Sam
Choosing a luxury island that meets the needs of everyone in the family, from the younger kids to the teens and adults, might seem challenging. When deciding on a destination, you need to consider the needs of every family member. Of course, you want a destination that guarantees a fun and safe holiday with something to offer everyone in the family. To help you with this, we’ve rounded up a list of luxury islands to visit for the whole family.
Mykonos
Mykonos may not be the first place that comes to mind when going for a family vacation to Greece since it has a reputation for being a party island. However, the island has lots of things in store for families with little kids. It has incredible beaches and a happy atmosphere that kids and adults will love.
When taking the family on holiday in Mykonos, the beaches should be on top of your itinerary. The gorgeous island is home to fantastic beaches that appeal to kids of all ages. One of the beaches worth a visit in Mykonos is Platys Gialos, a wide-open bay with a small harbour where you can board a boat to visit nearby islands. Thanks to the bay’s natural shape, your little ones will be safe when playing in the waters.
After a day at the beach, head to Little Venice, a bustling area lined with three-story houses owned by wealthy merchants and ship captains. Next, check out the windmills by the sea. Windmills are common in the Aegean Sea, and you’ll also see them in Santorini and Paros. In Mykonos, they are no longer in use, but these windmills represent the island’s agricultural past.
Maldives
While the Maldives is a popular destination for couples on a romantic holiday, the archipelago offers numerous activities that kids of all ages love. From enjoying water sports like kayaking to swimming with the manta rays and playing at the beach, the Maldives can make for a perfect destination for a fun-filled family holiday.
The Maldives is home to more than a thousand tropical islands with stunning sandy beaches lined with swaying coconut palms, making for the perfect luxurious holiday in the Maldives, for the whole family. You will be spoilt for choice when looking for a great beach to relax. The pristine beaches of Baa Atoll are great for families, and you’d be able to access this when staying at Finolhu, a luxurious, family-friendly resort. The resort has amenities to entertain everyone in the family, from beach clubs to tennis courts and spas.
What’s great about holidaying in the Maldives is that getting there is half the adventure itself! You will be sent to your resort by boat or seaplane, which makes for an exciting journey guaranteed to delight adventurous families. Riding a seaplane is also a great way to admire the spectacular views of the archipelago from above!
Kauai
Kauai, the fourth largest island of Hawaii, hosts many family island vacations in its gorgeous beaches and natural wonders. It’s ideal for adventurous families seeking a less commercialized and secluded luxury island destination.
Poipu Beach, which lies on the southern coast is a must-visit for families, thanks to its crystal-clear and calm waters, plentiful fish, and monk seals lounging on the sand. Adventurous families should hike in Waimea Canyon, also called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, or marvel at the stunning Napali Coast on a helicopter tour. Part of Napali’s charm is that it’s not accessible by car since it’s isolated from the rest of the island. Therefore, aside from a helicopter tour, the only way you can explore this part of Kauai is on a hike or boat.
Kauai is also home to luxury resorts that cater to families. Experience the aloha spirit by staying at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, where kids can take part in fun activities for free such as koi fish feedings, lei-making classes, and photo ops with the resort’s quirky resident parrot.
Santorini
Like Mykonos, Santorini is not so popular with families. It has a reputation for being a honeymoon destination, thanks to its romantic sunset views. However, it has numerous exciting things to keep everyone in the family entertained, there are also many luxury villas to rent in Santorini, providing enough space for the whole clan. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful island to enjoy a luxury trip with the family, make it Santorini.
Santorini is renowned for its volcano caldera, which you can explore on a sailing trip. Book a small catamaran to enjoy a private sailing trip with the whole family. You can stop at a few places to enjoy swimming and snorkelling. The nearby Nea Kameni Island is a must-visit with kids. It’s an uninhabited island home to the Nea Kameni Volcanic Park. For active kids, take them to go kayaking in the caldera. Starting in Mesa Pigadia, a black beach on the island’s south coast, paddle along the coastline, passing through caves and into the Akrotiri lighthouse.
Santorini is famous for its charming villages, such as Oia. With its blue-domed churches and white-washed houses tumbling into the lip of a caldera, Oia is a gorgeous place to stroll with kids. Walk along its cobblestone alleys, check out the cute shops, and enjoy refreshments at the charming cafes.
Mauritius
Famous for its azure waters, white sand beaches, and a slew of luxury resorts, Mauritius is a tiny island in the Indian Ocean that’s becoming a popular destination for families. The country’s alluring beaches lure families with kids who want to escape into an island paradise while enjoying a bit of luxury.
Enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving in the vibrant waters of Mauritius and take up some water sports like kite surfing and snorkelling. But if your kids are still young for snorkelling, take them on a glass-bottomed boat ride to marvel at the colourful marine life. Bigger kids can also swim with dolphins and manta rays off the coast of Mauritius.
If you’ve had enough water sports, head inland to enjoy the panoramic natural landscapes of Mauritius. Take your little ones to Frédérica Nature Reserve and Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, where they can admire exotic plant species. If your kids are old enough to go on hikes, hike through the Black River Gorges National Park, where you can observe rare species of birds.
