23 Best Luxury Family Resorts in the US and Caribbean
If organizing a family vacation that’s fun for everyone feels overwhelming, don’t fret. There are plenty of luxury family resorts that can make for memorable getaways, sans stress. Take a scroll below and you'll find a number of fantastic family-friendly hotels in the Caribbean and US that feature kids clubs with daily programming, beach and pool activities, spacious accommodations (including connecting rooms), and more. Some even boast enriching excursions that allow families of all ages to explore the area together.
Traveling with kids also doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice adult perks. The properties on this list let parent tap into some of their favorite getaway activities—like participating in wine and rum tastings, getting treatments at award-winning spas, and enjoying some beach time with a book—while the little ones are occupied. Need more where that came from? Here are the best luxury family resorts in the US and Caribbean to consider when booking your next group getaway.
Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa BarbarahotelThe Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, California
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Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025To commemorate its 25th anniversary this year, this well-loved Ritz-Carlton on California’s Central Coast debuted a multi-million dollar renovation. The revamp includes an upgraded lobby, pool, guest rooms, and communal spaces—all of which highlight natural materials and lighting, with terracotta furnishings and Spanish tiles that evoke California's coastal charm. The kids club includes seasonal activities like nature hikes and surfing, plus classic Ritz-Carlton mainstays: hands-on cooking classes, arts and crafts, and destination-themed activity books. When it comes to family-friendly outings nearby, Santa Barbara offers a plethora of options. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is an incredible place to meander through redwoods and flowering meadows, with a four-and-a-half-acre backcountry section designed for kids of all ages to explore different habitats. The buzzing Arts District of Santa Barbara is filled with exhibits, theaters, and shopping for the whole family, while Barbara Beach Club offers private beach seating, snacks, and games for groups to enjoy on the golden sand.
Courtesy Fairmont Grand Del MarhotelFairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego, California
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025At Fairmont Grand Del Mar, kids can expect all the bells and whistles, including a glamp-in package with an indoor tent, a child-sized robe, a personalized cookie, and a family-friendly movie—all within the comfort of your guest room. On the dining front, kids five and under eat free from the kids’ menu, and kids six through 12 eat for 50% off the regular menu at Amaya or Clubhouse Grill. Around the property, three family pools feature underwater music and a sandy area to build sandcastles, while an energetic game of cornhole or bocce is always happening nearby. San Diego not only offers a sparkling coastline to explore, but also kid-friendly attractions like Legoland, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo. Babysitting services are available via the hotel concierge, providing a perfect opportunity for parents to sneak away to some of the city’s most acclaimed dining experiences, including the recently opened, 30-seat Lucien, with its memorable tasting menu focused on hyper-seasonal California cuisine.
Heather Anne Thomas/Courtesy Blackberry FarmhotelBlackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
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Gold List 2018, 2025 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025Retreat to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains for an elegant twist on summer camp. Come together for activities like geocaching, wakeboarding, and agricultural lessons at the historic on-site farm, with a reward to follow at the casual (and delicious) Dogwood restaurant. No matter the age group, Blackberry Farm has an outing: stream exploration during Youth Discovery programs, pottery classes, private horseback rides, and even truffle scouting—Lagotto dogs and all.
Courtesy Winnetu Oceanside ResorthotelWinnetu Oceanside Resort, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025This classic Martha’s Vineyard resort boasts a great location on Edgartown’s South Beach, plus a teen adventure program that includes activities like kayaking, bridge jumping, mountain biking, and a ropes course. While the kids are off getting their adrenaline fix, the adults can lounge at the beach and grab lunch poolside before regrouping at the resort’s Cape Pogue cottage.
Whit RichardsonhotelMadeline Hotel, Telluride, Colorado
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024It’s hard to beat Telluride for pristine Colorado skiing, and even harder to do better than a stay at the ski-in/ski-out Madeline. Book a modern residence-style unit with a full kitchen and views of the surrounding mountains, then set the kids free in the hotel’s own tucked-away corner of the Mountain Village to ice skate, splurge at Dylan’s Candy Bar, or hang at 20 Below, a kids-only club.
James BaigriehotelWaldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, Dana Point, California
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024This is the ultimate refined family-friendly getaway, with enough options to keep kids entertained and plenty of amenities to make traveling families comfortable without being too “kiddie” centric. The family pool, tucked behind the main pool, is easily accessible from a few guest rooms on the ground floor. A Monarch Beach Kids Club nearby is open for children ages five to 12, and there are plenty of games for kids to play on the great lawn, like ping-pong, giant chess, and catch. Fireplaces dotted throughout the property are great for s’mores at night, and the restaurants—even high-end Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina—all have special kids' menus. —Juliana Shallcross
Courtesy The Resort at Paws UphotelThe Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025There's nothing quite like a good night's sleep after a day of leading a cattle drive on horseback, pushing the limits on a high ropes course, and indulging in a chuck wagon cookout served up by a chef. Montana's The Resort at Paws Up delivers high-end camping above the rushing Black River. You can pick from a plush family tent outfitted with separate sleeping quarters for the kids and a full bathroom with heated floors, or a porch-wrapped home, which offers the perk of complimentary kids club access.
Courtesy Dunton Hot SpringshotelDunton Hot Springs, Dunton, Colorado
$$$ | Gold List 2018, 2020 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2024Built on the bones of an old mining town, high in the Colorado Rockies, this all-inclusive resort is a Traveler favorite. The bravest kids get to explore a ghost town in between horseback riding, fly fishing, and rafting in the summer. (In the winter, try dog sledding and skiing.) Parents can slip away at night to indulge in wine pairings in the Saloon, while kids dive into movies and popcorn in the room next door.
Four Seasons Resort OahuhotelFour Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023Located next door to Disney’s Aulani, the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina brings super luxury to the edge of a shared lagoon, granting parents an Oahu vacation with all the trimmings of paradise, but without the Mickey Mouse ears. A stay comes with cribs for tots and clubs for tweens, outdoor pools and beachfront water sports, spa treatments for everyone, and access to the Ko Olina Golf Club. Plus, babysitting services are available for those seeking a play date or day trip sans the little ones. The Kids for All Seasons Program (for guests ages five through 12) offers complimentary classes spanning beaded bracelet–making, mini volcano sculpting, dodgeball, and petroglyph sand art.
Getty/Courtesy Mohonk Mountain HousehotelMohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025Nature lovers and history buffs unite 90 miles north of New York City at this fifth-generation-owned clifftop lake retreat. Kids can fill their days with gadget-free outdoor escapades—think frog hunting at the complimentary kids club, rock climbing, and illuminated nighttime disc golf. Round it out with mindfulness meditation programs led by Nina Smiley, Ph.D. The six-bedroom Grove Lodge is perfect for multigenerational gatherings.
Courtesy Ritz-CarltonhotelRitz-Carlton Orlando, Orlando, Florida
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025Set on 500 acres at the head of the Florida Everglades, with all the requisite scenery the location brings—wetlands, ponds, cypress trees—this luxury Orlando resort offers up an outdoor wonderland that's far from Disney-fied. Take the kids on a guided eco-tour by kayak, immerse them in Florida’s great outdoors at the interactive kids club, take a fishing lesson, or hit the Greg Norman–designed golf course.
hotelThe Peninsula Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
$$$ | Gold List 2018, 2019, 2022 
Hot List 2017 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024New hotels keep popping up in Chicago, but for discerning families, none can do it quite like the Peninsula. Take your pick from amenities that include an in-room tent and scavenger hunt for the little ones with the Camp Peninsula package, or head out into the city with a children’s map of places to explore, available from the concierge. During the winter, the Peninsula is home to the only hotel skating rink in Chicago. Guests can enjoy this winter wonderland with hot drinks and snacks from the chalet.
Lone Mountain RanchhotelLone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky, Montana
$$$A visit to Yellowstone National Park doesn’t have to mean forgoing luxury. Take guided excursions into the nearby park when you stay at this 160-acre private ranch, which you’ll want to return to every day for horseback rides, high alpine lake fishing, and a cabin set right on a crystal-clear river. Older kids will particularly appreciate the variety of outdoor activities on offer in the forested surrounding.
