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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
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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.
Estepona, Spain
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
Board basis: All inclusive
Nearest airport: Gibraltar (34 miles)/Malaga (52 miles)
Number of pools: Nine
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+.
Halkidiki, Greece
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
Board basis: Half board or full board
Nearest airport: Thessaloniki (45 miles)
Number of pools: Five
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.
Antalya Area, Turkey
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
Board basis: All inclusive
Nearest airport: Antalya Airport (21 miles)
Number of pools: Seven
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.
Crete, Greece
Direct beach access
On-site football academy
Suites feature private pools or whirlpools
Spa has a saltwater pool
Board basis: Half board or full board
Nearest airport: Heraklion Airport (44 miles)
Number of pools: Five
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.
Paphos, Cyprus
Stylish decor throughout
Kids’, teens’ clubs and an on-site creche
Fantastic splashpark with slides and flumes
Large main pool with sea views
Board basis: All inclusive
Nearest airport: Paphos Airport (15 miles)
Number of pools: Four
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.
Albufeira, Algarve
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
Board basis: Self catering
Nearest airport: Faro Airport (21 miles)
Number of pools: Six
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
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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.