Note From The Founder: The Little IA Luxury Travel Guide 2025

 

Whether you're planning this summer's holiday or a trip later in the year, this tried, tested and approved luxury hotel guide is everything you need for an unforgettable family getaway. Some are more remote than others, but each property promises something different and every hotel name links directly to the property. I hope you enjoy it! 

EUROPE

1. Forte Village, Sardinia
An all-encompassing luxury resort with a dedicated "Children's Wonderland" designed by child experts, making it a paradise for kids of all ages.
Limitation: It's expansive size may feel overwhelming for families with very young children.
Best for: Ages 3+

2. Sani Resort, Greece
Consistently voted one of Europe's best family resorts, with childcare accredited by Worldwide Kids and eco-conscious experiences.
Limitation: High-season crowds can definitely impact the vibe.
Best for: All ages, from newborns to teens

3. Daios Cove, Crete
A sleek hillside resort with exceptional family villas, private pools, and a strong sustainability ethos.
Limitation: Steep layout may require buggy transport.
Best for: Ages 2+

4. Marbella Club / Puente Romano, Spain
Marbella Club’s Kids Club is run like a mini summer camp with art, gardening and music, while Puente Romano offers lively beach life and a range of great restaurants. 
Limitation: Less suited to toddlers needing lots of structure.
Best for: Ages 4+

5. Rosa Alpina, Dolomites
A luxurious alpine escape with access to ski school and snow activities, which newly became part of the renowned Aman group. 
Limitation: Best enjoyed by families who ski, limited for under 3s.
Best for: Ages 5+

6. Borgo Egnazia, Puglia
A breathtaking setting with a high-design village feel and outstanding cultural workshops for kids.
Limitation: Not stroller-friendly in parts.
Best for: Ages 3+

7. Pine Cliffs, Algarve
Pine Cliffs offers one of the best beachside family programs in Europe with baby amenities, golf and surf for older kids.
Limitation: Some dated areas of the resort.
Best for: Newborns to teens

8. Anassa, Cyprus
An understated Mediterranean luxury with a Baby Go Lightly program and a serene setting.
Limitation: Quiet atmosphere may not appeal to teens seeking action.
Best for: Newborns to age 10

9. The Dolder Grand, Zurich
A stylish city-meets-nature retreat with outdoor fun and wellness in one of Europe’s cleanest cities.
Limitation: Less of a traditional children’s resort, better for short stays.
Best for: Ages 6+

10. Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
An ultra-luxe property with standout dining and sleek beach clubs, plus strong kids’ club offerings.
Limitation: Hefty price tag, not ideal for toddlers who need constant stimulation.
Best for: Ages 5+

11. Westin Costa Navarino, Greece
A laid-back eco-resort with an aquapark and excellent Messinian cultural immersion for kids.
Limitation: May feel more like a resort compound than a local experience.
Best for: Ages 2+

12. Verdura Resort, Sicily
A Rocco Forte property with a fantastic kids’ club, sports academies, and organic garden-to-table learning.
Limitation: Secluded location, not walkable to town.
Best for: Ages 4+

13. IKOS Resorts (various locations)
Exceptional value for luxury all-inclusive, with complimentary childcare and a stress-free set-up.
Limitation: Less bespoke, activities are standardised.
Best for: Newborns to tweens

14. The Romanos, Greece
A refined sister resort to the Westin Costa Navarino with more luxury and fewer children.
Limitation: Lacks a baby club, best for families with older kids.
Best for: Ages 7+

Six Senses, Ibiza

15. Amara Hotel, Cyprus
Design-forward luxury with interconnecting rooms and a lovely supervised playroom.
Limitation: Not a classic resort, more for parents who want luxury with baby in tow.
Best for: Newborns to age 5

16. Terre Blanche, Provence
Elegant and serene with outdoor adventures, kids’ golf and space to roam.
Limitation: More suited to older kids who can explore freely.
Best for: Ages 5+

17. Son Net, Mallorca
Boutique and newly renovated with countryside calm, ideal for families looking for rest.
Limitation: Not designed with child-specific programming.
Best for: Ages 7+

18. Borgo San Pietro, Tuscany
A breathtaking estate with gardens, biking, and farm experiences for families seeking authenticity and nature, with exceptional food.
Limitation: Quiet luxury, not a “kids club” type hotel.
Best for: Ages 6+

19. Feuerstein Nature Family Resort, Italy
Entirely family-focused with Montessori-inspired nature activities and indoor water park.
Limitation: Remote Alpine location.
Best for: Newborns to teens.

