Kiwi Curated
Bucket List Family Adventures
by Monika MarkovinovicOne of the greatest joys of travel is creating lasting memories with family. Since so many family vacations were put on hold this past year, we anticipate some epic bucket list-style adventures in the near future for the parents and kids ready to get back out and see the world. Providing memorable adventures in gorgeous locales, these hotels cater to nomadic broods who want to experience it all.
Bucket List Family Adventures
Sure to be on many bucket lists: a front-row seat to Africa’s most iconic wildlife and wilderness. Surrounded by the captivating colors and sounds of the Sabi Sand bush is Singita Ebony Lodge in South Africa. Inspired by the old-world explorers’ camps, the adventure lodge embodies the thrill of the African bushveld with 45,000 acres within a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary that’s renowned for its high concentrations of big game and frequent leopard sightings. Families can immerse themselves in the wide-open spaces with tailormade safaris led by field guides and trackers sharing their vast knowledge.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
Full of adventure, Nicaragua’s pristine Emerald Coast offers a menu of memorable experiences. For the family wanting to catch waves together, hunker down at Rancho Santana. Home to some of the region’s best surf conditions, the property offers a variety of waves perfect for beginners to seasoned pros. Plus, the Beach & Surf Club at Playa Los Perros offers lessons and guides so the whole gang can hit the water together. If needing a break from the surf, head out for a sunset horseback ride or have some fun monkey scouting.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
With the Great Barrier Reef right on its doorstep, Australia is a must for those who continue to watch Finding Nemo at family movie night. The world’s largest coral reef wows with its turquoise waters, coral cays and spectacular marine life. Stay in the heart of it in the Whitsundays at Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort. Whether diving into the deep blue, venturing out on tropical hikes or sailing the Coral Sea, the resort connects the whole gang to Australia’s most picturesque surroundings. For another vantage point of the reef, the resort offers helicopter tours soaring above Whitehaven Beach’s iconic turquoise swirls.
VIEW HOTEL
Bucket List Family Adventures
For families with budding arts and culture enthusiasts, there’s the Big Apple. Home to some of the world’s greatest museums, live theater and culinary delights, families will quickly learn why it’s called The City That Never Sleeps. Catch up on Z’s at Lotte New York Palace, where opulent suites overlooking New York City await. After a good night’s rest, the brood can easily be back at it the next day thanks to the hotel’s location in Midtown Manhattan, just moments away from Times Square, Broadway and the fashion center of Fifth Avenue.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
For fans of the Wild West, look no further than Utah. Against a backdrop of the Uinta and Wasatch Mountain Ranges, there’s The Lodge at Blue Sky and its swathe of bucket-list activities—from moonlit snowshoe family treks to guided kids-only experiences, like walking the resort’s gentle horses around the ample 3,500 acres of space with expert wranglers. At the end of the day, gather the family around the bonfire for some gourmet s’mores with hot cider under the stars.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
For an intimate setting somewhere far, far, away, where the sun always shines and the water is as blue as can be, there’s the Maldives. A true bucket-list location nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Vakkaru Maldives ensures every wish is made possible with personalized family experiences—discover the kaleidoscope wonders of the crystal blue Indian Ocean from an overwater villa, enjoy an outdoor movie night together at Seaside Cine, bike stroll through the lush vegetation of the island or private barefoot family picnic on a sandbank.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
In Hawaiian, ’ohana means family. Experience the spirit of aloha than with your fun-loving ‘ohana on Maui at the Grand Wailea. When not catching waves and spotting sea turtles on Wailea Beach, spend the day at the resort’s Wailea Canyon with its four jungle pools, five intertwining slides, six waterfalls and caves, a 262-foot Lava Tub slide, the world’s first water elevator and a swim-up bar for parents. Come nightfall, discover the culture of the island at the resort’s Grand Luau, where a Polynesian feast is paired with hula, storytelling and live-fire dancing. For more adventure, drive the Road to Hana, snorkel Molokini Crater or see the sunrise on top of Mount Haleakala.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
Indulge in glitz and glamour with the whole family in Dubai, where the brood can go skiing inside the Mall of Emirates, stroll among the world’s tallest buildings, ride the world’s faster rollercoaster or swim with sharks at the Dubai Aquarium, all while staying at one of the city’s ultra-luxurious hotels. A stunning spot is Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, located on the exclusive Palm Island. Here, feel like a royal family with 200 meters of private soft-sanded beach, six restaurants and incredible views. Plus, suites make it easy for everyone to have their own rooms.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
