With a family, finding a destination that pleases everyone is often a challenge. While adults may be interested in relaxation or cultural attractions, children have a completely different set of priorities! To help you plan your next luxury getaway, we’ve updated our guide to the best luxury family destinations for 2025, incorporating the latest travel trends and safety considerations.
1. Costa Rica: Adventure Paradise
Costa Rica continues to surge in popularity for 2025, becoming one of the top luxury family destinations worldwide thanks to its rich biodiversity and thrilling activities such as zip-lining and jungle safaris. It’s also consistently ranked as the world’s happiest country according to the Happy Planet Index.
With direct flights from the UK and USA, Costa Rica is perfect for families with school-age children and teenagers. Its compact size makes it easy to explore, and there are stroller-friendly paths in several national parks including Reserva Santa Elena and Poás. The wildlife is incredible, with opportunities to spot frogs, monkeys, macaws, and sloths.
For luxury accommodations, consider booking into hotels with their own hot springs such as The Springs Resort & Spa or Tabacon in Arenal. The dry season from December to April is ideal for visiting, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.
2. Iceland: The Safe Coolcation
Iceland has emerged as one of the hottest (or should we say coolest) family destinations for 2025. Iceland is consistently rated among countries with especially low security risks, making it an ideal choice for family travel.
The growing “coolcation” trend has led to a surge in interest for destinations with moderate temperatures as families seek to escape rising heat in traditional summer destinations.
It can get busy at popular attractions, so consider booking a private family meeting with Father Christmas via a specialized tour company. If you travel between October and March, you may be fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights too. Just remember to pack extremely warm clothing.
3. Nevis: Immersive Experiences
The paradise island of Nevis is small but perfectly formed at 36 square miles. If you’ve heard the term “experiential travel” and wondered what it meant, Nevis exemplifies this luxury travel trend with real-life immersive experiences connecting visitors to the island’s culture and traditions.
Nevis particularly excels in sea turtle conservation. The Four Seasons Resort Nevis, one of the top luxury family resorts, arranges a comprehensive program of educational activities for children who join their Kids for All Seasons Club. They’ll enjoy turtle walks, games, and craft lessons, and if you stay between June and October when the sea turtles are present, they’ll also be given the opportunity to participate in supervised turtle conservation activities.
4. South Africa: Wildlife Encounters
South Africa is perfect for family-friendly vacations with its minimal time difference for European travelers and malaria-free safari options that make it easy to spot the Big Five. The country has a long tradition of hospitality, with luxurious game lodges and gourmet restaurants.
Children will enjoy not only safaris but also whale watching and a visit to Monkey Land, the first free-roaming primate sanctuary in the world. For 2025, many luxury lodges have expanded their family programs to include specialized safari guides for children, teaching them about conservation while making wildlife spotting fun and engaging.
5. United Kingdom: Coastal Retreats
There are some wonderful seaside areas of the United Kingdom where you can holiday in style with children, including Cornwall, Devon, and Norfolk. One of our favorites is the Isle of Wight, with its retro charm and child-friendly activities.
Known as Dinosaur Island for its abundance of fossils, there’s a fascinating dinosaur museum at Sandown beach. For 2025, many UK coastal resorts are unveiling total transformations with renovated accommodations and enhanced amenities specifically designed for families.
6. Japan: Cultural Immersion
Japan has made a significant comeback as a luxury family destination. The cultural richness of Japan offers unique and exciting itineraries for families seeking experiences beyond the ordinary tourist paths.
Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan provide world-class theme park experiences, while the country’s efficient and safe transportation system makes it easy to explore with children. Traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) offer a cultural immersion that children will remember forever, and many luxury properties provide special amenities for families.
7. Portugal: European Gem
Portugal has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for travel with kids, offering a perfect blend of cultural experiences, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly accommodations.
Many luxury travelers are choosing Portugal as an alternative to overcrowded European destinations like Italy. Several new luxury family resorts have opened with innovative programs combining beach activities with cultural exploration.
The Algarve region is particularly popular with families for its gorgeous beaches and wealth of activities. Luxury resorts in Portugal excel at catering to children with extensive kids’ clubs and family-oriented experiences that introduce Portuguese culture, cuisine, and traditions.
