Planning a multi-gen vacation with the grandparents or a family reunion with the entire extended family? Bringing the whole crew is no problem at these luxurious properties with plenty of room for every member of the family. We’ve searched the globe and rounded up the best hotels for big families.
1/14 Eau Palm Beach, Florida
The Eau Palm Beach Resort is not your grandparent’s Palm Beach, though they will be plenty comfortable here. As the refurbished former home of The Ritz Carlton, the hotel prides itself on its “chic-not-stodgy” sensibility. For families traveling in larger numbers, the Commander in Chief suite offers an ample 2,600-square feet to perfectly accommodate the entire family. It includes two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a large living room with fold out couch. And, of course, sweeping ocean views from every room. Jonathan Adler’s whimsical décor will delight the entire family and keeps the vibe fun, modern and elegant. Adults will enjoy the spa, private cabanas, tennis and nearby shopping on Worth Avenue, while the kids will remember their time at the AquaNuts kids club, splashing in the heated pools and coming together with their clan during fireside S’mores on the Stir Terrace as the sun sets.
2/14 Curtain Bluff, Antigua
Curtain Bluff in Antigua blends historical heritage living with classic barefoot glamor. Think steel pan bands, rum punch and unlimited use of water sport equipment. The kids club is located beachside, which means parents and grandparents can join their kids for a peek at the resident tortoises and other activities. Offering serene hammock living and the best Mahi Mahi and banana bread on the island, it’s a resort that has something for every member of the family. Fortunately, there’s also plenty of room to spread out in the Grace & Morris Bay Suite with adjoining Junior Suite as an add-on. Larger families can also take over the entire fourth floor, which includes four bedrooms with a large terrace and hot tub, ideally situated right on the resort’s famous “surf” beach.
3/14 Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Thailand
With a pristine and serene location just 20 minutes outside of Chiang Mai, this stunning retreat allows guests to dip their toes into traditional Thai cooking as well as one of the 12 poolside villas. Large families will feel right at home at the owner’s residence, a 4-bedroom stunner offering sprawling views of the Mae Rim Valley, rice paddies and glimpses of the hotel’s two resident water buffalos. The residence comes complete with its own pool pavilion, a rice planting activity, private yoga instruction and an on-call chef who will cook meals in your own private kitchen 24/7.
4/14 Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico
While the 123 pool villas at this Thai-meets-Mexican luxury outpost are nothing to sneeze at, you’ll want to take the complimentary eco boat cruises past these and head straight to the three-bedroom family residence where groups of six can comfortably stretch out across three floors set amidst a lush jungle. With a rooftop pool and lounge deck, those lucky enough to stay here will experience all the amenities of the resort, including home-cooked BBQs on the lanai, an award-winning spa and Greg Norman designed golf course. For those who want all this space plus the convenience of staying close enough to the beach to hear the surf, the 5,511-square foot Three Bedroom Pool Villa offers enviable Caribbean sea views, a lush private courtyard and a heated swimming/jet pool.
5/14 Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica
Families looking for an eco-chic vibe and the Pura Vida lifestyle should head straight to Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo where they’ll find the pinnacle of expansive luxury at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort. With over 153 rooms and 21 suites, the one to book here is the Presidential Suite, which when combined with an adjoining room could potentially create a roomy three-bedroom space perfect for three generations looking for a home base to enjoy jungle hikes, the famous Onda spa, zip lining and all the Costa Rican fun they can handle.
6/14 Singita Lebombo Lodge, South Africa
The Singita collection of properties has become synonymous with private, luxury and authentic Safari experiences. As one of their signature properties, the Lebombo Lodge gives guests front-row seating to the preserved wilderness found in Kruger National Park, known for its strong concentration of the “Big 5” and unique prides of lions. While here, large families opt for the four-bedroom private villa that is set apart from the main lodge and comes with its own swimming pool. Add in the Singita Private program option complete with private chef, personal host and Safari guide with dedicated vehicle on standby, and your family will be assured an experience like no other.
7/14 Beaches Turks & Caicos
The only thing better than a trip to the bucket-list destination of Beaches Turks & Caicos is a visit here with your extended family. Everyone can join in on the fun of watching the kids delight in all the amenities of this sprawling resort. Featuring a massive waterpark and a 12-mile stretch of the most pristine beachfront, the all-inclusive vacation caters to every member of the family with roaming Sesame Street characters, over 19 high-end dining options and a sprawling retail village where adults can shop to their hearts content. The accommodations for families are vast here, with the top choice being the Key West Beachfront four-bedroom villa that accommodates 12 and offers an enviable beachfront setting with its own private pool.
