When I first had Oscar I was worried that I would be compromising on luxury, style and service in travel but I have discovered that the best family hotels that are both great for kids and perfect for parents too. These are hotels that combine the best hospitality in the world with experiences that are designed with families in mind.
I have visited every single one of the hotels in this guide to the world’s best child-friendly hotels and they are truly exceptional and some are once in a lifetime places. From beach retreats, to ski resorts, private islands, city breaks and safaris all of these hotels balance luxury, activities, great food, beautiful decor with incredible experiences for kids.
FYI some of these hotels are only recommended for older children, I have noted where this is the case.
Europe
I already have a post on the best luxury family hotels in Europe therefore I’ve only included the absolute cream of the crop for this post on the best luxury family hotels in the world but read that post if you’d like to see more.
Austria
Familien Natur Resort Moar Gut – We were really blown away by Moar Gut as this hotel has true heart and really is all about the children and creating meaningful experiences. The location in Salzburg is perfect for a winter holiday and the organic farm on site is stunning. There are soooo many activities! There’s a learner ski slope for small children in the hotel as well as sledging. A full farm yard and small animal farm, horse riding and sleigh riding, multiple playgrounds, several swimming pools, a natural bathing lake, trampolines, climbing wall. There are spa options for adults, kids and even babies.
Naturhotel Forsthofgut – Located in the Austrian Alps in Leogang in Salzburg, Naturhotel Forsthofgut is an absolute beauty. The family-owned hotel is inspired by nature, sustainability and is a place that is appealing to both parents and children. We came here when Oscar was a baby and the place holds very special memories for us. Mr S absolutely loved skiing here and I thought the adults-only spa was one of the best I’ve ever seen!
Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort
Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain resort perfectly combines alpine luxury, with mini adventures for kids, spa heaven and delicious mountain cuisine, located in the picturesque Grossarl valley, in the Austrian alps, South of Salzburg, it’s a hotel fringed with snowy peaks and ski slopes.
Skiing is the main activity at Das Edelweiss and it’s easy to step straight out to the cable car from hotel, kids can also join in the ski school. When kids aren’t skiing they can hang out in one of the age appropriate kids areas. Baby Mountain Area for under 3s, Edelweiss Prinzenland with cinema, play kitchen and Montessori style toys, Young Mountain Area with ninja warrior, climbing wall and trampoline and for older children there’s the Cool Mountain Area with playstation and iWall. We loved our family swims every day from, the gorgeous outdoor pool, to the baby pool, the ‘big’ pool as Noah called it and the piece de resistance, the slide room! There’s even a family spa with whirlpool and sauna suitable for children. There’s a supervised kids club inclusive in the half board for over 3s and under 3s are chargable.
Cyprus
Parklane Hotel Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol, Cyprus – Ticks all the boxes for family-friendly luxury. With 222 rooms, 34 suites and 18 villas, a spa, beach, four pools, six bars and restaurants, a shopping village. We absolutely loved the Nammos branded restaurant and all the amazing shopping. The children loved the kids club which is the biggest in Europe and had it’s own water park.
France
Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris – Is completely stunning and absolutely legendary – world’s best breakfast, yes please! And though this hotel is the epitome of elegance, children are welcomed and families are offered discounts and special gifts.
Greece
Amanzoe is located in the Peloponnese, this hotel from the Aman group is one of the best in Greece. Rooms are stunning and spacious, the pool is gorgeous plus there’s a children’s activity program and child-friendly dining.
Sani Resort in Halkidiki – Widely regarded as one of the greatest hotels for families, Sani really is the GOAT. Owned by the same people as Ikos, they know what they’re doing! If you’ve never stayed at a resort like Sani you might find the concept a little confusing. The resort is five hotels each differing to suit the needs of different guests and all are based around a marina lined with high end shops and restaurants accessible to all the guests.
More luxury family hotels in Greece.
