There’s not enough room here to name all of the incredible luxury family resorts that one can find across the US and Caribbean. However, this list does represent the undeniable crowd-pleasers with every trick up their sleeve for both kids and parents—you know, those magical places that know how to anticipate every need and provide every imaginable comfort for a multigenerational group.
As a travel writer and a mom, I know that as families grow, so do their needs and tastes, which is why this list also aims to share the best luxury options for whatever stage of the game your crew is in right now. Families with toddlers and babies, for example, will love easy beach escapes at Cheval Blanc St-Barths and Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Martha’s Vineyard, while families planning a Walt Disney World vacation will see it through new eyes after a stay at the Four Seasons in Orlando. Older kids will be over the moon to take part in mountain adventures at Paws Up Montana, and mixed-age groups will be eyeing SoCal’s Terranea for their next big gathering.
The best part is that even if you don’t know what you need, you really can’t go wrong with any of the properties you’ll find below. Each is a gem likely to have you planning your next return before you even leave the premises. Read on for the best luxury family resorts in the US and Caribbean.
- Best for multigenerational vacations: Terranea Resort
- Best for young children: Cheval Blanc St-Barths
- Best for getting offline and into nature: The Resort at Paws Up
- Best for family-friendly programming: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
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Terranea Resort
CNT Triple CrownReaders’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024
Location: Palos Verdes, California
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean on Southern California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula, just a 30-minute drive from LAX, Terranea is a no-brainer for easy family gatherings and reunions that need to feel like a proper vacation. A recent $4.5-million renovation elevated the resort, updating its multi-bedroom casitas with ocean views and its gorgeous spa, with treatment rooms perched over the crashing waves.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg at Terranea, where options galore seem custom-made for big groups. Don’t want a casita? Book one of 326 rooms and 34 suites. Craving great dining options? Walk to five robust oceanfront restaurants, including Bashi for Pan-Asian and sushi, Terranea’s signature Mar’sel for special occasions, and Nelson’s for fish tacos, firepits, and plenty of space for casual sunset gatherings.
Those looking for organized group adventures can try a short course or nine-hole golf game at the Links at Terranea, guided kayaking to tide pools, or private falconry lessons. But there’s also plenty to do that is unstructured, including access to a 5,000-square-foot fitness center with a yoga studio and complimentary classes, four heated swimming pools (including one with a 140-foot waterslide), and cabana rentals offering loads of space.
Check Availability at Booking.com
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Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, Dana Point, California
CNT Triple CrownReaders’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024
Location: Dana Point, California
This 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 kid-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 5–12, and there are plenty of games to play on the great lawn, like ping-pong, giant chess, and catch. Firepits 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
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Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina
Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023
Located next door to Disney’s Aulani, the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina brings ultra 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. Stays include 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 5 through 12) offers complimentary classes spanning beaded bracelet-making, mini volcano sculpting, dodgeball, and petroglyph sand art. —Jennie Nunn
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The Peninsula Chicago
CNT Triple CrownHot List 2017Gold List 2018, 2019, 2022
You’ll find a dizzying number of hotels across Chicago, but for discerning families, none can do it quite like the Peninsula. Book a connecting suite outfitted with play stations and separate living rooms, pick from amenities that include an in-room tent and incredible house-made desserts, and book a private lakefront cruise for the entire crew. Both kids and parents will be blown away by the creative, kid-friendly menus at each of the Peninsula’s restaurants, including afternoon tea service in the lobby. During the winter, the Peninsula is home to the only hotel skating rink in Chicago, set several stories above the city. The whole family can enjoy this winter wonderland with hot drinks and snacks from the chalet.
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Fairmont Grand Del Mar
CNT Triple CrownReaders’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025
Location: San Diego, California
Kids are the focus here and can expect all the bells and whistles, including an in-room glamping package featuring an indoor tent, child-sized robe, personalized cookie, and family-friendly movie. Around the property, three family pools play underwater music, and in summer, programming includes daily activities like pirate training and swimming with mermaids. On the dining front, children 5 and under eat free from the kids menu, while ages 6 through 12 eat for 50% off the regular menu at Amaya or Clubhouse Grill. Babysitting services are available via the hotel concierge, offering a perfect opportunity for parents to escape to the resort’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, the recently renovated Addison by William Bradley, complete with a new Champagne lounge.
