Luxurious family holidays are what we dream about on cold, muggy days. So, ignore the clouds and plan a luxurious trip in the sun – for all the family!
A recent article in the Sunday Times states that a growing number of Grandparents are treating their families to luxurious holiday experiences. Some are even happy to spend up to £100,000 to do so. Many dream of creating happy holiday memories as a family, to reminisce over later.
Also, the travel company Black Tomato shared that their bookings for multigeneration families and groups of over eight have risen by 35% since 2019.
As multigeneration and luxurious family holidays increase alongside one another, here are some luxurious locations and trips you can experience. Start making new memories with your family and friendship groups after choosing from our favourites…
1. Luxurious family ski holidays
Do you travel with adventure seekers? Whether you are young, or young at heart, a luxurious family ski holiday in Europe will have something fun for everyone. You could choose to book into a family ski school that provides ski lessons. These will help everyone master the slopes.
Each day, wake up in a winter wonderland and fill up with a warming breakfast. Then take to the slopes via ski or snowboard! Whizz along the snow and cheer as your companions reach you at the bottom. Together, join in with après-ski culture by sipping a hot beverage at the café bar. As dusk turns to night return to your chalet for some spa treatments to soothe yourself while you admire the magical mountain range.
The best time for a ski holiday in Europe is from December – April. However, why not book a snow-capped Christmas break in the mountains? Fill it full of photos of magical photos of skiing, snowboarding, and a visit from Santa! Family holidays full of surprises will be remembered for years to come.
2. Greek island family holidays in luxurious villas
Observe some of the world’s wonders on a Greek island, while staying in a luxurious villa. If you’re looking for a lux location for a celebration, a large group villa is just the place to throw a party.
After your concierge team has organized the details for your party – enjoy! Raise a glass with Greece’s blue waters in the background alongside your nearest and dearest. Then find time to explore your chosen Greek island.
To bask in the sun, find a blue flag beach such as Glyfada Beach on the island of Corfu – one of the best islands to build a sandcastle. For a refreshing trip, nature lovers will enjoy exploring the National Marine Park of Zakynthos on the island of Zante (Zakynthos is its Greek name Zante, is its Italian name). This park protects/preserves its animal habitats across the island, which include birds, seals, and turtles. Go turtle spotting after locating the nesting beaches on Turtle Island along Laganas beach.
Before supper, reach your all-inclusive family villa and dive into the pool. Invite all your companions to join you with their favourite inflatables. A floating banana won’t look out of place alongside views of the Aegean Sea. Next, prepare for dinner in your stylish room while you enjoy al fresco dining prepared by your chef.
3 Luxury family safaris
Take everyone on a tailored African Safari ! Start in Nairobi (Kenya’s capital city) before venturing across the Maasai Mara (Masai Mara) National Reserve. Look out for the great migration of over a million wildebeests! During your adventure, capture all your magical moments on camera. From when the little ones see their favourite animals for the first time – to your first African sunrise.
Observe the wonderful work that goes on at the Giraffe and Lion conservations. Then you could visit an elephant orphanage at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Don’t be afraid to feed these gentle and playful animals either! When visiting the foot of Mt Kenya, (at The Borana Conservancy), you can get more hands on. Join a team who set off to track black and white rhinos at first light. Together, check their wellbeing across the 32,000-acre conservation area.
As day turns to night, rest within the inspiration behind the Disney film – The Lion King – at Pride Rock, Borana. In the morning, look out for Simba and the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, black rhinoceros, and African buffalos) during a game drive. For the adventurous, a safari by bike or horseback are alternative ways to observe Kenya’s wildlife and diverse landscape. Although, immersive bush walks closer to your lodge can be organised for all age groups.
Whatever way you choose to explore the 7,000 acres of the Maasai Mara, there’s lots to learn. For instance, see how the Maasai community live and adopt their courageous and welcoming character before leaving. On your last night, rest under the dark sky to admire the cosmos and reflect upon everything you’ve seen and heard.
4. Jet off to Japan
Plan a luxurious family holiday to Japan. Now a top holiday destination, Japan has something for all ages to discover. From the world of cartoon, comics, and animations (manga). To its ancient traditions and rides on the bullet train! Buy your railway ticket (JP Pass) in advance to experience everything across this colourful country.
The best times to admire Japan’s temples are during the autumn and spring months. Visit Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Dera Temple in autumn for the traditional festival of Momijigari (to hunt the autumn leaves). Or return in April to observe Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), while taking a tour of the Higashiyama Teramachi Temples. There are 13 temples and five shrines to spot near Shiroyama Park, which provides mountain views.
While exploring Japan’s mountains, immerse yourself in Japanese culture – stay in a Ryokan hot spring resort. A Ryokan’s design is simplistic and provides a luxurious, cosy escape, with paper lanterns, natural baths, or hot springs nearby. You can also book into a historical Ryokan in Kyoto or Tokyo.
For dinner, tuck into seasonal, high quality kaiseki ryori (multi-course) meals. For a cooking experience, venture to the Mr Shibuya Sushi Restaurant in Tokyo to learn how to make sushi. To learn more about each cosmopolitan city, book a cultural tour with an expat. They’ll take you to all their favourite neighbourhoods and answer all your questions.
5. Luxurious family cruise holidays
Is the Caribbean on your bucket list? If you need more than a mile of golden sand and azure sea to keep everyone happy, book a Caribbean family holiday on a cruise holiday. Everyone will have time to engage with the ship’s entertainment during ‘sea days’. Before strolling along the sands you’ve been picturing in your dreams when you dock into each port. For instance, board the Royal Caribbean’s ship ‘Anthem of the Seas’ from Cape Liberty (after flying to New York) then embark on a unique cruise around the Bahamas!
A Royal Caribbean cruise ship has plenty of fun on board, which is accessible to everyone. Adrenalin seekers can spend time at the fun fair. Or rise 90 metres (300 feet) above deck in a jewel-like glass capsule (the North Star®). They can capture spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea on camera to share with you later. While keeping your feet on the ground, take your taste buds on a culinary adventure. Try all the flavours of the Caribbean during a multi-course tasting menu at the Chef’s Table at dinner.
During a cruise around the islands of The Bahamas, you’ll dock into Nassau, St Kitts and Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Here you can dip into the island’s largest freshwater pool and explore each of the coves of Oasis Lagoon®. Refresh yourselves by swimming up to the pool bar. Your younger companions will enjoy the Thrill Waterpark. Wave at them while they race down a four-lane Splash Speedway. Soon, they’ll join you on the sand for a rest and an ice cream.
Travel Insurance for Luxurious family holidays
Each Free Spirit Travel Insurance policy covers you and all your travelling companions, Grandmas, Grandpas, Mums, Dads, children etc. – when they’re added to a policy. Whether they have a pre-existing medical condition or not – regardless of age – you can all travel with confidence together.
For the young and old alike who can’t be away from their gadgets for too long, gadget insurance is included on a Free Spirit insurance policy.
Also, if the cost of your family holiday exceeds the cancellation limit on your policy, we can provide further cancellation cover on one of our sister brands.
Discover Top Up My Cancellation Cover to “top up” your primary policy with £50,000 extra cancellation cover. Ideal if you’ve booked a trip that costs more than your existing travel policy cancellation limit.
Don’t let travelling without insurance be a costly mistake – travel, with confidence by taking out suitable travel insurance.