Known as a sanctuary for scientific study and conservation, the Galapagos Islands have long beckoned thrill-seeking families in pursuit of bucket-list adventures. Follow the historic steps that inspired Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species, or place the family at the center of this ecological playground with a stay at Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos. Located in the lush Miconia Highland Forests adjacent to the Galapagos National Park, the resort offers a base to the best of the volcanic archipelago—bike to the giant tortoise ranch, snorkel through Las Grietas’ lava rocks or visit marine iguanas at Tortuga Bay.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
Geothermal hot springs, active volcanoes, iconic lagoons and surreal landscapes—there are few places in the world as epic as Iceland. For the family looking to base themselves around the country’s natural wonders, there’s Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. Experience Iceland’s vibrant culture in the heart of the capital before venturing out to hike amongst bubbling geysers, cascading waterfalls and icy glaciers. If there at the right time, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
Kyoto’s iconic Buddhist temples, Hakone’s soothing onsens, Tokyo’s neon-lit cityscapes and skyscrapers—Japan is the ideal place for families to experience history and innovation all at once. In the capital, blending the past and present ever so beautifully is Hotel New Otani Tokyo EXECUTIVE HOUSE ZEN, a state-of-the-art property that includes a 10-acre Japanese Garden with a 400-year history. Families can stroll through the garden featuring several ancient stone lanterns, scarlet bridges over koi ponds, a waterfall, myriad flowers and rich foliage.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
For a slice of serenity, make the Mediterranean your next family holiday destination. With its lush gardens, ancient ruins and cobalt blue sea, Greece enchants with its many wonders, including the Acropolis, Parthenon and, in Santorini, striking cliffside sunsets. The Halkidiki Peninsula is a special spot off the beaten path. Here, at Eagles Villas, enjoy the many delights of the Mediterranean Sea at the private beach, laid-back beach bar or kid’s club. For more of ancient Greece’s history, visit the nearby birthplace of Aristotle.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
For many families, magic is visiting a cartoon world with Mickey and Minnie. For the gang longing for The Most Magical Place on Earth, there’s the Magic Kingdom itself: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Close to the park is Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Making things easy for mom and dad, tickets can be purchased at the hotel and complimentary luxury transportation is offered to and from the park. To cap off a fairytale-like day together, enjoy Epcot’s firework display from the hotel.
VIEW HOTELBucket List Family Adventures
Few things feed the soul like the warmth of the sun and a sparkling blue beachfront. For a sun and sand getaway with the family, there’s Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort in Mexico—an open-air property poised on a 150-meter white sand beach overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Between beach outings, gather the family to explore Playa del Carmen on bike, learn about Mexican gastronomy with cooking classes or come together for a movie under the stars at the property’s open-air cinema.
VIEW HOTELSure to be on many bucket lists: a front-row seat to Africa’s most iconic wildlife and wilderness. Surrounded by the captivating colors and sounds of the Sabi Sand bush is Singita Ebony Lodge in South Africa. Inspired by the old-world explorers’ camps, the adventure lodge embodies the thrill of the African bushveld with 45,000 acres within a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary that’s renowned for its high concentrations of big game and frequent leopard sightings. Families can immerse themselves in the wide-open spaces with tailormade safaris led by field guides and trackers sharing their vast knowledge.
VIEW HOTELFull of adventure, Nicaragua’s pristine Emerald Coast offers a menu of memorable experiences. For the family wanting to catch waves together, hunker down at Rancho Santana. Home to some of the region’s best surf conditions, the property offers a variety of waves perfect for beginners to seasoned pros. Plus, the Beach & Surf Club at Playa Los Perros offers lessons and guides so the whole gang can hit the water together. If needing a break from the surf, head out for a sunset horseback ride or have some fun monkey scouting.
VIEW HOTELWith the Great Barrier Reef right on its doorstep, Australia is a must for those who continue to watch Finding Nemo at family movie night. The world’s largest coral reef wows with its turquoise waters, coral cays and spectacular marine life. Stay in the heart of it in the Whitsundays at Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort. Whether diving into the deep blue, venturing out on tropical hikes or sailing the Coral Sea, the resort connects the whole gang to Australia’s most picturesque surroundings. For another vantage point of the reef, the resort offers helicopter tours soaring above Whitehaven Beach’s iconic turquoise swirls.
VIEW HOTEL
For families with budding arts and culture enthusiasts, there’s the Big Apple. Home to some of the world’s greatest museums, live theater and culinary delights, families will quickly learn why it’s called The City That Never Sleeps. Catch up on Z’s at Lotte New York Palace, where opulent suites overlooking New York City await. After a good night’s rest, the brood can easily be back at it the next day thanks to the hotel’s location in Midtown Manhattan, just moments away from Times Square, Broadway and the fashion center of Fifth Avenue.
