Unique family Adventures Around The World

The Young Explorer’s Club: Childhood Adventures They’ll Actually Remember

I know, I know! The kids are barely back in school and here I am talking about spring break and summer for next year. But… maybe you missed out on early planning last year? Booked too late and got stuck with leftover rooms, inflated prices, or a not-so-great itinerary? Or worse - maybe you skipped it altogether and spent the week watching everyone else’s fantastic getaways on social media 😫

Here’s the thing: even though it feels forever away (the school supplies aren’t even bought yet!), now is the time to start thinking about where you’ll go, how long you’ll stay, and what you’ll be budgeting.

The good news? You’ve still got a little time. The bad news? Waiting too long could mean:

❌ Snagging the last room (with a parking lot view)

❌ Paying way more thanks to good old supply and demand

❌ Fewer options for everything - from dining reservations to the best guides to tours

P.S. Don’t have kids? It’s still smart to plan out your travel now. Mapping your travel year now means better pricing, better availability, and trips that actually fit your schedule (and budget) instead of just hoping they’ll work out.

But let’s end on a high note: if you think school breaks are just crowded Cancun beaches full of kids, think again. Family travel has grown up. The best experiences no longer revolve around plastic wristbands and crowded kids’ clubs, but around opportunities for wonder that are hands-on, place-based, and genuinely unforgettable. Scroll on for suggestions that are far more special that your family will be begging to return to again and again… and thank me later ✨


Gleneagles - Scotland

Gleneagles is the ultimate countryside playground for both adults and kids - shooting, fishing, horseback riding, gundog training, ferret training (kids love this one), tennis, offroading, Highland exploration, etc. Kids cry when they leave this hotel; it’s really that special. For adults, it's very close to the famous St. Andrews golf course and they have a 2 Michelin star restaurant on property. Gleneagles crafts a truly remarkable escape for families; the constant stream of hands-on fun ensures that every day is brimming with new discoveries, exciting challenges, and moments of shared joy. Everyone will leave wanting to come back to this amazing Scottish haven.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel: 

  • Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining

  • $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Kokomo Private Island - Fiji

Children will have great fun over in Fiji because a stay on Kokomo Private Island goes far beyond your classic kids’ club activities. Crafty kids can get hands-on with clay, creating mini masterpieces with Kokomo’s resident artist or bracelet-making in one of its popular jewelry workshops; water babies can make a splash at the Kokocabana Pool Club for aquatic adventures; and animal-lovers can partake in a tropical fish-feeding frenzy in the island’s crystal-clear waters, which can also be explored on one of Kokomo’s glass-bottom boat trips. Every parent loves Kokomo Private Island because their children are well cared for at all ages; Kokomo even offers complimentary nanny services for children up to three years of age.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel: 

  • Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining

  • $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit

  • Bookings in the Residences will receive an additional $200 Resort or Hotel credit (for a total of $300 during stay)

  • Stays of 7+ nights will also receive a complimentary 60-minute Kokomo Signature Pacific Mastery Massage for two guests, once during stay

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Brando - French Polynesia

The Brando hosts its very own Lagoon School, designed to occupy curious minds ages six to twelve with five different sessions unique to animal life in French Polynesia. Two coral programs, one on turtles and another on cetaceans, and one on the fish and plants of Tetiaroa – it’s an educational program that has all bases covered. New to Lagoon School is its latest module on sea and migratory birds found in French Polynesia, with a specific focus on the species seen in Tetiaroa. Species, life cycles, threats, and conservation solutions – they’ll come away having learned plenty.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel: 

  • Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining

  • $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit

  • Bookings in a Two Bedroom Villa (or larger) will receive an additional $100 Food & Beverage credit (for a total of $200 during stay)

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Hotel Eden Roc - Switzerland

Hotel Eden Roc on Lake Maggiore is Switzerland’s only true beach resort, directly on the shores of Lake Maggiore with a private beach and private marina, walkable to town. They have numerous activities - a watersports school on site, beekeeping, hiking, a spa, biking, boating, sailing, as well as a kids club. To keep the parents happy, they also have two Michelin keys, 4 restaurants, one with 2 Michelin stars, and a 20,000+ square foot wellness area with treatment rooms, pools, a fitness center, and various saunas and steam baths. 

