Luxury Family Travel Destinations

Discover luxury family holiday ideas

Choosing the ideal family trip can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Step away from the daily grind to enjoy quality time together in a stunning escape. That's why we're here to ease the burden of decision-making. This blog will guide you through our top luxury family holiday destinations, ensuring a stress-free planning experience. Here are our favourite luxury travel destinations that are perfect for families.

Mauritius

Mauritius is in the Indian Ocean, a prime destination for family holidays. Renowned for its family-friendly resorts, sandy beaches, and selection of activities, it offers something to please every member of the family. It’s not easy to plan a trip that will suit all ages from kids to teens and grandparents but you're guaranteed to have a magical time.

Luxury activities to do in Mauritius

There are several family-friendly activities in Mauritius to keep even the pickiest of holidaymakers happy. There’s:

• Golf for dad.
• Water sports for the kids.
• World-class spa treatments for mum.
• Pool side relaxation.
• Lots of Beach fun, including sandy beaches perfect for building sandcastles.
• A variety of child-friendly restaurants to dine in.

Mauritius has truly has something for everyone to enjoy!

Casela World of Adventures

Explore Casela World of Adventures for a close encounter with wildlife, including zebras, rhinos, giraffes, and giant tortoises within the park and reserve. Enjoy activities such as:

• Camel riding.
• Quad biking.
• Segway safaris.

Mauritius Aquarium

For those who are interested in marine life, venture to the Mauritius Aquarium to see sharks and exotic fish. Family ticket options are also available for a convenient visit.

Water sports in Mauritius

Mauritius is a great location for families of all ages, who love water sports.

For older children, let them be captivated by activities like:

• Water skiing
• Windsurfing
• Scuba diving

Entertain younger family members with the excitement of:

• Snorkelling in clear blue waters.
• Whale watching.
• Swimming with dolphins.

The best time to visit Mauritius

Juggling family getaways with work obligations and school schedules can be challenging, but Mauritius offers a year-round destination, providing flexibility.

When is it the hottest in Mauritius?
The hottest temperatures are in January, December and February where it can reach to the low 30°C. In this period you can expect it to be humid and wetter.

When is it cooler in Mauritius?
It is cooler throughout the country between June and August, which sees temperatures in the lower 20°C. This time of year is widely believed to be the best time for surfing as its not as wet, meaning better weather conditions.

Temperatures rarely fall below 17 °C, or exceed 31 °C, making Mauritius a tempting choice if you enjoy the sunshine but don't want extremes of heat.

Flights to Mauritius

If you want to travel to Mauritius this year, then Alternative Airlines offers a variety of different payment options including Fly Now, Pay Later where you can pay for your flights in instalments.

We make it a breeze to pay for your flights the way you want to. Choose from 40+ payment methods including flexible Buy Now, and Pay Later options. You can pay weekly, bi-weekly or spread the cost for longer. Some of the airlines that fly to Mauritius include:

• Air Mauritius
• Air Canada
• Air France
• Emirates
• KLM
• Saudia

The main airport in Mauritius: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU)

Dubai

A holiday in Dubai is both luxury and perfection. Dubai has the tallest buildings on earth, a 24/7 shopping culture and a variety of breathtaking hotels, Dubai is a city like no other.

Here's why Dubai is the perfect luxury destination to take your family:

• Vast theme parks
• Sandy beaches
• Cultural experiences
• A variety of unique attractions

In Dubai they certainly won't be bored! The safety and cleanliness also make it a dream destination, particularly for those travelling with their children for the first time.

Luxury activities to do in Dubai

Dubai offers several family-friendly activities, including beaches, aquariums, wildlife spotting, and more. If that wasn't enough, many of Dubai’s hotels were designed with children in mind giving you something to do no matter where you are.

Dubai's Waterparks

Dubai's scorching temperatures make it the perfect destination for water-loving kids to cool off at one of its well-known waterparks. Two favourites include Wild Wadi Waterpark and Aquaventure Atlantis. Wild Wadi offers more than 30 water rides with breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab, while Aquaventure offers exciting attractions and beach access for a well-rounded experience.

