7 Sublime Hotels That Are Perfect For The Whole Family
Family-friendly hotels often conjure up images that don’t necessarily equate with beautiful design, rich cultural experiences, excellent food and a relaxing grown-up vacation. Below, KATIE BERRINGTON chooses seven stunning properties that defy the expectations and ensure a luxurious, captivating and enriching trip for all ages
Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia
The value of the journey to Cap Karoso, which resides on the remote west coast of Sumba, is fully revealed when guests arrive at the design-led hotel – blending into the landscape of sparkling lagoons on the shore of a coral reef; close to local villages, where the rich history and culture can be appreciated. An immersion in this peaceful paradise is at the heart of the experiences here – from boat trips and riding lessons to cooking classes and explorations of the island’s natural wonders. At the KarosoKids club, the experience-led program continues with gardening in the organic farm and astronomy sessions; while a nanny service means smaller children can have extra supervision for parents’ peace of mind. Moreover, at the Malala Spa, where treatments celebrate local shamanic traditions and use indigenous ingredients such as sandalwood and moringa, there is a special parent-and-child menu – and young guests can even enjoy their first massage. For maximum space, families may wish to stay in one of the 20 thoughtfully curated villas, each with expansive terraces, barbecue decks, open-air kitchens and private infinity pools.
LIZZIE FORTUNATOAmaranth gold-plated, multi-stone and horn necklace
FAITHFULLLenise linen and woven maxi dress$305.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklargex large - low stock
HUNZA GDomino embellished seersucker swimsuit
LOEWE+ Paula's Ibiza Anagram Basket small leather-trimmed striped raffia tote
Domaine des Etangs, France
Families enamored by a fairytale setting will fall in love with this turreted and lakeside 13th-century chateau that feels straight out of a storybook. Surrounded by 2,500 forested acres in France’s Charente region, Domaine des Etangs has been reimagined from a fiefdom of knights to a private family castle – and, now, a luxurious retreat that is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. There is much to do for every taste – and plenty of space to roam, cycle and amble in the great outdoors. The estate has its own renowned art gallery on site, a Michelin-starred restaurant, Dyades, a beautiful wellness space born out of the old mill building, thermal baths, a floating tennis court, a rowing pond, a children’s playground and games room – plus, a program of activities that includes photography workshops, face painting and getting hands dirty in the kitchen gardens and on the cattle farm. As well as rooms and suites where ancient features meet contemporary luxuries, there are six oversized cottages dotted across the estate, all of which are ideal for larger groups.
SAINT LAURENTLeather jacket
BOTTEGA VENETA EYEWEARNew Knot aviator-style acetate and gold-tone sunglasses
JOSEPHCashmere sweater$369.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklargex large
TOTEMEPleated crepe maxi wrap-effect skirt$550.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3234 - out of stock3638 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock
Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire, UK
In the glorious Cotswolds countryside, Estelle Manor emerges at the end of a long driveway, amid a sweeping 3,000 acres of parkland. Resplendent interiors of sumptuous velvet sofas and stately lighting give way to the South Terrace, where scalloped pink and burgundy parasols surround a centerpiece pool that evokes the south of France. Despite the grandeur of the design, the atmosphere here is lively, warm and welcoming – not at all stuffy and sedate. There are several restaurants, so you’ll find a menu to satiate every palette: the all-day hearty and refined Brasserie, traditional Chinese dishes in the Billiards Room, a tantalizing Japanese menu in The Armoury, the relaxed Potting Shed Café, and a pretty stroll through the walled garden reveals The Glasshouse, where wood-fired pizzas and family-style sharing plates are served. Rather than a traditional kids club, there are supervised activities across the estate – from scavenger hunts and den-building for toddlers to archery and high ropes for older children and teenagers. Then through the woods you’ll find the ultimate adults’ playground: the spectacular Roman-inspired spa, a capacious tepidarium bathing hall with indoor and outdoor pools, treatment rooms, and an open-air lounging area and bar.
LEMAIREWool cardigan$519.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - out of stockx small - out of stocksmallmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - out of stock
TOTEMEShearling coat$4,676.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size32 - out of stock34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock
SAINT LAURENTNico mid-rise straight-leg jeans$1,625.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size242526 - low stock27 - low stock28 - low stock29 - low stock3031
TOTEMEGlossed-leather ankle boots
Marbella Club, Spain
On the idyllic Andalusian coast, where dazzling mountains, sea and Mediterranean gardens meet, Marbella Club is something of an icon. The wealth of delights span sun-drippingly gorgeous restaurants, where it feels like the food is served directly from the sea onto the table, elegantly laid-back suites and villas (opt for the latter category for private swimming pools, gardens, large living spaces and standalone kitchens), a holistic spa, and outdoor pursuits including hikes, horse-riding and water sports. For younger guests (while the grown-ups can relish a long sun-kissed lunch à deux), the fantastic Kids Club offers experiences such as perfume-making using local herbs, cooking lessons, craft workshops with local artists, canoeing and paddle-surfing in the calm waves.
