Connect with us

Family Travel

Best All-Inclusive Resorts For Families 2025

Published

5 months ago

on


All products and services featured are independently selected by Forbes Vetted contributors and editors. When you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Astrid Taran, Forbes Staff

Forbes Vetted

The best all-inclusive resorts for families make it easy to stay in the moment during a getaway with loved ones. From classic beachfront vacations to more unique escapes, like a stateside dude ranch and a kid-friendly safari lodge in Kenya, these resorts cater to broods of all ages, offering activities and amenities to please children and adults alike.

Our top recommendation is the tried-and-true Beaches Turks and Caicos, home to a water park, lazy river and 22 dining outlets. We also recommend Mexico’s Grand Velas Los Cabos for luxe amenities, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana for live entertainment and The Resort At Paws Up in Montana for a cowboy-cation. Below, the best all-inclusive resorts for families in 2025.

Editor’s Picks:

Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families Overall: Beaches Turks And Caicos

Beaches Turks And Caicos

Who Will Love It: Families of all ages

All-Star Amenities: The resort’s 45,000-square-foot water park

What Not To Miss: Weekly breakfasts with Sesame Street characters

Location: Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos

Perched on the 12-mile-long Grace Bay Beach—consistently lauded as being one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world—Beaches Turks and Caicos offers something for every type of family getaway. There are Sesame Street shows, Build-a-Bear workshops, an aqua center for grabbing a Hobie Cat to explore the Caribbean Sea and even sensory guides on hand to help neurodivergent family members navigate activities. In addition to the resort’s eight pools, there are 22 dining options to enjoy (including hibachi, seafood, sushi, Mexican and French fare), to satisfy even the pickiest palates in your group. The star of the show is the 45,000-square-foot water park complete with a surf simulator; there’s also a 650-foot-long lazy river, plunging water slides, a splash deck and a zero-entry pool perfect for venturing in with toddlers.

Best High-End All-Inclusive Resort For Families: Grand Velas Los Cabos

Grand Velas Los Cabos

Who Will Love It: Parents who want luxe amenities alongside spectacular scenery

All-Star Amenities: Baby concierge to assist with gourmet cuisine for tots; baby bath amenities

What Not To Miss: A kids club, complete with activities like cupcake-making classes and surf lessons

Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Mexico’s Baja California peninsula offers a hard-to-top convergence of luxury resorts set against a backdrop of rugged coastal scenery, but Grand Velas Los Cabos stands above its competitors when it comes to family-friendly activities and amenities. All of the hotel’s 307 suites have views of the ocean, where frolicking whales make near-constant appearances as they migrate close to shore during the winter months. The concierge can arrange all manner of family fun, whether it be a Mexican cooking class, a private yacht trip at sunset or a snorkeling adventure with sea lions around Cabo San Lucas. Meanwhile, the property’s kids club ensures little ones are always entertained with a nonstop schedule of activities like cooking classes, surfing lessons, beach parties and more.

Best Value All-Inclusive Resort For Families: Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa

Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa

Who Will Love It: Beach-loving families who don’t want to break the bank on vacation

All-Star Amenities: The second-largest water park in the Caribbean

What Not To Miss: A haunted night tour at the Rose Hall Great House

Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica

Situated on the grounds of an 18th-century estate and fronting a beautiful stretch of beach, Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa is a great value pick for budget-conscious families. The affordable rates here—nights can often be nabbed for under $400—go beyond private beach access and all-you-can-eat dining at the resort’s Mediterranean, Italian and Caribbean restaurants. There’s a daily supervised kids club for ages 4 through 12, a “Teen Zone” with air hockey, gaming and foosball for the 13- to 17-year-old set and volleyball and basketball courts for fun family competition. The resort’s biggest calling card, however, is Sugar Mill Falls Water Park, complete with a 280-foot-long slide, lazy river and free-form pool surrounded by a jungle garden and a suspension bridge that children can traipse across while feeling like true adventurers.

Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Cancun: Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort

Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort

Who Will Love It: Families seeking activities that will appeal to both children and adults

All-Star Amenities: Water park with water slides; two infinity pools; two children’s pools; six outdoor hot tubs; Dreams Spa; kids club; teens club; 10 restaurants; 12 bars

What Not To Miss: The lazy river, included in rooms booked at the Preferred Club level

Location: Playa Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico

Aside from having a large number of child-focused activities, including a water park with multiple water slides and a lazy river, Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort stands out from Cancun’s many offerings with its long roster of family-friendly activities that can be enjoyed together, including stage shows, cooking classes and off-shore excursions. Children are sure to find something to enjoy at the 10 dining outlets, which include a wide range of global menus as well as sophisticated, adult-friendly fare, like Peruvian-Japanese cuisine at Fusion and elegant French dishes at L’Etoile (ages 13 and up). The service across the property is attentive and kid-friendly, and perks like Crazy Straw, a non-alcoholic “bar” for children, are thoughtful touches.

Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Los Cabos: Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

Who Will Love It: Families of all ages

All-Star Amenities: Swim-up suites; oceanfront dining

What Not To Miss: The authentic tacos made fresh at the bar by the adults-only pool

Location: San José del Cabo, Mexico

One of the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Mexico just got a major upgrade: Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos recently completed a $50 million renovation that unveiled stylish new rooms in the property’s Tower B, as well as a new Indian dining outlet and rebrands of its Mediterranean restaurant (now named Farina & Olio) and its Mexican seafood restaurant (now named Casa Cortez). Families can also take advantage of fully revamped kids and teens clubs that include everything from creative workshops and classes to video games and pool tables for teens. Catering to every age range, the resort has a bit of something for everyone: think evening theater performances, a pickleball court and three pools (one of which is adults-only) that stay lively with dance parties and activities.

Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Playa del Carmen: Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Who Will Love It: Nature-loving families; multigenerational families

All-Star Amenities: A tour to visit the four types of cenotes on property

What Not To Miss: A day spent at one of nine Xcaret theme parks

Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Hotel Xcaret Mexico wraps a resort and theme park stay into one delightful package. In addition to the typical all-inclusive benefits, like a wide range of buffet food, a la carte restaurants, activities and drinks, the resort grants guests unlimited access and round-trip transportation to nine Xcaret theme parks. Five buildings pay homage to fire, water, wind and earth in their design and decor; families with young children might enjoy staying at Casa Viento for easy access to the pool, family club and kids clubs. Options for dining are as diverse: For instance, Bio, which is located within a natural cave and offers a plant-based menu, the tasting menu served with live performances at Teatro del Rio and Xpiral’s out-of-this-world Sunday brunch.

Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In The Caribbean: Windjammer Landing Resort And Residences

Windjammer Landing Resort And Residences

Who Will Love It: Families with children of all ages; multigenerational groups

All-Star Amenities: Dive center; daily programming for kids and teens; complimentary windsurfing; bath amenities by L’Occitane En Provence

What Not To Miss: The spacious Ocean Point Residences with kitchens, large terraces and private infinity pools

Location: Gros Islet, St. Lucia

For families, St. Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences has seemingly thought of it all: Car seats, cribs and high chairs are available at the snap of a finger, while nanny service is on call for parents who need some downtime at the spa. When families aren’t enjoying themselves in a luxurious villa (each one starts at a very spacious 1,875 feet, and all come complete with ocean views), kids ages 4 through 12 can take advantage of the many activities on tap at the Jacquot Fun Club, including interactive workshops, arts-and-crafts sessions, tennis lessons, movie nights and more. The teens club, meanwhile, entertains with themed events (coconut bowling is not to be missed), classes like jewelry making and thrilling off-site adventures.

Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Jamaica: Beaches Negril Resort And Spa

Beaches Negril Resort And Spa

Who Will Love It: Kids who prefer the pool but love a good beach romp, too

All-Star Amenities: Beachfront water park with a lazy river, slides and splash park

What Not To Miss: Character breakfast with the Sesame Street crew

Location: Negril, Jamaica

Aside from an excellent location on Jamaica’s beautiful Seven Mile Beach, Beaches Negril is home to an 18,000-square-foot pirate-themed water park featuring two long slides, a 650-foot lazy river for tubing and three swimming pools, sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Other activities for children include scuba diving excursions, snorkeling trips, kayaking, Hobie Cats, a supervised kids camp, Sesame Street-branded entertainment, an Xbox play lounge and more. The property’s recently debuted Firesky Reserve Villas, which feature four bedrooms spread across three-story accommodations, are ideal for large families.

Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In The Bahamas: Small Hope Bay Lodge

Small Hope Bay Lodge

Who Will Love It: Eco-conscious families with a taste for adventure

All-Star Amenities: Complimentary babysitting for kids ages 2 to 7 during dinnertime

What Not To Miss: A barefoot bike ride around the island’s sandy backroads

Location: Andros, Bahamas

This eco-friendly property on the Bahamian island of Andros offers 22 rustic-chic beachfront cabins built from coral stone and pine. Guests can bask in the indoor and outdoor showers heated by solar power when it’s time to rinse off from the beach, and anglers are sure to love the world-class bonefishing that awaits just offshore. For those seeking deep-sea exploration, the resort has certified scuba diving instructors at the ready to provide training, while bubble-maker courses are available for younger kids to get an introduction to scuba. Rest assured there’s plenty to enjoy in these warm, tropical waters with just your mask, fins and snorkel, too—from lush coral gardens thick with purple sea fans and frequented by sea turtles to shallow reefs swarmed by tropical fish.

Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Punta Cana: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana

Who Will Love It: Families with Nickelodeon-obsessed kids (and Nickelodeon-obsessed adults)

All-Star Amenities: Live interactive shows; in-room toddler accessories; themed villas

What Not To Miss: Pajama Jam breakfasts, where kids can party in their PJs with their favorite Nick characters Location: Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana feels like stepping onto a TV set stocked with everyone’s favorite Nickelodeon characters. Children can interact with Marshall, Chase and the rest of the Paw Patrol gang as well as hang with the intrepid Dora the Explorer. Kids rarely tire of a stay at Club Nick, the included kids club—and the fun continues outdoors at the property’s water park, where families can grab orange tubes to float along a lazy river and participate in an interactive game show where someone is bound to get slimed. The 208 suites and villas speak to young families with amenities like strollers, bottle sterilizers, toddler bathrobes and even kid-sized beach chairs for basking in the beautiful Dominican Republic weather.