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Montage Palmetto Bluff
CNT Triple CrownGold List 2020Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Location: Bluffton, South Carolina
Draped 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. Two hundred 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 5–12. 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 at popular places like Ma Daisy’s Porch and Okan Bluffton. —Corina Quinn
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Cheval Blanc St-Barth
CNT Triple CrownHot List 2020Gold List 2018, 2023
Few boutique resorts in the Caribbean know how to make an elegant beach getaway look quite so effortless, especially for families with smaller children. Cheval Blanc St-Barth sits directly on Flamands Beach, easily among the island’s loveliest stretches of white sand. The two-bedroom Beach Suite is perfect for privacy and a prime position on the beach, and the five-bedroom Villa de France is ideal for multigenerational families craving time together under one roof.
Groups will never tire of swims, snorkeling, and perhaps a private catamaran adventure in the bright blue waters of Flamans Bay. Let Cheval Blanc provide everything from baby equipment—like high chairs, bumpers, and bibs by the French brand Badou—and child-size bathrobes to slippers and made-to-order purées. Guests can also choose from clever family-friendly programming, such as treasure hunts through a dreamy garden, bread-baking and mocktail-making classes, yoga, personalized birthday parties, swimming lessons, and a skies-the-limit approach to bespoke kid-friendly adventures.
Check Availability at Michelin Guide
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The St. Regis Deer Valley
Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
There are St. Regis properties, and then there’s the St. Regis Deer Valley, a coveted Utah icon for every age and season. Let’s start with winter, arguably the ultimate time to visit this St. Regis, which sits a fun funicular ride up from the base of Deer Valley Ski Resort (with ski-in/ski-out access). You’ll instantly feel a million miles away from the crowds, whether in a spacious room or residence complete with a fireplace, the 14,000-square-foot spa, or the guest-only ski room, where friendly ski valets will have your boots warmed and skis waiting for you slopeside.
For an unfussy family lunch, kick back in your boots with alfresco, fireside dining at Brasserie 7452, one of several restaurants at the hotel. Off the slopes, kids will love cookie-baking classes with the resort’s famed pastry chefs, the heated outdoor infinity pool, daily s’mores on the terrace, and, during the holidays, walks through life-sized gingerbread houses and visits from live reindeer. There’s also complimentary car service to Park City, just a mile away, and a must for a lively Main Street stroll.
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Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, 2024
This Four Seasons is the answer to a Walt Disney World vacation that delivers the perfect amount of exclusivity and a truly luxurious hotel stay with the power to mute theme park madness. Located within the Walt Disney World Resort complex, guests enjoy early access to any Disney theme park (30 minutes before opening), complimentary motor coach shuttle service, on-site assistance with park tickets, and Disney character breakfasts and private meet-and-greets right at the hotel.
Massive suites and rooms are the rule here, including refreshed Park View Deluxe Suites and a nine-bedroom residence. From there, make time for the five-acre Explorer Island water park with two waterslides and an epic lazy river, two Har-Tru tennis courts and four pickleball courts, an 18-hole Tom Fazio–designed golf course, five different restaurants (complimentary childcare for ages 4–12), and the only adults-only pool to be found on a Disney property.
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Paws Up Montana
Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025
There’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 Paws Up Resort 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. —Jean Chen Smith
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Baha Mar
Readers’ Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024
Located on 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, all overlooking Cable Beach. Shared amenities across the sizable complex include a 15-acre water park with several swimming pools, a kids club, a culinary venue that includes mini cooking classes, a state-of-the-art arcade, Bahamian art workshops at the “Current Gallery and Art Center,” an 18-hole golf course, junior marine biologists programming with hands-on science experiments for ages six to eight, a Aldabra tortoise habitat, and more than 45 restaurants and lounges, including a 300-seat jazz club. The options are truly endless and dizzying. Time your visit for the annual Junkanoo parades each Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, featuring extravagant costumes, dance competitions, and musical performances.
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Mohonk Mountain House
Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Nature lovers and history buffs unite 90 miles north of New York City at this fifth-generation, family-owned clifftop lake retreat. Kids can fill their days with gadget-free outdoor escapades—think frog hunting at the complimentary kids club, rock scrambling, and pony rides. Round it out with mindfulness programming led by Nina Smiley, Ph.D. The six-bedroom Grove Lodge is perfect for multigenerational gatherings.
Check Availability at Mohonk Mountain House
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The Palms
Readers’ Choice Awards 2025
If you’ve got a big family to please, The Palms is hard to beat. 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. All of the resort’s suites were recently refreshed as part of a $18-million renovation, which included a redesigned pool deck and Sí Sí, a new oceanfront Mexican restaurant.
Most activities at The Palms take place outside in the sunshine and in the water. Days can be spent by the infinity pool and swim-up bar, on the island’s iconic beach, or enjoying complimentary water sports, tennis, and croquet. On the rare occasions when the weather doesn’t deliver (or parents simply crave some time at the resort’s 25,000-square-foot spa), there’s plenty to keep the kids busy, including an on-site kids club with half- and full-day programming as well as babysitting services. In short, this is one of those self-contained beach resorts primed for family vacations, minus the kitsch of waterslides and the like.