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel: 

  • Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant

  • $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay

  • Bookings in Suite categories will receive an additional $100 Resort or Hotel credit (for a total of $200 during stay)

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Nimmo Bay - Canada

Most of the wilderness lodges in Canada have minimum age restrictions but Nimmo Bay does not have age restrictions and even has a Kids in the Wild program. Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, you are in the perfect place to see bears in their natural habitat, as well as whales and dolphins. You can even spot bears from their floating dock, complete with tub. You can also go on waterfall tours, meet local communities, and go foraging on land and in the sea to create your meal. With no road access, guests arrive at the lodge by boat or floatplane. However, catching the floatplane is easy - you just have to get to Vancouver or charter the floatplane from Seattle. 

Coworth Park - United Kingdom

Coworth Park is super close to London Heathrow Airport, making it perfect if you have a layover, or to start or end your trip to London or the United Kingdom. It's got a full service spa and fitness center, an indoor swimming pool with underwater music, tennis, croquet, horse riding and polo lessons with the Guards Polo Club, equestrian facilities, walking, jogging, and cycling trails, SEVEN playrooms for kids, a kids club, babysitting, and a full program of kids programming. It's part of the same collection as the Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel BelAir. This hotel would pair perfectly with The Newt in Somerset for a great week of British countryside exploration. 

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel: 

Guestrooms:

  • Guaranteed one-category upgrade at time of booking for all room categories, up to Junior Suite category

  • 100-unit credit once during stay (in local currency), applied to guest room folio at time of checkout

  • Complimentary breakfast for two daily, through in-room dining or hotel restaurant

  • Complimentary WIFI (unlimited number of devices) provided throughout guest stay

Junior Suites:

  • Same as Guestroom benefits above, however upgrade is subject to availability at time of check-in

Suites:

  • 100-unit credit DAILY (in local currency) per guest bedroom, applied to guest room folio at time of checkout

  • Complimentary breakfast for two per suite guest bedroom daily, through in-room dining or hotel restaurant

  • Complimentary WIFI (unlimited number of devices) provided throughout guest stay

  • Complimentary round-trip airport transfers for one-bedroom suite categories and above. Valid on all stays made until March 31, 2026

The Newt in Somerset - Bruton, England

Located in the English countryside just outside of historic Bath, this magnificent estate features Roman artifacts dating back to AD 351 scattered across the grounds. The property is famous for its farm-to-table philosophy and its enormous, interactive gardens where families can participate in bee safaris at the apiary, join horticultural workshops, or take a family cider-tasting tour. Alongside its world-class spa and gym for adults, the estate provides exceptional, nature-led family programming that keeps kids connected to the countryside.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.

  • Early check-in / late check-out at time of booking, subject to availability.

  • Complimentary Somerset Cyder Tasting or Wine Tasting if the booking date falls over the experiences (value of £45 pp).

  • Complimentary breakfast for 2 per room

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel - Athens, Greece

Located on the glamorous Athens Riviera where the wealthy locals live, this property is just 30 minutes outside the city center. This cuts down on chaotic transit times and makes it an incredibly convenient base for families. The Four Seasons is legendary for its family hospitality, happily providing complimentary kids amenities, tiny bath robes, and bath toys. The resort features a fully supervised kids club for ages four and up, complete with arts and crafts, a tennis academy, and an open-air cinema under the stars. According to repeat client feedback, the absolute highlight for kids is the free ice cream served right at the main pool all day long.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Daily breakfast for 2 per room

  • 100 USD hotel credit for rooms or 200 USD for suites & private retreats

  • Room upgrade to next category (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)

