Luxury travel with children: what really works

How to choose a hotel that suits both children and parents, from kids' clubs to connecting rooms.
What to look for
- Villas or suites with separate bedrooms, or connecting rooms
- A kids' club with real activities, not just a playroom
- Shallow beaches or lagoons, and supervised pools
- Flexible meal times and simple menus
- Short transfers from the airport
Ages and policies
Some hotels set minimum ages, particularly safari lodges for game drives and some adults-only retreats. Always check before booking.
Pacing the trip
Fewer moves mean happier travellers. Plan one or two bases with day trips, and keep mornings for activities and afternoons for rest.
Our family favourites
Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, Gleneagles in Scotland and Belmond Hotel das Cataratas at Iguaçu all welcome children with space and activities.