Italy
Borgo Egnazia in Puglia is a dreamy hotel for families, modelled on a traditional Italian town. We loved the family pool, the incredible restaurants and the chic vibes, it’s a place like nowhere else. There are two distinct areas of the hotel, one of which is very family-focussed with pool, kids club, playground and farm and the other with adults only pool, spa and Michelin-starred restaurant.
Hotel Sonnwies – is one of our all time favourite hotels. Sonnwies is a luxury family-only (kinderhotel) resort located in Luesen in the Dolomites in South Tyrol in Italy. We absolutely loved the alpine-style and wholesome nature of the place plus the fact that the hotel caters for the tiniest baby up to teenagers. Noah was only 6 months old the first time we went and was looked after beautifully. The hotel is actually based on a working farm and there is a focus on nature, wellness and giving a child-centric experience that is also luxurious for parents. We loved this hotel so much we’ve actually been twice which is very rare for me! The kids club is one of the best we’ve ever seen and all child care is included!
Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como – A hotel so beautiful that you’ll feel like you’re in a movie! The hotel is one of the area’s most spectacular jewels, gleaming at the edge of the lake with it’s Art Nouveau shiny yellow facade and orange canopies fringing the terrace. The hotel is perfect for luxury with high-end restaurants, luxury spa and beautiful pools (including the famous pool floating on the lake) but there are plenty of family-friendly touches such as family suites, kids menus (they’ll love the pizza restaurant) and gardens to enjoy.
I definitely recommend a spin on the hotel’s boat and the chance to enjoy nearby villages.
Spain
Ikos Porto Petro – We loved staying at Ikos Porto Petro – another hotel in this list that’s part of the renowned Ikos group. There’s five pools, most of which are family friendly, six restaurants, two beaches and an amazing kids and baby club. Best of all, it’s ultra all-inclusive even for champagne.
The hotel includes lots of fun organised activities including arts, games, theatre for kids and then adults only spaces such as the pool and spa. The great thing about Ikos Resorts are the flexibility and hassle-free nature.
Nobu Ibiza Bay was actually the first hotel that we took Oscar to when he was ten weeks old. The Nobu brand is known for being highly sophisticated but it’s also very family-friendly. There’s a main pool and a family pool and great family restaurants including a Nobu of course. The kids club offers fun things such as DJing, sushi making and basket weaving for ages 4 – 12.
UK
Estelle Manor – Located in Oxford, Estelle Manor is one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in the UK. There are lots of options for spacious family-friendly accommodation, we loved our Walled Garden room and it was easy to arrange an extra cot. There are four restaurants available ranging from relaxed family-friendly brasserie style dining to The Billiards which is an adults only Chinese restaurant.
The grounds appeal both to adults and child with acres of garden and woodland, outdoor adventure trails (we loved driving the Little Landies) and the stunning outdoor pool which has become an Instagram sensation. There are set swim times for kids giving parents best of both worlds and other guests child-free peace in the pool.
There’s a structured programme at the kids club and lots of supervised activities and The Den for older kids. Eynesham Baths, the hotel’s spa, is the adult’s play ground and is completely child free.
Gleneagles – After visiting Glenagles near Auchterarder, Scotland I had a new standard for UK luxury family friendly hotels! We loved our interconnecting rooms and all the amenities that we were welcomed with such as adventure guides, mini robes and mini slippers. There is so so much to do there with more than 50 family activities, we absolutely loved riding the Little Landies through the woodlands.
There’s a Little Glen creche offering creative play as well as a structured schedule of outdoor activities. For older kids, the Den is a hangout with video games, boards games and arts and crafts. Parents can go and enjoy the spa knowing younger children are in safe hands.
There are lots of restaurant options from premium Michelin star restaurants for grown up to more casual dining that kids will love. There’s even an ice cream parlour and pic ‘n mix station. The kids were in heaven!
