8 of the best family friendly vacations
From children’s golf lessons to kite flying and quad biking, make the most of quality time with the kids at these fun-for-all-ages resorts
AMILLA FUSHI Maldives
The paradise islands of the Maldives never fail to impress, but what sets Amilla Fushi apart is its unbuttoned sense of fun and relaxed clubhouse vibe. The pool is filled with inflatable pink flamingos, giant sofas are arranged for open-air film screenings, and staff are only too happy to perform Disney numbers for the kids. End your trip with a stay in the Wellness Tree House, propped amid the lush jungle canopy with its own private pool and spa.
CHILENO BAY Los Cabos, Mexico
With direct flights from most major American cities, Chileno Bay is the perfect escape for fall and winter on Los Cabos’ best and most swimmable beach. This is a resort that is dedicated to family, with complimentary water sports, a toes-in-the-sand taco bar and an on-site movie theater. Many of the rooms and villas have private plunge pools and all feature endless resources for a multi-generational extended house party, including excellent rates for three nights or more. Watch out for dance courses with champions such as Louis van Amstel in November and recording sessions for teens in the designated studio.
ROME CAVALIERI Italy
For children, Rome is a history lesson brought to life, made all the more palatable with endless offerings of ice cream and pasta. At the Cavalieri, a unique resort within the city, there are further treats to be enjoyed, especially for the pre-teen, ranging from mini Vespa rides to gladiator training in the 15 acres of lovely parkland. There is a mind-boggling array of distractions for children of all of ages, from multiple swimming pools and tennis courts to Nutella stands and pizza-making classes, while parents can make a getaway to Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, La Pergola.
AL BUSTAN PALACE RITZ CARLTON Oman
The Sultanate of Oman exudes the kind of colorful palatial splendor usually reserved for Disneyland. At the Ritz Carlton, there are vast mosaic swimming pools with fountains, supervised playrooms stuffed with toys, activities like storytelling and archery, plus camel rides and quad-biking expeditions in the nearby Wadi desert. But the real highlight is the imaginative concierge team who conjure up a daily goodie bag for the young guests.
THE BETSY HOTEL Miami
The charming, family-owned Betsy Hotel has a relaxed, clubby vibe set against the cinematic backdrop of South Beach (think iconic palm trees, Cadillacs and neon art-deco signage), which is sheer nirvana for the scene-setting teen. Nights of live jazz, a brilliant pizzeria, roving art collections and free yoga classes on the rooftop are some of the thoughtful touches in this most inclusive and philanthropic of all the landmark Miami hotels. Even pets, who are charged a nominal fee for overnighting (a percentage of which goes to dog shelters in South Beach), are made to feel welcome.
PINE CLIFFS Portugal
Overlooking the wild Atlantic coastline of the Southern Algarve, Pine Cliffs offers something for all ages. There are football and tennis academies for teens, morning horse rides through endless sand dunes to the resort’s Porto Pirata children’s village, and little ones can learn how to swim or cycle on the flat paths through the pines of the lovely estate. Regulars come back each year for the beaches, low-key atmosphere and the amazing seafood barbeques at the hotel’s O Pescador restaurant.
VERDURA Sicily
Verdura is a family resort for sports enthusiasts, where tots as young as four can improve their par on the 18-hole golf course. There’s an array of clubs, from the newborn nursery to the teen program, where they can learn to dive or play water polo in the indoor or outdoor pools. After all that, let them relax with a massage from the spa’s children’s menu. You’ve all earned it.
ELOUNDA HOTELS & RESORTS Crete
With its shallow bays and crystal waters, Elounda is the perfect base for hearty bucket-and-spade stays. Families will love the Porto Elounda villas, brilliantly positioned next to the beach, while the Elounda Mare hotel is a more elegant affair. Children can enjoy the spa (with therapists who offer facials for everyone, including teens) or brush up on their skills at the Arsenal soccer camp.