Courtesy Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly HillshotelFour Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, California
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024Tucked away on a quiet street, this Beverly Hills mainstay draws both local celebrities and out-of-towners with its luxurious rooms and dining options. Kids won’t feel left out here, with perks that include complimentary baby bath amenities, child-size bathrobes, complimentary coloring books and crayons, and children’s menus for in-room dining and in all restaurants. Parents, don’t miss the seasonal speakeasy extravaganza at Veil & Velvet, held in the hotel’s transformed lounge. The immersive experience includes an extensive martini list and tables adorned with antique jewel boxes and a “press for caviar” button that will bring servers zooming over to your table with a fabulous selection. The property also has a spa with an expanded menu of treatments that include a citrus body scrub made from Dead Sea crystals and a sound bath meditation.
Courtesy Montage Palmetto BluffhotelMontage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina
$$ | Gold List 2020 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025Draped in Spanish moss and studded with century-old oak trees, Montage Palmetto Bluff is a sprawling retreat spread across 20,000 acres in South Carolina’s Low Country. 200 rooms and suites sit alongside winding rivers, nature trails, two pools, and a Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course. For the little ones, a children’s program called Paintbox offers games, movies, and crafts for guests ages five to 12. The Montage Merits program encourages children to earn celebratory badges after completing adventures like hiking, spotting wildlife, and catching fish. Adults can slip away to the 13,000-square-foot spa or the dimly lit speakeasy, Hush, specializing in curated bourbon and ryes from masterful mixologists. For a history of the region, a short drive to the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park in Hilton Head is a valuable introduction to a cultural landmark that was once home to America's first self-governed community of formerly enslaved people. Today, the park includes walking trails, a picnic pavilion, beach access, and Griot’s Corner, where children can enjoy immersive storytelling. When hunger strikes, don’t miss the incredible food of the Low Country at popular places like Ma Daisy’s Porch and Okan Bluffton.
Courtesy Accor HotelshotelFairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, Arizona
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025It’s all about versatility at this 65-acre desert favorite. At the Arizona resort's Trailblazers Family Adventure Center, little ones can enjoy a different themed adventure each week—including a life-size game of Pac-Man. At the Sonoran Splash Pool, a 200-foot twisting water slide will keep the kids busy while you unwind in a luxurious private cabana. Nearby, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix offers more than 300 hands-on exhibits. When hunger strikes, take your pick from five award-winning restaurants and bars on the property.
Courtesy Pelican HillhotelThe Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020Just an hour south of Los Angeles, The Resort at Pelican Hill calls Newport Beach's stretch of gleaming coastline home. The sweeping coastal retreat houses the largest circular pool found in the US, with over one million hand-cut glass tiles at the bottom to dazzle both kids and adults alike. During the summer months, the pool becomes home to the daily “Morning Splash,” with floaties and inflatable fun for all. The resort’s 332 bungalow and villa accommodations feature several “Imagination Amenities”—complimentary to resort guests and ideal for kids two to 10—including a bath bucket of fun soaps, cups, and toys, and an easel with drawing supplies to create a special art nook in any accommodation. Other kid-friendly programming includes the Mommy & Me Gelato and Manicure experience, and youth yoga for ages three and up. Villa rentals are available in two-, three-, and four-bedroom configurations and range from 2,200 square feet to 3,581 square feet.
Courtesy The Loren at Pink BeachhotelThe Loren at Pink Beach, Tucker's Town, Bermuda
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2018While not technically in the Caribbean, Bermuda is a great spot for families to head to when they want a little taste of fun in the sun. With a prized location on Bermuda’s iconic Pink Beach in Smith’s Parish, The Loren is an ideal seaside getaway for families. The chic, modern oceanfront hotel is set on eight acres of blush-colored sand and features 45 suites with perks like private terraces, Sferra linens, and freestanding tubs alongside walk-in rain showers. Rooms are also livened up with curated works from over 20 international artists. For families, consider a stay in one of the luxury seaside villas, which include nearly 3,600 square feet of private space to roam, private pools, and gourmet kitchens with modern appliances. The showstopper of the property, The Residence, offers its own private beach, tennis court, chef’s kitchen, and screening room on five-and-a-half acres of land. Complimentary mini golf is included in any villa or residence stay, and there are tons of other experiences worth trying out, like Popcorn by the Sea, which shows film favorites like Sister Act and The Addams Family on the pool deck. There’s also a well-equipped kids club and kiddie pool.
