Ten of the best family beach resorts

Need a break? Have a beach resort. With starfish hunts, beach barbeque parties, and romantic limestone grottos, on your unique family beach vacation, we’ll create your own blend of quality family time and well-deserved alone time. In paradise. And as luxury travel experts, we’ve got the lowdown on the best family beach resorts around. Take your pick and pack your bags.

Sugar Beach, St Lucia

Why we love it:

Built on the foundations of an 18th-century sugar mill, the aptly named Sugar Beach is an idyllic hideaway overlooking the glittering Caribbean Sea. Located on St Lucia’s scenic west coast, here you’ll soak up the spectacular views of the iconic twin Pitons from the comfort of your own lavish claw-foot bath. With personalized butler service, a world-class spa, and private bungalows complete with their own Jacuzzi, Sugar Beach is one of our most sublime retreats this side of, well, anywhere.

What to do here:

The short answer? As much (or as little) as you like. Stroll beneath the shade of mango and banana trees, relax on sugary-white sands, deep-sea fish for snapper and dorado, or explore volcanic springs and rainforest-clad mountains. Between dining on cacao cuisine and freshly caught wahoo, we’d head to the hotel’s Rainforest Spa. Bamboo massages, an Amerindian ‘temescal’ steam dome, and chocolate body polishes. Get ready for some serious pampering.

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Why we love it:

From the moment you arrive at Carlisle Bay in Antigua (across a lily pond lit by flaming torches), you’ll feel as if you’re entering your own tropical playground. A movie theater, world-class restaurants, private mangroves, and the underwater wonderland of Cadas Reef are all at your fingertips. But that’s not all. The hotel’s impeccable kid’s clubs are what makes it one of the best family beach resorts around. From lizard and starfish hunting, raft building and zip-wiring to beach barbeque parties and shopping trips to St Johns. You’ll be spoilt for choice and, most importantly, so will your kids.

What to do here:

When you’ve had some time to chill at this luxury family beach resort, we’ll have you embark on a private helicopter tour. Taking to the skies, watch as your kids’ faces light up as you soar over Montserrat Volcano, rolling hills, and coral reefs. It’s an experience not soon to be forgotten. If, at all. With your feet firmly back on land, we’ll then take you to Green Island – basket in hand. Afterall, it’s not every day you get to have a picnic in paradise (or on your own private island).

Six Senses Laamu, the Maldives

Why we love it:

Where paradise meets sustainability, Six Senses Laamu is the perfect family beach resort for those seeking indulgent relaxation – or a dive into the captivating world of marine conservation. Or both. Situated on the mesmerising Laamu Atoll in the Maldives, here you’ll dive, snorkel, wakeboard, and surf to your heart’s content. And with a world-famous luxury spa and a personal butler service, from here on out it’s all plain sailing and fine dining. Don’t mind if you do.

What to do here:

For a family trip with a splash of marine conservation, Six Senses Laamu is the perfect spot. Accompanied by the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) team of marine biologists, you’ll set off on guided snorkels through glittering waters bursting with rainbow-hued coral. Between lobster beach barbeques at sunset and dolphin safaris, the older members of your clan can’t miss the spa. After all, Six Senses are renowned for them. And with another of their hotels not too far away, why visit just one when you can visit two.

Four Seasons Nam Hai, Vietnam

Why we love it:

In the heart of Hoi An in Vietnam, Four Seasons Nam Hai boasts 100 picturesque villas inspired by feng shui and traditional Vietnamese garden houses. Ideal for families looking to stay together, here your Pool Villa comes complete with yes, you guessed it, a swimming pool as well as a fully equipped kitchen, your very own butler, and easy access to the hotel’s beautiful exotic gardens and powdery beaches. But the real highlight here has to be the cuisine. For faultless Vietnamese fare, look no further than LaSen restaurant. The steamed white rose dumplings and grilled oysters are our favorites.

What to do here:

Eat, eat, and eat again. We’ll introduce you to a passionate and extremely talented chef with in-depth knowledge of Hoi An’s tantalising food scene. Between exploring vegetable villages and meeting their favorite vendors at age-old markets, you’ll dine on sumptuous dishes combining refreshing flavors and beautiful presentation. One thing’s for sure, this hotel makes for the perfect pit stop as part of your luxury family vacation to Vietnam.

The Brando, French Polynesia

Why we love it:

If you’re looking for some intimate family time where all you need to focus on is spending time together, The Brando is the place for you. Located on the island of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia, tucked away from the rest of the world, you’ll feast on fruits grown in local orchards, indulge with a spa treatment amid the treetops, and paddleboard over tranquil waters. This is private island living as it should be.

What to do here:

Exploring the Tetiaroa with an expert naturalist guide, you’ll discover the legends and stories of this breath-taking island as you delve beneath the surface – whether that be on land or in the sea. We have a feeling you’ll be hearing the call of the outdoors most of the time, but for those moments when the 21st century calls, you’ll have your very own media room with music, Wi-Fi, and TV to keep everyone happy. If adventure is more your thing, we’ll also pair this relaxing family beach resort with a top-to-tail trip through New Zealand. Just say the word.