Best All-Inclusive Resort In The United States: The Resort At Paws Up

The Resort At Paws Up

Who Will Love It: Families who want an all-inclusive domestic vacation without needing a passport

All-Star Amenities: The keys to a 2022 Lexus NX, for families to use freely during the duration of their stay

What Not To Miss: Horseback riding across the plains with one of the property’s rescued mustang horses

Location: Greenough, Montana

This ranch-style, all-inclusive resort just a 30-minute drive from the Missoula airport offers 37,000 acres of unspoiled land where families of all ages can embrace their inner cowboy. With accommodation options ranging from log cabins to glamping sites and spacious Wilderness Estates, guests can wake up to herds of bison and sign up for cattle drives, horseback riding, ATV rides and more. Depending on the season (the resort is open year-round), active families can also partake in mountain biking, river rafting, snowmobiling and hot-air balloon rides. Meals at the property’s dinner outlet, Pomp, include approachable dishes sourced with all local ingredients (think bison rib eye and wild king salmon), while the huckleberry pancakes at casual dining outlet Trough are sure to be the highlight of every morning.

Best Private Island All-Inclusive Resort For Families: Vomo Island Resort Fiji

Vomo Island Resort Fiji

Who Will Love It: Ocean-loving families; anyone towing along budding marine biologists

All-Star Amenities: All the scuba offerings, if you want to get certified as a family

What Not To Miss: The resort’s traditional kava ceremony and Fijian feast

Location: Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

At Vomo Island Resort Fiji, set on a 225-acre private island swaying with palms in the country’s otherworldly Mamanuca chain, no amenity is overlooked. Rates here include a personal “baby butler,” available to for up to four hours a day while guests partake in activities like summiting Mt. Vomo for sunset views or relaxing poolside at The Rocks, Vomo’s adults-only pool. The resort’s included kids club, open from morning to night, is sure to be a hit with the youngest in your brood—with arts and crafts, outdoor supervised dining and a library for the little ones. If you’d like to be steps from the sand, choose to stay together in one of the island’s beachfront residences or villas, which include outdoor showers and tubs along with tropical foliage ensconcing you in total privacy.

Best All-Inclusive Resort For Adventurous Families: Mashpi Lodge

Mashpi Lodge

Who Will Love It: Families who want to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and experience incredible nature

All-Star Amenities: Naturalist-guided hikes into the rainforest to swim in waterfalls

What Not To Miss: A ride aboard the resort’s Dragonfly Canopy Gondola

Location: Mashpi Reserve, Ecuador

Located just outside of Quito, this intimate all-inclusive resort in Ecuador, which welcomes only 47 guests at a time, offers spectacular views and unforgettable forays into nature from within its 2,500-acre private forest setting. At Mashpi, children can become explorers, whether they’re venturing out on a night walk with the family to scout for glass frogs in the inky darkness, riding a sky bike to look for birds above the forest canopy or learning about the resort’s butterfly breeding program from the resident experts. A ride aboard the resort’s Dragonfly Canopy Gondola, an open-air cable car, is always a thrilling family moment. The hotel’s all-inclusive rates include delicious meals featuring local ingredients, customized tours with naturalist guides, transfers to and from Quito and more.

Best All-Inclusive Resort For A Family Safari: JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

Who Will Love It: Safari-going families who want the option to book their stay using reward points

All-Star Amenities: Luxe en-suite tents with private outdoor soaking tubs and decks

What Not To Miss: Storytelling sessions with the Maasai people

Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya

At JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, families can embark on thrilling drives to spot the “Big Five” game animals and East Africa’s other spectacular wildlife. Engaging with the local Maasai people is another highlight of a stay, with family activities like storytelling, traditional dancing and village visits in the mix, geared toward younger travelers. On site at the property, amenities include a dedicated kids pool (in addition to the whirlpool on each tent’s private deck) and a kids camp. And there’s no better spot for making family memories come sunset than around the lodge’s fire pits, overlooking the plains of the reserve and with the soundtrack of the rushing river adding to the reverie. Stays include meals, non-alcoholic drinks and non-premium alcoholic drinks, game drives, sundowners (a happy hour in the African bush at sunset), a pair of binoculars to use during your stay, Wi-Fi, airport transfers and laundry service.

Best All-Inclusive Resort For Foodie Families: Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm

Who Will Love It: Foodies with their hearts set on true Southern hospitality

All-Star Amenities: On-site art studio with courses on pottery, painting, basketmaking and more

What Not To Miss: Appalachian-inspired dinner in the hotel’s James Beard Award-winning restaurant

Location: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

An all-inclusive family resort in the Great Smoky Mountains with a true sense of place, Blackberry Farm offers nods to Appalachia’s rich history in its unique cuisine. Families can spend their days at the 4,200-acre mountain estate mountain biking down rolling byways, learning to fly fish in Hesse Creek, saddling up to go horseback riding or catching salamanders in the streams. With appetites suitably stoked, families can retreat back to the lodge for a meal spotlighting Blackberry Farm’s Smoky Mountain heritage. “Foothills Cuisine” here pulls from the farm’s own gardens as well as the greater regional Appalachian bounty: The property employs its own forager, cheesemaker, butcher, master gardener and sommelier to make sure the table is always set for another meal to remember.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe.

  • The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an eight-year industry veteran who’s visited over 40 countries and stayed at numerous properties on this list, including Grand Velas Los Cabos, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, The Resort At Paws Up and Mashpi Lodge.
  • This story was edited by Emmy Favilla, Forbes Vetted’s managing editor, an industry veteran who has worked in media for the past two decades and has covered e-commerce for the last eight years. She is an avid world traveler and always planning her next getaway.

How We Chose The Best All-Inclusive Resorts For Families

The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities worldwide.