USA, Caribbean, Mexico and South America
The Beverley Hills Hotel , USA – Ever since I was a child myself, I dreamed of staying in the Beverley Hills Hotel. It’s basically a pink palace / Barbie’s dream house after all with huge, gorgeous, tropical grounds and palm tree. I was very fortunate to stay on honeymoon.
The famous pool is family-friendly with beautiful shady cabanas. Personally I loved the feeling of old Hollywood glamour and dreaming about the stars who were here before me! The bungalow-style rooms are spacious and combine vintage glamour with modern luxury. The Polo Lounge is iconic with food to suit tastes for all ages. The hotel offers a second connecting/adjoining room for children included at up to 50% off. There’s a complimentary bottle of house champagne for parents, and amenities for the children.
Kids’ VVIP Beverly Hills Hotel card that can be redeemed for complimentary drinks throughout the hotel.
Cavallo Point , USA – Located in Sausalito right at the foot of the Golden Gate bridge and right by San Francisco, this is a really unique hotel on the site of Fort Baker, a former military base. The architecture has been restored to turn the base into a unique hotel with historic rooms that were once the lodgings of army officers. There are newly constructed contemporary rooms too with rooms big another for families. Children will love the novelty of staying in the army base and there’s the Bay Area Discovery Museum , a 5-minute walk away plus city and beach visits.
Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico – I visited this beautiful hotel before kids but when I stayed I thought how wonderful it would be to take kids there… I mean purely the arrival via boat is will charm your children. The Rosewood Mayakoba is set in the Mayakoba resort which encompasses a total of four hotels so you can visit any of the them and enjoy a meal or activity there (but the Rosewood is the best). I’ll always remember Champagne o’Clock, quite possibly the best pool side treat ever. Parents will also love the sense spa – one of the best I’ve been to.
Anyway, I disgress… all rooms are suites and they are gorgeous, so spacious all have a private pool and many are beachfront. They run Rosewood Explorers which is a program that provides little ones with special services and amenities to make the stay relaxing and outstanding. They run pizza and cookie making classes, firepit and S’mores as well as a mocktail making classes. There are family-focused activities such as yoga classes, an eco-tour with a biologist, Scavenger hunts, Eco-bingo, themed nights such as Mexican Night, Pirate Night, Pajama Party and Mayan Celebration, Spanish lessons, Mayan storytelling etc. This a resort where families are at the forefront and everything is so well thought out.
There are both child-friendly and adults only restaurants plus under 12s dine free.
Sugar Beach, St Lucia Caribbean has one of the most beautiful settings that I’ve ever seen as it lies between St Lucia’s iconic pitons and the beaches are powder white (as the name implies). When we stayed here we had a really spacious villa with a private plunge pool.
The V Team Kids Club features activities that inspire kids to explore local culture through enjoying nature and arts and crafts. There is a range of activities including treasure hunts, arts and crafts, and coconut bowling, as well as fish feeding and sandcastle building at the beach for 4 -11 year olds.
For tweens and teens, there is the Spice Club Program which offers older children activities such as table tennis, croquet, billiard tournaments, pinball machines, and video games. Kayaking, paddle boarding etc. The hotel offers a range of restaurants including kids menus.
Also don’t forget to visit the real Hotel Chocolat for their chocolate making experience.
Petit St Vincent, Island 40 miles south of St. Vincent in the Grenadine islands – This gorgeous private island is the perfect place for parents to disconnect from any stress. It’s pure barefoot luxury with private cottage, and beautiful rooms. It’s actually a totally digital detox as well as no wifi there’s no TVs in the rooms. Children will love the beaches, and water sports plus the mini motes! Whereas parents will love the barefoot dining, 6,000 collection strong wine cellar and the beautiful spa. Plus there’s unlimited butler room service, a weekly beach BBQ dinner, weekly manager’s cocktails, early morning coffee, afternoon tea, and boating excursions. While there’s no kids club per se, kids of all ages are welcome and there’s babysitting offered.