VIEW HOTELFor fans of the Wild West, look no further than Utah. Against a backdrop of the Uinta and Wasatch Mountain Ranges, there’s The Lodge at Blue Sky and its swathe of bucket-list activities—from moonlit snowshoe family treks to guided kids-only experiences, like walking the resort’s gentle horses around the ample 3,500 acres of space with expert wranglers. At the end of the day, gather the family around the bonfire for some gourmet s’mores with hot cider under the stars.
VIEW HOTELFor an intimate setting somewhere far, far, away, where the sun always shines and the water is as blue as can be, there’s the Maldives. A true bucket-list location nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Vakkaru Maldives ensures every wish is made possible with personalized family experiences—discover the kaleidoscope wonders of the crystal blue Indian Ocean from an overwater villa, enjoy an outdoor movie night together at Seaside Cine, bike stroll through the lush vegetation of the island or private barefoot family picnic on a sandbank.
VIEW HOTELIn Hawaiian, ’ohana means family. Experience the spirit of aloha than with your fun-loving ‘ohana on Maui at the Grand Wailea. When not catching waves and spotting sea turtles on Wailea Beach, spend the day at the resort’s Wailea Canyon with its four jungle pools, five intertwining slides, six waterfalls and caves, a 262-foot Lava Tub slide, the world’s first water elevator and a swim-up bar for parents. Come nightfall, discover the culture of the island at the resort’s Grand Luau, where a Polynesian feast is paired with hula, storytelling and live-fire dancing. For more adventure, drive the Road to Hana, snorkel Molokini Crater or see the sunrise on top of Mount Haleakala.
VIEW HOTELIndulge in glitz and glamour with the whole family in Dubai, where the brood can go skiing inside the Mall of Emirates, stroll among the world’s tallest buildings, ride the world’s faster rollercoaster or swim with sharks at the Dubai Aquarium, all while staying at one of the city’s ultra-luxurious hotels. A stunning spot is Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, located on the exclusive Palm Island. Here, feel like a royal family with 200 meters of private soft-sanded beach, six restaurants and incredible views. Plus, suites make it easy for everyone to have their own rooms.
VIEW HOTELKnown as a sanctuary for scientific study and conservation, the Galapagos Islands have long beckoned thrill-seeking families in pursuit of bucket-list adventures. Follow the historic steps that inspired Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species, or place the family at the center of this ecological playground with a stay at Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos. Located in the lush Miconia Highland Forests adjacent to the Galapagos National Park, the resort offers a base to the best of the volcanic archipelago—bike to the giant tortoise ranch, snorkel through Las Grietas’ lava rocks or visit marine iguanas at Tortuga Bay.
VIEW HOTELGeothermal hot springs, active volcanoes, iconic lagoons and surreal landscapes—there are few places in the world as epic as Iceland. For the family looking to base themselves around the country’s natural wonders, there’s Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. Experience Iceland’s vibrant culture in the heart of the capital before venturing out to hike amongst bubbling geysers, cascading waterfalls and icy glaciers. If there at the right time, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
VIEW HOTELKyoto’s iconic Buddhist temples, Hakone’s soothing onsens, Tokyo’s neon-lit cityscapes and skyscrapers—Japan is the ideal place for families to experience history and innovation all at once. In the capital, blending the past and present ever so beautifully is Hotel New Otani Tokyo EXECUTIVE HOUSE ZEN, a state-of-the-art property that includes a 10-acre Japanese Garden with a 400-year history. Families can stroll through the garden featuring several ancient stone lanterns, scarlet bridges over koi ponds, a waterfall, myriad flowers and rich foliage.
VIEW HOTELFor a slice of serenity, make the Mediterranean your next family holiday destination. With its lush gardens, ancient ruins and cobalt blue sea, Greece enchants with its many wonders, including the Acropolis, Parthenon and, in Santorini, striking cliffside sunsets. The Halkidiki Peninsula is a special spot off the beaten path. Here, at Eagles Villas, enjoy the many delights of the Mediterranean Sea at the private beach, laid-back beach bar or kid’s club. For more of ancient Greece’s history, visit the nearby birthplace of Aristotle.
VIEW HOTELFor many families, magic is visiting a cartoon world with Mickey and Minnie. For the gang longing for The Most Magical Place on Earth, there’s the Magic Kingdom itself: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Close to the park is Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Making things easy for mom and dad, tickets can be purchased at the hotel and complimentary luxury transportation is offered to and from the park. To cap off a fairytale-like day together, enjoy Epcot’s firework display from the hotel.
VIEW HOTELFew things feed the soul like the warmth of the sun and a sparkling blue beachfront. For a sun and sand getaway with the family, there’s Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort in Mexico—an open-air property poised on a 150-meter white sand beach overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Between beach outings, gather the family to explore Playa del Carmen on bike, learn about Mexican gastronomy with cooking classes or come together for a movie under the stars at the property’s open-air cinema.
VIEW HOTEL