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Madeline Hotel, Telluride, Colorado
Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
It’s hard to beat Telluride for pristine Colorado skiing, and even harder to do better than a stay mid-mountain at the ski-in/ski-out Madeline. Book a modern residence-style unit with a full kitchen and views of the surrounding mountains, then leave the logistics to the dedicated ski valet and Adventure Guides, who can arrange lift tickets as well as ski and snowboard lessons for every level. Off the slopes, the kids will be drawn to the on-site ice rink and heated pool, naturally followed by s’mores by the fire. There’s ample appeal for families beyond ski season, too, with guided hikes through wildflower-filled meadows, chef-prepared picnics, and classic lawn games backed by breathtaking Colorado scenery.
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Four Seasons Resort Nevis
Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Located 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 resort also supports sea turtle conservation efforts, helping raise awareness about the island’s various species. Seven gourmet restaurants and bars are sure to please any palate, and rum aficionados will delight in the resort’s elevated cocktail culture at The Crowned Monkey. To fully explore the island, consider renting bikes from a local vendor, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a few of Nevis’s famous green vervet monkeys along the way.
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Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025
Location: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
This classic Martha’s Vineyard resort boasts a great location on Edgartown’s South Beach, occupying 11 breezy acres in Katama, just three miles from town. Families can book one of 44 rooms and cottages, or settle into one of 70 private home rentals for more room to spread out. Beach days are the main event, but two heated pools, complimentary tennis clinics for adults and children, and fitness classes vie for attention between swims. Younger guests can join the complimentary children’s program, leaving parents free for an unhurried lunch, complimentary yoga, or a few more hours by the water. Don’t miss the guest-only offering that captures a quintessential Vineyard tradition: the Wednesday-night clambake on Winnetu’s front lawn.
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The Loren at Pink Beach
Readers’ Choice Awards 2018
Location: Tucker’s Town, Bermuda
While 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.
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 Cinema by the Sea, which shows favorite films on the pool deck. There’s also a well-equipped kids club and kiddie pool.
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Montage Big Sky
Hot List 2022Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, 2025
The only ski-in/ski-out luxury resort in Big Sky checks off every item on the family ski trip wish list and more. Start with access to 5,850 skiable acres at one of the roomiest ski resorts in the country and Montage’s own private tubing hill. Compass Sports, the resort’s on-site outfitter, offers in-room boot fittings, lessons, and the no-hassle experience of having everyone’s skis ready at the ski beach every morning. But downtime is the key to a winning family ski trip, and you’ll find plenty to do off-mountain as well. Kids ages 5–12 can join Montage’s signature Paintbox program for half- and full-day sessions filled with arts, crafts, and games. Or, you can head to Beartooth Pub as a group for bowling plus vintage arcade games, darts, milkshakes, and flatbreads. Comfy rooms await those who prefer to unwind in their pajamas, and Montage’s two- to six-room Residences come complete with full kitchens, private saunas, and outdoor hot tubs.
What is the best destination in the Caribbean for families with children?
The Caribbean can be challenging to travel to with children. Many island destinations require multiple flights to get to from the US, followed by long boat or car rides to reach your resort from the airport. That’s why I think Turks and Caicos is the easiest and best destination for a luxury family vacation: Nonstop flights to Providenciales (PLS), Turks and Caicos’s main international airport, are available from cities like Chicago and New York, and once you land, most resorts are just a 20-minute drive away.
What is the best all-inclusive family resort in the USA?
Families in search of a truly luxurious all-inclusive vacation should opt for a stay at Paws Up Montana. Meals and activities are all bundled into one price, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re spending while enjoying bucket list wilderness experiences like glamping, horseback riding, rafting, fly fishing, ATV excursions, cowboy cookouts, and more.
What are the best vacation destinations for families in the US?
The answer to this question lies in the kind of experience you want to have. For a true wilderness vacation, Montana delivers in spades with stunning wildlife and cowboy culture; Colorado is fantastic in any season for its exceptional all-ages mountain adventures. Florida’s beaches are a dream in the winter, with the sweetness of warm waters and seashell hunting for families, while California’s southern coast delivers exciting waves and surf culture along the Pacific Ocean. Families who ski and snowboard will love the snow in Park City and Deer Valley, Utah—the easy direct flights and huge assortment of hotels don’t hurt either.
More family travel inspiration:
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kristin Braswell.
Source: www.cntraveler.com
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