Asia
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives – Though we visited this beautiful hotel as a couple I’d love to go back with children. It’s pure barefoot luxury vibes with the slogan ‘no news, no shoes’. You actually relinquish your shoes at the beginning of the trip and then never wear them again! With the resort only being 20 minutes from Male airport, the short transfer is a huge win with kids. The villas are enormous and you can get multi bedroom villa with huge decks – one word of warning this isn’t a Maldives resort to choose with an errant toddler as every room is an over the sea villa which may have you in a permanent state of stress! The food is truly excellent and ingredients come straight from an organic garden and there’s an underground wine cellar and the spa is exceptional. There’s plenty to do such as biking, snorkelling and kayak, cookery and we loved the outdoor cinema night.
There’s a Gili Family time offer which is 4 nights in barefoot luxury with complimentary stay, dining, and transfers for up to two children under 12.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives is pure, pure luxury. Maybe the most luxurious hotel I’ve ever been to…yet it’s still welcoming for kids. The villas are absolutely huge with full-sized private pool perfect for family togetherness and privacy. While there’s a strong focus on wellness for adults with a golf academy, tennis, spa, and incredible fine dining there’s also an extremely impressive kids club which offers water and outdoor play, an energy studio, sensory experiences, cookery, indoor climbing and quiet corners. It’s run by trusted providers Worldwide Kids and the Luxury Childcare Association. There’s even a kids week with Sharky and George!
The Upper House, Hong Kong – This sophisticated design hotel is known for being one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful being designed by one of Asia’s most-celebrated designers, Andre Fu. It may not immediately be associated with kids but kids are welcome and cots and sofabeds are available free of charge. There is also a special children’s residency at the hotel’s Pacific Place Apartments. It includes a jungle-themed playroom with creative furniture, wooden toys, and reading corner plus a fun music jamming workshop in collaboration with Baumhaus and a children’s nail bar.
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Japan – The MO is a great brand for looking after families and we loved our stayed in the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, which has a great location in the Nihonbashi district which is very central but quieter. The views from here are incredible and both parents and children will love gazing out over Tokyo and even seeing Mount Fuji on a clear day. Families will love the spacious two‑bedroom suites, ideal for families of up to four guests and the hotel includes daily breakfast for up to two adults and two children per suite. Plus children aged 12 years and under can enjoy complimentary meals from the children’s menu for three meals per day at K’shiki or via in‑room dining. There’s also a pizza bar – very handy with kids!
Ritz Carlton, Kyoto, Japan – Is a haven of pure serenity for adults but it’s great for kids too. Ritz Kids is a programme that allows children to immerse themselves in their surroundings and activities are offered such as a treasure hunt, balloon art and origami. The hotel also offers complimentary meals for children including at Locanda the Italian restaurant.
Gora Kadan, Hakone, Japan – We stayed in Gora Kadan back before we had kids and when I was putting this post together I was interested to see if they allowed kids and I’m very happy to see that they do and staying in the ultra-luxury ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) was a really special experience and the kind of thing I’d like to share with my children. Ok, it’s not really right for toddlers or babies (though they are allowed) but older children will get something really amazing out of the experience.
Our stunning suite had it’s own private onsen (hot spring bath) and children are welcome to use it as long as they are potty trained. Rooms blend traditional Japanese aesthetics (tatami mats, sliding paper screens) with luxury modern design and you can choose Western style beds or futons. A highlight is an authentic kaiseki cuisine, which is a traditional multi-course dinner – sophisticated foodie kids will love this too. They can offer child-sized yukata (casual robes), sandals, and toothbrushes as well as other baby amenities.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore – I’m a little hesitant to recommend this hotel as honestly, I’m not a huge fan. Though it’s billed as a luxury hotel, to me it actually feels like being at the airport! But I’m including it because it is quite a thrilling place to stay and probably quite a marmite choice! There’s a full shopping centre, many restaurants, night clubs, shows and things to do. Families can stay in the Sands Family Suite, there’s a kids club called the Play Den which play and craft studio with guided activities. There’s absolutely loads of restaurant and food options for kids. Families can book the Family Explorers package which includes daily breakfast, unlimited access to ArtScience Museum and Digital Light Canvas by teamLab, Rori adventure pack for kids, dining credits and transfers.