8. Maldives: Overwater Luxury
The Maldives continues to be the ultimate luxury beach destination for families seeking privacy and stunning natural beauty. Many resorts have expanded their family offerings beyond just beautiful beaches, with kids’ clubs, marine conservation programs, and family-oriented water activities.
With growing concern about climate change, many travelers are prioritizing visits to the Maldives due to concerns that these low-lying islands may be dramatically affected by rising sea levels in coming years. In response, luxury resorts have expanded their conservation programs to include family-friendly activities focused on preserving coral reefs.
Resorts like Soneva Fushi and Four Seasons Kuda Huraa offer exceptional family programs that combine luxury with educational experiences centered around marine life and sustainable living.
9. Canada: Wilderness Luxury
Canada ranks among countries with especially low security risks for travelers in 2025, making it an excellent choice for family adventures. The country has seen a 40 percent increase in summer tourism as travelers seek more moderate temperatures during traditional vacation months.
From the Rocky Mountains to the stunning coastlines of British Columbia, Canada offers wilderness luxury that’s perfect for active families. Resorts like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Four Seasons Whistler provide exceptional service combined with outdoor adventures suitable for all ages.
10. Thailand: Exotic Accessibility
Thailand is having a significant moment in luxury travel for 2025, partly due to the filming of White Lotus season three there, which has increased its visibility as a luxury destination.
Phuket is something of a celebrity hotspot, with world-class resorts that cater exceptionally well to families. Luxury hotels like Kata Rocks offer panoramic sea views, high-tech spas, and fabulous Sky Villas with private swimming pools. Another excellent option is The Sarojin in Khao Lak, with its stunning white sand beach.
New for 2025: Many luxury properties in Thailand have expanded their family offerings with spacious accommodation options like family suites and private villas equipped with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, creating a home-away-from-home experience.
11. Cayman Islands: Marine Adventures
The Cayman Islands have established themselves as a premier luxury family destination with a focus on marine activities and conservation. On Grand Cayman, just around the corner from many luxury resorts, you’ll find Starfish Point, a great place for spotting these beautiful marine creatures.
Another highlight is Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, home to the native blue iguana that is only found in the Cayman Islands. The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman offer exceptional family programs that combine luxury with educational experiences about marine life.
Safety Considerations for Family Travel in 2025
Security concerns remain paramount when organizing high-end family journeys in the coming year. According to recent safety analyses from independent organizations like the Global Peace Index combined with government recommendations, families seeking peace of mind have excellent options across multiple continents.
Northern European destinations such as Iceland and Denmark rank exceptionally well for security, while Asia-Pacific locations including Japan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand consistently demonstrate strong safety records.
North America’s Canada and several European nations like Ireland, Austria, and Switzerland round out the top safety contenders.
Planning Your Luxury Family Vacation
When booking a family holiday, consider these factors:
- Direct flights are preferable, especially with younger children
- Travel during the dry season for your chosen destination
- For toddlers, villa holidays with private pools (preferably gated for safety) offer flexibility with meals and naps
- With older children or teenagers, incorporate adventure elements like water sports or zip-lining or other outdoor pursuits.
- More families are turning to travel advisors for complex itineraries and destination recommendations, allowing parents to outsource the planning to professionals who can find the best deals and experiences tailored to specific family needs
You might also enjoy:
- Best Luxury Destinations Worldwide
- Best Destinations for Group Getaways Worldwide
- Best Honeymoon Destinations in the World
- Best European Hidden Gems
- Family Holidays of a Lifetime
- Luxury Travellers and the New Luxury Travel Trends
- Most Luxurious Hotels in the World
Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.
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I’d love to go to Costa Rica, I never thought of it as a family friendly place! Definitely agree with South Africa, I think a lot of people would be worried about taking children on safari but there were lots of kids when we went.
It’s good for older children but probably not ideal for very young ones. As for South Africa, it’s so safe, isn’t it!
Dubai is one of my favourite destinations for a quick-fix and fabulous holiday (esp as it’s so close to Bombay!). Ever so keen to visit Lapland, especially after reading your highlights! xx
I love Finland, there’s something so magical about landing at the airport surrounded by snow and fir trees!
Most of these places are on my bucket list, hopefully from next year on, some of them will be crossed off from the list 🙂 I haven’t heard Nevis before, little places like that are great for exploring, at least you can walk around the whole island 🙂
Ela BellaWorld
Nevis is a very small island but they’re doing such great work for sea turtle conservation! There’s a sister island called St Kitts which is quite well known
This is a fantastic list of destinations that are fun for kids and adults! We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Bali – a place full of friendly people, great beaches and amazing food – a great place for the whole family. Never been to Costa Rica but it is high on my list!
That’s very kind, Miriam – I found the Balinese so friendly too!
What a cool list. I haven’t been to any of these outside of the US of course.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Quite a few are easy to get to from the States, I hope you get the chance to visit, Amy Ann
Great List, I would love to get to Nevis and Bali
I’m sure that you’d love both! Have a great day
If absolutely love to go to Bali at some point!! This is such a great list!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
If you go to Bali, make sure to spend some time in Ubud, it’s fascinating
Great destinations, I would like to come back in USA asap!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
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Me too, there’s so much to see in the States! I’d love to visit California, Louisiana and so many other places there
This is a great guide for those with families – I can imagine how excitable any child would be over visiting Lapland! 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Yes it would be a dream come true for any child!
With or without a family – these are great destinations! As a solo traveller, I would love to visit the places that I haven’t been to yet.
I agree, they are just as fun to visit as a solo traveller or in a group, Anouk
I’m yet to visit Australia and Singapore – I was very tempted to put that one on the list as I’ve heard it’s so child-friendly
I’ve been to Bali and it’s a place like no other. The mistake that I did was to stay in Kuta which was loud, busy and it wasn’t a relaxing experience so the next time I visit, I plan to stay in Nusa Dua areas.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
We’d heard that Kuta was a bit of a party town so we avoided it but we didn’t get time to visit Nusa Dua, it sounded lovely
Great list! I’ve been wanting to check out the beaches in Italy and Portugal, they look so beautiful and like the perfect luxury vacation spot.
Eden | Mint Notion
Some of the Italian beaches are pebble ones but you can get some great sandy beaches in Sardinia and Sicily. As for Portugal, the beaches are incredible!
Bali is where we are taking the family this Christmas Holidays, thrilled to find it on your list. It has been 16 years since my last visit so I am very interested to experience it with the kids…you have some amazing selections on your list for our next trip! xx
Ooh lucky you, I’m sure your kids will have an amazing time. We didn’t get to the water park, but I wish we had.
These all look amazing, I would like to go to any of them
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
I hope you get the opportunity, Laura
I would have never thought that Dubai is an appropriate family destination, but seems that I was wrong. I would love to visit any of those places, even though I don’t have kids yet.
Dubai is a great family destination thanks to all the child-friendly hotels and attractions
This is such an amazing post, I don’t have a family yet but I’m always thinking of how/where my travels will take me to when I do. I’d never have pipped Dubai, South africa or Bail as family destinations so that’s fab to hear!
Elle
www.theellenextdoor.com
xx
Dubai is actually quite close, I wanted to feature a wide range of destinations so that readers everywhere will hopefully have one of them near them
Love this list Suze! I’m very excited about the new direct flights to Costa Rica – Ian lived there a while back and has told me so many wonderful things about this country. I had no idea it’s rated No.1 on the Happy Planet Index either! I’m very intrigued by Nevis also…
Yes the new direct flights to Costa Rica are brilliant – and nice that it’s officially the happiest place on earth!
I Add Japan & China ; the Beauty of Far East…My Travel Dream as a Child ? the Moon…In the Next Years We Will See the Tourism on the Moon ; There Are Many Private Companies of Rockets Ready for This Jump…
Now that’s an exciting trip, to the moon and back! I’d love to visit China and Japan
Ok , I Wait You on the Moon…
Really interesting list, especially as many of these are destinations I would want most definitely want to go to without kids!! But I totally agree with you about places like Bali, Portugal and Dubai, especially Bali given what excellent value for money it offers if families are travelling with children. I didn’t know about the waterpark at all! My favourite destination as a child was London as we used to live abroad and I used to love seeing red phone boxes, visiting Trafalgar square and going to Hamleys! 😀
I wish I’d known about the waterpark when we visited Bali too! London is so iconic to visit as a child, or as a grown up…
New Zealand’s South Island is amazing for families. Wanaka & Queenstown in particular …. Hiking or skiing during the day and relaxing lake side in the evening.
We traveled to Kenya and Tanzania with https://cheetahsafaris.co.ke/ and the incredible experience we had was super luxurious. Maybe try some bit of African Wildlife Luxury Safaris.