Family Holiday Heroes | Travel Beyond the Seasons

Travel is one of the most enriching gifts we can share with our children. It broadens little minds, introduces fascinating cultures, and inspires a curiosity for the world. At Destinology, we understand that planning a family holiday should be as enjoyable as the break itself, and we want you to focus on the joy of experiencing it together. 

This blog showcases our picks for families across the globe, whether you're looking for all-inclusive luxury at an Ikos hotel in Europe, endless Maldivian adventures at Siyam World, or Middle Eastern enjoyment at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai. 

Our trusted airline and hotel partners help us to make sure your family enjoys the very best, and with our team of expert and efficient Travel Concierges, we’ll take care of every detail, making the journey seamless and completely worry-free. 

Read on to find out where's best for your next family break, then call our team to turn your next adventure into a tale worth telling... 

Best in Europe

Ikos

A list of the world’s best family hotels wouldn’t be complete without Ikos. With TripAdvisor’s Best Family Hotel in the World under its belt, this brand has family-friendly fun at its heart. Its exceptional resorts across Spain and Greece - and the soon-to-open Ikos Kissamos in Crete - promise golden sands for sunbathing, splashing, and sandcastle building.

For families, Ikos Andalusia is a standout, boasting the most spacious villas in the collection. But it’s Ikos’ thoughtful touches across every resort that shine: Heroes Crèche, Kids Club, and Just4Teens programmes, sports academies, 30 minutes of free beach childcare, and unique Local Drive Adventures and Dine Out experiences. Wherever you stay, Ikos ensures every moment is seamless. Once you’ve experienced it, there’s no going back.

For more information, read our blog: Which Ikos Resort is Best For Me? 

Pictured above: L - Four Bedroom Villa at Ikos Andalusia, R - Palm Lake at Ikos Andalusia 

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Sani Resort

Just like its sister brand Ikos, Halkidiki’s Sani Resort is built around family fun and is famed for being one of the best family-friendly destinations – named the World’s Leading Family & Beach Resort in 2024.

Set against 7 kilometres of Blue Flag beaches, this natural paradise offers a holiday packed with exciting activities for children. From the Bear Grylls Survival Academy to the Treetop Adventure, Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, and Chelsea FC Academy, there’s no shortage of ways for little adventurers to burn off energy and make new friends. With biking trails, archery, beekeeping, and birdwatching, every moment at Sani Resort is an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy fun, sunshine-filled experiences together.

Need to knows:

• Sani Beach is the epicentre and largest hotel in the resort. 
• Sani Club is an intimate collection of low-rise bungalows. 
• Porto Sani is set in the heart of the resort, perfect for young families. 
• Sani Dunes is chic and sophisticated, suited to a more ‘grown up’ experience. 
• Sani Asterias is elegant and timeless, home to exclusive Beachfront Suites. 

For more information, read our blog: Which Sani Resort is Best For Me?

Explore Sani

Maxx Royal Belek

For a family getaway where every detail is taken care of, look no further than Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort. With 40 years of experience, this brand knows exactly how to make every member of the family feel like a VIP, no matter their age.

While the resort is best known for its 18-hole championship golf course designed by Colin Montgomerie, it’s the Ultra All-Inclusive concept, Mediterranean setting, and close connection to nature that truly make it a standout for family holidays. At the award-winning Maxxi Land kids club, your little ones are treated like royalty. Whether they’re splashing in the heated kids pool, competing on Game In’s high-tech consoles, or zooming down water slides at the Aquapark, there’s endless fun to be had.

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Domes of Corfu

At Domes of Corfu, family holidays are anything but ordinary. The Montessori-inspired Crèche and Kids’ Club, run by certified multilingual staff, are a launchpad for little explorers to dive into games, stories, and even a sprinkle of local culture, all while you soak up the sun on the beach. For teens looking to spread their wings, the Teen Zone is the perfect hangout, with activities galore and a free arcade room just cool enough to keep them entertained.

Budding green thumbs will love KiEPOS, the resort’s Greek garden, where they can plant vegetables, herbs, and flowers under the guidance of experts – a hands-on way to learn about sustainability and healthy eating. And then there’s the beach. With a splash pool for kids, a family pool for everyone, and golden sands leading to crystal-clear waters, there’s no end to the fun. Little ones can dig into their sandcastle dreams, while older kids take on thrilling watersports. Meanwhile, parents can sip a cocktail from Ammos Beach Bar knowing everyone’s having the time of their life.