But most thrilling of all is the Skypark infinity pool, largest rooftop infinity pool in the world on the 57th floor. There are no age restrictions and the Infinity Pool is split into three sections: an adults-only area, a family-friendly section, and a dedicated children’s pool.
That famous pool does get crowded though!
Fullerton Bay, Singapore – Would be my hotel choice in Singapore, being by far the more luxurious option. The waterfront location is gorgeous and it actually overlooks the Marina Bay Sands so you can watch the light show above the hotel. Rooms are gorgeous and spacious and the hotel offers a Play and Unwind which includes a complimentary breakfast for up to two adults and one child (below 12 years old), one complimentary extra bed for one child, children’s amenities including one ice cream pass, one colouring activity book and one colouring set per child per stay plus a pair of Fullerton plush bears per stay.
Children can have a colourful journey with Lion’s Pride Singapore’s ‘Art from the Heart’ initiative and create their own Merlion masterpiece.
Four Seasons Koh Samui, Thailand – The beautiful hilltop setting of this hotel is the perfect place to escape the crowds. Every villa is huge with a deep bath to luxuriate in, your own private pool and a beautiful decking overlooking the Gulf of Siam, choose a family pool villa. The hotel’s pool is beautiful, surrounded by coconut trees and plenty of places to take shade. We loved the Pla Pla restaurant which serves a mostly seafood menu with both Western and Thai options but they’ve since added Koh Kitchen and Bar which serves authentic Thai food.
The hotel offers some wonderful unique experiences and here you can try a private barbecue in your villa, a picnic on a secluded beach, cookery classes (even for kids) and movies under the stars. Kids ages 4 and under can enjoy complimentary dining, that complimentary Kids For All Seasons program offers a variety of games and activities both outdoors and at the dedicated Kids Club, there’s even a kids spa. Families can request complimentary cribs, child-sized robes, baby toiletries and childproofing items
Trisara, Phuket, Thailand – Meaning ‘The Garden in The Third Heaven’, Trisara was a simply celestial experience and one of the most beautiful hotels that we’ve ever stayed in. We loved the elegant design of our Ocean View Villa and own huge 10 metre private pool which seemed to drift right into the ocean.
There are multiple restaurants including PRU, Phuket’s first Michelin-starred restaurant but also more casual beach vibes. Trisara also has a creche and kids club with kids activities offered on site.
Read my review (this is a really old post! So lots of the info is out of date but it still gives you an idea of the hotel and room etc).
Another one of my all-time favourite hotels, The Four Seasons Chiang Mai is located about half an hour drive out of the main city but it’s still in very easy reach for sightseeing. The hotel is built in the Mae Rim Valley on a real working rice field with a resident buffalo.
The property sprawls across a large area with gorgeous water features and gardens and architecture influenced by traditional Thai temples. Our pool villa was gorgeous with a huge and beautifully decorated indoor space with a stunning bathroom and indoor and outdoor shower. I didn’t visit this hotel with my kids but it would be such a great one for families; kids ages 4 and under eat free at the restaurants when accompanied while kids ages 5 to 11 can enjoy half-priced meals.
The La-On Kids Club, located in the Lansai area, is open daily with activities that encourage kids to connect with Thai culture. Kids can plant their own shoots and learn about the harvest process, discover the art of pottery with Thai clay molding, do tie-dye, candle making, paper making and more!
The Four Seasons Golden Triangle, Thailand – Yes Four Seasons are ridiculously good for families so here’s another one. And perhaps one of the most special and unique hotels I’ve ever stayed in because this hotel is a safaris-style camp with six resident elephants.
