How to Plan a Luxury Family Holiday with Exclusive Experiences

Planning a Luxury Family Holiday is about more than booking flights and a hotel. It’s about creating memories through exclusive experiences that every generation can enjoy. From private villa stays with panoramic views to wildlife encounters that inspire wonder, the right holiday brings your family together in ways everyday life rarely allows. When you plan carefully, each detail can be tailored to your family’s tastes. That’s how the journey becomes as rewarding as the destination itself.

Choosing the Right Destination for Your Luxury Family Holiday

The foundation of a memorable trip lies in selecting the right location. A beach resort in the Maldives offers serene days and water activities for children, while an alpine chalet in Switzerland provides winter sports and cosy evenings by the fire. Every destination comes with its own rhythm.

Ask yourself what balance your family needs. Do you crave rest, adventure, or a blend of both? For families with young children, resorts with dedicated kids’ clubs are invaluable. Older teens may prefer destinations where they can learn new skills such as diving or skiing.

Some of the most requested destinations for a Luxury Family Holiday include:

• The Maldives – Beach villas with private pools and shallow lagoons for safe swimming
• Dubai – World-class theme parks, desert safaris, and five-star service
• Italy – Culture-rich cities and villa stays in the Tuscan countryside
• South Africa – Family-friendly safari lodges combining wildlife with comfort

The right destination sets the tone for your holiday. Each place offers a different blend of relaxation and discovery.

Deciding on the Perfect Accommodation

Accommodation is more than just a place to rest. For a true Luxury Family Holiday, it becomes the heart of the experience. Villas with private chefs allow you to enjoy relaxed meals without worrying about schedules. Resort suites with adjoining rooms offer privacy for parents and freedom for children.

Look for properties that add thoughtful extras. Some hotels provide family concierges who plan age-appropriate activities. Others have in-room amenities such as games consoles or books for children. A luxury villa might include a nanny service, letting parents enjoy a private evening while little ones are cared for.

Hotels worth considering include:

• Ikos Resorts, Greece – All-inclusive yet refined, with kids’ clubs and private beaches
• Atlantis The Palm, Dubai – Waterparks, aquariums, and dining options for every palate
• Belmond Hotels, Italy – Elegant properties near cultural landmarks, with family-friendly suites

When you book with Awake & Wander, we can provide access to exclusive offers across these hotels. We often hold promotions for selected destinations that you can ask us about.

Curating Exclusive Experiences for Your Luxury Family Holiday

The highlight of any Luxury Family Holiday is the moments that feel one-of-a-kind. Exclusive experiences elevate a trip into something unforgettable. Think of a private catamaran charter in the Greek islands, where your family swims in hidden coves away from the crowds. Or a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, offering panoramic views and a story your children will tell for years.

The key is balance. Some experiences should be for the whole family, while others may be age-specific. Younger children may thrive at treasure hunts in resort gardens. Teenagers might relish learning to surf with a private instructor. Parents could enjoy vineyard tours or spa days, knowing the children are engaged in safe activities nearby.

Exclusive experiences worth considering include:

• Private safari drives in South Africa with family-friendly guides
• Cooking classes in Italy tailored to children and adults alike
• Snorkelling excursions in the Maldives to see marine life close up
• Cultural tours with local storytellers to bring history alive for children

These experiences create stories that bind your family together. Each one becomes a memory you’ll treasure.

Planning a Multi-Generational Luxury Family Holiday

Many families today travel with grandparents, parents, and children together. A Luxury Family Holiday designed for several generations can strengthen bonds across the ages. Yet it also requires careful planning.

The first step is acknowledging different needs. Grandparents often appreciate slower-paced excursions and comfortable surroundings. Parents may want cultural enrichment or adventure. Children usually crave activities that are fun and interactive.

The solution is variety. Choose destinations with a range of experiences available within short distances. For example, in Tuscany one family member can enjoy a wine tasting while others explore a medieval town. Later everyone reunites for a villa dinner cooked by a private chef.

Multi-generational planning tips:

• Book spacious villas or resort suites with separate wings
• Add downtime into the itinerary to avoid fatigue
• Select destinations with accessible transport options
• Choose experiences that bring everyone together, like sunset cruises

When all ages are considered, everyone feels included. This creates a holiday that unites rather than divides.

Luxury Dining Experiences for Families

Food is a central part of any holiday. For a Luxury Family Holiday, dining becomes more than nourishment. It becomes a way to explore culture, spend time together, and create joy around the table.

