Winter in the UK can get a bit miserable, and I know some people like to get away for the Christmas holidays and February half-term. Personally, I think the best luxury family hotels for winter sun are the ones that let you fly and flop: sunny beach resorts with sun, sand, a cocktail in hand, a brilliant pool and activities for the kids. If you live in the UK, you generally have to go long haul to get that much-longed-for winter sun, and these are my top recommendations.
I’ve personally visited every hotel on this list, some before having children and some since, and I really think these are the best luxury family hotels for winter sun. Whether it’s Dubai, the Maldives, Zanzibar or Thailand, hopefully you’ll find something you love the look of on this list.
Just check the best months for each destination below, as winter sunshine means different things depending on where you go.
Rosewood Mayakoba: sophisticated family luxury
Six Senses Zighy Bay: adventure and escapism
Gili Lankanfushi: barefoot luxury
Velaa: the ultimate luxury splurge
Burj Al Arab: an iconic bucket-list stay
For more inspiration, take a look at my guide to the best luxury family hotels in the world, all personally visited.
Mexico
Rosewood Mayakoba
Destination: Riviera Maya, Mexico | Flight: approx. 10–11 hours | UK Winter: warm and generally dry | Best for: sophisticated family luxury
Why winter sun: December to April falls within the Riviera Maya’s drier season, making Rosewood Mayakoba the perfect option for pool and beach days while it’s cold at home. You can still get showers, so don’t expect guaranteed sunshine.
I visited Rosewood Mayakoba before having children, but even then I remember thinking how magical that arrival by boat through the lagoons and mangroves would be for them. My friend and I stayed in a huge lagoon suite with its own plunge pool. I will always remember Champagne o’Clock by the beach pool, and the spa was one of the best I’ve visited, and you can see why I’d love to return!
For children, Rosewood Explorers offers a kids’ club for ages four and over, with cooking, mocktail making and eco-adventures. There are cute touches for younger guests too, including cots, baby baths and little robes and slippers. It’s the combination of all this with the suites, setting and spa that makes it perfect for families.
SilverSpoon tip: The Rosewood is part of the larger Mayakoba resort so you can enjoy the restaurants and facilities of the other hotels too.
Read my full review of Rosewood Mayakoba.
St Lucia
Sugar Beach
Destination: St Lucia, Caribbean | Flight: approx. 8½ hours from London | UK Winter: warm and generally dry | Best for: beach holidays with a spectacular setting.
Why winter sun: December to April is one of the best times to visit St Lucia, with warm weather and less rainfall than in summer. The perfect prospect for Christmas or February half term, though tropical showers are still possible – we had some rain when we were there.
Sugar Beach has one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever seen, sitting between St Lucia’s two Pitons, with powder-white sand below and the mountains rising behind it. Mr S and I stayed in a spacious villa with our own plunge pool, and I loved admiring that view. We visited before having children, but I’d love to return with Oscar and Noah and it’s very family-friendly.
The V Team Kids Club offers activities for ages 4–11, including treasure hunts, coconut bowling and sandcastle building. Older children have the Spice Club, with games and watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Between the beach, family dining and all that space to explore, I can see why children would have a brilliant time here.
SilverSpoon tip: If you can tear yourselves away, make time for the chocolate-making experience at Hotel Chocolat. Mr S and I did this during our stay!
Read my full review of Sugar Beach.
Dubai: luxury family hotels for winter sun
Destination: Dubai, UAE | Flight: approx. 7 hours from London | UK Winter: warm and generally sunny |
Burj Al Arab
Best for: The ultimate family splurge
Why winter sun: November to March brings warm weather for enjoying Dubai outdoors, without the intense summer heat. I’d choose this time of year for pool days and exploring with children.
We took Oscar to the Burj Al Arab when he was a baby. There are more family-focused hotels in Dubai, but I wanted to experience the famous sail-shaped hotel just once! The two-storey suites have sweeping staircases, so much space and your own butler. We loved the nightly sweetie train delivered to the room, and Oscar received a cuddly toy personalised with his name.
Alongside the high-end restaurants, there’s plenty for little ones too, including the pool terrace, a small kids’ club and babysitting. The detail I remember most is the cot they put inside our hired cabana, so Oscar could nap while we sat outside. For all the extravagance, it was that thoughtful little touch that made our stay work so well with a baby. They also arranged babysitting for us and it was the first time I’d ever left Oscar with a babysitter but they were brilliant.
SilverSpoon tip: We took the hotel’s buggy over to Madinat Jumeirah for dinner on two nights of our stay. It gave us more restaurant options with baby Oscar, without needing to get a taxi.
Read my full review of Burj Al Arab.
One&Only Royal Mirage
Best for: a beach holiday with Dubai on your doorstep.
Why winter sun: November to March is a good time for enjoying Dubai outdoors. We visited in March and found it warm enough for breakfast outside and walks through the gardens, without being too hot.