Desert safari's

A desert safari is one of the most thrilling activities in Dubai. Many safaris include:

• Sandboarding
• Biking
• Dinner
• Entertainment.

This all-day excursion is guaranteed to be an adventure! Desert safaris in Dubai typically offer heavily discounted rates for children, making this a fun and affordable option.

While in the desert, experiencing camel riding is a must! This activity is only available in select parts of the world and promises to be a memorable experience for the whole family, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Shopping Experiences

Dubai offers a shopping experience tailored to every type of shopper, whether you're seeking traditional markets or modern malls.

Begin your journey in Old Dubai at the Dubai Spice Souk, where you can lose yourself in the lively atmosphere. Afterwards, explore one of Dubai's numerous shopping malls. With many toy stores, children are guaranteed to be entertained with items like scooters, mini-drones, and Star Wars costumes.

The best time to visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is between November to February is considered to be the best time to visit Dubai, as temperatures are pleasant and there's a buzz in the air with a range of events and activities from the Dubai Shopping and Food Festivals to the Dubai World Cup.

When is it the hottest in Dubai?
Between the summer months of June and August, most tourists avoid Dubai because it can get pretty hot outside. Temperatures can reach up to 50°C! However, this time of year is the best time to travel if you're on a budget.

Flights to Dubai

Dubai International Airport is both the main and the best airport to fly to when travelling to Dubai.

Dubai International Airport is only a few miles away from the city centre, which is a 5—10-minute drive. It will take longer to reach most hotels and resorts, but this varies depending on where you're staying. As a guideline, you should be able to reach even the furthest away hotels and resorts within an hour.

The main airline in Dubai is Emirates who offer the best luxury flights.

The main airport in Dubai: Dubai International Airport (DXB)

South Africa

South Africa stands out as the most luxurious safari destination. Experience the thrill of observing South African wildlife then a spot of relaxation in the pool, creating an unforgettable safari experience.

But, your trip doesn’t have to just be about the safari — you could begin with time in Cape Town, Africa’s most glamorous city, exploring its food, culture and coastline with a private guide. Aside from the almost year-round sunshine, South Africa has

• Game-rich parks
• Relaxing white sand beaches
• Adventure aplenty for families.

Luxury activities to do in South Africa

Safari's

Younger Children will love family safaris in South Africa. See exotic animals such as lions, giraffes, and rhinos all while being with a local ranger who will help you get the most out of this once in a lifetime experience. On top of that, engaging activities such as rhino tracking and treasure hunts will vividly bring lessons to life for children.

South Africa is known for its safari lodges that create conservation and tourism. These lodges have some of the world's finest rangers who are deeply committed to educating your children about local eco-initiatives, wildlife, and the surrounding natural environment.

Luxury Experiences

While they discover these experiences you can enjoy spa treatments in your room and incredible meals. South Africa offers the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, making it an ideal destination for first-time safari-goers to discover the enchantment of the African wilderness.

Teens and older kids will love paddling the cool waters around Boulders Beach and Simon’s Town nearby. If being on water isn’t for you, check out the penguins from land on Boulders’ Beach.

Bear with us here, wine tasting might not sound like the most family-friendly activity, but with our expert guidance and planning, we will ensure the children are occupied and having fun, while you get to sample all the delights that they have to offer.

The best time to visit South Africa

• The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September for safari holidays
• November to March are ideal for visiting the vibrant cities.
• It can be rainy from November to February but temperatures remain warm at 22°C to 33°C.

South Africa has typical weather for the Southern Hemisphere, with the coldest days in June–August.

Flights to South Africa

Booking flights to South Africa? PayJustNow is a South African Buy Now, Pay Later provider that lets you split the cost of your purchase into 3 equal interest-free instalments, helping you make your trip fit your budget.

Airlines that fly to South Africa include:

• South African Airways
• British Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• United Airlines
• and many more.

For added luxury on your long-haul flight, consider booking business-class flights to South Africa.