St Nicolas Bay - Crete, Greece

This resort is highly popular with families who love staying in spacious suites that feature separate bedrooms and their own private pools, making it easy for the kids to swim whenever they want. The property caters to all generations with dedicated kids clubs split by age group, a teenagers club featuring movie nights and games, dedicated children's pools, and comprehensive babysitting services. A major highlight for this property is its beautiful, soft sandy beach, which i a massive bonus since the vast majority of beaches in Greece are strictly rocky.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room

  • A hotel credit valued at $100 USD (once per stay)

  • Stays of 7+ nights receive an additional $150 hotel credit (for a total of $250 per stay)

  • Early check-in and late check-out (when available)

  • Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)

Daios Cove - Crete, Greece

This property is a magnet for young families because its private beach sits on a calm, sheltered bay where the sea stays shallow and shelves out for about 50 feet, creating perfectly safe, rippling waves for toddlers. The resort features an excellent kids club with mini discos and game nights, alongside reliable babysitting services. The family villas are intelligently split over two stories, featuring a top-level sitting room with a sofa bed and its own bathroom that leads right out to the infinity pool and terrace, while the primary suite sits peacefully on the floor below.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room

  • A hotel credit valued at $100 USD (once per stay)

  • Early check-in and late check-out (when available)

  • Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)

The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort - Peloponnese, Greece

The Peloponnese region is incredibly convenient for families because it is a straightforward 3.5 hour drive from Athens, saving you from having to navigate flights or ferries to the islands. The Romanos is the most luxurious hotel on the estate, but staying here gives you full co-signing privileges at its family-friendly sister property, The Westin. This gives your family access to an impressive Aqua Park with three water slides, a bowling alley, a climbing wall, an NBA Basketball School, and two kids clubs hosting unique programs like Young Gardeners. They even offer a dedicated toddler program for little ones aged 18 months to 3 years.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room

  • A hotel credit valued at $100 USD (once per stay)

  • Early check-in and late check-out (when available)

  • Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)

Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa - Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the warmest islands in the Mediterranean, averaging over 300 days of sunshine a year, and you can fly directly into the island without dealing with ferries, making it easier and a more affordable option than comparable Greek resorts. Parklane stands out for having one of the most amazing kids club setups in the region, welcoming babies as young as 4 months old, which is practically unheard of for a luxury resort. While the kids are at the club or with the evening babysitting service, adults can escape to adults-only pools, a massive spa with a thalassotherapy circuit, or a premium beach area featuring the Nammos beach club and designer boutiques like Dior, Loro Piana, and Bottega Veneta.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room

  • A hotel credit valued at $100 USD (once per stay)

  • Early check-in and late check-out (when available)

  • Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)

Marbella Club - Andalusia, Spain

Located in the far south of Spain, Marbella Club sits in one of the warmest pockets of Europe and boasts one of the absolute best kids clubs on the continent. While the unaccompanied kids club requires children to be a certain age, the resort provides excellent on-site nanny and babysitting services so parents can still get plenty of downtime. Because it is one of the most legendary and popular summer holiday options in Europe, advance booking is strictly required as the property reliably sells out every single season.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room

  • A hotel credit valued at $100 USD (once per stay)

  • Complimentary guided tour through the Finca Ana Maria gardens

  • Early check-in and late check-out (when available)

  • Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)

Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor - Balearic Islands, Spain

Originally opened in 1929, this legendary estate has hosted iconic figures like Grace Kelly and Winston Churchill, and it officially reopened in 2025 after a massive, top-to-bottom luxury renovation. The resort sits inside a stunning 1,200 acre UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it an absolute dream for active families who want to hike, bike, snorkel, kayak, or try wind foiling together. It is an exceptional layout for families, complete with its own private, sandy beach that offers a calm and beautiful space for kids to play in the water.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Daily breakfast for 2 per room

  • 100 USD hotel credit for rooms or 200 USD for suites & private retreats

  • Room upgrade to next category (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)

Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resort - Big Island, Hawaii

Located in the beautiful Waimea region of the Big Island, Mauna Lani is widely loved by families and features some of the best culinary experiences on the island. The resort offers an incredible lineup of outdoor and cultural activities designed specifically for children, including a dedicated toddler pool with a soft, sandy bottom. For an unforgettable family morning, you can head out together on their iconic sunrise outrigger canoe row to watch the morning sun light up the volcanic coastline while learning ancient Hawaiian voyaging traditions. To make summer travel even sweeter, kids aged 10 and under eat completely free at the on-property restaurants every summer, which goes from April 11 through September 7, 2026 this year.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel: 

  • Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room

  • A hotel credit valued at $100 USD (once per stay)

  • Early check-in and late check-out (when available)

  • Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)

Carmel Valley Ranch - Carmel, California

Carmel Valley Ranch, nestled in the hills of Carmel in Northern California, offers both flexible family suites and engaging, kid-friendly activities. Children can immerse themselves in the ranch's Adventure Camp, participating in activities like junior golf lessons, equestrian experiences, and even a unique "Bee Experience" where they learn about honey production. The hotel has a full ranch on-property, allowing for animal interactions for both kids and adults - from picnicking with Sicilian mini-donkeys to hiking with goats. The property also boasts multiple swimming pools, including a kids' splash pad, and dedicated family and adults-only pools, in addition to a golf course. 

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel: 

  • Daily Breakfast For 2 People

  • 100 USD Property Credit per Stay

  • Room Upgrade Based On Forecasted Occupancy

  • First Priority for Early Check-In, Late Checkout, and Connecting/Adjoining Room Requests

Fairmont Del Mar - San Diego, California

Fairmont Grand Del Mar ensures peace of mind for families right from the start by offering guaranteed complimentary connecting rooms at the time of booking, two to three-bedroom connecting suite options, and a massive 3,950 square-foot, three-bedroom villa option. They also provide complimentary twin rollaway beds featuring high-quality, never-folded mattresses. On-site, the resort keeps every generation entertained with three pools with reservable cabanas, complimentary tennis and pickleball with equipment included, and 37 miles of hiking and canyon trails. Younger guests can meet the horses and enjoy pony ride experiences at the equestrian center, participate in summer camps covering golf, tennis, pickleball, and mermaid swimming, or join the Explorer’s Club, which offers half-day, full-day, and evening options for ages 5 to 12 . To make your stay even easier, kids 5 and under eat free while those ages 6 to 12 get 50% off dining at Amaya, and the whole family can gather for Grand Social outdoor concerts and weekend live music programming through the summer.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel: 

  • 3rd night free, on select dates (currently active through the end of 2026)

  • Daily complimentary breakfast for 2, per room

  • $100 USD credit to be spent on property (conditions defined at check-in)

  • Early check-in & late check-out (upon availability)

  • Upgrade at time of check-in (upon availability)

Southall Farm - Tennessee

This sustainable farm resort with 325 acres of open space has numerous activities to keep kids happy, with a roster of experiences from learning about majestic birds of prey as they land on gloved arms, to discovering local flora and fauna through guided hikes, to aerial adventures across four ziplines and watersports on Lake Mishkin. Southall’s orchard tours are good fun for children as they eat their way around 40 varieties of apples, as is roaming around the farm in an off-road cart with a beekeeper and tasting the farm’s award-winning honey. But perhaps one of the simplest and most satisfying activities at Southall are mealtimes with field-to-fork and farm-fresh fare with the family, followed by S’mores in front of the fire.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel: 

  • Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining

  • 100 USD Property Credit per Stay

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Sage Lodge - Montana

Situated right on the banks of the Yellowstone River, Sage Lodge is less than an hour from Bozeman and just 30 minutes from the entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It is an incredible playground for outdoorsy families, offering a Junior Rangers program for kids aged five and up alongside activities like fly fishing, rafting, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Instead of standard hotel rooms, groups and multi-generational families love booking the massive four-bedroom Ranch Houses, which can comfortably sleep up to 16 guests and feature plenty of space to gather.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room