  • For this story, Taran combined first-person experience at resorts she’s stayed at with hours of research combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, hotel websites and more.
  • We included a mix of resorts that cater to all types of family vacations, from classic beach escapes to trips centered around activities, like safari and dude ranch adventures. We also considered a wide range of budgets when selecting our picks—from the affordable Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Jamaica to the splurge-worthy Vomo Private Island Resort in Fiji.
  • We included a diverse range of resorts in both domestic and international destinations.

About Astrid Taran, Your All-Inclusive Resorts For Families Guide

My name is Astrid Taran, and I’m the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee hotel coverage. I have covered travel for almost a full decade; along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also written multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more. I have published multiple all-inclusive resorts guides for Forbes Vetted and have stayed at several properties on this list.



Source link

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Family Travel

Marmaris In Turkey Named The Most Affordable Family Destination:Here’s Why

Published

2 days ago

on

July 19, 2025

By


Home » EUROPE » Marmaris In Turkey Named The Most Affordable Family Destination:Here’s Why

Saturday, July 19, 2025

UK families hoping to swap the gloomy British weather for some sunshine will find the lowest priced short-haul destination is Marmaris in Turkey, research from Post Office Travel Money said. This idyllic port city along Turkey’s southwest coast has something for the whole family, with activities, historical sites, and beaches with some of the best value compared to other touristy destinations.

Family travel can rack up the expenses, especially during peak periods such as school holidays when prices are inflated. Between flights, lodging, and meals, the expenses can pile up in a hurry. As a result, frugal travelers can sometimes work around the costs, including by visiting in the off season or seeking out value destinations. Marmaris has become a favourite with families on a budget – and not just because of its rich culture, stunning scenery, and inexpensive prices.

Marmaris: Turkey’s Budget-Friendly Gem

Marmaris is the cheapest of 16 holiday destinations for a set of 10 tourist items in a study carried out by Post Office Travel Money. A family of four can eat a three-course meal with wine and soft drinks for a mere £67.67. Basic things like a 1.5-liter mineral water 1.5 litres (16p), a bottle or can of cola in a café (£1.81), and insect repellent only £2.61. Marmaris as a destination is inexpensive for family holidays in 2019; this is largely thanks to the plummet in the value of the Turkish lira, and it´s a great option for UK families who want their travel budget to stretch as far as possible.

Turkey has been a popular holiday choice for Britons for many years with its mix of history, culture, and scenery. In Mexico, visitors will encounter one of the few destinations in the world that truly offers something for everyone, from recent remnants of the ancient world to port towns and resort areas supplied with every amenity and attraction a contemporary family or friend vacation demands. Marmaris in particular offers a wealth of cheap, family-friendly things to see and do; boat trips, hikes in the nearby national parks, and even visiting ancient ruins won’t leave your wallet feeling any lighter.

Why UK Families like Marmaris

The study by Post Office Travel Money looked at 16 of the most popular holiday destinations, including Spain’s Ibiza, Portugal’s Algarve, and Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach. Marmaris topped the list for value for money, with the combined items costing £128.99 – half the price of the most expensive area, Ibiza, where the same basket of goods would have cost £242.79.

Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office, cautioned against Brits not taking heed and said: “Today the pound is worth a third more in Turkey than a year ago. “However, this only applies to the exchange rate, and last year was artificially low for holidaymakers. But with the favourable rate of exchange, British visitors will still only have to fork out some 10% more than last year, and Marmaris is a very cheap place to visit when compared to your average European holiday haunt.

Other Budget-friendly Places for UK Families to Visit

Marmaris might tip the scale, but other places make for a cheap family holiday. That was followed by Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach and Portugal’s Algarve. Both deliver excellent bang for buck, with several places to stay, eat, and play for a fraction of what you would pay in other European hotspots. In the Algarve, for instance, there has been an increase in families looking for budget holidays that don’t skimp on quality or experiences.

But some places are less generous to family budgets. Prices for holidays for Britons have increased in 13 of the 16 destinations surveyed. Ibiza was by far the most expensive place, where the total cost of the 10 items was over twice the price of Marmaris.

Travel Advice for UK Families Travelling to Turkey

Here’s what UK families need to know if travel to Turkey is on the plane, nowhere near the horizon. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 150 days and should contain at least one free page when you arrive in Turkey. If you are a Turkish resident, your passport will need to be valid for six months from the date of your arrival.

Then the bonus is that Marmaris is affordable, so plenty of activities can be enjoyed on your family holiday! Whether you want to laze on the beach, visit ancient ruins, or take to the water, Marmaris is the perfect place to do it. The city’s lively marina district, lovely waterfront, and picturesque old town offer lots of things to see and do for the whole family.

What’s more, Marmaris is well located, with direct routes from most major airports, making it easy and convenient for UK families to get to.

Why Marmaris is the Right Destination for Your Next Family Trip

Teletext Holidays With its competitive prices, extensive culture scene, and a common interest in family activities, Marmaris is becoming the number one port of call for UK families. With a mix of affordable options, great weather, and unique activities on offer, this combination makes the country an ideal destination for families who want to not only get away, but get away without crunching the numbers abroad.

Marmaris is, in summary, a brilliant budget summer vacation hot spot. From sightseeing, lazy days on attractive beaches, to tasty local food, Marmaris guarantees a fun-filled family holiday that’s not going to break the bank. This alluring Turkish city is fast becoming the go-to choice for UK families on a budget when it comes to an affordable and memorable break.

