Kiwi Curated
Luxurious, Theme Park-Free Family Holidays
by Kim BudziakHaving a young family needn’t relegate one to theme park hopping. Providing memorable adventures in gorgeous locales, these hotels cater to nomadic broods in an enchanting fashion. Dare we say, they’re more magical than the Magic Kingdom.
Luxurious, Theme Park-Free Family Holidays
California’s majestic coastline is front and centre at Pismo Beach’s Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, providing an impressive backdrop to daytime beach hangouts, surf sessions or afternoons at the pool. Complimentary bike rentals are available for rolling through local trails, but taking the crew to the natural sandbox—nearby Oceano Dunes—will leave a lasting impression.
Luxurious, Theme Park-Free Family Holidays
The quintessential Orange County charmer, The Resort at Pelican Hill delivers a true beach house feel with all the creature comforts—including nearby retail therapy. Horseback rides, swimming, hiking and star-gazing will have the family feeling like they’re at summer camp. Tap into the nanny service to hit the links, unwind at the spa or cruise the Pacific Coast Highway. With five restaurants and cafes, picky eaters will be pleased come dinnertime.
Luxurious, Theme Park-Free Family Holidays
Acclaimed architecture group Sordo Madaleno seamlessly marries modern Mexican design with traditional Mayan culture at the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. The open-air property features a 150-meter white sand beach, and on-site mangrove jungle wildlife sanctuary which adds education and appreciation to beach outings and Kid’s Club activities. Use the babysitting service for an afternoon at the cenote-inspired spa.
Luxurious, Theme Park-Free Family Holidays
Change up your typical beach vacation with the cultural heritage and local adventures available at Nanuku. Overnight camping under the stars, food safaris, creek rafting and coral planting underscore the sensitive ecosystem of this South Pacific destination. Their private pools and beach access are where family memories are made.
Luxurious, Theme Park-Free Family Holidays
Everyone needs rest and a reset, and The Farm at San Benito is just the place. The heavily forested Phillippines hotel invites you to slow down and give yourself over to nature’s healing forces. The whole family will be on a new track to health and wellness thanks to the predominantly raw vegan menu. Use it as an opportunity to introduce the kids to crow pose and cheers their success over green juice.
Luxurious, Theme Park-Free Family Holidays
Thames views and storied history come with a stay at The Savoy. Immerse the family in Edwardian and Art Deco designs, classic British paintings, and tales of famous guests (Katherine Hepburn and Winston Churchill to name two). While The Savoy itslef is considered a London landmark, many of the city’s best sights are on its doorstep, including Covent Garden, Big Ben, London Eye and a handful of theatres.
Luxurious, Theme Park-Free Family Holidays
Come for the architecture, stay for the sun. The desert Modernism beloved by the Rat Pack is sure to be loved by your pack too. At The Parker Palm Springs, patio hangs and walks in search of photo-worthy backdrops bookend desert adventures, lazy afternoons at the pool and rounds of golf while the kids head out for a supervised hike with the family dog.
Luxurious, Theme Park-Free Family Holidays
Thought-provoking culture pieces and futuristic minimalism add to the 101 Hotel’s already magnetic character. Introduce them to foreign theatre, opera and art within steps of this Icelandic treasure; or, at the hotel’s own 101 Gallery. Book one of the hotel’s guided tours and take everyone off-campus in pursuit of stoic glaciers, rushing waterfalls, commanding fjords and active volcanoes. End a busy day with a group dip in a healing geothermal pool.
Luxurious, Theme Park-Free Family Holidays
Don’t take it personally if the kids want to spend day and night at Camp Seafire. The aquatic-inspired kids zone at Grand Cayman’s Seafire Resort and Spa is stacked with activities and theme days, as well as an outdoor games area. Meanwhile, the grown-ups can explore the 200-odd diving sites dotting the island’s perimeter (including a few shipwrecks) or enjoy a custom picnic on Seven Mile Beach prepared by the hotel’s executive chef. Set aside a family night for an outdoor movie under the stars.
California’s majestic coastline is front and centre at Pismo Beach’s Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, providing an impressive backdrop to daytime beach hangouts, surf sessions or afternoons at the pool. Complimentary bike rentals are available for rolling through local trails, but taking the crew to the natural sandbox—nearby Oceano Dunes—will leave a lasting impression.
The quintessential Orange County charmer, The Resort at Pelican Hill delivers a true beach house feel with all the creature comforts—including nearby retail therapy. Horseback rides, swimming, hiking and star-gazing will have the family feeling like they’re at summer camp. Tap into the nanny service to hit the links, unwind at the spa or cruise the Pacific Coast Highway. With five restaurants and cafes, picky eaters will be pleased come dinnertime.
Acclaimed architecture group Sordo Madaleno seamlessly marries modern Mexican design with traditional Mayan culture at the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. The open-air property features a 150-meter white sand beach, and on-site mangrove jungle wildlife sanctuary which adds education and appreciation to beach outings and Kid’s Club activities. Use the babysitting service for an afternoon at the cenote-inspired spa.
Change up your typical beach vacation with the cultural heritage and local adventures available at Nanuku. Overnight camping under the stars, food safaris, creek rafting and coral planting underscore the sensitive ecosystem of this South Pacific destination. Their private pools and beach access are where family memories are made.
Everyone needs rest and a reset, and The Farm at San Benito is just the place. The heavily forested Phillippines hotel invites you to slow down and give yourself over to nature’s healing forces. The whole family will be on a new track to health and wellness thanks to the predominantly raw vegan menu. Use it as an opportunity to introduce the kids to crow pose and cheers their success over green juice.
Thames views and storied history come with a stay at The Savoy. Immerse the family in Edwardian and Art Deco designs, classic British paintings, and tales of famous guests (Katherine Hepburn and Winston Churchill to name two). While The Savoy itslef is considered a London landmark, many of the city’s best sights are on its doorstep, including Covent Garden, Big Ben, London Eye and a handful of theatres.
Come for the architecture, stay for the sun. The desert Modernism beloved by the Rat Pack is sure to be loved by your pack too. At The Parker Palm Springs, patio hangs and walks in search of photo-worthy backdrops bookend desert adventures, lazy afternoons at the pool and rounds of golf while the kids head out for a supervised hike with the family dog.
Thought-provoking culture pieces and futuristic minimalism add to the 101 Hotel’s already magnetic character. Introduce them to foreign theatre, opera and art within steps of this Icelandic treasure; or, at the hotel’s own 101 Gallery. Book one of the hotel’s guided tours and take everyone off-campus in pursuit of stoic glaciers, rushing waterfalls, commanding fjords and active volcanoes. End a busy day with a group dip in a healing geothermal pool.
Don’t take it personally if the kids want to spend day and night at Camp Seafire. The aquatic-inspired kids zone at Grand Cayman’s Seafire Resort and Spa is stacked with activities and theme days, as well as an outdoor games area. Meanwhile, the grown-ups can explore the 200-odd diving sites dotting the island’s perimeter (including a few shipwrecks) or enjoy a custom picnic on Seven Mile Beach prepared by the hotel’s executive chef. Set aside a family night for an outdoor movie under the stars.