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The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama

If you’ve been dreaming of a family holiday where everyone - yes, everyone - gets exactly what they want, The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama is the place to be. It’s where kids swap screens for real-life adventures, teens find their own slice of cool, and parents get the rare chance to fully relax (while still being the family heroes).

Abama Beach, accessed by a funicular or private train, is the perfect playground for little explorers and sunbathers. Kids can splash in natural pools or bury their toes in golden sand, while parents kick back in a comfy lounger. When hunger strikes, The Beach Club has fresh, tasty dishes to satisfy everyone.

Back at the resort, the fun doesn’t stop. The Ritz Kids programme is more than just a kids’ club, with nature adventures, arts, and cooking sessions that turn learning into play, plus teens get their own space to hang out, meaning parents can then sneak away for a relaxing massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa knowing the whole family is in good hands.

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Best for Dubai-Lovers

Atlantis, The Palm 

At this legendary resort, every family member is truly in for the time of their life. For the little ones, the Atlantis Explorers Club is a world of non-stop fun, packed with arts and crafts, interactive games, and plenty of ways to keep children aged 4 to 12 entertained. With one free session per stay for guest rooms (and even more for suite guests), it’s all about making memories without mounting costs. Teens aren’t forgotten either – with their own spaces and activities designed just for them, they’ll enjoy a little independence while parents can relax at the AWAKEN Spa or sunbathe on the private golden-sand beach.

Beyond the clubs, the resort boasts the waterpark at Aquaventure World, where families can bond over record-breaking slides, rides and attractions, or admire the 65,000-strong marine residents of The Lost Chambers Aquarium – a mesmerising glimpse into the underwater world and the myth that gives its name to the resort. 

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Jumeirah Beach Hotel

If family holidays were an art form, Jumeirah Beach Hotel would be a masterpiece. This iconic Dubai resort has redefined what it means to travel with kids.

At the heart of the fun is the KiDS Club, a playground of excitement where mini guests dive into adventures, giving parents the perfect excuse to stretch out by the pool or indulge in the Talise Spa. If you need a little extra space to spread out, the reimagined Al Bahar Villas deliver effortless luxury with private terraces, plunge pools, and living spaces that feel like home – but better. 

If you’re hungry, the hotel’s restaurants have perfected family dining. From thoughtful menus bordering the beach to handcrafted treats at the cakery and family favourites at Kitchen Connection, even the wiggliest little ones will be entertained and satiated. With the Jumeirah Flavours package offering complimentary breakfast, lunch, or dinner at award-winning restaurants across Dubai, the options are as endless as they are delicious.

Of course, no stay at Jumeirah Beach Hotel would be complete without a day - or three - at Wild Wadi Waterpark™, just a stone’s throw away. Add in a private beach, five sparkling pools, and exclusive concierge rates for Dubai Parks and Resorts, and you’ve got a holiday where every member of the family gets exactly what they want.

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JA The Resort

This trio of luxury hotels - JA Beach Hotel, JA Palm Tree Court, and JA Lake View Hotel - has been designed with families in mind. Each offers its own unique spin on a perfect family getaway, but all three have one thing in common: an uncanny ability to keep everyone smiling.

Between the dedicated Crèche and CoolZone Kids Club, there’s always something to spark the imaginations of little ones. Junior explorers can get messy with arts and crafts, join action-packed games, or burn off energy on the playgrounds and splash pads. Teens aren’t left out, either, as the ChillZone grants them space to relax, make friends, and dive into fun activities. For grown ups there’s seven temperature-controlled pools - one with a swim-up bar - and the award-winning Calm Spa, where relaxation is always on the agenda. 

When the family reunites, saddle up for horse riding, dive into watersports, or test your aim at the JA Shooting Club. With over 25 dining venues ensuring everyone is satisfied, complimentary access to a private marina and golf course, and a resort-wide buggy service to make exploration easy, this isn’t just family-friendly – it’s family-fantastic.

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Saadiyat Island 

Granted this one isn’t Dubai, but it’s just 130 kilometres, or around a 90-minute drive, down the Arabian Gulf coast – a great alternative if you love Dubai but are looking for something a little different. 

A range of five-star hotels - from the likes of St. Regis, Rixos, and Jumeirah - offer the perfect base to your explorations. Across the island’s landscape, nature lovers will love to spot nesting Hawksbill turtles on the shore, as well as dolphins gliding through the surrounding waters and free-roaming Arabian gazelles. 