(Source: Post Office Travel Money, UK Government, Turkish Government)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Source link

Continue Reading

Family Travel

The best family hotels in Europe for 2025

Published

3 days ago

on

July 18, 2025

By


Tuscany, Italy

“There will be wolves,” was all the incentive needed to stir enthusiasm in my perma-wired boys, aged 10 and 13, for a few nights at Oasyhotel, a new collection of sixteen Scandinavian-inspired wooden lodges perched 3,600 feet up a mountain in the Tuscan Apennines. As we sat around a campfire on our first evening, mesmerised by the crystal-clear sky, the wolves felt tantalisingly close, even if seeing these elusive animals in daylight is rare. Wolves spotted: zero, but the deep nature immersion had a magnetic pull regardless. The entire site is a World Wide Fund for Nature reserve, with regenerative principles at its core, so wildlife, including deer, wild boar and foxes, roams free. But the real magic was the thrill of whizzing up and down mountain trails at speed: we were kitted out with electric bikes on arrival.

This former hunting estate is set in more than 2,470 acres of wild-flower meadows and beech and pine forests. We visited in deepest autumn, but in the summer a lake offers swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. For grateful parents, there is yoga and an on-site spa offering transportative massages. And for kids, the young and utterly charming staff brought a relaxed and fun energy, even during the swanky dinners in Le Felci, one of two restaurants. The ecological ethos extends to the food: 70 per cent of the produce used at the hotel comes from the mountain, so breakfast included the estate’s own organic yoghurts, cheeses, jams and juices, while dinners were mostly rich, hearty and meaty Tuscan dishes of pork, rabbit and beef. The younger and pickier guests among us were plied with fantastic burgers, cotoletta cutlets and fries on repeat. Less popular with my snowflakes was a morning spent making caciotta cheese in the dairy (my idea of heaven), but feeding the farm’s Limousin cattle next door distracted them. It’s hard to imagine cows having this transfixing effect at home, but on the mountain, nature wove its magic. Clare Coulson



Source link

Continue Reading

Family Travel

24 of the best Christmas holiday destinations

Published

3 days ago

on

July 18, 2025

By


We’re seduced by northern Europe coated in snow as much as the next person but a Christmas break doesn’t have to mean mulled wine and market stalls. For those who prefer sunshine to snowglobes, why not swim with penguins at Cape Town’s Boulders Beach or toast the season with qvevri-aged wine at a Georgian supra (feast) instead? If it’s winter sun you’re after, the snorkelling hotspots of Mauritius, the Maldives and Barbados promise bath-warm waters and technicolour reefs. So whether you’re dreaming of sophisticated city breaks, vineyard river cruises or swapping grey skies for blue ones, these are the destinations that offer something a little different this Christmas.

World-class restaurants, fascinating museums, beaches and vineyards, plus game reserves within a few hours’ drive — Cape Town is the city that has it all. And December is one of the best times to visit, with average temperatures at 20C. To boost the festive spirit, hop in a taxi to Boulders beach (an hour’s drive from the city centre) to visit the penguin colony. Or enjoy a sunny picnic on the lawns at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden during its annual carol concert. Even better, there’s very little time difference, so ringing the family on Christmas Day is no problem and you won’t have jet lag when you get back to work.

Make it happen

Edgy Radisson RED Cape Town V&A Waterfront has a great location near the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.

• Best hotels in Cape Town
• Best things to do in Cape Town

2. Kakheti, Georgia

Sighnaghi in eastern Georgia

GETTY IMAGES

Kakheti, Georgia’s premier wine region, is beautiful at any time of year. But winter is its hidden secret. Tourists are scarce but the wineries remain open, lighting their fires to warm you up as you taste unique wines you’d struggle to find anywhere else. Georgians love a good feast (known as a supra). Try to find a tour or hotel that is offering a traditional supra to experience the incredible, almost medieval revelry of feasting here — which includes platter upon platter of grilled meats and veg as well as oozy, cheesy khachapuri flatbreads.

Make it happen

Lopota Lake Resort & Spa hosts a range of festive events — including markets with boots of sweets and live Georgian folk music. There’s also an ice rink and a kids’ club. Georgian Christmas is on January 7 so late December should be much quieter for bookings.

• Best tours of Georgia

3. The Rhine

Stein am Rhein, on the banks of the Rhine

GETTY IMAGES

Spend the Christmas season afloat on the Rhine, accompanied by a glass of local wine as steep vineyards and historic castles slip by. The journey is a soothing way to celebrate the festive season, as most sailings stop at Rhineland cities such as Cologne, Koblenz and Bonn. Here, amid the twinkling lights, visitors and local people mingle in charming Christmas markets, while the swish of skates on an ice rink, shoppers’ voices and Christmas carols provide a lively soundtrack.

Make it happen

Riviera Travel’s Christmas on the Rhine tour is a unique way to discover the area’s history, as well as its enchanting festive markets.

• Best Christmas markets in Europe
• Best Rhine river cruises

4. Berlin, Germany

The snow queen greets visitors at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market in Berlin

ALAMY

Christmas holidays are celebrated with gusto in Germany as its festive markets overflow with copious helpings of mulled wine and twinkling fairy lights. Hip Berlin has a huge funfair and you can get straight into the Christmas spirit with a ticket to one of the regular shows on Alexanderplatz. There’s a high chance of snow: temperatures can slip well below zero in December and the average low is minus 1C.