The rooms are luxurious ‘tents’ that feel like they are suspended in the treetops with exquisite hand-made furnishings and antiques complete the room which make you feel like a jungle explorer…
The hotel offers different elephant experiences and educational encounters with the elephants in their natural habitats, there is also elephant bathing and an elephant camp dinner. The hotel is fairly remote and is all-inclusive.
Due to the unique nature of Four Seasons Tented Camp, only guests ages 9 and over are permitted but I chose to include the hotel as it’s a magical place for children.
Amanpulo, Philipines – ‘Amanjunkies’ will be familiar with this uber luxury resort in the Philipines. The entire resort is set on a private island (you arrive by private plane!) so it very peaceful with the pool and beach being quiet havens. Aman hotels are known for truly exceptional service and the staff are known for being some the best in the world so both parents and children will have smiles on their faces!
The villas are huge, ours was right on the beach – some have private pools – and everyone gets a golf buggy to drive around, something that kids will seriously love. There’s a kids club and plenty of activities on offer for little ones.
Bali Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Bali – The Four Seasons strikes again and this is the perfect beach resort for families in Bali. There are beautiful spacious villas and even residences with private terraces and pool and there is so much on offer for families. There’s the dedicated Umah Rare Kids Club, easy access to award-winning Waterbom Bali water park, beach toys, bonfire and marshmallows, family surfing lessons and water sports including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding children dine free up to age 5.
Viceroy Bali – One of the most luxurious hotels to stay in Ubud, the spiritual heart of Bali. The hotel offers a family villa with two bedrooms, two heated infinity pools and a shared deck. There’s lots of opportunities to partake in traditional Balinese activities such as kitemaking. The hotel also offers babysitting.
Alila Villa Uluwatu, Bali – This absolutely stunning design hotel that hangs on a cliff top is surprisingly child-friendly. All the chic and stylish villas have their own pool but kids will also love the infinity pool. The hotel also offer a package known as Journey for Little Champs with a range of half day experiences to be enjoyed together such as kids camping, cosplay, gardening and outdoor movies.
Middle East
Dubai
The Burj al Arab, Dubai – Is one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in the world and we actually took Oscar there when he was a baby. Yes, there are more child-friendly places in Dubai (a place known for being incredibly child-friendly!) but I wanted to try the famous sail-shaped hotel just once! The rooms are literally incredible, they are two storey suites with so much space and you get your own butler! Kids will love the nightly sweetie train which comes directly to the room. We were also given lots of amenities for Oscar including a cuddly toy personalised with his name!
Obviously there’s incredible high-end restaurants (this is Dubai after all) but also lots for little ones. Kids will love the roof pool as well as the pool deck which was quite new when we went. There’s also a small kids club and babysitting can be arranged.
One and Only Royal Mirage – This huge hotel in three different parts is more like a village in itself. The more family-friendly Arabian Court is separate from the more adult space known as The Residence and is a hotel that suits all generations.
The location between city and beach is really breath-taking and something both kids and parents will appreciate. There’s 65 acres of landscaped garden meaning plenty of space to run around and it’s far enough away from the city to still be peaceful. There are multiple pools (including family areas), a private beach and lawn games.
KidsOnly Club offers supervised activities for children, including arts and crafts, sand play, games, sports, pizza making, treasure hunts, and cultural activities such as henna painting. The club is complimentary for young guests and is designed specifically for ages 4–11 but under 4s can attend but must be supervised by a parent. There are lots of dining options and some are adult only while some are family friendly.
Read my review
Four Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Beach - FS Dubai prides itself on being a family resort. Though we visited without kids, this would be one of my top places to go now with Oscar and Noah. There's an active pool for kids all year round, children’s amenities such as toys, games, complimentary kids' toiletries, nappies and high chairs and buggies. There are special welcome amenities, mini bathrobes too. The complimentary Kids For All Seasons program is designed from children ages 4 to 12. 