As the island also sits just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, there’s plenty to explore here too: tours of the Grand Mosque and desert safaris, explorations of the Louvre and world-class museums for little artists, and of course trips to Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World for unforgettable fun. 

Explore Abu Dhabi + Saadiyat Island

Best for Wildlife-Loving Youngsters

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island

Despite being just 0.6 square kilometres in size, Platte Island has the biggest concentration of nesting turtles in the Seychelles, so everything has been designed around the wildlife to have as little impact on the ecosystem as possible. Visit during the nesting season from October to April and you may be lucky enough to bear witness to tiny Hawksbill hatchlings making their way back to sea. 

Being a Waldorf Astoria property, this island resort is made up of 50 lavish villas perfect for hosting families of all sizes, each with its own private pool, garden, and direct beach access. And if you’re concerned about travelling to the Seychelles with younger adventurers in tow? Don’t be. Members of our expert team have made the journey, along with their own little VIPs, and they assure us that it couldn’t be easier.

Explore Waldorf Astoria Platte Island

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

If you’ve got some slightly-older animal lovers on your hands, there’s no better experience than a South African safari. Malaria-free and home to the Big 5, Shamwari Private Game Reserve slots perfectly onto explorations of the famous Garden Route, with conservation at the very heart of the reserve. When you’re not setting off at dawn in search of lions, leopards and elephants surveying their abundant natural habitat, make sure to visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Born Free Big Cat Rescue and Education Centre. No matter your age, it’s incredible to learn exactly how Shamwari has turned back the clock and restored this area of the Eastern Cape to its former glory.

Destinology Disclaimer: Some residences within Shamwari Private Game Reserve are open to children of all ages, and children as young as 4 are welcome on game drives. However, as they will need to sit still and do their best to be quiet during these experiences - a mean feat for plenty of adults (!) - we recommend this adventure for families with slightly older children. 

Need to knows:

• Game Drives – for children aged 4 & above who are comfortable sitting still and being quiet while in search of the Big 5
• Bush Walks – for visitors aged 16 & above 
• Shamwari Riverdene – open to families with children of all ages 
• Shamwari Long Lee Manor – open to families with children aged 8 & above 
• Shamwari Eagles Crag – open to guests aged 16 & above only 

Explore Shamwari

Best in the Maldives

Siyam World 

Siyam World in the Maldives is a wonderland for the young and the young at heart – an island where luxury meets pure and unfiltered fun. Little adventurers aged 3-12 can unleash their imaginations at Kidz World, while sports courts, diverse dining, and so much more await…

Canter along the coastline at sunrise or sunset with the majestic Marwari horses from the resident horse ranch, let little ones (aged 8-11) enjoy their very first pony ride, or glide through the crystal-clear waters with a cudajet – an underwater jetpack that makes you feel like you’re flying over vibrant coral reefs.

Stay in breathtaking water, lagoon, or ocean villas, complete with private pools and slides that shoot you straight into the turquoise sea. And the showstopper? The Maldives’ largest floating water park – slippery slides, wobbly obstacles, climbing walls, and trampolines that all end with laughter-filled splashes into the lagoon. Siyam World offers the kind of fun that knows no age limits.

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Soneva Jani

This world-famous Maldivian resort offers endless experiences designed to delight guests of all ages – but it’s the kids who truly steal the show.

The heart of the family experience is The Den, one of the largest and most fantastical children’s zones in Asia. This two-storey, technology-free wonderland will make you wish you could be little again. With a zipline that soars across the landscape, a pirate ship ready for imaginative adventures, and musical piano steps, it’s a place where creativity truly takes flight. There’s even a library for story lovers, a costume room for budding actors, and arts and crafts areas to ignite inspiration. 

For teenagers, The Den features their very own Cave Bar, where they can sip mocktails, play music, and chill in a space designed just for them. At Soneva Jani, childhood is celebrated and brought to life in the most enchanting way.

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Niyama Private Islands

Whether it’s a morning of exploring the reef, an afternoon lounging by the pool, or a sunset barbecue on the beach, Niyama offers pockets of magic in one of the world’s most beautiful settings.

Indoor-outdoor living spaces in residences like the Family Beach Pool Villa make the best of the Maldivian location, opening onto a stretch of pristine white sand. With your own private pool and ocean views, parents can lounge in the sun while the kids splash and play just steps away. If you have a bigger family, the Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Pavilion offers even more space to spread out, with expansive living areas and direct beach access – perfect for sunrise sandcastle sessions or starlit strolls.

