Hotels

What to Look for in the Best Luxury Family Resorts

Schools out for summer…well, almost. In a few weeks, your family clients will be taking off for quality vacation time together. Now is the time to capture those bookings, especially for domestic travel. The following tips provide info on what makes a luxury resort family-friendly and how you can help clients pick their ideal family resort.

 

Location, Location, Location

 

A photo posted by Terranea Resort (@terranearesort) on

What keeps kids and parents happy? A nice mix of time at the resort and close by activities and attractions off property is the right combination. Summer and the beach are almost synonymous so also look for resort properties that front white sands.

 

Accommodations

 

A photo posted by Terranea Resort (@terranearesort) on

Comfort and space in an elegant setting are what most luxury family travelers are seeking. Look for resorts that can accommodate families of five or more, especially to encourage multigenerational bookings and expand that single family booking to a multiple family booking. Ideal single family accommodations include adjoining guest rooms, one-bedroom suites with pullout couches, or two-bedroom suites. Villas and casitas offer a residential feel for a real home-away-from home, but with access to all of the resort’s features. They also provide even more room amenities, many with full-service kitchens, washers and dryers, in addition to separate living rooms, and multiple bedrooms if needed. Some villas, such as those found at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., located in the heart of Los Angeles, also can feature private garages, hot tubs, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, and large outdoor balconies.

 

Activities

Today’s luxury resorts go beyond a single swimming pool and kiddie pool to entertain savvy young travelers. The bigger the better with waterslides and water features, plus poolside private cabanas that can add a touch of luxe to any time in the sun. Encourage families to take advantage of their destinations, with activities and tours depending on the age of the children that can get everyone moving, such as ocean adventures that can include kayaking, snorkeling, surf camps, or even oceanside hiking. Many resorts feature on-site kids clubs for when parents seek some alone time, but also offer day and evening family activities, that can include making crafts or fireside s’mores.

 

Dining 

Luxury travelers often have children with sophisticated palates. The farm-to-table rage extends to many resorts having their own on-site gardens. Proud of their gardens, chefs can sometimes invite guests (including the kids) for special garden workshops so always ask when making a booking. Children’s menus ensure that kid-friendly fare is always available. Look also for resorts that have restaurants that offer views. Watching the sun set over the ocean, for example, is a magic moment no matter what age you are.

 

Package It

The easiest way to sell family travel is with a package that includes all that will make them happy. Also, if a resort offers a family package then they are letting you know that they welcome and cater to the market. One good choice for summer is the Family Adventure package at Terranea Resort. It puts it all together with a choice of two water activities and two land activities, plus daily breakfast for four and complimentary Kids Club for up to two children.

Time Together

Ultimately, the most important part of family travel is family and spending time together. Encourage clients (and their children) to unplug and focus on each other; that’s the ideal way to make it a memorable summer.

The editorial staff had no role in this post's creation.