The main airport in South Africa: Cape Town International Airport (CPT) or O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

Maldives

It wouldn't be a luxury family travel list without the Maldives! It might be famed for its romantic setting, but the Maldives makes just as good a holiday spot for families.

If you're hoping to show your little ones a paradise landscape that strips away the noise and distractions of modern living – the Maldives is the perfect destination. With year-round sunshine, there are loads of activities to enjoy around the pool and in the clear waters of the islands. There's something for everyone in the Maldives from:

• Snorkelling
• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Day trips to other islands
• Tours to Male to explore local markets and sightseeing.
• Rest and relaxation by the pool

Luxury activities to do in the Maldives

Dolphin watching

The Maldives hosts one of the best dolphin watching experiences, which offers a mesmerising opportunity to observe these elegant creatures in their element. This is a perfect activity to do with your family as seeing the playful antics of dolphins is a once-in-a-lifetime experience creating an unforgettable memory.

Water sports

The Maldives has a lot to offer when it comes to activities, such as water sports like jet skiing and wakeboarding. A resort's teams are always on hand to offer guided group or private tours including:

• Scuba diving
• speed boat snorkel hopping
• Jet skiing
• Glass-bottom kayaking
• and much more.

Explore the house reef

Exploring the house reef through snorkelling adds a unique element to your families experience in the Maldives. The coral reefs found in the blue lagoons surrounding the islands offer ideal snorkelling spots.

If your resort doesn't have a house reef, guided snorkelling trips to nearby reefs, led by marine biologists, are typically available for free. On these trips make sure to admire marine life, including harmless reef sharks, rays and turtles to name a few.

The best time to visit Maldives

The best weather in the Maldives is between November and April. The climate is warm and tropical, with average highs at a consistent 29°C to 31°C year-round and average lows rarely falling below 24°C.

January to April are the driest months, with little rain and low humidity, making this peak season at the resorts.

Flights to the Maldives

When flying to the Maldives you will land at Velana International Airport which is in the capital. If you're staying on an island then you will most likely get to the island via a seaplane or a speed boat.

Some examples of airlines that fly to the Maldives include:

• Maldivian
• British Airways
• American Airlines,
• Singapore Airlines
• Emirates
• and many more.

To find the cheapest days to travel on our website use our Best Fare Finder tool.

The main airport in the Maldives: Velana International Airport (MLE)

Mexico

Mexico is the ultimate family travel destination, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. For family getaways in Mexico, Cancun is the ultimate escape.

Why is Cancún good for kids? Not only is the Yucatán Peninsula regarded as one of the safest regions in Mexico, but it's also a fascinating place with an accommodating, family-friendly vibe in most hotels and restaurants

Luxury activities to do in Mexico

Some popular luxury activities in Mexico include:

• Sailing on a luxury catamaran just 30 minutes away from Tulum for a snorkeling experience.
• Fly in a hot air balloon over one the Teotihuacán Valley, and enjoy one of the most impressive hot air balloon experiences in the world just 45 minutes from Mexico City.
• Visit a turtle farm and peek into the pools where the recently hatched turtles are housed. It's highly recommended by lots of tourists and it's said to be a magical experience for kids.

Visit the beach and explore

Beach-loving families will be happy to spend most of their time enjoying the sun, sand and sea; building sand castles, snorkelling and playing in the waves can keep kids happy for hours.

The Riviera Maya also has tonnes to do off the beach. There are:

• Archaeological sites to explore
• Cenotes to cool off in
• Water parks like Xcaret

Explore Mexico City

In Mexico, beach destinations often top the list, but the country offers much more. While Mexico City might not be the obvious choice for a family holiday, it has attractions including

• Parks
• Museums
• Points of interest like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Zócalo (main square)

Don't miss Chapultepec Park! It has multiple museums, a free zoo, and a lake where you can rent paddle boats.

The best time to visit Mexico

The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season between December and April when there is virtually no rain.The coolest months are between December and February, although temperatures can still reach averages of 28°C during the dry season.