They also offer special experiences like a private family dinner and family cabanas.
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman – We took Oscar to Six Senses Zighy Bay when he was a baby and I’m desperate to go back there. It’s absolute perfection! We had a huge villa right on the beach with a private pool – baby Oscar could sleep inside while we enjoyed our terrace! The atmosphere is pure barefoot luxury so there’s no worry about having to get overly dressed up and the Guest Experience Maker is there to simplify the logistics. There’s several different beach or pool options and we loved the Cinema under the Star and the Dhow Cruise.
The Chaica’s Club (ages 4–10) and Teen Club offer lots of activities such as treasure hunts, pizza making, goat feeding, beach games, sand art, archery, paddleboarding and outdoor adventure activities.
Australasia
Silky Oaks Lodge , Australia – is an incredibly special hotel in Queenland overlooking the Mossman River and neighbouring the Daintree Rain Forest. Kids will be totally thrilled by staying in a real treehouse with so many experiences where ‘Rainforest meets Reef’. Families can explore the Daintree Rainforest on guided walks, 4WD safaris, wildlife tours, and have Indigenous cultural experiences with Kuku Yalanji guides.
There are also excursions on the Mossman River plus the chance to visit the Great Barrier reef all from the luxury base of Silky Oaks which also has an incredible restaurant serving dishes using just-picked ingredients from the kitchen garden.
Note the hotel is for aged 10 and over.
Longitude 131, Australia – is one of the most spectacular hotels that I’ve ever stayed in. It’s a luxury tent camp that over looks Uluru (Ayers Rock) and across the desert to Kata Tjuta. With only 15 luxury tents it’s a really intimate and personal experience that is really once in a life time. The experience includes guide base walks and discovery of the history of the area. There is also their signature dinner among the stars. The all-inclusive nature of the lodge adds to the luxury as absolutely everything is taken care of and there is premium food and drink.
Note the hotel is for aged 10 and over.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – Maybe Bora Bora isn’t the first place you’d think to travel with kids but FS Bora Bora could change you mind… There is absolutely loads there for kids (and adults of course!). Kids For All Seasons program takes place at Tamarii Club, for kids ages 5 to 12 with a playroom, video games, outdoor playground and shallow splash pad with acitvities such as hermit crab races and coconut painting. There are marine educational specialists, dive lessons, arts and crafts.
There’s also treasure hunt, fly boarding, scuba lessons and more.
The family dining experiences, with local island cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. Children under age 5 eat free, while kids’ menus are available for ages 6 to 12.
There are also special offers on larger villas.
Africa
Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains, Morocco – Richard Branson’s amazing retreat in the Atlas Mountains is one of the world’s most amazing hotel’s, consistently included in ‘best of’ lists. The rooms are beautiful and unique and while we stayed in a Berber Tent, you can also stay in a Riad. The views are insane, as is the authentic Moroccan cuisine and the gorgeous gardens.
The hotel includes Kasbah Tamadot Kids – a club that welcomes kids of all ages For children under 12 there a garden treasure hunts, Moroccan crafts, junior cooking classes and nature walks. Experiences are tailored to the child.
Teenagers can enjoy guided hikes, tennis matches, cooking lessons plus explore local culture.
Kenya and Zanzibar
Anagama Mara, Masai Mara, Kenya – Is the most incredible and beautiful safari hotels suspended 1,000 feet in the air overlooking the Maasai Mara. The name is actually Swahili for ‘suspended in mid-air’. The lodge welcomes children of all ages with activities available every day. As well as the game drives children can spend a morning with a Maasai warrior, go on a Shamba Scavenger Hunt in the vegetable garden, bake desserts and learn about beading. Greater flexibility is offered families such as a private safari vehicle, booking interconnecting rooms and babysitting can be arranged. Food is a highlight, its included and can be offered with amazing flexibility and you can eat when and where you like with arrangements made for children.
