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Keen to book a luxury family holiday in 2024? Consider these 6 incredible resorts

For a glamorous getaway, look no further than these six European resorts where infinity pools, Michelin-starred meals, pro tennis academies and on-site nannies come as standard. If you’re looking to push the boat out this year, these hotels will deliver the fanciest of family holidays. 

By Rachel Erdos | Last updated Apr 21, 2024

TUI luxury family hotels

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If you’ve all-inclusived your way around Europe and are looking to turn things up a notch, we’ve rounded up a selection of the very best hotels for next-level luxury. And far from being exclusively ring fenced for adults-only escapes, they’re all extremely welcoming to families, with quality childcare options for kids of all ages. 

We’ve narrowed our search to popular destinations including Spain, Greece, Portugal, Turkey and Cyprus for high-end holidays minus the long-haul flights. From swim-up rooms on the Spanish coast to swanky apartments on the Algarve, all hotels have been recommended on the Mumsnet holiday forum and meet Mumsnetters’ meticulous standards when it comes to family-friendly luxury. 

And they can all be booked via TUI which means you can take advantage of a slew of payment perks including £0 deposits, buy-now-pay-later schemes and app-exclusive discounts. There’s also an option to add TUI Flex for fee-free changes, and TUI’s ABTA and ATOL protection offers financial peace of mind.  

Treat the whole family to some luxurious lounging with a stay at one of these ultra luxurious hotels or bookmark this page to add to your wanderlust wishlist. 

1
Ikos Andalusia

Estepona, Spain

What we like
  • Next-level luxury on the Costa del Sol

  • Complimentary Tesla hire to explore the local area

  • Meals cooked by Michelin-starred chefs

  • Some suites feature private pools

  • Kids’ clubs for children 4-17

What to know
  • Board basis: All inclusive 

  • Nearest airport: Gibraltar (34 miles)/Malaga (52 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Nine

What Mumsnet users say
dew141 · Stayed + rated
“Ikos is in a different league. We went to the Spanish one last October half-term in a deluxe sea view suite for 2 adults and a teenager. The champagne, steak, lobster, endless restaurants, people bringing drinks all day and cleaning your sunglasses... it's going to be hard to go back to a normal holiday."
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Xmasgrinchywinchy · Stayed + rated
“Ikos is off the scale fabulous. It’s eyewateringly expensive but a level of luxury I’ve not experienced in Europe before.”
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Our verdict

In pretty Estepona on Spain’s Costa del Sol, Ikos Andalusia is a fabulous family retreat that offers next-level luxury. The 17-acre palm-studded plot fronts Guadalmansa beach and is home to infinity pools, floodlit tennis courts and a gorgeous spa. 

Nine is the magic number here: you’ll find nine pools, nine bars and nine restaurants with Spanish, Italian, Greek and Asian dishes on the menu and meals cooked by Michelin-starred chefs. Pair with drinks from a 300-strong wine list or sip poolside cocktails from award-winning mixologists. The all-inclusive package includes a dine-out pass that allows you to sample local restaurants at no additional charge. 

Large family rooms feature balconies and sea views; some suites feature private pools and the lush villas have private pools, gardens and BBQ decks. Children are well catered for with kids’ clubs set up for 4- to 17-year-olds.  

Luxury touches as part of your package include Tesla car hire, a round of golf, Pilates, stand-up paddle boarding and a 30-minute beach childcare service for kids aged 4+. 

2
Sani Beach

Halkidiki, Greece

What we like
  • Big-name brand collaborations including the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center and Chelsea FC Football Academy

  • Next to Blue Flag beaches

  • Nanny services, beachside babysitting and kids’ clubs

  • Open-air theatre for live performances and musicals

What to know
  • Board basis: Half board or full board

  • Nearest airport: Thessaloniki (45 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Five

What Mumsnet users say
PIckledMe · Stayed + rated
“Sani is a really wonderful experience, it will give you a lifetime of memories such as the outdoor theatre performances for the children in the evening after tea… the kids clubs are the best.”
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JustTwoMoreSecs · Stayed + rated
“I went to Sani (club) and it was amazing, really high standard and a luxurious feel even though it is child friendly.”
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Our verdict

Part of the super-luxurious Sani Resort, a collection of high-end hotels on a 100-acre beachfront reserve in Halkidiki, Sani Beach is the largest of the properties and perfectly placed for a luxury family holiday. With easy access to Blue Flag beaches and a range of on-site pools lined with comfy daybeds, there are plenty of opportunities for luxurious lounging.   