Make it happen

Wilde Aparthotels Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie, is a short stroll from the landmark as well as metro connections to other parts of the city.

• Best things to do in Berlin
• Best hotels in Berlin

5. Barbados

Christmas trees in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados

GETTY IMAGES

The Caribbean is made for Christmas. Barbados, a go-to Caribbean favourite for Brits, is at its most relaxed between mid-September and mid-December, when hotel prices drop by up to a third and the air-kissing, winter sun-seeking regulars haven’t yet jetted in. There’s a risk of rain, but it never lasts long, and the temperature’s still a balmy 27C. The island’s Atlantic side is an exhilarating whirl of dramatic shores (particularly around the little town of Bathsheba), rolling surf, flapping coconut palms and topsy-turvy hills that seem a world away from the busy beach resorts lining the west and south coasts. Drive over to bask in the peace and fresh air; the Bay Tavern in Martin’s Bay is a mellow spot where Bajans take a break on Thursday afternoons, shooting (and feeling) the breeze at a “lime” (informal hangout).

Make it happen

Sandals Barbados and its sister resort Sandals Royal Barbados have access to a beautiful stretch of beach and are just outside the lively resort of Oistins.

• Best hotels in Barbados
• Best things to do in Barbados

Times Holidays

Inspired by something you’ve read and want us to book your next trip? Call our dedicated advisers to help curate your dream holiday on 0207 785 1841 or enquire here

6. Courchevel, France

Courchevel is still a gathering ground for the world’s super-rich. Broad, easy-skiing pistes combine with Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels to create the most luxurious of all ski resorts. The period from Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve has the biggest social buzz: think champagne bars and perfect teeth, set against a razor-sharp mountain ridge. New Year in Courchevel isn’t cheap, so save where you can by booking a central, self-catering apartment in the Forum. Brush up your skiing with New Generation Ski and Snowboard School, so you don’t take a tumble outside the key slopeside bars. And don’t wait until December 31 to start the celebrations.

Make it happen

If you’re a serious skier with no budget constraints, Hotel Le K2 Altitude is a ski-in, ski-out option with just 14 rooms and 18 suites.

• Best ski resorts in France

7. Muscat, Oman

Hop on an overnight flight to Oman and wake up seven hours later in the capital Muscat, then get straight to the beach — it’s only ten minutes’ drive from the airport. For the rest of your stay, take a traditional dhow boat trip from Marina Bandar al Rowdha so the little ones can enjoy the rare marine life, or absorb the Bedouin vibes of the Arabian desert with teens. Try stargazing and camel-riding at Wahiba Sands, or head to turquoise-hued Wadi Bani Khalid oasis. Alternatively, hire a local driver through your hotel and day trip around Muscat to explore its frankincense-scented Mutrah Souq. Nearby, the call to prayer echoes around the minarets at the opulent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, open most days for visits.

Make it happen

The Chedi Muscat is a sprawling seafront resort within easy reach of the city centre.

• Best hotels in Oman

8. Edinburgh, Scotland

Christmas market stalls in Edinburgh

GETTY IMAGES

It’s not just gingerbread-scented markets and riotous Hogmanay parties that make wintry Edinburgh so appealing. Even under grey skies, you’ve got warm, world-class museums and restaurants — and the icy North Sea winds are your excuse to duck into a snug watering hole for a soul-warming Scotch. For bargains, go in early December when the Christmas markets are open, but the city is still relatively peaceful. Take a spin on the panoramic big wheel above Princes Street, bar crawl under the fairy lights of George Street and pop into the National gallery to contemplate winter scenes. After dark, head to the Royal Botanic Garden to sip spiced cider and marvel at its Christmas illuminations.

Make it happen

For a memorable stay, check into gothic-inspired Witchery by the Castle for gourmet feasting in a decadent dining room.

• Best hotels in Edinburgh
• Best things to do in Edinburgh

9. Salzburg, Austria

Christmas decorations in Salzburg

ALAMY

Revel in the unabashed schmaltz — this is the fantasy festive break. Dressed to the nines in baroque finery and surrounded by snowcapped peaks, Salzburg is the staunchly traditional, chocolate-box city of Mozart and The Sound of Music, and will cocoon you in comfort. Walk around the streets of the old town streets, dive into vaulted beer cellars and shop for lederhosen. To warm up? Climb every mountain, of course. Make your first wander an atmospheric browse along the narrow Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s glitzy shopping alley, where five-storey Renaissance houses provide a bulwark against winter weather. Explore its dimly lit, arched passages and within a few paces, you might stumble upon Balkan Grill Walter, a kiosk selling Balkan beef sausages since 1950. After, make a prosecco pitstop at Seppo, an intimate wine bar, or cosy up with the crowds in the hidden Sternbräu beer garden.

Make it happen

Hotel Goldener Hirsch is in the heart of the city’s baroque centre.

• Best ski resorts in Austria

10. Finnish Lapland

Winter in Saariselka

ALAMY

For the real deal and endless other wintry activities, such as snowmobiling, skiing and reindeer rides, head north to the smaller resorts of Levi, Yllas or Saariselka. Levi is just 20 minutes’ drive from Kittila airport, making transfers with weary tots super speedy. Here, Santa’s village is way out in the wilderness: a huddle of twinkly log cabins hidden among snow-laden pines. Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies with Mother Claus, make decorations and visit Elf school to learn Finnish terms such as “Hyvaa Joulua” (”Merry Christmas”), as well as having a private tête-à-tête with Santa. The focus is firmly on wholesome festive fun and, refreshingly, souvenir stops are sparse.