Many luxury resorts and villas now offer family-focused dining experiences. Imagine a beach barbecue under the stars in the Maldives, where children roast marshmallows while parents sip champagne. Or a pizza-making workshop in Naples where everyone gets hands-on in the kitchen.

Hotels that stand out for dining include:

• Soneva Jani, Maldives – Private sandbank dinners and organic garden picnics
• Castello di Casole, Italy – Tuscan feasts with fresh, local ingredients
• Atlantis The Palm, Dubai – Restaurants ranging from celebrity chefs to casual beach cafés

Awake & Wander often has access to dining credits and special offers at these hotels. Speak with us to discover which promotions might align with your travel plans.

Activities for Children and Teens

Keeping younger travellers engaged is essential to the success of a Luxury Family Holiday. Children thrive when they have activities designed around their interests, while teenagers appreciate independence and a sense of adventure.

Resorts worldwide have responded with thoughtful options. Younger children can join supervised kids’ clubs where they enjoy crafts, games, and local-themed learning. Teens may access watersports centres, climbing walls, or cultural workshops that allow them to meet new friends. Parents can relax knowing that each child is both entertained and safe.

Some standout examples include:

• Club Med Resorts – Programmes for every age group, from toddlers to teens
• Six Senses Laamu, Maldives – Marine biology activities that teach children about ocean life
• Verbier, Switzerland – Teen-focused skiing academies with expert instructors

Families booking with Awake & Wander can ask us about seasonal offers that enhance these activities, whether it’s free places for younger children or bonus excursions for teens.

Balancing Relaxation with Adventure

Every family member has a different vision of a perfect holiday. For some, it’s reclining by a private pool. For others, it’s hiking mountain trails or diving into the sea. A Luxury Family Holiday should provide both.

The art is in the schedule. Alternate busy days with quiet ones. This way, adventure seekers can enjoy high-energy activities while others rest. It also prevents burnout, which is especially important for children and older family members.

Ideas for balance include:

A spa day for parents paired with a supervised treasure hunt for children

A morning spent hiking, followed by an afternoon at a poolside cabana

Dividing the group for half-day activities before gathering for a shared evening experience

When your itinerary reflects balance, everyone leaves refreshed.

Peace of Mind When Booking with Awake & Wander

One of the most important parts of planning a Luxury Family Holiday is knowing your booking is secure. Awake & Wander provides this assurance through a series of protections designed to safeguard your investment.

As a member of Protected Trust Services, every penny of your booking is financially protected. We also hold an ATOL licence, meaning any holiday including flights is covered under the Civil Aviation Authority scheme. This protects you in the unlikely event of airline or supplier failure. As the UK Civil Aviation Authority explains what ATOL protection means, this ensures your peace of mind. [Link to CAA ATOL page]

All tailor-made holidays also include:

• Supplier Failure Insurance – Covering your arrangements if a supplier ceases trading
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance – Protection if an airline unexpectedly collapses

These layers of security mean you can focus on enjoying your holiday rather than worrying about “what if.” Your money and your family’s plans are safe with us.

Seasonal Planning for a Luxury Family Holiday

Timing is everything when it comes to a Luxury Family Holiday. School calendars, weather patterns, and regional events all shape the best moment to travel. Families often need to work around school breaks, which means destinations can vary widely depending on the season.

For summer, Mediterranean villas and Greek island resorts provide sunshine, beaches, and family-friendly culture. Winter brings opportunities for ski trips to the Alps or festive markets across Europe. Half-term holidays might be perfect for a week in Dubai, with its reliable warmth and abundance of family activities.

When planning seasonally, consider:

• Weather conditions – Avoid heavy monsoon or hurricane periods
• Local festivals – Great for cultural immersion but may increase demand
• Flight duration – Long journeys may be better during longer breaks
• School holiday surcharges – Booking early often helps secure value

Choosing the right season ensures your family enjoys the destination at its very best.

Villas, Resorts, or Cruises – Which Travel Style Suits You?

No two families are alike, so the style of a Luxury Family Holiday should match your preferences. Villas, resorts, and cruises each offer distinct benefits.

