In early 2020, we parted with our loved ones and locked the doors to our homes. Now, as we search for ways to make up for months of lost time, what better way to reconnect with family than in a dreamy destination? From the Caribbean to Cyprus, we've collated a few of our favourite luxury hotels for all ages, complete with outdoor cinemas, mind-blowing children's clubs and complimentary ice cream!
For: Exotic Explorers
A private, paradisiacal slice of Antigua, Jumby Bay Island is named after the Antiguan word 'jumbee' meaning playful spirit, so where better for a fun-filled family getaway? This idyllic isle of white-powdered beaches - reachable only by boat - is all about wildlife, nature and exploration, regardless of your age. The playful Jumby Explorers programme for 3 to 11-year-olds is packed with activities promising outdoor adventures and creative expression, from cooking up a storm and mind-boggling science experiments to dancing and singing along the shoreline, whilst teenagers are free to mingle with newly found friends, whether it's at a beach volleyball game or a mocktail mixology class.
![Pasture Beach Picnic at Jumby Bay Island]()
Pasture Beach Picnic at Jumby Bay Island
Between June and October, young guests can experience the sheer wonder of baby Hawksbill turtles venturing out for the first time on Pasture Bay Beach. With the help of the island's specialist research team, they can assist in releasing hatchlings into the sea and even 'adopt' their very own turtle! Back at the gloriously green heart of Jumby Bay, families will find plenty more pastimes, including nature walks, tennis and over two kilometres of palm-fringed paths to cycle, all best concluded with a homemade ice cream from the stylish Pool Grille.
For: Mini Maldives Delights
The three, picturesque private islands that comprise Kanuhura curate the perfect tropical play-paradise. Oozing bohemian-inspired beauty that complements the resort's playful spirit, adults can indulge in wine-tasting, chocolate-pairing and a bounty of blissful spa rituals, while a world of adventure awaits young explorers. After being handed their 'activity passports' upon arrival, they can fill the pages with thrills and enchantment at the Kanuhura Kids' Club, decorating cupcakes, painting masterpieces and cooking up delicious dishes along the way.
Offshore, little ones can partake in exciting watersports under the careful watch of the kids' club counsellors or go on an adventure to the resort's uninhabited islands of Jehunuhura and Masleggihura to dig for treasure! Reunite and satisfy your wanderlust with a magical medley of family-friendly fun; whether it's a playful picnic on a deserted sandbank or a beachside extravaganza illuminated by a roaring bonfire and full moon, the resort's 'timeless memories' concept promises unforgettable moments and stories that are guaranteed to be passed down through the generations - you can even hire instant cameras, GoPros or state-of-the-art drones from the Sun Memory Lab to document your trip-of-a-lifetime in photographic form.
For: Little Sun Seekers
Perched in a charming clifftop setting with year-round sunshine to relish, family holidays in Tenerife flourish at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama. Proudly boasting the largest Ritz Kids Club in Europe, the colourful calendar of activities is more magical than even the most creative little mind could dream up; think mindfulness sessions, talent competitions and gardening workshops for tiny VIPS, whilst older children can get involved with graffiti workshops, sports bootcamps and video game challenges. Meanwhile, fun in the sun is easily found at the Ritz Kids outdoor playground, equipped with slides, swings, see-saws and trampolines, or at one of the two family-friendly swimming pools.
As dusk draws in, why not head to The Zone? This redesigned hub for tots, teens - and those who're still young at heart - is bursting with arcade games, sports simulators and music equipment. While aspiring musicians plug in for a session on the Abama Rock Stage, little ones can paint to their heart's content on the club's art wall and adults can savour a well-deserved drink at the bar close by. On an island known for natural wonder, an outdoor family adventure is also simply unmissable - climb the heights of Mount Teide, sail to La Gomera island by boat or explore a new perspective with a spectacular helicopter tour.
For: Island Adventures
An innovative destination sprawling across the two islands of Chill and Play, Niyama Private Islands Maldives features quirky designs and cutting-edge concepts, all perfectly catering to style-savvy families. There's a wealth of envied eateries to choose from, including the ever-popular homemade ice cream and frozen yoghurt served at The Deli. The resort's Family Beach Pool Villa is an indoor/outdoor oasis for amazing multigenerational stays, with a splash-worthy private pool on the doorstep and a dreamy dhoni swing for afternoon naps - whether that's the little ones or the grown-ups!