But don’t go too early — travel from the second or third weekend in December for a guaranteed snowscape. Ample time is crucial: do not book one of those 24-hour round-trips, as children will become so tired and cranky you’ll wonder why you bothered. Four nights is better, and even then you’ll wish you had more. Darkness reigns here: daylight falls between 10am and 2pm, when an eerie green and pink glow illuminates the sky.

Make it happen

To make the most of your setting, book a stay at Golden Crown Iglu, which has glass igloos primed for northern lights viewing.

• Best hotels in Lapland
• Best places to visit in Lapland

11. New York, US

The bright lights of New York City

ALAMY

This city is the face of Christmas, especially in films. Don’t miss the magical displays at Macy’s (Miracle on 34th Street); the steps of the Plaza Hotel (Home Alone 2); and the Rockefeller tree (Elf). The chance of snow isn’t as high as in the perma-dusted movies, but it’s always possible as temperatures can dip to a bracing minus 10C. New York’s stores turn charitable at Christmas, with epic window displays resembling free galleries. Start with the glittering scene at Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue, then pass Tiffany before nipping over to Saks. Next head to the Rockefeller Center for a mulled wine and a gawp at the tree. For Christmas shopping, Bryant Park is transformed into the Winter Village, with stalls selling affordable gifts such as handmade scarves and soaps. It’s free to hit the ice rink here, too.

Make it happen

Facing its namesake park, Bryant Park Hotel is one of the few places in the city where you can wake up to greenery without paying a small fortune for it.

• Best affordable hotels in New York
• Best things to do in New York

12. Tenerife, Spain

Heading for the surf in Tenerife in December

If you’re hoping to add some winter sun to your Christmas, this is the place to be. Yes, tourism has made its mark on Tenerife, but the resorts in the south-coast destinations of Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas take up only a fraction of the island. Beyond, unspoiled beauty awaits: seaside villages and picturesque coves, gracious colonial towns, a rainforest dripping with lichen, and ravishing ravines. And all beneath the awesome gaze of a 170,000-year-old volcano, Spain’s highest, Mount Teide.

Make it happen

Adults-only Hacienda del Conde on the north coast of the island is your escape from the hubbub.

• Best hotels in Tenerife
• Best villas in Tenerife

13. Cities along the Danube

The Christmas market in Regensburg

GETTY IMAGES

One of Europe’s great rivers, the Danube is perfect for a Christmas cruise, taking in cities along the way such as Budapest, Bratislava and Regensburg. Passing through the heart of central Europe, revellers can celebrate the festive season at Christmas markets garlanded with Christmas lights and spirit. A mulled wine here, a juicy, grilled sausage there — which Christmas market will be your favourite?

Make it happen

Avalon Waterways has multiple great-value sailings along this route.

• Best Christmas market cruises
• Best river cruises in Europe

14. The Ganges, India

Hindu pilgrims bathe in the Ganges

GETTY IMAGES

Consider spending Christmas on a luxurious cruise along India’s holiest river where the warmth of the winter sun mixes well with the festive spirit. Standouts include misty early mornings revealing ancient temples, small boats bumping along in the water and devotees by the edge, followed by the wake-up call of bazaars and the solemn fortresses of Jaipur and Varanasi.

Make it happen

Try Uniworld, whose decadent vessel Ganges Voyager II allows you to complete the journey in comfort.

15. Marrakesh, Morocco

Visitors photograph Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakesh

ALAMY

There’s a local saying that Morocco is “a cold country with a hot sun”, and while snow on the Atlas Mountains from mid-November to April demonstrates how bitterly cold it can be at night, there are also piercing blue skies and sunshine warm enough for you to hit the pool. December is the time to snag a bargain to Marrakesh, but pack layers and stay somewhere with heating. Only July and August are cheaper — but they’re only worth it if you can handle temperatures in the high 40s.

Make it happen

At Royal Mansour Marrakech, you’ll have a whole riad with private plunge pool to yourself and access to fine dining restaurants from Michelin-starred chefs.

• Best hotels in Marrakesh
• Best things to do in Marrakesh

16. Mauritius

It’s the blossoming of flame trees rather than the dressing of firs that marks the start of the festive season in Mauritius. These trees, red as Santa’s suit, bloom between late November and early December. Shortly after, seasonal hotel lobby decorations and shop window displays appear across the island. Food is central to a Mauritian Christmas and hotels in beach resorts like Grand Baie and Flic en Flac offer gala dinners and festive brunches so you can tuck in with a cocktail or two.

Make it happen

Located right on Flic en Flac beach, laid-back Sugar Beach offers a fabulous view at sunset.

• Best hotels in Mauritius
• Best things to do in Mauritius

17. The Maldives

Sunset in the Maldives

GETTY IMAGES

Trade in the traditional festive palette of red and green for a landscape that’s a centillion shades of blue. Sleep in a villa suspended on stilts above the Jacuzzi-warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and snorkel and day-sail your way through the season. Many hotels in the Maldives offer traditional menus on Christmas Day. However, if you boycott the sprouts, you’ll be rewarded with platters of fresh lobster, oysters and grouper — all washed down with a bottle of something sparkling.

Make it happen

Fly to the capital, Malé, then take a seaplane to a private island resort such as Medhufushi.