LA DOUBLEJTurn Around wrap-effect printed silk-voile midi dress$1,470.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx smallx smallsmallmediumlargex large - low stockxx large - out of stock
ALAÏAGold-tone hoop earrings
ERESLes Essentiels Asia swimsuit$665.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock4244 - out of stock46 - low stock48 - out of stock
THE ROWSignum leather slides$1,400.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock36.5 - out of stock37 - out of stock37.5 - out of stock38 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock4040.5 - out of stock41 - out of stock42 - out of stock
Parilio, Paros, Greece
For families seeking a less all-inclusive, more authentic and immersive vibe of Greek vacation, the glorious, gleaming Parilio on the rugged island of Paros is a quintessential Cycladic dream. A member of Design Hotels, the style is understated elegance with geometric lines, natural stone and a soothingly neutral palette, centered by a vast outdoor pool that is lined with daybeds and a vibrant bar area. Last summer, the owners launched Kinship across Parilio and Vedema (their Santorini sister property). Kinship reimagines the concept of a kids club to involve the whole family and encourage collective, cultural experiences rooted in creativity, community and local heritage. At Parilio, this can involve loom weaving with local artisans, Parian cooking classes with the in-house chefs and farm visits, Greek language lessons, spa treatments suitable for children as well as adults, cultural treks through ancient marble quarries and guided visits to landmark sites on the island.
FAITHFULLGaia striped organic cotton-poplin blouse
LOEWEFlamenco leather clutch
MOTHERThe Undercover Bermuda distressed denim shorts$168.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size24 - low stock2526 - out of stock27 - out of stock28 - out of stock29 - out of stock30 - out of stock31 - out of stock
PROENZA SCHOULERCable leather flip flops$508.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock35.5 - low stock36 - low stock36.5 - low stock3737.5 - low stock38 - low stock38.5 - low stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.541 - out of stock41.5 - out of stock42 - out of stock
Collegio alla Querce Auberge, Florence, Italy
A new opening on a beautifully scenic Florence hillside – overlooking the city’s Unesco-celebrated Centro Storico on one side and the rolling Tuscan landscape on the other – Collegio alla Querce is a thoughtfully restored, 16th-century former school and estate with original tiered gardens. The culinary offering is, unsurprisingly, a highlight for a region that is renowned for its food, with four restaurants and bars (including Bar Bertelli, once the headmaster’s office, offering cocktails and cigars) and local produce at the core. There’s also the serene Aelia spa, offering treatments inspired and infused with homegrown ingredients. As for the pastimes, think chef-led cooking classes, botanical-infused bathhouses and an ‘Opera Sound Bath’ experience, live music and supper club-style performances, creative workshops (children can even put on a performance of their own), cultural tours of Florence’s galleries, as well as its ateliers and perfumiers. You can also explore the hotel’s wonderful grounds and gardens, which encompass a grand 35-meter swimming pool. For a large group trip, the seven-bedroom Palazzo Moderno can be booked on its own, complete with a private roof terrace and pool.
MAX MARAAlbata belted alpaca and wool-blend coat$4,656.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock
RÓHETie-neck striped cotton-poplin shirt$430.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - low stock36 - low stock3840 - low stock42 - out of stock44
AGOLDE'90s high-rise straight-leg jeans$455.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size23242526 - low stock272829 - out of stock30 - low stock3132 - out of stock
THE ROWLeather ballet flats$1,632.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock36.5 - out of stock3737.5 - out of stock38 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.5 - out of stock4141.5 - out of stock42 - out of stock
São Lourenço do Barrocal, Portugal
If your family loves to be surrounded by nature, São Lourenço do Barrocal – which has been owned by the same family for the past 200 years – will feel like a wonderland. A 780-acre working estate in Alentejo, including wildflower meadows, olive groves, ancient forest and vineyards, the hotel is a beautifully reimagined but effortlessly chill 19th-century farmstead, a two-hour drive east of Lisbon. All rooms open directly to the great outdoors, but take one of the cottages to give yourself the space to spread out. The activities on offer enable guests to get hands-on with the environment – from birdhouse building to traditional craft lessons (like olive-wood carving and wool spinning), workshops on wildlife preservation, horse-riding sessions and donkey-cart trips. Try local delicacies in the restaurants and dine alfresco on the long tables at Hortelão, where smoking wood-fired grills and the kitchen gardens turn it into a multisensory experience for everyone.
JOSEPHAthena striped silk-blend satin shirt$573.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock
SAINT LAURENT EYEWEARRectangle-frame tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses
JOSEPHHulin pinstriped silk-blend satin wide-leg pants$485.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size32 - out of stock34 - out of stock36 - low stock3840 - out of stock4244 - out of stock
LIÉ STUDIOThe Eva Weekend croc-effect leather tote