Mr S and I chose the Arabian Court at One&Only Royal Mirage for its quieter feel and beautiful architecture. The resort feels more like a village, with palm-lined paths, fountains and 65 acres of gardens. I loved the combination of beach and city: peaceful grounds to wander through, with Dubai’s skyline beyond. Though I usually prefer smaller hotels, the setting, food and service won me over.
For families, there are multiple pools, a private beach and plenty of space to explore. The complimentary KidsOnly Club offers activities for ages 4–11, including crafts, pizza making and treasure hunts; younger children can join with a parent supervising. As there’s also plenty of dining options, it’s somewhere I’d consider for a holiday with the grandparents.
SilverSpoon tip: Check where your room will be in relation to the children’s pool and kids’ club before booking. The resort is vast; Mr S and I even got lost walking back to Arabian Court! With a toddler or a buggy, location would be important.
Read my full review of One&Only Royal Mirage.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Best for: thoughtful family service in a manageable beach resort
Why winter sun: November to March brings comfortable weather for beach days, playing outside and exploring Dubai with children, without the intense summer heat.
We visited Four Seasons before having children, but it would be one of my top choices to return to with Oscar and Noah. What I loved was how personal it felt: warm service, beautiful gardens and a layout that was easy to find your way around. Mr S was so happy by the pool that I practically had to drag him away for lunch!
There’s a family-friendly active pool, a private beach and family cabanas. Parents can request useful extras including nappies, high chairs, buggies, toys and children’s toiletries, while little robes add something fun. The complimentary Kids For All Seasons programme offers supervised activities for ages 4–12. A private dinner in a beachside cabana sounds rather special for the whole family too.
SilverSpoon tip: We actually found our entry-level Deluxe City-View room felt more like a junior suite, with a sofa and balcony. It would work well for a family of three.
Read my full review of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.
Oman
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Flight from London: approx. 7 hours to Dubai, then a 2-hour road transfer to Zighy Bay | Best time for winter sun: October–April
We chose Zighy Bay for a February holiday with baby Oscar because we wanted warm weather without a flight of more than eight hours. I recommend flying into Dubai, which is a two hour drive from Zighy Bay.
Best for: barefoot luxury and private pool villas that work beautifully with a baby
Six Senses Zighy Bay still holds amazing memories for me. We took Oscar when he was a baby and I’m desperate to return! Our huge beachfront villa had a private pool and a shaded terrace, so we could enjoy being outside while he slept indoors. The atmosphere is pure barefoot luxury, with no need to get overly dressed up, and your Guest Experience Maker helps with the logistics.
Apart from the villa, we loved the cinema under the stars and our dhow cruise. Chaica’s Club offers crafts, beach games and treasure hunts for ages 4–10, while older children have a Teen Club with adventures including archery, hikes and raft building. It’s somewhere I’d love to experience again now both boys can really enjoy it.
SilverSpoon tip: Ask the chefs about meals for your baby. They made Oscar fresh porridge and a different fruit purée each morning, plus soft food without added salt at lunch. He was only just starting to eat solid food and this made feeding him really easy.
Read my full review of Six Senses Zighy Bay.
Travelling with a baby? Here’s my ultimate baby travel packing list.
Maldives: barefoot luxury for winter sun
Flight from London: approx. 10–11 hours to Malé, followed by a resort transfer | Best time for winter sun: December–April
The British winter is at the same time as the Maldives’ drier months, making it a great option for Christmas or February half-term. But let’s face it there’s no bad time to go to the Maldives.
I’d look closely at the transfer options whether it’s a a short speedboat journey or a seaplane. And also the villa and which works best for families.
Gili Lankanfushi
Best for: barefoot luxury with older children and an easy airport transfer
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives lives by “no news, no shoes”. You hand over your shoes on the boat and spend the holiday barefoot, which is an amazing idea. It’s about 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport, a huge win after a long flight with children. Mr S and I visited as a couple: our overwater villa was enormous, the food excellent, and we loved the spa and outdoor Jungle Cinema.
I’d love to return with Oscar and Noah when they’re older. They’d love cycling, snorkelling, kayaking and cooking. Every villa is over the water, though, so with a wandering toddler I think I’d spend the holiday on edge! The current Gili Family Time offer includes accommodation, children’s-menu half board and transfers for up to two under-12s on eligible stays of four nights or more.
SilverSpoon tip: For a family stay, I’d choose a villa connected to the island by a jetty. The standalone Crusoe Residences need a boat whenever you want to reach the island, adding another journey for meals and activities. It sounds very cool, but it would be quite awkward in practice. Kids will love the variety of ice cream flavours!
Read my full review of Gili Lankanfushi.