• Best hotels in the Maldives
• Best overwater villas in the Maldives

18. Singapore

Christmas decorations at Plaza Singapura

ALAMY

Singapore soups up the Christmas experience. Festivities start in mid-November when almost two and a half miles of Christmas lights are switched on in the Orchard Road shopping area. Shortly after, restaurants debut their festive menus and Christmas Wonderland opens at Gardens by the Bay. The season’s climax is the extravagant countdown and fireworks party at Marina Bay.

Make it happen

If you’re worried about it all feeling a little too merry and bright, stay at a beach hotel like Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island. With its infinity pools, 30-acre gardens and views of the South China Sea, it’s a sanctuary amid the festive flamboyance.

• Best hotels in Singapore
• Best things to do in Singapore

19. Antalya, Turkey

The ancient city of of Perge

GETTY IMAGES

No jokes about eating turkey in Turkey please — here in Antalya, you can be as festive or not as you want. Many of the resorts in the region will have stonking good deals on all-inclusive breaks, with gala dinners put on for Christmas day. Even if you’re not set on a fly-and-flop, the fact that Christmas Day isn’t a public holiday here means you can shop, go to restaurants and visit attractions as normal. There’s a good chance of sun, but it’ll probably be too cold to hit the beaches. Instead, why not visit one of the ancient ruins for some light culture without the crowds? Termessos and Perge are particularly impressive.

Make it happen

A short drive from Antalya city, family-friendly Limak Lara Deluxe Hotel & Resort Antalya is a great choice if you’re after an all-inclusive option.

• Best hotels in Antalya
• Best things to do in Antalya

20. Japan

The Blue Cave in Shibuya, Tokyo

ALAMY

Tokyo goes all in on the Christmas spirit, but with its own twist. Around the city are illuminations, where lights are strung up around buildings, trees and just about everything else from around mid-November. Look out, too, for festive fairs and Christmas markets where you can pick up kawaii (cute) handmade gifts. If you have kids, a visit to Tokyo Disneyland is essential. And no, you don’t have to adopt the tradition of eating KFC instead of a roast on Christmas Day — plenty of hotels will offer a more conventional festive meal.

Make it happen

Foodies will love the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, home to the Michelin-starred restaurant est.

• Best things to do in Tokyo
• Best hotels in Tokyo

21. Christmas Island, Australia

Red land crabs cross the road during their annual migration on Christmas Island

ALAMY

What could be more apt than spending the festive period on Christmas Island? This slice of paradise is closer to the tropical waters of Indonesia than the Australian mainland, making the weather here pretty much hot all year round. That said, December tends to be the rainy season in the region, with days often overcast — no matter, you’re likely to spend most of your time snorkelling its bath-warm waters anyway. Back on dry land, you’ll see one of the most spectacular annual migrations: it’s mating season for red land crabs and millions of them will be scuttling from the forest to the coast.

Make it happen

If Christmas Island’s location isn’t remote enough for you, Swell Lodge, standing alone on the west coast, will certainly up the ante.

22. Iceland

Downtown Reykjavik at Christmas

GETTY IMAGES

Iceland is the perfect holiday destination for travellers in search of Christmas spirit. Here, the festive season pulsates with lively Christmas markets where wooden booths brim with food and drink, and gifts glitter as imposing Christmas trees stand guard. Expect a true winter wonderland made up of wild lava fields and craggy mountains topped with snow for added sparkle. Take a self-drive into the mountains and catch the northern lights glimmering in the dark sky, and don’t forget other seasonal sojourns such as trekking near the Snaefellsjokull glacier.

Make it happen

Book a tour of Iceland to let someone else tackle the snowy winter terrain while you take in the views.

• Best hotels in Iceland
• Best things to do in Iceland

23. London, England

A gingerbread man outside Battersea Power Station

ALAMY

London does a stonking good job of putting on a good Christmas display — as you would expect from any capital city — but what it’s particularly good at is the stunning array of settings where twinkling lights breathe magic into the air. There’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, where fairground rides, circus acts and Christmas market stalls selling mulled wine and bratwurst will make anyone giddy. Or Battersea Power Station, where the brightly lit facade overlooks a riverfront ice rink. And who could forget the shopping streets around Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, where shops compete to put on the best displays? Fortnum & Mason’s is unmissable.

Make it happen

art’otel London Battersea Power Station overlooks the landmark, and the best views are, of course, from its rooftop pool and bar.

• Best things to do in London at Christmas
• Best affordable hotels in London

24. Zakopane, Poland

Zakopane at Christmas

GETTY IMAGES

When it comes to Christmas, Poland goes big. The traditional festive meal here (eaten on the evening of December 24) consists of 12 courses — from beetroot soup and dumplings to the honeyed, spiced gingerbread cake that is piernik. Zakopane is Poland’s winter wonderland: a ski resort two hours’ drive south of Krakow. The pretty mountain town is stuffed with wood-panelled taverns and family-run hotels and has options for horsedrawn sleigh rides and sledging. If you’re eating out, book a table in advance somewhere rustic and cosy like Gospoda Polska Kolibecka.

Make it happen

Snomads has a range of chalets where you can cook for yourselves (if you have room after Polish Christmas dinner). Prices for ski passes and hire are usually much cheaper than in the Alps.

snomads.co.uk

Additional reporting by Qin Xie, Imogen Lepere, Marianna Hunt



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 AISTORIZ. For enquiries email at prompt@travelstoriz.com