Ten Family Beach Escapes

During winter’s first cold snap, perhaps your first thoughts are of fireplaces, gingerbread, and wrapping up in a woolly sweater. But if you’re anything like us, shortly thereafter, you begin to miss your dear friend Sunshine, and all you can think about is the next getaway. There’s no end to the options for couples headed to the beach. But things get more complicated when you decide to bring the kids along. We’re happy to recommend the following Vitamin D–rich destinations that are well-suited to families.

Whether it’s a special menu for your picky eaters, a complimentary kids club, or particularly spacious suites, these properties find ways to make your life easier. And isn’t that what vacation is all about?

LITTLE DIX BAY
British Virgin Islands

LDB is a landmark family resort, founded by travel sophisticate and conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller, who put every bit as much thought into programming for kids as he did in the details of the rest of the property. Their kids club boasts a miniature Caribbean chattel house, a dress-up parlor, an arts and crafts center and an outdoor play area. Their attentive staff will lead your little ones on a treasure hunt if they so desire, or provide materials and instruction for creating an original West Indian-inspired souvenir. For older kids and teenagers, there are board games as well as ping-pong and foosball tables. But if simply enjoying the surf and sand is more your speed, it doesn’t get much better than LDB’s pristine crescent beach.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI
Ka‘upulehu-Kona, Hawai‘i

If there’s anything The Four Seasons knows well, it’s how to please their guests. And that’s true for the under-four-footers too. Kids who visit their resorts are showered with special treats and are offered an exhaustive list of activities and diversions. What makes this Four Seasons property stand out is not only their selection of swimming pools, but also their protected saltwater lagoon, home to thousands of tropical fish and other forms of sea life — it’s the ideal place for an introduction to snorkeling.

THE BREAKERS
Palm Beach, Florida

It’s hard to imagine how any holiday could be anything less than perfect at this 140-acre property that opens up onto the Atlantic Ocean. When it comes to accommodating kids and families, you name it, they’ve thought of it. In addition to their multiple pools and tennis courts, they also have an arcade, movie theater, playground, and a special toddler playroom. And if you happen to have a big family, at the Breakers you can reserve up to five adjoining rooms.

LAS ALMANDAS
Jalisco, Mexico

If you tend to shy away from the idea of a resort vacation, consider Las Alamandas the anti-resort resort. Here, a maximum of forty-two guests have at their disposal 1500 acres of pristine beachfront land and close to a hundred staff members. In addition to knowing you’ll be well taken care of, these numbers mean that you’ll actually get some QT with your own kin. Lest your kids get sick of mom and dad, there’s always the toy-stocked kids’ club, playground equipment, badminton, and mini soccer field. And should you tire of them, baby-sitting services are available upon request.

INDIGO PEARL
Phuket, Thailand

If you’re coming from North America or Europe, getting to Thailand can be a bit of a trek, to put it mildly. But if your kids are among those lucky enough to experience the country’s majestic scenery at a young age, Indigo Pearl Resort is an ideal vantage point. Their kid-friendly offerings go way beyond the typical shell-painting. For example, there’s origami, PlayStation 2, hair weaving, even a bit of flower arranging. You may even be tempted to join the fun.

ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The Mayan Riviera is heating up these days, and it’s no wonder why, what with the direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, the impeccable beaches, and the delicious regional cuisine. While there are many worthy hotels and resorts in the area, we love the Rosewood Mayakoba for its amazing staff, on hand with all your needs (baby monitors) and wants (tequila tastings!).

SANDY LANE
St. James, Barbados

You may think that the words “discreet,” “luxurious” and “upscale” don’t belong in the same sentence as “kid-friendly,” but Sandy Lane proves otherwise. It’s a top-notch resort that offers wonderful, age-appropriate amenities to younger visitors, and they handle the holidays quite well here, too. On Easter, there’s egg-decorating and the Easter Bunny himself makes a special visit to the resort.

POSTCARD INN
St. Petersburg, Florida

The hip but low-key vibe of this newly re-designed St. Pete spot will appeal to parents and kids alike. There’s lots of outdoor space, an expansive pool and access to one of Florida’s best beaches, ensuring plenty of room to roam. Plus, the Inn’s own restaurant and bar means less schlepping and more sandcastles.

MASSERIA TORRE COCCARO
Savelletri di Fasano, Italy

There’s much more to Italy beyond Rome and Tuscany. The Adriatic coast is an unbeatable location to sit back, relax and rekindle your relationship with gelato, whilst basking in the Mediterranean sun. At Masseria Torre Coccaro, kids can enjoy water time in the lifeguard-attended pool down or at the beach club. Since the property is also a working farm, there are also distractions for animal and nature lovers. And free bike rentals make it easy to explore the surrounding countryside.

ROUND HILL RESORT & VILLAS
Montego Bay, Jamaica

If your definition of luxury entails an air of understatement, the Round Hill Resort might fit the bill. This property boasts the requisite pools, tennis courts, and spa but without a hint of stuffiness. There are organized activities for kids, like crafts, games and tours of the organic vegetable garden, as well as on-site equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, and other water sports. The highlight, however, has to be the warm Jamaican hospitality. The local staff makes your happiness its mission.

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