The Ultimate Edit Of Luxury Family Holidays For Memories That Last A Lifetime

Escape to white-sand paradises, ancient ruins and fairy-tale castles for a familial trip of a lifetime

Best for… Thrill-Seeking Food-Lovers

Epicureans of all ages will love Cottar’s new five-night safari, launching in December. Hosted by the Kenyan restaurateur Kiran Jethwa, known for his TV programmes Chef vs Wild and The Fearless Chef, this incredible trip gives guests the opportunity to see the big five in the Maasai Mara, and to try food-focused activities such as foraging. Families will dine under the stars, having learnt about Kenya’s unique culinary heritage from those who live there, before cosying up in Cottar’s comfy tents tucked into the wilderness.

For more information and booking, visit cottars.com.

Best for…Pure Relaxation

On the south-west coast of Bali lies the 10-kilometre Canggu beach. While the area is best known for surfing – ideal for new learners – the new hotel Regent Bali Canggu offers five star comfort too. Opt for a ocean-facing penthouse or a beachfront villa – spacious, self-contained and all offering private pools and unparalleled sea views.

For more information and booking, visit ihg.com.

Best for… History Enthusiasts

The most romanticised of destinations is often the past. So, why not travel back in time with your clan at some of the classical world’s most precious sites? Explora Journeys hosts a seven-day ‘A Journey between Magnificent Ruins & Myths’ adventure in a luxury cruise ship from Antalya to Istanbul that takes in the grand vestiges of the Roman Empire – the marble gateway of Hadrian’s Arch, the ruins of Ephesus in Kuşadasi – and the evocative settings of Homer’s epics. Sailing the seas on Explora I, a stunning boat designed to feel like your own private yacht, its deluxe penthouse suite will prove to be the perfect home away from home.

For more information and booking, visit explorajourneys.com.

Best for… Nautical Adventures

While the Maldives might once have held the crown for its crystalline waters, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea is certainly having its moment. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is what holidays are all about – privacy, luxury and leisure. With all manner of water-based adventures, enthusiasts can kayak, snorkel, dive and sail to their heart’s content. Expect encounters with beautiful fish, technicolour corals, endangered hawksbill turtles, dolphins, stingrays and more. On dry land, Neyrah Spa will take the grown-ups on a journey of self-discovery, while Nujuma’s chefs can craft bespoke culinary experiences and masterclasses for kids.

For more information and booking, visit ritzcarlton.com.

Best for… Family Fun

Situated on a peaceful stretch of the Andalusian coastline, Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol is a newly opened resort and a masterclass in family-friendly design – perfect for those travelling en masse or with tots. It features an 1,800-square-metre spa with a hammam and yoga studio, alongside two innovative kids’ clubs for ages ranging from four to 13, and a dedicated babysitting service. The 47 elegant villas all have private pools and terraces, ideal for unwinding with a cocktail at sunset. For a date night with a difference, head to the beach club to try the espeto, sardines roasted over a fire in a boat – a Málaga speciality.

For more information and booking, visit fairmont.com.

Images: Supplied

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Junior Autumn/Winter 2025 issue.