![Three Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion with Pool]()
Three Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion with Pool
Follow the winding curves of a sandy trail into island forest and you'll discover the Explorers Kids Club, where imagination reigns and creativity abound. There's a sleeping room for toddlers, a mini gourmet kitchen for budding chefs and a pint-size stage to let little stars shine. There's plenty of island adventures for hard-to-please teens too, from snorkelling safaris and mini spa treatments, to beach Olympics and tennis classes - they can even venture beneath the surface for an exclusive experience at the resort's unique underwater hideaway, Subsix.
For: Child-friendly Cyprus
Lying along a sandy stretch of Limassol's shoreline, children's imaginations promise to run wild at Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Travelling as a family doesn't mean you have to compromise on space; choose convenient interconnecting suites, or relish elevated luxury in a three-bedroom Park Villa with a private swimming pool. All ages will be happy to spend lazy days beside one of four outdoor pools, but beach babies may prefer the soft sands of the 300-metre-long beach, where you can also hire a private beach cabana and savour casual beachside cuisine at Vithos.
Meandering along the pathways lined by olive groves and citrus trees will quickly uncover the colourful, 3,000-square-metre Park Kidz Club; there's a mini waterpark, giant pirate ship and huge outdoor play zone, along with a dreamy two-storey castle where activities vary from pottery classes to theatre productions. Sports-mad minis can hang out on the basketball court or try their hand at archery, whilst the exclusive Football Escapes academy will excite any budding footballer, coached in 2020 by legends Michael Owen and Billy Wingrove.
For: Dubai Dreamers Of All Ages
From the cool and contemporary suites at Jumeirah Al Naseem to the more traditional, two-storey summerhouses of Jumierah Dar Al Masyaf, if you're going on a luxury family holiday to Dubai, it's hard to beat these discerning destinations. Both members of Jumeirah's Madinat Collection, the hotel's share expansive grounds comprising ornate souks and beachfront hotspots, linked by a five-kilometre river system with a fleet of traditional abra boats. You'll be blown away by the choice of 50 different restaurants, nightspots and lounges, including multi-award-winning Pierchic and beachfront favourite Rockfish, while kids and teens themed dining evenings provide chance for them to escape the elders!
Every child's - and many adults - favourite way to cool off in Dubai is sun-drenched and splash-worthy waterpark, Wild Wadi. With unlimited access for guests staying with Jumeirah, there's over 30 rides and attractions, including the exhilarating 120m drop of the Jumeirah Sceirah slide. For water babies, Juha's Dhow and Lagoon was designed with little ones in mind, featuring slides, water guns and rain showers for hours of interactive play. Further delight in Dubai can be found at Jumeirah's two kids clubs; both Sinbad's Kids Club and KiDS at Al Naseem feature aquatic wonderlands with pools and playgrounds, along with a packed agenda of activities, from face painting to movie screenings.
For: A Pint-Size Paradise
Prepare to surrender your shoes and immerse yourself in island living. Soneva Fushi is an exotic paradise where families can kick off their flip flops and go back-to-nature with a wealth of experiences. Whilst your personally appointed Mr Friday takes care of the finer details, relish everything from reef exploration with the resort's marine biologists, to sampling a kaleidoscopic collection of complimentary chocolates, ice creams and sorbets. By night, scour the skies for constellations with a family stargazing session, or kick back in a lounger with sweet smelling popcorn for a showing at Cinema Paradiso.
![The Den at Soneva Fushi]()
The Den at Soneva Fushi
Undoubtedly, any luxury family holiday at Soneva Fushi will include a visit to The Den; one of the world's largest kids' clubs and a true a playground for the imagination. Every personality is catered for, with dressing up and make up areas for mini fashionistas and a music room for budding rockstars. There's also a library, cinema and dedicated Lego room, all encouraging little ones to conjure up their creativity. If you're planning a multigenerational getaway, this sustainable hideaway also has the ultimate accommodation - think waterslides, private gyms, in-suite spas and huge private swimming pools, there really is something to leave every age awe-struck.