There’s a focus on family fun and there are all sorts of childcare options available including private nanny services, beachside babysitting, a creche and kids’ clubs for children aged 4-17. Activities include kids’ aerobics, beach trips, cooking classes and night treks. 

Big-brand collaborations include a Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, a Chelsea FC Football Academy, a Bear Grylls Survival Academy and kids’ menus designed by family nutrition guru, Annabel Karmel. 

The hotel’s Dine-Around meal plan allows you to dine at 26+ restaurants across the Sani Resort and post-dinner you can head to the open-air theatre for live music, board a sunset cruise or let your hair down at one of the weekly White Night parties.

3
Maxx Royal Belek

Antalya Area, Turkey

What we like
  • Huge range of pools and a private beach

  • On-site chocolatier and patisserie 

  • Aquapark with slides and tube chutes

  • Dedicated kids' area with a bowling alley and restaurant

  • Meals from Michelin-starred chefs

What to know
  • Board basis: All inclusive 

  • Nearest airport: Antalya Airport (21 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Seven

What Mumsnet users say
Gunpowder · Stayed + rated
“Maxx Royal in Antalya is super luxurious and extra. It has its own incredible chocolatier, patissier, loads of fab restaurants. There is an amazing onsite water park which would be brilliant for KS2 kids.”
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mumofthree22 · Stayed + rated
“Maxx Royal Belek - ultra 5 star hotel and amazing facilities for kids.”
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Our verdict

Maxx by name, max by nature. This glamorous resort on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast has an incredible array of amenities, pools, restaurants and luxury touches throughout. 

The main buffet restaurant is more like a food hall with dishes from all over the world and there are signature restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs for fancy fine dining, and even an on-site chocolatier and patisserie. 

Hop from the saltwater pool to the lagoon pool to the diving pool or let the kids loose at the hotel’s own aquapark equipped with slides and tube chutes. There’s a private stretch of beach for a dip in the Med. 

Maxxi Land is the resort’s dedicated kids' area home to a creche-style set up for little ones, a games room with retro arcades, a bowling alley, and even a kid-friendly restaurant. Kids’ clubs are available for babies, toddlers and children up to 12 years old. 

Family Suites feature separate bedrooms and some come with private pools. A room fragrance menu and Diptyque toiletries come as standard. 

If you do step outside the resort, there are beaches, thermal spas and ancient sites to explore in the area.

4
Domes of Elounda

Crete, Greece

What we like
  • Direct beach access

  • On-site football academy 

  • Suites feature private pools or whirlpools

  • Spa has a saltwater pool

What to know
  • Board basis: Half board or full board

  • Nearest airport: Heraklion Airport (44 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Five

What Mumsnet users say
VanCleefArpels · Stayed + rated
Domes of Elounda is exceptional and if you have a villa you get included dine around half board and access to the Haute Lounge which provides food and drinks all day so effectively all inclusive.”
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Lizardlegs · Stayed + rated
“We went to Domes of Elounda for half-term and it was amazing! Highly recommended and easy to find a 2 bed apartment there. Not cheap but so worth it.”
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Our verdict

Part of the Autograph Collection of hotels, Domes of Elounda is one of the best places to stay in Crete. It might look like the kind of adults-only spot that famous faces and jetsetters flock to but it’s very welcoming to families with its dedicated children’s pool, fun kids’ clubs and daily activities. 

Overlooking Mirabello Bay, its hillside location sets you up for stunning panoramic sea views and there’s direct access to a sandy beach. Beachfront cocktails, steak dishes and seafood with sea views are all on offer here thanks to a choice of five dining options. 

After a spot of tennis or cheering on the kids at the football academy, kick back at the contemporary spa with a dip in the saltwater pool, a trip to the hammam or an Elemis treatment. 

There’s a creche for babies, and local nannies can be pre-booked for an additional fee. The kids’ clubs meet OFSTED standards and are available for children aged between 4 and 17. Expect trips to the eco-friendly playground, BMX park and climbing wall. Xboxes can be provided in rooms for travelling teens. 