Velaa Private Island
Best for: The ultimate Maldives luxury splurge.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives might be the most luxurious hotel I’ve ever stayed in. Mr S and I arrived by seaplane, were handed champagne and met Didi (who already had chmpagne in his hands), our butler, who looked after us beautifully. Our enormous overwater villa had its own full-sized pool and a window in the floor for spotting fish. It felt incredible, but it was still welcoming and comfortable.
We visited before having Oscar and Noah, and I’d love to see it through their eyes – it’s super luxury but they still seem to accommodate kids very well. Lha Velaa children’s club has water play, creative activities and space to climb and explore, while parents have the spa, golf, tennis and incredible dining. They’ve also hosted Kids Week with Sharky & George, who we’re big fans of. I’d check future dates rather than assume it’s part of every stay.
SilverSpoon tip: Don’t feel you have to spend every day at your villa’s pool. I loved how close the main pool was to the beach, making it a fun spot for a family afternoon mixing swimming and playing on the sand.
Read my full review of Velaa Private Island.
Thailand: family beach holidays for winter sun
Four Seasons Koh Samui
Flight from London: approx. 11–12 hours to Bangkok, followed by a 1–1½-hour flight to Koh Samui, plus connection time | Best time for winter sun: February–April | Best for: private pool villas and a relaxed family beach holiday.
Why winter sun: This one would be great for February half-term as Koh Samui’s rainy season runs later than in some other parts of Thailand, and November and December can still be wet. February generally offers better conditions for enjoying the beach and pool.
Four Seasons Koh Samui has stayed in my mind as one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve visited in Thailand. Our hillside villa felt wonderfully private, with a deep bath, its own pool and a deck overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. I loved the coconut-fringed main pool and eating at Pla Pla by the beach.
There’s plenty to enjoy together, including beach time, cooking activities and films under the stars. The complimentary Kids For All Seasons programme gives children their own activities, while the spa offers treatments for children and teens. Baby equipment is available on request, and children aged four and under dine free at the resort’s restaurants when accompanied by their parents. It’s my life’s motto that you can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons!
SilverSpoon tip: For a return with the boys, I’d choose a Family Pool Villa, designed for two adults and two children. Our villa was beautiful, but I’d choose a layout that works for all four of us.
The Philippines
Amanpulo
Flights and transfers: fly to Manila or Clark, then take the resort’s scheduled private-plane transfer from Clark, approx. 90 minutes | Best time for winter sun: December–April
Amanpulo offers a private-island escape during the Philippines’ drier season. This takes more travel planning than Dubai or the Maldives, so I’d allow plenty of time for the connections, particularly with children.
Best for: peaceful beach days and exceptional service on a private island
Aman fans (or Amanjunkies as they’re known!) will be familiar with this gorgeous private-island resort, where you can arrive by private plane. Our spacious beach casita opened onto a sandy path leading to our own loungers. I’m usually more of a pool person, but Amanpulo completely converted me to the beach!
There are larger villas for families, some with private pools, plus a kids’ club and activities for little ones. Each room comes with a golf buggy for exploring the island, which I can imagine the boys would love. Between beach time, boat trips and watersports, I’d choose it for a family holiday where we could slow down and enjoy being together.
SilverSpoon tip: I’d choose a beach casita again for the easy access to the sand. Ours also had an outdoor shower and foot bath. It’s a little detail I’d appreciate even more with sandy children coming in and out all day.
Read my full review of Amanpulo.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Mnemba Island
Flight from London: approx. 12–16 hours to Zanzibar with a connection, followed by road and boat transfers | Best time for winter sun: January–February
Best for: barefoot island luxury and family adventures by the sea.
Why winter sun: January and February are lovely months for a beach escape to Zanzibar, with hot weather while it’s cold at home. Expect tropical humidity and the occasional shower.
&Beyond Mnemba Island is an absolute dream of a private island off the 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 meals for the day with us, and at sunset our private butler would deliver fresh fruit cocktails and sushi. Add sandbank picnics, snorkelling and sunset dhow cruises, with meals and selected drinks included, and you can see why I loved it!
Children can enjoy the WILDchild programme, with activities such as baking turtle biscuits, planting trees, meeting fishermen and helping the conservation rangers. There’s hand-line fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding too. It’s somewhere I’d choose for time together on the beach, with plenty for curious little adventurers to discover.
SilverSpoon tip: Check availability for the children before making any other travel arrangements: the island only accommodates two children under 12 at any one time.
Read my full review of Mnemba Island.
For me, the best luxury family hotels for winter sun give everyone something to look forward to: beach days, brilliant pools and activities for the children, with great food and a bit of relaxation for us parents too. These are all hotels I’ve loved, and there are quite a few I’d love to return to with Oscar and Noah.
Are you planning a winter sun holiday? I’d love to know which one you’d choose!
If you’re considering snow instead of sunshine, take a look at my best family-friendly ski hotels in Europe.
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