Explore the world combining quality family time together with seeing new things and learning new tricks. We reveal some of our favourite parent-pleasing places that fulfil the dreams of young and old.
Meaning ‘beautiful island’ in the local Maldivian tongue, One&Only’s flagship has aged like a fine wine since its original opening 15 years ago. A contemporary escape resplendent with no less than a dozen beaches, six restaurants and a one-of-a-kind certified dive centre, its all-singing-all-dancing nature has earned it grande dame status in the Maldives. Here exists an inimitable class of castaway comfort rooted in exceptional standards of elegance.
Large enough to operate in its own time zone and referred to as King’s Island by locals in the know, this octopus-shaped expansive resort manages to maintain a remarkable air of intimacy. Best traversed by golf cart or bicycle, winding jungle paths lead to hidden nooks, immaculately manicured gardens and regal beach clubs where fashion-forward guests lounge in private cabanas sipping sundowners and enjoying uninterrupted views across the ocean.
This is an all-villa resort and you won’t go wrong choosing any of them. The chic beach villas sit discreetly peppered along the shoreline, each with rooms that spill out onto their own private stretches of flour-fine sand. For direct ocean access, a cluster of airy water villas perched daintily in the lagoon blur the line between land and sea.
Adults will love:adrenaline-filled days on jet skis, meditation sessions and a stellar spa.
Kids will love: pirate cruises, scavenger hunts and the island’s coral propagation project.
Read MoreMuch like the Antiguan word that inspired its name (jumbee meaning ‘playful spirit’), the laid-back feeling of Jumby Bay Island is tangible from the moment you step onto the welcome dock. The fortunate few who make it here are encouraged to roam wild and free. A destination in its own right, this is an alternative bolthole from the flashier hot spots in this part of the world, like chichi St Barths and the celebrity magnet of Mustique.
Style abounds on Jumby, to be sure, but it’s a style that’s beach chic and has an appreciation for the finer things in life – it is really not the kind of place to come looking for manicured golf courses and non-stop nightlife.n the island’s black belly sheep and helping at the Hawksbill Turtle Preservation Programme. You, meanwhile, can get in some serious R&R in a hammock by the infinity pool or in the spa. Or if you’re feeling active, explore the protected shoreline by bike, take to the water or play croquet or tennis.
The needs of minors are considered here as much as adults’ are, so there’s always some form of school holiday high jinks for them to join. Raft building classes boost confidence and provide the opportunity to form friendships, while the pioneering hawksbill turtle education programme engages kids on the importance of wildlife conservation.
Adults will love: The fact that a mere 15 minutes after leaving Antigua airport, you can be sipping a cocktail as the kids frolic on the white sands.
Kids will love: The freedom to run wild in a totally car-free environment.
Read MoreRaft-building, zip-wiring and rainforest treks delight ages 7–12 years at chic Carlisle Bay in Antigua, while younger ones enjoy the likes of treasure hunts and arts and crafts at the kids’ club with its sandpit, paddling pool and jungle gym. With a heavenly beachfront setting against a backdrop of lush hills and tropical forest, this resort has separate adult and family sections, meaning you won’t ever feel your offspring are getting under anyone’s feet. The bay itself is secluded, with calm water perfect for kids. Families love kayaking out to mangrove lagoons to spot birds and fish.
Families love kayaking out to mangrove lagoons to spot birds and fish. Serene, spacious ocean-view suites are just the ticket for families – prize picks are the Beach Terrace Suites with direct access to the family half of the crescent beach. Child-friendly dining at Indigo on the Beach (grills, seafood and salads) includes flexible kid’s menus, or there’s pizza and other Italian fare at poolside Ottimo! and pan-Asian at East.
Adults will love: Sundowners around the copper firepit at the sand-between-the-toes Jetty Bar.
Children will love: Kayaking trips to see turtles.
Read MoreThe surrounding Riviera Maya region inspires many of the family activities at Mexico’s graceful Rosewood Mayakoba, set along winding lagoons within 1,600 acres beside a mile-long white-sand beach. Think Mayan storytelling, Spanish and Mayan lessons and even biologist-led eco boat-trips. As if all that wasn’t fun enough, there are also scavenger hunts, yoga classes and pizza- or cookie-making classes. Where parents are concerned, the spa is the stunner; based on its own island, it’s designed around a cenote (a sinkhole held sacred by the Mayans). Don’t miss the three-hour Kuxtal Sensory Garden experience inspired by the Mayan belief in the symbiosis between humans and plants, or, for tweens and teens, the facials, manicures and pedicures.
Perfect for families, the 129 polished suites – some sleeping eight – come with plunge pools, rooftop sundecks and open-air showers. Beachfront tapas at Punta Bonita and the popular Mayakoba beach night go down brilliantly with junior diners, while adults prize the haute cuisine at Casa del Lago.
Adults will love: Agave Azul sushi and tequila bar.
Kids will love: The themed nights - Mexican, pirate, Mayan celebrations and pyjama parties.
Read MoreAtlantis, The Palm is so child-friendly, it contains several of Dubai’s greatest family attractions, including Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium; guests receive free access to both. The kids’ club is suitably spectacular, with an underwater theatre, while teens flock to Club Rush for its mocktail bar and entertainment lounges. All rooms sleep four but there are interconnecting options and two-bedroom suites too.
Twenty-plus dining options range from celebrity restaurants to a burger bar and regular Cirque De Cuisine ‘night brunches’ with street performers and acrobats.
Adults will love: The fact that suites come with a complimentary private cabana at the pool, beach and Aquaventure.
Kids will love: The Evening Adventures include eccentric Mad Scientist experiments.
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