  • A hotel credit valued at $100 USD (once per stay)

  • Early check-in and late check-out (when available)

  • Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)

The Lodge at Blue Sky, an Auberge Resort - Utah

Spanning 4,000 acres of rugged Utah wilderness, Blue Sky offers an endless menu of outdoor adventures paired with deep luxury. The resort features a fantastic kids club for ages 5 to 12, alongside family-friendly experiences like off-roading tours, clay shooting, fly fishing, and family yoga. Kids can get up close and personal with the resident farm animals and horses, join the family for a private yurt dinner, or take part in hands-on pizza making classes together.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room, with a $50 per person per day credit (excluding alcohol)

  • A hotel credit valued at $100 USD (once per stay)

  • Early check-in and late check-out (when available)

  • Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)

The Lodge at Brush Creek Ranch - Wyoming

For families seeking an exceptional luxury ranch experience, The Lodge at Brush Creek Ranch offers an incredibly robust lineup of rugged, all-inclusive outdoor adventures and family-friendly programming. The ranch makes exploring the American West seamless for all generations with dedicated, age-appropriate activities at the Lil’ Wranglers program for younger children, alongside shared family adventures like horseback riding, fly fishing, and archery. Families can spend their days hiking or mountain biking across miles of private trails, visiting the on-site goat dairy and creamery, or enjoying lawn games and evening campfires under the stars. With multi-bedroom cabin residences providing plenty of space for families to spread out, the property effortlessly combines wild outdoor exploration with refined comfort.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel, on top of the all-inclusive rates:

  • 150 USD per person credit

  • Room upgrade based on availability

  • Complimentary WiFi

Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve - New Mexico

Vermejo offers an unparalleled American safari experience, spanning over 558,000 acres of wilderness that is home to over 1,200 wild bison. Families have over 920 square miles to explore with more than 45 nature-inspired activities, including e-bike tours through the forest, horseback riding, and fly fishing across 19 lakes and 30 miles of streams. The property is incredibly flexible for families of all sizes, offering the option to book individual lodge rooms or rent entire private cabins ranging from 3 to 10 bedrooms.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room

  • A hotel credit valued at $100 USD (once per stay)

  • Sundowner: Choice of beer or wine at a scenic location following your afternoon activity

  • Early check-in and late check-out (when available)

  • Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)

Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach - Miami Beach, Florida

For families seeking a luxury beach getaway, the award-winning, Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach is a premier Miami Beach property situated on 400 feet of pristine white sands. Offering spacious one to three-bedroom suites, some spanning over 2,000 square feet with kitchens, the resort ensures families have plenty of space alongside high-end amenities like four restaurants and three oceanfront swimming pools. What truly sets the property apart for families is its robust array of youth programming, led by the AcquaMarine Camp for children ages 4 to 12. Run in partnership with Miami Fitness Connection, this marine-themed camp offers themed days like Ocean Explorers, Life of a Sea Turtle, and Tropical Treasures, balancing education and outdoor movement. Beyond the camp, year-round private swim lessons are available for infants as young as six months, and kids and teens can book private or group sports lessons with expert coaches to build skills in soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, and agility.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining (credit is non-cumulative)

  • $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value. Not applicable for Il Mulino, Ke-uH or Avra restaurants.)

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Hacienda AltaGracia - Costa Rica

Hacienda AltaGracia is one of my favorite properties in the world (it was seriously incredible). Rates include meals, non-alcoholic drinks, daily programming, transfers, and shared charter flights from San Jose airport. The property is equally amazing for adults (the most incredible spa ever, amazing food, fantastic additional activities like the River Bath) and kids (80+ horses on property, a butterfly garden, multiple playgrounds, a kids club for ages 5+, a really cool excursion you can book where you go make candy while visiting an adorable local lady's farm with a billion farm animals).