D Maris Bay, Turkey

20. Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Finland
A magical Lapland escape with glass cabins, Northern Lights views, and winter activities.
Limitation: Best enjoyed in winter and requires cold-weather readiness.
Best for: Ages 4+

21. Six Senses, Ibiza
An oasis for both children and parents, set on a cliff overlooking the magical Ibiza ocean, the farm to table feel, surrounding local restaurants and designated kids club, make this a great pick for families. 
Limitation: Remote location, the kids club is not on all-day and so needs planning
Best for: Ages 4+

22. Sonnwies Family Resort,  Italy
A five-star, family-exclusive retreat nestled in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, offering an organic farm, indoor water park, ski lift, and 70 hours of childcare weekly. Limitation: Remote mountain location; best suited for families seeking nature immersion.
Best for: Newborns to Teens.

UK

23. Beaverbrook, Surrey
Located within a world renowned golf course, the property is nestled within the British countryside and boasts glorious nature, a family cinema room, an outdoor adventure park and multiple dining options. The family-designed rooms are a highlight, each one inspired by a different children's author. Particularly magical during the Christmas season. 
Limitation: Weekends book fast, limited crèche availability.
Best for: Ages 3+

24. Gleneagles, Scotland
A world-class countryside estate with its own kids' adventure school that offers a multitude of activities including archery, off-roading, tennis and much more. The wide range of restaurants and it's relaxed family atmosphere make it a firm favourite. 
Limitation: Rural location requires car travel.
Best for: Ages 4+

Gleneagles, Scotland

25. Chewton Glen, New Forest
Treehouse suites, a stellar kids' program, and nature immersion. A long-time favourite for many. 
Limitation: On the pricier side.
Best for: Newborns to age 10

26. Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire
Cool-country club feel, with a kids’ cinema, pony rides, a farm and an extensive range of family-friendly restaurants. Overall a great buzz throughout the property. 
Limitation: Requires a Soho House membership or member booking, generally very difficult to find availability, needs advance booking
Best for: Ages 3+

27. Port Lympne, Kent
A highly unique and magical stay among wildlife in a UK safari park with lodges and treehouses. Truly one of it's kind. 
Limitation: Not for those seeking luxury or full service, limited amenities and restaurants.
Best for: Ages 5+

28. Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, France
An iconic Riviera palace offering a reimagined Kids’ Club with eco-conscious design and outdoor adventure playgrounds. Children can enjoy activities like mocktail workshops, spa treatments, and a luxury mini car driving experience. 
Limitation: The serene and sophisticated ambiance may be better suited for families with children who appreciate a quieter, more refined environment.
Best for: Ages 5+              

Grand Hotel Du Cap Ferrat, France

ASIA & INDIAN OCEAN

29. Joali, Maldives
A supremely luxurious, design-led property with an innovative kids’ eco-club, exceptional restaurants and a wide range of wellness and activities for all the family
Limitation: Long travel time for small children with a sea-plane, and at a very high price point
Best for: Ages 5+

30. The Atlantis Royal, Dubai
A high-design property with one of the most spectacular kids' programs globally, plus culinary adventures, amenities and family splash zones unlike many properties globally
Limitation: Large-scale resort; overwhelming for some.
Best for: Ages 2+

31. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand
Immersive jungle meets luxury, creating one of the most unique luxury travel experiences offered worldwide, with elephant conservation and guided adventures through the golden triangle. Truly, an experience of a lifetime. 
Limitation: Minimum age is 10, very high price point
Best for: Ages 10+

Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle (and yes - that's me!)

32. Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
Impeccable service, quality and amenities - arguably one of the best luxury properties globally. A great kids club, with highly trained kids staff and staff who bend over backwards to ensure your family stay is perfect. 
Limitation: Very high price point
Best for: Ages 4+

33. Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah
Beachfront with access to the full Madinat complex, including Sinbad’s Kids Club, turtle lagoon, and waterways for abra rides.
Limitation: Busy during peak seasons; bookings essential
Best for: Ages 4+

34. Kavya, Nepal
Great for families looking to experience something different, this mountain retreat with yoga, nature, and cultural exploration, offers a huge amount of nature-immersed including treks, waterfall adventures, pottery and more. 
Limitation: Not a classic kid-centric hotel, more wellness-focused, with limited amenities and only one restaurant. Most activities are suitable for older children. 
Best for: Ages 8+

35. D Maris Bay, Turkey
Scenic cliffside beauty with beach hopping, water sports, and a good kids’ club.
Limitation: Some dining areas are adults-only.
Best for: Ages 5+

36. Bvlgari Hotel, Dubai
Extreme attention to detail, impeccable service, beautiful design and a great kids club. The hotel also boasts a wide range of Dubai's best restaurants including world-renowned omakase, Hoseki. 
Limitation: Not a typical family-friendly resort feel that many luxury Dubai hotels have
Best for: newborns to teens

37. Amanemu, Japan (Ise-Shima)
Tranquil hot spring retreat with private villas, nature walks, and calm cultural immersion.
Limitation: Not activity-heavy, ideal for older children
Best for: Ages 6+

Amanemu, Japan

38. Hoshinoya Fuji, Japan
Glamping with mountain views, canoeing, and family-friendly Japanese aesthetics.
Limitation: Minimal baby amenities.
Best for: Ages 5+

39. Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, China
Nestled near UNESCO-listed sites, this resort offers nature-based learning and crafts for kids.
Limitation: Limited English-speaking staff.
Best for: Ages 4+

40. The Peninsula Beijing
Urban luxury with interconnecting suites, toy welcome kits, and curated city tours for families.
Limitation: Less outdoor play space.
Best for: Newborns to age 10

AFRICA

41. Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Serengeti, Tanzania
Exclusive, eco-conscious safari camp set on a river-bend in the Serengeti with front-row views of the Great Migration.
Limitation: Due to remote location and safari activity nature it is best for older children.
Best for: Ages 10+

42. Singita Ebony Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Stunning safari lodge offering luxury with a warm family touch, featuring the Mini Rangers' course, baking sessions, and arts & crafts.
Limitation: Some safari drives have age restrictions.
Best for: All ages

AUSTRALIA

43. Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountain
Ultra-luxury bush retreat offering private villas, conservation safaris, and tailored nature-based kids' activities.
Limitation: Remote location best suited to adventurous families.
Best for: Ages 6+

LATIN AMERICA

44. Nayara Tented Camp, Costa Rica
Safari-style luxury in the rainforest with sloth spotting, kid-friendly nature walks, and private plunge pools.
Limitation: Remote jungle setting may not suit families seeking city comforts.
Best for: Ages 5+

45. Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico
Eco-luxury meets Riviera glam with a family concierge, private boat rides, and a stellar kids' club.
Limitation: Humid climate can be intense for infants.
Best for: Newborns to teens

Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico

46. Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica 
Bespoke adventure and wellness in the mountains with horseback riding and cooking classes for kids.
Limitation: Long transfer from the airport.
Best for: Ages 6+

NORTH AMERICA 

47. Blackberry Farm, Tennessee
Farm-chic escape with curated children’s adventures, nature programs, and family yoga.
Limitation: More relaxed pace, no traditional kids’ club.
Best for: Ages 3+

48. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
All-inclusive luxe ranch with horseback riding, fly-fishing, and Little Grizzlies Kids Club.
Limitation: Very remote, limited for infants.
Best for: Ages 5+

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana

49. Montage Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina
Southern charm with lagoon activities, treehouses, and curated nature excursions for children.
Limitation: Humid summers.
Best for: Newborns to teens

50. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii
Legendary service with cultural learning, snorkeling, and child-safe beach coves.
Limitation: High occupancy year-round.
Best for: All ages

CANADA

51. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta
Rustic-chic in the Rockies with wildlife spotting, nature trails, and a seasonal kids’ club.
Limitation: Less luxurious than urban Fairmonts.
Best for: Ages 4+

52. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, British Columbia
Off-grid luxury glamping with daily kids' adventure itineraries in nature.
Limitation: Access via floatplane; not stroller-friendly.
Best for: Ages 6+

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, British Colombia