The highlight for young adventurers is by far the Explorers Kids Club, an exciting setting that means little ones return home with plenty of tales to tell. Divided into age-appropriate zones, it offers toddlers a soft-play area and splash zones, while older kids can discover island treasures, try arts and crafts, or explore Maldivian culture with activities like coconut painting. The thrill of outdoor exploration, pirate-themed adventures, and even camping under the stars will make adults wish they could join in the fun. 

Explore Niyama

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Step into an endless summer at Le Méridien Maldives, one where family fun and relaxation meet in paradise. At the Family and Kids' Hub, children can take part in exciting activities like folklore storytelling, creative art classes, and marine conservation, all designed to spark curiosity and inspire learning. For a unique experience, the Family Foraging Adventure invites families to explore sustainable farming practices, followed by a hands-on cooking class at The Greenhouse.

Adventure lovers can enjoy snorkelling through coral reefs, jet skiing across the crystal-clear waters, or embarking on exhilarating fishing trips and speedboat rides. For a deeper connection to nature, discover the vital role of the resort's mangroves during an educational stroll from the Marine Hub, perfect for young explorers.

Explore Le Meridien Maldives

Read our blog for further information: When to Visit the Maldives

Best for Christmas

Arctic Treehouse Hotel

There’s no place as magical as Lapland at Christmas, and Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is the perfect base for families wanting to holiday in the heart of the Arctic Circle. In a winter wonderland surrounded by forest, the Arctic TreeHouse Suites offer a cosy, nest-like feel, designed to make you feel at home in an enchanting winter landscape. 

With luxurious Arctic GlassHouses - perfect for families of up to six - there’s no shortage of space to relax. Each cabin offers a fireplace, sauna, and kitchenette, so you can unwind after a day experiencing the magic of Lapland. From reindeer experiences where you can meet Santa's helpers and connect with local Lappish traditions to visiting the big man himself at Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka, you can dive into festive activities and discover the secrets of the real elves.

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LUX* Belle Mare

While everyone at home waits with bated breath for a white Christmas, a Christmas in Mauritius means you’ll be waiting for nothing – everyday you’re pretty much guaranteed glorious sunshine. 

Instead of festive baking, last-minute trips to the shops and hours of wrapping, it’s catamaran sailing, beach volleyball tournaments, and cooling down with exciting water sports. And it’s not Christmas without a celebratory drink or two, so while the grown ups sip a poolside Aperol Spritz at Aperitivo Bar, teens can venture to the dedicated club, Studio 17, for vintage arcade games, water sports, and absolutely no mention of the word ‘bored’, while younger guests burn off end-of-year energy to their heart’s content at PLAY Kids Club.

To keep with the season’s spirit of good food, there’s the poolside ICI ice cream bar and healthy but tasty kids menus in every single restaurant, so if parents fancy Indian food at Amari by Vineet or Chinese plates at Duck Laundry - dishes not typically favoured by smaller palates - you’re in the clear to book a table and enjoy.

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Carlisle Bay

Antigua is a destination that instantly summons visions of fun-filled festivals, steel drums and reggae, and the spices of the island – everything you need for a Christmas like no other. 

During the resort’s annual ‘Festive Week in the Bay’ programme, guests are treated to seasonal delights. Everything from cocktail parties and fashion displays to live music and indulgent festive menus prepared by expert chefs will rival everything you know of a British Christmas, and make you want to return year on year. 

Children and teens can join in the fun with parties, pizza-making classes, sports, movie nights, and the Cool Kids Club – the best way to get rid of some pent-up excited energy in the run up to the big day. When the 25th rolls around, guests both little and large will enjoy extra treats in their suites, as well as a festive surprise as Santa makes his stellar arrival… 

Explore Carlisle Bay

Why Choose a Family Holiday with Destinology?

A luxury family holiday is all about unwinding in the sun and creating memories with your loved ones. But with lots to consider - choosing the ideal destination, booking flights, securing family-friendly rooms - it can feel overwhelming, especially for larger families. 

That’s where Destinology comes in. As experts in crafting seamless family holidays, we’ll take care of the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the experience. From the moment you first reach out to us until after you return home, your dedicated Personal Travel Concierge will listen to your needs and curate your holiday with precision.

 Search Our Best Family Holidays