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • $100 USD equivalent Hotel credit to be utilized during stay, valid towards Food & Beverage (including THE WELL) and towards adventures

  • $100 USD Bonus Dining and Experience Credit

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Corcovado Wilderness Lodge - Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Positioned on the edge of the incredibly biodiverse Corcovado National Park that is thought to have trees that date back to Pangea, this unique property is accessible only by a scenic boat ride through Central America’s largest mangrove system, where you can spot monkeys, crocodiles, and birds along the way. It is the only lodge in the area that offers air-conditioned individual villas, which are neatly tucked into the rainforest along two kilometers of pristine oceanfront, plus the only lodge that is IN the National Park. Families can spot 2 different kinds of whales up to 10 months out of the year, explore the on-site PADI dive center to snorkel at Caño Island, go horseback riding, or participate in hands-on wildlife monitoring and conservation programs. Caño Island is the 2nd best snorkeling/diving spot in Costa Rica (the 1st one is 30 hours away from mainland), only allows up to 200 people a day, and the hotel guests get access.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Breakfast for Two Daily

  • $100 Hotel Credit per Stay (to be used on services such as spa, dining, or selected amenities valued at $100 or more)

  • Room Upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Priority Check-in and Check-out (subject to availability)

Galapagos Safari Camp - Ecuador

Galapagos Safari Camp specializes in family-friendly Galapagos travel. It’s a land-based way to experience the Galapagos (meaning you sleep on land but go out on day expeditions on boats to see other islands) with flexible schedules, private land tours, and tailor-made itineraries giving families the freedom to explore the Galapagos Islands at their own pace, according to their own needs and interests. Guests can visit the giant tortoise reserve, run through underground lava tunnels, hang out with the marine iguanas on the beach, take surf lessons next to sea lions, and snorkel with penguins. The property has Family Safari Tents with two separate sleeping areas connected by a shared living room lofted up in the air to allow tortoises to continue to roam freely, in addition to a Family Suite.

Rancho Santana - Nicaragua

This resort is a quick private transfer across the border from Liberia airport in Costa Rica. Families LOVE this property. The kids club is a cute space with really kid-friendly activities for littles like cookie baking and jewelry, as well as night time options so parents can enjoy a dinner out. Older kids absolutely adore the surf lessons here. They also have lots of fun animal and nature focused activities, such as witnessing turtle hatching, monkey scouting, sandboarding, horseback riding, and more. They have lots of house/condo options with multiple bedrooms within the hotel, offering options to fit every size group and family. 

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Breakfast for Two Daily

  • One signature experience per booking (Choose from one Surf Lesson, one Sunset Horseback Riding, one Yoga Class, or one Mountain Biking Experience)

  • $100 Hotel Credit per Stay (to be used on services such as spa, dining, or selected amenities valued at $100 or more)

  • Room Upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Priority Check-in and Check-out (subject to availability)

  • Complimentary In-Room Internet

Four Seasons Punta Mita - Mexico

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is a paradise for families, offering an extensive range of amenities designed to entertain and engage guests of all ages. The resort's signature Kids for All Seasons program provides a complimentary, supervised space for children aged 5 to 12, with a daily schedule of fun activities like Mexican arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and nature walks. For teenagers, The Container offers a dedicated, adults-free zone with video games, virtual reality, air hockey, and a private cinema. The resort also boasts a family-friendly lazy river, complete with swim-up bar for the adults and ICEE machine for the kids, an infinity pool, and two private, swimmable beaches with complimentary water sports like snorkeling and kayaking. The property also offers an adorable "Babies for All Seasons", which provides amenities for infants aged 0-18 months, such as a dedicated menu of baby food purees, premium baby gear like cribs and bottle warmers, baby spa experiences, and in-room babyproofing.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • Daily breakfast for 2

  • 100 USD hotel credit for rooms or 200 USD for suites & private retreats

  • Room upgrade to next category (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)

