by Going on a family vacation doesn’t mean giving up romantic destinations.. In fact, the world is full of destinations that effortlessly suit both lovers and jetsetting families, combining good food, luxurious accommodation and kid-friendly activities.
Whether you’re drawn to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean or the allure of Paris, here you have it. five exquisite places that I have discovered with my husband and children and that, in addition to romance, offer amazing experiences for the whole family.
Adventure in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia holds a special place in my family’s heart, as it was one of our first international destinations. Each day was filled with outdoor adventures, like hiking nature trails to discover hidden waterfalls, relaxing in a bubbling mud bath at Sulfur Springs, and soaking in the hot springs at New Jerusalem Mineral Baths.
Although Couples flock to St. Lucia for its luxurious resorts With world-class views and iconic views of the majestic Piton Mountains, the island has much more to offer, such as taking a jeep safari to see the Soufrière volcano, the only volcano in the world that can be visited by car, or ziplining through the lush rainforest at the Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park.
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If you want to live a unique and delicious experience, create your own chocolate bar at the Tree to Bar or Bean to Bar at the Rabot Hotel. And of course, the island has numerous beaches to enjoy, including our favorite, Anse des Pitons, at the Sugar Beach, a Viceroy hotel, which is nestled between the Gros and Petit Pitons.
The Maldives is a luxury vacation destination, but for 100 euros a day, my husband and I took the trip of a lifetime
In Anguilla you won’t have to fight for a place on the beach
Although Anguilla is a sought-after honeymoon destination, families can also find happiness on its shores. With 33 pristine beaches, including the famous Shoal Bay, you’ll never have to fight for a sun lounger or a spot on the sand. In other island destinations, I’ve had to leave my room at seven in the morning to get a coveted spot by the pool, which can be stressful when you have kids with you. But in Anguilla I have never been in a hurry for anything.
Furthermore, the idyllic beaches of Anguilla offer endless opportunities to have fun in crystal clear waters, snorkel in kid-friendly locations like Little Bay and Sandy Islands, and embark on exciting boat excursions with companies like Jr.’s Glass Bottom Boat.
Family-friendly resorts include Zemi Beach House, which features premium rooms, penthouse suites, beachfront villas and a comprehensive children’s program, including movie nights, scavenger hunts and cooking classes. The Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is another welcoming oasis, with 178 luxurious suites, including a magnificent five-bedroom estate. The highlight of Aurora Anguilla is the new Aurora Entertainment Park, which features a large open-access pool, a lazy river, exciting slides and a water park for the little ones.
Virginia wine country is also designed for those under 21 years of age
With more than 300 award-winning wineries and wine regionsVirginia wine country – often hailed as the birthplace of American wine – exudes romantic, farm-to-table charm, set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Family-friendly establishments, such as Walsh Family Wine, CrossKeys Vineyards, Morais Vineyards and Veritas, not only offer a wide variety of activities, from guided vineyard walks to horseback riding, but they also cater to the little ones with non-alcoholic options, live music and grassy playgrounds. Bluemont Vineyard doubles down on the fun with its sister property, Great Country Farms, allowing families to combine on-farm activities with wine tastings, as well as spending the night in their cozy Blue Ridge Mountain cabins.
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For those looking for a luxurious family retreat, there are plenty of options, like the Salamander Middleburg in Loudoun County. This elegant hotel evokes the grandeur of a country house, with its own equestrian program, a children’s pool, nature trails and endless events and activities for the whole family, such as fun craft sessions and movie nights. In Albemarle County, visit Keswick Hall or The Clifton, two historic boutique hotels with spacious suites and culinary and outdoor experiences ranging from nature trails to meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.
Paris is not just for lovers
From the Eiffel Tower to quaint cafes and sprawling gardens, Paris attracts couples from all corners of the planet. But let’s not fool ourselves. Paris is not just for lovers. Families can also find their little piece of paradise in this fairytale city. The Luxembourg Garden and the Tuileries Garden are two of the city’s parks and children’s gardens, where all children can attend puppet shows, sail in miniature boats in monumental fountains and ride on vintage merry-go-rounds.
Other places to explore include the Musée de la Magie and the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, with exhibitions and interactive programs that everyone will love. And, of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without indulging in crepes, pastries and desserts at beloved spots like Crêperie Gigi, Angelina and Ladurée. As the sun sets over the city, embark on a magical dinner cruise along the Seine. For a traditional experience, Disneyland Paris is located just outside the city, an easy outing for amusement park lovers.
With so many accommodation options in Paris, varying in style and size, the Hôtel du Louvre stands out as an ideal base in the city. The hotel enjoys a privileged location near the Louvre Museum and the lively Champs-Elysées avenue. It also has family suites with bunk beds or two single beds, so everyone has plenty of space to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Maui offers fantastic food with a view
The beauty of Maui is endless, from the fiery sunrise over Haleakalā National Park to the winding drive along the scenic Hana Highway. The island’s coastline is also dotted with countless family resorts and picture-postcard beaches like Ka’anapali, Wailea, and Makena Beach.
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As for restaurants, the options are just as tempting. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice serves some of the best ice cream on the island, and my family visited daily to sample a selection of tropical flavors like lilikoi and calamansi. At Hula Grill Ka’anapali, families can enjoy Hawaiian-style food with ocean views, and kids will love the restaurant’s pog (passion fruit, orange and guava) slushies.
If you are lucky enough to get a table at the famous Mama’s Fish House, prepare to be amazed by its delicious dishes and spectacular views. For the ultimate Hawaiian dining experience, there’s nothing better than attending a luau. Although most of these traditional Hawaiian celebrations are aimed at tourists, they are a very interesting way to learn about Hawaiian culture through food, dance and storytelling.