• Private Villas – Perfect for privacy and independence. Families can enjoy spacious living areas, private pools, and the option to hire chefs or childcare staff. Villas are ideal for extended families or those wanting total control over their environment.
• Luxury Resorts – Best for families who want everything on-site. From kids’ clubs and sports academies to world-class dining, resorts take care of every detail. Parents enjoy peace of mind knowing activities and facilities are within reach.
• Luxury Cruises – Offer a unique blend of adventure and comfort. Families wake up in a new destination daily while enjoying onboard entertainment, children’s programmes, and gourmet dining. Cruises also provide excellent value when meals and entertainment are included.

The right choice depends on your family’s rhythm. Some enjoy total privacy, others prefer structured facilities. Many families alternate — a villa one year, a cruise the next.

Stress-Free Travel Days

The journey itself can shape how a holiday begins. A carefully planned travel day reduces tension and sets the tone for the trip. Families on a Luxury Family Holiday should focus on preparation and small comforts.

Practical tips include:

• Book airport fast-track services to cut down on queues
• Use private transfers for seamless journeys from airport to hotel
• Pack children’s entertainment such as books, puzzles, or tablets
• Carry snacks and essentials in hand luggage to avoid mid-flight meltdowns

Parents can also benefit from lounge access, giving the whole family a calm space before departure. Some airlines even provide family check-in desks and pre-boarding, which makes the process smoother.

With thoughtful planning, travel days become part of the holiday rather than an obstacle.

Sustainable Luxury Family Travel

More families are choosing to make their travels responsible as well as memorable. A Luxury Family Holiday can still prioritise the planet. Many hotels and resorts now incorporate eco-conscious practices without compromising comfort.

For instance, properties such as Six Senses focus on renewable energy and locally sourced produce. Guests can join sustainability workshops where children learn about marine life or conservation projects. This adds depth to the holiday while encouraging younger generations to value the world around them.

Families can also make choices such as:

• Selecting direct flights to reduce overall emissions
• Staying at eco-certified resorts with strong environmental policies
• Supporting local communities through cultural tours and dining at family-run restaurants

Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury. It means your family leaves behind positive footprints alongside cherished memories.

Hotel Spotlights with Exclusive Offers

Highlighting a few standout hotels helps illustrate how diverse a Luxury Family Holiday can be. Each property offers unique features designed for families seeking exceptional experiences.

Soneva Jani, Maldives

Water villas with slides into turquoise lagoons make this one of the most playful luxury resorts in the world. Families enjoy stargazing at the resort’s observatory and outdoor cinemas. Children adore the kids’ club, while adults relish the fine dining and spa.
Awake & Wander often has offers at Soneva Jani, such as dining credits or complimentary nights. Ask us about current promotions when you enquire.

Ikos Dassia, Corfu

This all-inclusive resort combines elegance with family-friendly touches. Multiple restaurants, heated pools, and dedicated children’s programmes make it a stress-free choice. Parents appreciate the refined service, while children enjoy freedom within safe surroundings.
We regularly have seasonal offers at Ikos Resorts. Contact us to find out what’s available for your preferred travel dates.

Castello di Casole, Tuscany



Set in a restored Italian estate, this hotel blends culture with comfort. Families can enjoy pizza-making classes, vineyard tours, and cycling through rolling countryside. Suites and villas provide ample space for multi-generational groups.
Exclusive offers are often available at Belmond properties like this one. Let us know your interests, and we’ll share the latest opportunities.

These hotels are just examples. Awake & Wander has access to a wide portfolio of luxury options, always with unique offers to explore.

Our Take:

"A Luxury Family Holiday is about more than where you stay. It’s about creating space for every family member to enjoy their passions while discovering new ones together. That’s what turns a trip into a lifelong memory."

Why Book with Awake & Wander

When you book through Awake & Wander, you’re choosing a personal travel service backed by trust and protection. We tailor-make every holiday, ensuring each detail reflects your family’s needs. You benefit from our partnerships with world-class suppliers, giving you access to experiences and offers not available elsewhere.

Your holiday is also protected through ATOL, Protected Trust Services, Supplier Failure Insurance, and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance. That peace of mind allows you to focus on the joy of travel. As the UK Civil Aviation Authority explains what ATOL protection means, this ensures your peace of mind. [Link to CAA ATOL page]

So if you’re ready to plan your next Luxury Family Holiday, we’re here to make it happen. You can phone us on 01495 400011 to make a holiday enquiry or use the enquiry form on our website. You can even build and book your own bespoke holidays directly online. And if you’d rather leave the planning to us, we’re only a call or message away.

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