One&Only Mandarina - Mexico

The KidsOnly club at One&Only Mandarina is a massive 42,000-square-foot jungle playground that completely redefines the standard resort kids club. Designed like a hidden treehouse village, it features elevated hanging bridges, a giant butterfly garden, and an outdoor insect safari. Instead of just plopping kids in front of screens, the club keeps them active with hands-on activities like nature trails, starlight cinema nights, and local Huichol arts and crafts. Families can hang out together at the dedicated Family Pool, which has great shallow splash zones right at the edge of the rainforest. For a bit of adrenaline, older kids and parents can tackle the resort's private ziplining and rope course, soaring directly through the jungle canopy. Down at the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club, active families can also try archery, go trail biking, and head over to the stables to meet the beautiful polo horses. It is the perfect balance of wild outdoor adventure and luxury comfort that keeps everyone from toddlers to teens genuinely entertained while parents enjoy the adults only pool, incredible spa, beach club, and taco omakase menu.

Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:

  • 4th Night Free (select dates)

  • Daily breakfast for 2 people

  • USD 100 resort credit during stay

  • Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Complimentary WiFi

Jänkä Resort - Finland

Tucked away in the forested wilderness of Lapland, this ultra-private estate features just 13 luxury villas that are practically custom-made for effortless family travel. Each spacious villa comfortably sleeps up to five guests using a clever downstairs sofa bed, and includes game-changing amenities for parents like a fully equipped kitchen, an in-unit washing machine, a specialized clothes-drying cabinet, and a private sauna and outdoor jacuzzi. The resort is a paradise for animal-loving kids, who can walk right outside to visit the property's resident huskies, horses, reindeer, and donkeys anytime. In the winter, the grounds transform into a snowy wonderland where families can go husky sledding, and around Christmas time, children can take a magical, reindeer-drawn sleigh ride deep into the forest to find Santa Claus. Summer brings a whole new wave of adventure under the Midnight Sun, from berry picking and gold panning to hiking across the fells. To make a luxury family vacation even more seamless, Jänkä Resort offers drop-off babysitting for ages 3 to 12 as well as a dedicated kids' menu at the on-property restaurant, which are two major and incredibly rare finds in Scandinavia.

Bjørnfjell Mountain Lodge - Norway

For families wanting an immersive Arctic escape, Bjørnfjell Mountain Lodge offers a cozy and active mountain retreat perfect for experiencing Northern Norway together. The lodge provides spacious, multi-bedroom luxury cabins with kitchenettes that sleep up to 6 that give families plenty of room to relax after a day out in the snow. On-site and nearby programming focuses heavily on seasonal outdoor adventures, including guided snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing for all ages. Families can also gather around open fire pits, enjoy traditional regional meals at the lodge restaurant, and relax in the wood-fired saunas and outdoor hot tubs while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. They have fluffy lambs on property that the kids (and adults) can visit and, during lambing season, kids can take their breakfast scraps and go feed them to the baby lambs. When I was on site, one of the lambs had triplets!

Holmen Husky Lodge - Norway

If your family is looking for a truly unique, wildlife-focused adventure, Holmen Husky Lodge delivers an unforgettable glamping experience centered around staying on its working sled dog kennel. Families sleep in specially designed, high-end Arctic domes featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow you to watch the Northern Lights right from your bed. The main programming attraction is the hands-on interaction with the huskies, where kids and parents can meet the puppies, learn about mushing, embark on thrilling dog sledding expeditions through the snowy wilderness, and taking the puppies on walks. After a day on the trails, families can gather in the communal lodge building for hearty, locally sourced meals or unwind in the outdoor wood-fired sauna and hot tub.

Ready to Plan Your Next Trip?

Ready to get started planning your next trip, wherever it may be in the world? I’d love to help. Fill out my Trip Design Form to get started or fill out the form below with questions. Not ready to plan just yet? Subscribe to our email list and we'll keep you in the loop on trending destinations, exclusive promotions, and more.

Previous
Previous

Last Minute Summer Trip Ideas for 2026

Next
Next

Where to Stay In Napa Valley