8/14 The Farmstead at Royal Malewane, South Africa
The Farmstead, a brand new lodge just 12 minutes south of Royal Malewane, the group’s award-winning safari lodge in Kruger National Park, is the perfect adventure getaway for the whole family. The lodge offers spectacular views of the South African bushveld, in addition to wildlife sightings in the popular watering hole that surrounds the property. The Farmstead features a main lodge area, three Luxury Farm Suites and The Farmhouse. Each Luxury Farm Suite includes a spacious bedroom, as well as a large front and back verandah and private pool overlooking the bush. The Farmhouse is a three-and-a-half-bedroom private villa, ideal for big families and multi-gen trips. Guests have their own private safari vehicle with a dedicated Ranger and Tracker ensuring the ultimate in luxury. There are three main bedrooms as well as a smaller children’s room. Planning a family reunion and bringing the extended family? Take over the entire Farmstead, which comes equipped with a fitness center, a double spa treatment room and a fire pit on the deck, for the ultimate getaway.
9/14 The Milestone Hotel & Residences, UK
The five-star Milestone Hotel and Residences is a quintessentially English property in the heart of London boasting luxurious suites, fine British dining in Cheneston’s Restaurant, charming public areas and an award-winning Afternoon Tea menu. This property occupies a prime position with beautiful views over Kensington Palace and Gardens and is located just minutes from London’s museum district and famous shopping area of Knightsbridge making it the perfect destination for a family trip. The hotel recently renovated its six luxurious Residences, which offer the perfect setting for groups traveling together for a longer length of time in London and who want the privacy of staying in an apartment while having access to all the amenities of the hotel.
10/14 Paris Perfect’s Margaux Apartment, France
Luxury apartment rental company Paris Perfect offers over 100 apartments in the heart of the city, many of which offer direct views of the Eiffel Tower. Paris Perfect offers the ideal accommodations as their apartments are spacious and luxurious, but also affordable. An excellent option for a big family traveling together to the City of Light is the gorgeous Margaux apartment, located just steps away from the Eiffel Tower, with direct views of the iconic monument. This spacious 1,210-square-foot three-bedroom apartment sleeps up to eight guests and is located on the 7th floor of a historic and traditionally Parisian building. Also included is a large open kitchen, living room space, a dining room and a wraparound balcony with a table and lounge area, offering the ultimate view of the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
11/14 Soneva Fushi, The Maldives
Soneva’s flagship resort, Soneva Fushi, sets the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. The resort’s newest villa is a 20,000-square-foot five-bedroom villa, located on the sunrise side of this private island resort in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives. Villa 37’s main highlight is its 36-foot-tall viewing tower that features a dining table called the Moonlight Table. This viewing tower is now the tallest point on the island and the ideal spot from which to take in panoramic views, sunrises, sunsets and stargazing. The villa can accommodate up to eight adults and four children, so you’ll have plenty of space for your big crew.
12/14 Martinhal Sagres, Portugal
At Martinhal Sagres, families of all different shapes and sizes can stay comfortably in a villa, townhouse, hotel room, apartment or houses that meets their specific vacation desires. Each property has full access to the hospitality of the five-star resort, including kids activities and amenities such as kids clubs, sports academies and a baby concierge for all things essential to traveling with infants. Luxury Villas offer an exclusive private collection of sea-view villas with private gardens and swimming pools on the western margin of the resort. Meanwhile, Vilas Mimosa is a collection of 23 luxury townhouses with 2 or 3 bedrooms, with living spaces on the second floor for optimal views. Guests of the Vilas have access to an exclusive Clubhouse with a heated swimming pool and baby pool.
13/14 San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Belize
Run by four sisters, San Ignacio Resort Hotel is perfectly equipped for family vacations with big families. The resort’s Regal Rooms and Family Room offer enough space for a family of up to six. The best part of this spot? Kids 10 years and under stay for free! The Family Room also features one of the largest decks at the hotel with views of the surrounding hillside as well as easy access to the pool. Those looking for even more space can make use of the River View Suite and connect it with the Jungle View Suite. Located on the lower hillside of the Resort, the River View Suite highlights an outdoor living space with lounge chairs and dining area from which our guests can enjoy the scenic views of the Macal River and surrounding rainforest valley.
14/14 Giardino Mountain
Designed for the multi-generational family, Giardino Mountain is the ultimate destination for big families. Explore the Alps together on exciting excursions, try out new sports, enjoy delicious and healthy food or rest and re-charge in the innovative dipiù Spa. While the younger kids play at the Kids Club or join the Freestyle Academy, parents and grandparents can take a deep breath unwind and enjoy with Giardino Mountain’s specially crafted carefree packages. During the summer season, families are provided a free extra room for when traveling with children ages 6 and above staying for five nights or more. Depending on availability, a double room with a direct connecting door is provided right next door for parents traveling with their children or grandparents traveling with their grandchildren.
By Elina Furman