Room categories start at suite level - no room for plain old rooms here. Family Suites come with a balcony or terrace as well as private pools or whirlpools. 

5
Atlantica Mare Village Paphos

Paphos, Cyprus

What we like
  • Stylish decor throughout

  • Kids’, teens’ clubs and an on-site creche

  • Fantastic splashpark with slides and flumes

  • Large main pool with sea views

What to know
  • Board basis: All inclusive 

  • Nearest airport: Paphos Airport (15 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Four

What Mumsnet users say
BaconAndAvocado · Stayed + rated
“5-star, gorgeous food, swanky accommodation (book a swim-up room), nice clientele (mainly Scandinavians), amazing staff....we couldn't fault it.”
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febbabies2023 · Stayed + rated
“Another vote for Cyprus - Atlantica Mare Village is great for kids but also great for adults.”
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Our verdict

Stylish decor and stunning sea views combine at this luxurious retreat in Paphos. 

The sleek interiors are thoroughly modern and large hotel rooms have a calm and contemporary feel. Family Rooms come with handy sliding doors for privacy and each features a balcony or terrace. Push the boat out and book a swim-up room for private dips. 

There’s a packed daily activity schedule including tennis, volleyball and football for adults and kids, although little ones will find it hard to leave the on-site splashpark with its slides, flumes and fountains. The main pool overlooks the Med and it’s well worth pre-booking a daybed for some lavish lounging: you’ll get sparkling wine, fruit, cocktails, water and can make use of a sunglasses polishing service. A great way to kick back while the kids are at the creche, kids’ club or teens’ club. 

Choose from five restaurants including a Greek taverna, a beach bar and a gelateria.

6
Pine Cliffs

Albufeira, Algarve

What we like
  • Apartments sleep four to 10 guests 

  • Huge children’s village with a pool, mini golf and a pirate playground

  • Champagne bar with sea views 

  • On-site football and tennis academies

What to know
  • Board basis: Self catering 

  • Nearest airport: Faro Airport (21 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Six

What Mumsnet users say
yogatoga · Stayed + rated
“Pine cliffs in Portugal. Amazing kids club, fantastic restaurants, great beach. Easy flight and half an hour transfer. There is also a full kitchen and washing machine & dryer which is great for little ones if you need it.”
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Raspberriesandblueberries · Stayed + rated
“What I like about Pine Cliffs is the lovely 2 bedroom self catering accommodation with pools and access to nearby restaurants for breakfast so that I’m not constantly catering.”
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Our verdict

If you like luxury hotels but prefer an apartment-style set up for extra space and access to kitchen facilities, Pine Cliffs on Portugal’s Algarve coast is a great option. True to its name, this gorgeous resort sits atop a cliff offering spectacular views and there’s direct access to a private beach via a great glass elevator. 

Active families will love the on-site football academy, the Annabel Croft tennis academy and nine-hole golf course and there are six pools to choose from. 

Apartments can sleep from four to 10 guests and come with balconies and kitchenettes. There’s a champagne bar for cocktails and sunset views, a seafood restaurant with a stunning outdoor terrace, a high-end steakhouse, and a cafe for kid-friendly pizza, pasta and burgers. 

Kids (from six months to 8 years) are well catered for at the Porto Pirata children’s village home to a pirate-themed playground, a basketball court, a mini golf course and a pool.

About TUI

When it comes to booking a holiday, we know everyone likes something different - from great value all inclusive deals with TUI MAGIC LIFE where kids can go free* at selected hotels to our action packed Holiday Village options and our TUI BLUE for families hotels which cater for everyone and are handpicked just for your family.

Our holiday portfolio ticks off everything from beach holidays and city breaks through to lakes and mountains getaways. We also offer tours that let you experience exotic places like Costa Rica, South Africa and Japan in a brand new way, and multi-destination trips with over 5,000 combinations to choose from. As one of the biggest UK holiday companies, we're here whenever you need us - via our stores, website or 24/7 Holiday line. Book now for 2024 and get a £0 deposit* when you pay via Direct Debit*.

About the author

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel.

She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London and loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids.