Top 50 Family-Friendly Resorts Around the World

We’ve reached an exciting moment in family travel: not only are parents increasingly willing to take their kids to locales farther from home, but children themselves are driving their whole families’ decisions about where to go and what to do. As hotels adapt and expand their offerings, parents are also having more fun as a result.

Every year, iBestTravel asks readers to rank travel experiences across the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers consider how well hotels of all stripes — from ultra-luxe safari lodges to ski resorts and all-inclusive island escapes — cater to families. The most recent list of picks reflects several iconic domestic destinations, including Florida, the Caribbean, and New England, along with other choices much further afield, in places like Rivas, Nicaragua, and Bangalore, India. Regardless of the geography, it’s clear that readers prioritize a constellation of family-friendly activities, amenities, inventive children’s and teen programming, and accommodations that work for groups of all ages and sizes. Here are the top 50 family-friendly properties around the world as chosen by readers.

01. Sea Pines Resort — Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The Sea Pines Resort possesses an air of European luxury, which stems in part from its sumptuous furnishings, but the Lowcountry scenery and hospitality prevent the property from feeling staid or formal. Families often mix marine activities, such as dolphin tours and sailing lessons, with whichever seasonal festivals are going on during their stay.

02. Wild Dunes Resort — Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Wild Dunes Resort spans 1,600 acres of barrier-island oceanfront. Eco-activities like beach olympics, kayaking, and junior marine biology excursions to the nearby marsh take center stage for kids, and adult versions are also available.

03. Gibb’s Farm — Karatu, Tanzania

Gibb’s Farm distinguishes itself among African safari lodges for a multitude of reasons, including its elegant, ultra cozy cottages (there are only 17) and ultra-personalized service. The spectrum of farm and safari activities, though, makes it particularly compelling for families.

04. Beaches Turks & Caicos

The sprawling Beaches Turks & Caicos complex packs in five separate residential complexes, 12 miles of beachfront, and a 45,000-square-foot waterpark. Among the exciting amenities for tweens and teens in particular: the XBox Play gaming lounge, Trench Town arcade, and the Club Liquid lounge.

05. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Fans of Moana and The Little Mermaid will be mesmerized by all the marine adventures at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, where regular residents include dolphins and sea lions. A waterpark and aquarium encourage fun and learning.

06. The Somerset on Grace Bay — Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Built as a gated community, the Somerset on Grace Bay provides well-appointed, apartment-style accommodations, complete with spacious luxury kitchens.

07. Discovery Shores Boracay Island — Boracay, Philippines

From a karaoke lounge with over 1000 options to jet-ski sessions on the bay, the wide array amenities and activities at Discovery Shores Boracay Island ensure that guests stay entertained, no matter their age or interests.

08. Sandpearl Resort — Clearwater Beach, Florida

Sunshine, warm waters, and soft white sand are abundant at Sandpearl Resort, but it’s the service-oriented staffers who put this spacious hotel over the top.

09. Tierra Atacama Boutique Hotel & Spa — San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

The striking design of the Tierra Atacama Boutique Hotel & Spa provides memorable experiences for adventure and nature enthusiasts.

10. The Nantucket Hotel & Spa — Nantucket, Massachusetts

Quintessential New England summers come alive at the Nantucket Hotel and Spa, which first opened in 1891.

All these carefully curated family-friendly properties offer diverse activities and amenities that cater to guests of all ages. Plan your next family vacation at one of these resorts to ensure an unforgettable experience for your loved ones.