Explore the world combining quality family time together with seeing new things and learning new tricks. We reveal some of our favourite parent-pleasing places that fulfil the dreams of young and old.
A playground paradise for all ages, Kanuhura on the Maldives’ Lhaviyani Atoll gives families the run of three private islands with safe swimming, a floating waterpark, snorkelling, turtle sanctuary visits and dolphinand manta-spotting tours. Organised fun at the K Club for ages 4-11 ranges from pirate dress-up cruises, Boduberu drum lessons and chocolate-making to yoga classes, while Kokaa Spa offers mini-massages. Babysitters take care of younger kids – perhaps bringing them to the splash pool or outdoor wooden jungle gym – while teens get together for fishing trips and beach volleyball. As they’re off having fun, play tennis, take a dip in the freshwater pool, go for a bike ride, try out some water sports or even sign up for a Maldivian warrior workout.
The largest of the cool, contemporary Beach Bungalows and Villas sleep eight; many have private pools. Bag a stilted water villa and you can swim with fish in the lagoon off your very own sundeck. Eight bars and restaurants – including the candlelit Chef’s Herb Garden – keep everyone happy. Kids’ favourites are Bottega with its artisan pizzas and the Korean yakiniku barbecues at barefoot beach restaurant, Veli.
Adults will love: The wellness offerings ranging from beach bootcamp to the spa with a dizzying 50-page treatment menu.
Kids will love: Movie nights under the star-studded sky.
Read MoreSwooping pelicans and nesting turtles set the scene at the 300-acre private hideaway of Jumby Bay Island off Antigua. Raw nature is the star here, and the Jumby Explorers club invites junior guests on kayaking trips and outdoor adventures that include tracking down the island’s black belly sheep and helping at the Hawksbill Turtle Preservation Programme. You, meanwhile, can get in some serious R&R in a hammock by the infinity pool or in the spa. Or if you’re feeling active, explore the protected shoreline by bike, take to the water or play croquet or tennis.
Of just 40 rooms, the airy suites with outdoor bathrooms sleep three or four. But to truly spread out, plump for one of the villas or ‘estate homes’ with pools and up to nine bedrooms. For laid-back eats, head for The Verandah, the Beach Shack with its West Indian street food, or the Pool Grille. There’s also classic fine dining suffused with modern island flavours at the colonial-inspired Estate House.
Adults will love: The fact that a mere 15 minutes after leaving Antigua airport, you can be sipping a cocktail as the kids frolic on the white sands.
Kids will love: The freedom to run wild in a totally car-free environment.
Read MoreRaft-building, zip-wiring and rainforest treks delight ages 7–12 years at chic Carlisle Bay in Antigua, while younger ones enjoy the likes of treasure hunts and arts and crafts at the kids’ club with its sandpit, paddling pool and jungle gym. With a heavenly beachfront setting against a backdrop of lush hills and tropical forest, this resort has separate adult and family sections, meaning you won’t ever feel your offspring are getting under anyone’s feet. The bay itself is secluded, with calm water perfect for kids. Families love kayaking out to mangrove lagoons to spot birds and fish.
Families love kayaking out to mangrove lagoons to spot birds and fish. Serene, spacious ocean-view suites are just the ticket for families – prize picks are the Beach Terrace Suites with direct access to the family half of the crescent beach. Child-friendly dining at Indigo on the Beach (grills, seafood and salads) includes flexible kid’s menus, or there’s pizza and other Italian fare at poolside Ottimo! and pan-Asian at East.
Adults will love: Sundowners around the copper firepit at the sand-between-the-toes Jetty Bar.
Children will love: Kayaking trips to see turtles.
Read MoreThe surrounding Riviera Maya region inspires many of the family activities at Mexico’s graceful Rosewood Mayakoba, set along winding lagoons within 1,600 acres beside a mile-long white-sand beach. Think Mayan storytelling, Spanish and Mayan lessons and even biologist-led eco boat-trips. As if all that wasn’t fun enough, there are also scavenger hunts, yoga classes and pizza- or cookie-making classes. Where parents are concerned, the spa is the stunner; based on its own island, it’s designed around a cenote (a sinkhole held sacred by the Mayans). Don’t miss the three-hour Kuxtal Sensory Garden experience inspired by the Mayan belief in the symbiosis between humans and plants, or, for tweens and teens, the facials, manicures and pedicures.
Perfect for families, the 129 polished suites – some sleeping eight – come with plunge pools, rooftop sundecks and open-air showers. Beachfront tapas at Punta Bonita and the popular Mayakoba beach night go down brilliantly with junior diners, while adults prize the haute cuisine at Casa del Lago.
Adults will love: Agave Azul sushi and tequila bar.
Kids will love: The themed nights - Mexican, pirate, Mayan celebrations and pyjama parties.
Read MoreAtlantis, The Palm is so child-friendly, it contains several of Dubai’s greatest family attractions, including Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium; guests receive free access to both. The kids’ club is suitably spectacular, with an underwater theatre, while teens flock to Club Rush for its mocktail bar and entertainment lounges. All rooms sleep four but there are interconnecting options and two-bedroom suites too.
Twenty-plus dining options range from celebrity restaurants to a burger bar and regular Cirque De Cuisine ‘night brunches’ with street performers and acrobats.
Adults will love: The fact that suites come with a complimentary private cabana at the pool, beach and Aquaventure.
Kids will love: The Evening Adventures include eccentric Mad Scientist experiments.
Read MoreFeaturing a whole host of inspiration and opportunities for enlightenment, wellbeing, self-discovery and fulfilment; whether you’re dreaming of lunch on the equator or of navigating the arctic in a submarine, a bike ride with a former two-time cycling champion or exploring part of the globe untouched by ordinary travellers – all of this is possible and so much more.
Request your free copy