5 Luxury Family Holiday Destinations That Are Actually Relaxing
Planning a luxury family holiday can feel like a full-time job. I have spent countless hours scrolling through websites and reading reviews until my eyes blurred. You want somewhere that feels special and luxurious for the adults but also has plenty to keep the kids happy. It is a tricky balance to find.
If you get it wrong, you end up in a fancy hotel where you are terrified your toddler will break a vase. Or you end up in a chaotic resort where the “luxury” buffet is just lukewarm nuggets. I believe you deserve a break that truly feels like a treat for everyone.
I have pulled together five amazing luxury family holiday ideas that offer that perfect mix of comfort and fun. These spots are safe, beautiful and packed with things to do. Whether you want sun, snow or a bit of culture, there is something here for you.
The Maldives: More than just a honeymoon spot
When people think of the Maldives, they often picture couples on honeymoon. It is true that the islands are romantic. But they are also incredible for families. Imagine letting your kids run free on soft white sand without worrying about crowds or traffic.
The water is shallow and clear, which makes it safe for swimming. Many resorts have kids’ clubs that are better than some schools. They do activities like crab racing and cooking classes while you enjoy a quiet coffee or a spa treatment. Remember the luxury family holiday has to be fun for you and the kids!
When to visit
The weather plays a big part in a Maldives luxury family holiday. According to the Maldives Meteorological Service, the dry season runs from January to March. This is when you are most likely to get those perfect sunny days. The wet season is from mid-May to November. It is still warm, with temperatures between 25°C and 32°C, but you might see more rain.
What to do
Snorkelling is a must here. The water is so clear that you can see fish swimming around your ankles. You do not even need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy it. Just putting your face in the water with a mask is enough to see a whole new world.
Dubai: Thrills and culture in the desert
Dubai is a place that feels like it was built for families. It is clean, safe and incredibly modern. Everything works well, which takes a lot of stress out of travelling with children.
You have the best of both worlds here. You can spend the morning at a massive water park and the afternoon learning about history. A nice mixed luxury family holiday you will all enjoy.
Theme park fun
If your kids are aged between 2 and 12, they will love LEGOLAND® Dubai. It is designed specifically for them. They have indoor and outdoor rides, so you can escape the heat if you need to. There is even a water park right next door with slides that you can build a raft on.
A touch of history
It is not all tall buildings and shopping malls. For a change of pace, I recommend visiting Al Ain. It is a city that is a bit quieter and very green. The Cultural Sites of Al Ain are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. You can walk through old oases filled with date palms and see how people used to live in the desert thousands of years ago. It is a great way to sneak in some education without the kids noticing.
Important entry rules
Before you book your flights, check your passports. The UK government advice says your passport must have at least 6 months left on it from the date you arrive. If you have a residence permit, the rule is slightly different, so it is worth double-checking plenty of time before the dream luxury family holiday.
Lapland: The ultimate winter magic
If your family loves Christmas, Lapland is the dream luxury family holiday. It is located in northern Finland and looks exactly like the pictures on Christmas cards. The trees are heavy with snow, and the air is crisp and cold.
This is not a lie on a beach holiday. It is an adventure. You get to wear cosy thermal suits and play in the snow all day.
Meet Santa
The main attraction is Santa Claus Village. It is open every day of the year, so you do not have to go in December. You can meet Santa in his office and cross the magical Arctic Circle line. It is marked right there on the ground in the central square.
Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights is on many bucket lists. Lapland is one of the best places to see them. They are a natural event, so there is no guarantee they will show up. But hunting for them on a sleigh ride or from a glass igloo is an experience you will never forget.
Seychelles: Nature at its best
The Seychelles is another group of islands that looks like paradise which makes them perfect for a luxury family holiday. It sits in the Indian Ocean and is famous for its massive granite rocks on the beaches.
This destination feels a bit wilder than the Maldives. It is perfect if your family likes nature. You can see giant tortoises walking around and rare birds in the trees.
Picking the right season
You can visit the Seychelles at any time for a luxury family holiday, but the seasons do change things. Tourism Seychelles says the dry season is from May to October. This time of year is cooler and less humid. It is the peak season for tourists because the weather is so predictable.
If you go between November and April, it is the wet season. It will be hotter and more humid. You might get some heavy rain showers, but the islands are very lush and green during these months.
Mauritius: A mix of everything
Mauritius is an island that has it all for a luxury family holiday. You have incredible beaches, but you also have mountains, forests and towns to explore. It feels like a real country rather than just a resort.
The people are very friendly and welcoming to children. Food is a highlight here too. It is a mix of Indian, Chinese, French and Creole flavours. Even picky eaters usually find something they like, such as fresh fruit or mild curries.
Lagoons and calm waters
One of the best things about Mauritius is the coral reef that surrounds the island. This creates large, calm lagoons. The water is flat and shallow near the beach. It is perfect for toddlers or kids who are learning to swim. You do not have to worry about big waves knocking them over.
Adventure days
If you get bored of the beach, you can head inland. There are parks where you can see coloured earth and waterfalls. You can go on easy hikes that are suitable for little legs. It is a great place to introduce kids to the outdoors in a safe and easy way.
Practical tips for a luxury family holiday
Booking the trip is just the first step. Here are a few things to make the journey to your luxury family holiday smoother.
Check the passport rules
I mentioned this for Dubai, but it applies everywhere. Many countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months after you arrive. Check this as soon as you book. You do not want a panic at the airport.
Book transfers in advance
When you land after a long flight, the last thing you want to do is haggle for a taxi. In places like the Maldives, your hotel will usually arrange a boat or seaplane. For other places, book a private car to meet you. Seeing a driver with your name on a sign is the first taste of luxury.
Pack for the weather
A luxury family holiday often means hot weather. Pack plenty of high-factor sun cream. The sun in the Indian Ocean or the desert is much stronger than back home. For Lapland, you need layers. Good thermal underwear is worth every penny.
Don’t overschedule
It is tempting to try and do everything. But kids get tired. Plan one big activity a day and leave the rest of the time free. The best memories often happen when you are just hanging out by the pool or building a snowman.
Why are these trips worth it?
It is easy to look at the price of a luxury family holiday and wonder if it is worth it. It is a lot of money. But I think the value comes from the time you spend together without distractions.
At home, there is always washing to do or emails to answer. In these places, everything is taken care of. You can focus on your family. You can watch your kids learn to snorkel or see their faces light up when they meet Santa. Those moments are precious.
So take a look at these destinations. Think about what your family enjoys most. Whether it is building sandcastles in the Seychelles or riding rollercoasters in Dubai, there is a perfect luxury family holiday waiting for you.
Where would be your dream luxury family holiday? Let me know in the comments below.
