Leobo Private Reserve
7. Turks & Caicos
When you imagine that postcard-perfect shot of a Caribbean beach, with shallow blue water and soft white sand, the chances are you’re thinking of Turks & Caicos.
Families are drawn to the beautiful waters to swim, snorkel and spot stingrays, turtles and bottlenose dolphins. The famous Grace Bay Beach offers luxury resorts and indulgent shopping districts, while the quieter South Caicos island is an unspoilt tranquil paradise.
Stay at: The Chalk Sound Drive Residence
Planning The Perfect Luxury Family Vacation
Parents are pros at preparation. Check out our Travel Tips for ideas on how to plan the perfect luxury family vacation.
Make your next vacation a little easier with a family-friendly vacation home. Discover our kid-friendly vacation rentals in destinations all around the world , whether you’re thinking of Beach homes, Luxury houses or Adventurous Trips.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/comporta/the-rua-direita-carvalhal-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/east-hampton/the-meadow-way-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/umbria/the-piegaro-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/puerto-plata/the-las-brisas-villa
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/turks-and-caicos/la-mer-villa-west-luxury-oceanfront-on-sapodilla-bay
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/bali/the-villa-bloom-bali