You may want to avoid organising your trip between May to October, when the wet season begins in the south.

Flights to Mexico

At Alternative Airlines we offer 40+ payment options to give you the freedom to fly, no matter where you are or where you fly. You can Pay in your local currency and use your favourite e-wallets like Paypal or you could checkout using cryptocurrency or spread the cost with buy now, pay later. With Alternative Airlines, the choice is yours.

Some of the best airlines that fly to Mexico include:

• Aeromexico,
• American Airlines
• Southwest
• United Airlines
• British Airways and many more.

The main airport in Mexico: Mexico City International Airport (MEX) or Cancún International Airport (CUN)

Bahamas

You may think of the Bahamas as a perfect getaway spot for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. However, it is also a great choice for families. From beaches with clear waters for little ones, to a range of family-friendly resorts there is something for everyone in these islands.

There are 14 main islands in the Bahamas and almost 700 outer islands and cays of which approximately 30-40 are inhabited. Andros, the largest yet least populated island in the Bahamas, offers natural beauty, interesting history, and a laid-back island vibe.

Luxury activities to do in the Bahamas

Grand Bahama Island is known for its unforgettable beaches and bright blue waters. The Old Bahama Bay Resort stands out as a must go family-friendly destination, offering a variety of accommodations ranging from tropical studios to spacious villas. Here guests can enjoy a beautiful resort, including:

• Swimming pools
• Kayaking
• Snorkelling
• Biking
• Various sports and leisure facilities.

Moreover, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities on Grand Bahama Island, from thrilling Jeep safaris and dolphin-watching excursions to serene hikes in nature and attending entertaining family events.

Explore Andros

Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas and is known for its outdoor activities. You’ll find a variety of activities ranging from, deep-sea and fly-fishing tours to snorkel and scuba diving tours among the creeks and cays of the island. Alternatively, explore Andros barrier reef and witness the islands aquatic masterpiece.

Speedboat rides

Visit Pearl Island, Green Cay, Athol Island, & Rose Island on a speedboat ride from Nassau to see swimming pigs, a popular and possibly the cutest tourist attraction in the Bahamas. Make sure to take the opportunity to snorkel along the coral reefs to view sea turtles and fish in their natural habitats.

Luxury boat trips

Visit Exuma Islands on a luxury boat trip and expect to meet the locals, including flamingos, iguanas, parrots and sharks - the islands are famous for their incredible biodiversity. This experience is a perfect day out with your family. You can even do horseback riding along the beach.

The best time to visit the Bahamas

The tradewinds that blow throughout the Bahamas create a moderate climate year-round. Sept-May is most pleasant, especially for family holidays, with temperatures a child-friendly 21–24°C, making it the best time to visit the Bahamas.

The rainy season (May-Oct) brings hot, muggy weather and 27–29°C. Hurricanes can occur from June–Nov making these the worst times to visit the Bahamas.

Flights to the Bahamas

Are you thinking about booking flights to the Bahamas? Protect your booking with Cancellation Protection to avoid stress in emergency circumstances.

Some of the best airlines that fly to the Bahamas include:

• Jetblue
• Caribbean Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta
• Bahamasair and many more.

The main airport in the Bahamas: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)

Why choose an Alternative Airlines luxury family holiday?

When it comes to booking a luxury family holiday Alternative Airlines has you covered with a smooth and personalised booking process that is backed by an expert customer service team. Enjoy stress-free bookings, family-friendly options, and the comfort of knowing your trip is tailored to meet your family’s needs, ensuring a memorable and relaxing trip.

In conclusion, luxury family travel destinations offer an opportunity to create unforgettable memories while enjoying new experiences. From exotic beach resorts to cultural capitals, these destinations cater to every member of the family. Before you jet off we recommend checking out our Family Travel Checklist to make sure your prepared for your luxury family getaway.

Make sure to check out our other family travel guides:

• Family Travel Hacks
• Search and Buy Family Flights
• Advice & Info for Flying with Children
• Child-friendly Airport Lounges