Christian HoranhotelFour Seasons Resort Nevis, St. Kitts & Nevis
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024Located on a pristine stretch of sand, Four Seasons Nevis is an idyllic retreat where guests can just as easily bask in the sun as they can fill their days with dozens of activities. For families, enjoy the Kids for All Seasons program, which includes kite-making and family movie nights, plus complimentary kids’ menu meals for children ages five and under. The property also has a Sea Turtle Conservancy Program to raise awareness about the various sea turtle species. Seven gourmet restaurants and bars are sure to please any palate, and rum lovers will adore beachfront On the Dune, where a tasting experience is served up from mixologist Kendie Williams. To fully explore the island, consider renting bikes from a local vendor—you may even spot a few green vervet monkeys along the way.
Tadeu Brunelli/Courtesy Grand Hyatt Baha MarBaha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas
Perhaps one of the most family-friendly islands in the Caribbean, Baha Mar in the Bahamas has welcomed millions of families to its powder-soft sands. The 1,000-acre luxury resort complex features Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood hotels that all overlook Cable Beach. Shared amenities across the sizable complex include SLS’s 15-acre water park with several swimming pools, Baha Bay; a daily kids club schedule; an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature course; over 30 luxury retail outlets; a recently renovated 300-seat jazz club; and more than 45 restaurants and lounges. Families should also not miss the annual Junkanoo parade each Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, a competition of dances, costume designs, and music routines.
The Palms Turks and CaicoshotelThe Palms, Turks and Caicos
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2025If you have a big family to please, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than The Palms in Turks and Caicos. Book a sprawling suite with a full kitchen and a patio, just steps from the white sands and luminescent blue water of Grace Bay Beach, where everything from a cocktail in a cabana to complimentary windsurfing lessons is possible. There's also an on-site kids club that accommodates ages four to 12 for both full and half days. Most activities on offer take place outside in the sunshine and in the water. But, on rare occasions when the weather doesn’t deliver, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep the kids busy. There’s a babysitting service, and all the suites have kitchens with stovetops and fridges, should guests want to stock up on snacks and groceries or need to feed their kids at home. This is one of those self-contained beach resorts primed for family vacations, minus the kitsch of water slides and the like. —Lale Arikoglu
Virtuality Realty/Tamarind Hills Resort and VillashotelTamarind Hills Resort and Villas, Antigua
$$$Unobstructed views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea are the ultimate reward at Antigua’s Tamarind Hills Resort & Villas. 56 rooms include spacious suites and villas with up to five bedrooms, ensuring plenty of room to roam for everyone. Other perks: villas with fully equipped kitchens and private pools, and direct access to two of Antigua’s most prized slices of sand—Ffryes and Darkwood beaches. A kids program features activities like a reggae dance class, tie-dye T-shirt making, and scavenger hunts. When you’re ready for a little relaxation of your own, in-house spa services are available, as well as an expert concierge team that can curate any experience around the island.
Fabrice RamberthotelHôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, St. Barts
$$$ | Hot List 2021 Readers' Choice Awards 2022, 2024Located just minutes from St. Barts’s coveted Shell Beach, this intimate luxury haven offers stunning sea views and moments of respite for the whole family. 21 suites scattered about a tranquil cliffside encourage guests to unwind on the expansive pool decks and at the private restaurant and beach club. Family-friendly accommodations include larger bungalows with separate bedrooms and a five-bedroom private villa with its own pool. Hop on a courtesy Le Carl Gustaf electric bike or head to the spa while the kids enjoy on-site activities like pastry classes, painting, and treasure hunts. Service here is impeccable, with a concierge team always willing to offer tips for exploring the island. Dine at Chef Riccardo Giraudi’s award-winning restaurant Beefbar, inspired by the cosmopolitan culture of Monte Carlo. Here, guests can indulge in a selection of international street food and inventive cocktails while overlooking the cerulean waters of the Caribbean.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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