We've selected family-friendly beach resorts from around the world. Each hotel on the list has something special which makes it stand out as a family beach vacation destination. Many have kid's programs and facilities for families, such as a separate swimming pool for small children and children's menus at the restaurants. Some places on the list are famous while others are relatively unknown or new.
Many beach resorts cater to families and the choice can be overwhelming. To narrow down your options, consider the following:
- Is the beach protected by a reef so that the waves do not get too large?
- What kind of vacation activities are there: snorkeling, surfing, golf courses, beach resorts with spas and shopping?
- Would you rather be on a large beach such as Waikiki Beach on Oahu, or a smaller beach on Maui beaches?
- Do you want the luxuries of a five-star resort or do you prefer to keep the costs down by staying in a condo and cooking some of your own meals?
- Consider the season - where can you get the best deals now?
- Are all inclusive beach vacations right for you? If your family likes to participate in many activities and dines primarily at the hotel you are staying at, all-inclusive beach resorts offer substantial savings.
Family Vacation on Maui
On the West Cost of Maui, choices range from the new ultra-luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua to the beachfront condo-style Napili Kai Beach Resort. If you are planning to play golf, then Kapalua Resort is a good choice because guests receive 30% lower golf rates than vacationers staying at hotels that are not part of the resort. Kapalua Resort includes the following properties: the Kapalua Villas and the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Children get free access to the Kapalua Keiki Club (available in season), or can sign up for Adventure 7. Those staying at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, can sign up for the Ritz Kids program.
One bay over from Kapalua Bay lies Napili Kai Beach Resort, a low-rise family resort with comfortable beach front condos. Napili Kai offers a complimentary children's program for kids ages 6-12 from mid-June to the end of August, during Easter and Christmas. Condos are just steps from the beach and offer kitchenettes as well as laundry facilities in each building. Napili Kai Beach Resort is a good choice for family reunions since it offers discounts and free activities.
On the southern shore of Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani hotel has a sandy beach and spacious accommodations. The hotel is located near the new Shops at Wailea.
Kauai
The island of Kauai in Hawaii offers several great family beach vacation resorts. The St. Regis Princeville has a sandy beach and luxury accommodations. The Resort Butler service at The St. Regis includes guest welcome upon arrival, personalization of the guest suite, unpacking and dining reservations. Sheraton Kauai Resort offers snorkeling, landscaped gardens and a choice of rooms and suites.
Family Vacation on Oahu
Restaurants, shopping and watersports attract visitors of all ages to Waikiki Beach. Keiki Aloha Program at the Sheraton Waikiki is open to children ages 5 to 12 staying at any Sheraton Hotel in Waikiki (there is a fee). Parents and family members can participate on certain days. This children's program is available to guests staying at the Royal Hawaiian, the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.
Ten minutes by car from Waikiki Beach, The Kahala Hotel and Resort offers families more seclusion, a children's program and six Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins.
Florida
The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach has a spa, golf course and a one-half mile sandy beach. There is a separate children's pool, Family Entertainment Center and a kid's program. Families can reserve up to five adjoining rooms and children under 16 stay free in the same room as their parents.
In Orlando, the Loews Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando has a 240-foot slide and a sandy beach.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, located on a barrier island in northeast Florida, has a long sandy beach, a golf course and the Ritz Kids program for children ages 5 to 12.
California
Among the family beach vacation resorts in California, Hotel Del Coronado is one of the most famous. The hotel offers a number of facilities for families, including the seasonal Coast Club Teen Lounge, tours and lessons in kayaking, surfing, tennis and biking.
Family Beach Vacation in Georgia
Georgia's barrier islands, once the playground for American aristocracy, offer historic ambiance, sandy beaches and a laid-back way of life. Jekyll Island has miles of paved bike paths and three 18-hole golf courses. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is a National Historic Landmark.
Sea Island is famous for its championship golf and sandy beaches. Children play afternoon tennis free of charge and can participate in complimentary golf and tennis clinics at The Cloister at Sea Island. During the summer, Spring Break and holidays, the resort provides a program for kids ages 3 to 11.
Barbados
Plan a relaxing family beach vacation in Barbados and stay at one of the beachfront resorts offering kids activities, spas and golf. Sandy Lane Resort is a full service family beach vacation resort with a 47,000 square foot spa, three golf courses and a kids club. Colony Club on the west coast of Barbados has a beautiful sandy beach, a unique system of freshwater pools and two restaurants. The Crane Resort offers a selection of resort apartments and private residences, many with kitchens, balconies and ocean views. Turtle Beach Resort is another all-suite family beach vacation getaway where guests enjoy all-inclusive pricing and an array of water-based activities.
Australia
Family beach vacation resorts in Australia offers beachfront accommodations, great snorkeling and scuba diving, spas and an array of water sports. Heron Island Resort is located on the famous Great Barrier Reef where you can spend your family beach vacation surrounded by pristine nature. Enjoy whale watching in September, bird watching, watch sea turtles lay eggs and explore the wonders of the coral reef with a mask and snorkel. Kewarra Beach Resort near Cairns offers a beautiful sandy beach, a garden filled with exotic birds and pristine rainforest surroundings. Thala Beach Lodge, also near Cairns, is a family beach vacation getaway with two pools, waterfalls, spas and grottos. Lizard Island has 24 secluded beaches, a freshwater swimming pool, snorkeling and scuba diving on its own coral reefs. Ask for a room right next to the beach for your family vacation in Australia.
Bahamas
Bahamas offers a great selection of family beach vacation resorts. Atlantis Paradise Island is probably the most famous beach resort in the Bahamas, offering many pools, water slides, attractions, spa, golf and other family activities. Even if you are planning a longer beach vacation to the Bahamas, at Atlantis you can go a different thing every day and never have to dine at the same restaurant twice. Kids can play in the pools, participate in various programs at the resort while parents relax at the spa, play a round of golf or go for a romantic walk on the beach.
Bimini Bay Resort offers spacious suites which allow you to relax in comfort on your family beach vacation to the Bahamas. This resort is located in the out-islands of The Bahamas so it takes a bit longer to get to than hotels and resort near Nassau, but the privacy, beautiful beaches and pristine waters are well worth it. Go snorkeling or learn to scuba dive on your family vacation. Kids can learn and play at children's activity center, Beach Bums. Spacious suites start at $250 per night, depending on when you go.
British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands offers many great family beach vacation resorts. Rosewood Little Dix Bay has a while sandy beach, a coral reef for snorkeling and luxury guest cottages that blend into the surrounding landscape. Family beach vacation activities include sailing, kayaking and guided snorkel tours. The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas offers programs for kids, a half-mile white sandy beach, several pools and a spa. If you decide to go on a family beach vacation at Peter Island Resort, you will be able to try a variety of water spots, including snorkeling, wind surfing, sailing and kayaking. This private island resort offers secluded sandy beaches and spacious accommodations.