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya – This hotel is renowned hotel in Kenya has resident herd of wild giraffes and is know for being the place where you can have breakfast and afternoon tea with Giraffe’s poking their necks through the windows. Of course, you don’t need me to tell you why kids will love it here!
Sasaab, Samnburu, Kenya – Sasaab is a stunning luxury tented eco-lodge with breath-taking views across the Laikipia Plateau. Children of all ages are welcome and families can experience game drives, camel adventures, quad biking and plenty of pool time. The guides can arrange a mini ‘Samburu Olympics’ and while adults sip sundowners children can toast marshmallows over a small bush. There’s even paper and paints in every tent!
&Beyond Mnemba Island – An absolute dream paradise island, off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar. With only 12 Bandas, including a Family Banda I’ve honestly never stayed anywhere with such personalised service. Every morning the chef would discuss our meal with us for the evening and at sunset we’d have fresh fruit cocktails and sushi delivered by our private butler. You can track turtles, have a sand picnic, snorkel, take a sunset cruise… oh and all the food and drink is included!
Children are welcome, however, no more than 2 children under 12-years on the island at any
one time. Children visiting can enjoy the WILDchild programme that offers activities such as baking turtle biscuits, planting trees, welcoming fisherman, assisting conservation rangers, hand-line fishing from a dhow or the beach and sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
South Africa
Singita Lebombo and Boulders, Kruger Park and Sabi Sands – these safari lodges in South Africa beat Disney hands down as the most magical place on earth. Still the best hotel I’ve ever been to. I cried when we left. The hotel itself with the most amazing rooms, all inclusive world class cuisine, the best service I’ve ever experienced and that before I even begin on the actual safari where we saw all the of the big five.
Other family activities stargazing, birdwatching, cooking classes, a Mini Rangers’ course, swimming pools, and a variety of other arts, crafts, and entertainment.
Lebombo and Boulders welcome children over 10 but other Singita properties have different guidelines.
Read my review of Singita Boulders
Read my review of Singita Lebombo
Tsala Treetop Lodge – Though this lodge in Plettenberg Bay only allows children over 12, I think it would make an amazing family adventure as the lodgings really are proper treehouses. Activities wise there is whale-watching, a bird sanctuary, monkey safari, sailing, boat trips. horse riding and zip lining.
La Residence, Winelands – When I was putting together this post I really had to cast my mind back and the majority of the hotels on this list I actually visited before I had children. That said, I assumed this eceletic ultra-luxury boutique hotel a private 30-acre wine estate is the renowned Franschhoek Valley would be adults only but when I checked the website I saw it was actually brilliant for children. They offer some gorgeous ways to explore the farm and great outdoors such as going for walks, riding bikes, picking flowers or visiting the ponies Tango and Twist . Kids can also enjoy Junior Masterchef classes, paint and draw and learn flower arranging enjoy an evening without grown-ups! They also offer Parent’s Night Out where the activities team host children for a fun-filled experience featuring pizza-making, movies, and popcorn. Parents can relax and enjoy the hotel while children are with qualified babysitters are taking excellent care of the little ones.
Luxury Suites are for guests over the age of 10 but children of all ages are welcome at the Vineyard Suites.
The One & Only Cape Town – While this isn’t my favourite hotel (it’s lacking in character compared to some of the other amazing Cape Town properties) it is a a good base for families.
KidsOnly Club for ages 4–11 is one of the hotel’s biggest selling point for families. It’s a dedicated 100m² clubhouse with its own garden, supervised activities, arts and crafts, games, cooking sessions, technology area and themed programmes run by trained staff.
The hotel also offers spacious rooms, family dining and access to the pool and beach. Oh and it has a Nobu which always wins point s with me!
Will you be booking any of these child-friendly hotels?
PIN IT!!!