Sublime Comporta, Portugal

Why we love it:

Here, the clue really is in the name. Sublime Comporta is just that; sublime. And it’s no surprise that this is the ideal place for the best family beach vacation. Basked in sunshine and encircled by umbrella pine and cork tree forests, this tranquil hideaway lies on Portugal’s sweeping west coast. Gathering round your indoor-outdoor fireplace on your private deck, together you’ll swap stories about the day’s adventures beneath the trees. And the stars.

What to do here:

Only an hour south of Lisbon, Comporta is the perfect retreat after exploring everything the city has to offer. By this point you’ll have trekked through pastel-coloured buildings to reach the peak of the famed Seven Hills, tucked into many a Pastel de Nata (Portugal’s famous custard tarts), and listened to the melancholic tones of one of the city’s best fado restaurants. Now, it’s time to kick back and relax. Whether that’s walking barefoot across the sands without a care in the world or taking a dip in your private pool. We’ll leave it up to you.

Belmond Maroma, Riviera Maya

Why we love it:

Caught between lush jungle and white sands, Belmond Maroma is one of the best luxury beach resorts for families. Perched on the edge of Mexico’s coastline, it makes for the perfect base for any trips out to nearby Cancun. But it’s the little touches that really make it sing. From the vibrant orange hammocks and homemade tortillas to under-the-sea wave meditations and sustainable golf balls (ones that turn to fish food upon landing in the ocean). A bad swing never felt so good.

What to do here:

If relaxing by the beach (or the bar) is your thing, we’ve got your back. If it isn’t, we’ve got you covered too. With some world-class snorkelling right on your doorstep, as well as the opportunity to dive in the nearby underwater caves, a dash of adventure is never too far away. This charming family beach resort is also ideally situated for exploring some of Mexico’s most famous heritage sites – Quintana Roo and Chichen Itza. Get your cameras ready.

Amanzoe, Greece

Why we love it:

Perfect for older families (and any Greek mythology enthusiasts), Amanzoe is a tranquil haven in Greece overlooking the wine-dark seas of the Aegean. Its name even means ‘peaceful life’; you can’t argue with that. Elegant gardens filled with lavender and cypress trees, towering colonnades decorating pathways, and an impressive amphitheater amid olive trees. At this luxury family beach resort, you’ll certainly feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Now, for your room. Well, pavilion. With classical influences and white-washed touches, private pavilions lie dotted throughout the hillside – your home for as long as you like.

What to do here:

For a generous dose of that famous Greek mythology, you’re in prime position. With two UNESCO World Heritage Sites nearby, the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus and the citadel of Mycenae, this is the perfect final stop on your Greek island-hopping odyssey. But there’s plenty more to be done here. Moonlit yoga in the amphitheatre, horse riding through the surrounding forests, helicopter trips, wine tastings, water-skiing, even a spa with its own range of skin care products made from local olive groves. The list goes on. And on.

Rayavadee, Thailand

Why we love it:

On the edge of the Krabi Marine National Park in Thailand, Rayavadee hides right in the limestone heart of the Phranang Peninsular. Set amongst exotic coconut groves, sheer cliffs, and lush jungle – nowhere does secluded luxury quite like this. And its focus on providing fun activities for children make it one of the best beach resorts for families. Together, you’ll embark on jungle adventures, snorkel off Chicken Island, and dash across glistening waters by speed boat. Just dive in.

What to do here:

Craving some alone time? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. At this luxury family beach resort, there are also complimentary ‘Just for Kids’ activities supervised by the attentive staff. With tennis lessons, Thai cooking classes, arts and crafts, and garden discovery walks – your kids won’t want to leave. While they’re busy, we’ll take you to dine in the hotel’s very own grotto. Tucked away under the limestone cliff of the ancient Phranang Beach, you’ll watch the sunset with a glass of fine wine – and your toes in the sand. As with many of these other family beach resorts, Rayavadee is great to include as part of a larger family trip to Thailand. Just say the word and we’ll make it happen.

The Datai, Malaysia

Why we love it:

Seeking an untouched haven where you can get back to nature? Say no more. The Datai in Malaysia is just the ticket. The perfect peaceful spot for you to recharge your batteries as a family, here you’ll be surrounded by lush rainforest, sweeping white sands, and the dazzling Andaman Sea. Simply put your feet up in your private wooden villa – or dance to the beat of your own Bose sound system.

What to do here:

With fairways overlooking the breath-taking waters of the Andaman Sea, there’s no better place to tee off than at The Datai’s 18-hole golf course. After cycling through the forest by mountain bike and snorkelling with colorful marine life, we’ll arrange for a Malay cooking class; even after your luxury family vacation ends, you’ll be able to relive your memories through your new found culinary skills. Want to explore the rest of Malaysia’s jungles, mountains, and cities? Don’t worry, we’ll show you the way.

need a break?

Check out our family travel page to search by season or age to start planning the perfect family trip for you. Completely bespoke, of course.

TAKE ME THERE

Sugar Beach, St Lucia

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Carlisle Bay, Antigua

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Six Senses Laamu, the Maldives

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Four Seasons Nam Hai, Vietnam

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The Brando, French Polynesia

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Sublime Comporta, Portugal

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Belmond Maroma, Riviera Maya

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Amanzoe, Greece

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Rayavadee, Thailand

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The Datai, Malaysia

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