Best Family Resorts Worldwide

So we’ve covered the best resorts in Australia, Fiji, Bali, South Pacific, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, USA and Hawaii, but what about the rest of the world? This list covers the other outstanding destinations and resorts for families.

Our search for the very best in other destinations has taken us to theme parks in the UK, Paris and Hong Kong, beachside locations in Vietnam and the Maldives, luxury accommodation in New Zealand, game reserves in South Africa, and an underwater aquarium in Dubai. Read on to find out who makes the cut for the best resorts for families around the world!

1Atlantis Dubai
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Your ultimate family holiday starts at UAE icon Atlantis Dubai (previous Atlantis, The Palm). Stretching across 46 hectares on Dubai’s Palm Islands, this aquatic wonderland offers a little something for everyone. Adventurous families will enjoy the many thrills to be found in the enormous Aquaventure Waterpark – the world’s largest – with 105 record-breaking slides and experiences, as well as a private beach and an award winning aquarium. The Atlantis Kids’ Club is packed with activities and gives parents the chance to enjoy a romantic rendezvous in one of the 23 restaurants, including Nobu Dubai and Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street. Even the rooms are an adventure with the amazing Underwater Suite boasting floor-to-ceiling views into an aquarium filled with 65,000 marine creatures.

2Disneyland Hotel, Paris
FRANCE

Say bonjour to Mickey et amis at the wonderful Disneyland Hotel, Paris. This incredible property – located between Main Street, USA and Fantasia Gardens on the doorstep of Disneyland Park – boasts all the magical touches that one would expect of a Disneyland resort, with a twist of French flair, impeccable five-star service and unrivalled Disney hospitality. Put this one on your wish list for future travels as it is currently undergoing a major renovation that will see it transformed into a fairytale kingdom where your Disney princess or prince can live out their royal fantasies.

3Alma Resort Cam Ranh
VIETNAM

Alma Resort offers luxurious accommodation for families on 30 beachfront hectares of scenic Cam Ranh, an upcoming resort area just 45 kilometres from Nha Trang on the south coast of Vietnam. With 12 swimming pools cascading down to the sand, a selection of water sports at Bai Dai Beach, the splash water park, complete with slides, a wave pool and lazy river – plus an activity-packed kids’ club and youth club for teens – there’s something to keep every member of your crew entertained. Accommodation in suites and pavilions offers mesmerising ocean views, with plenty of space for families.

4Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
HONG KONG

Fun-filled adventures are endless when Disneyland is on your doorstep. Blending into its surroundings, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is a lavish Victorian palace nestled along the shores of the South China Sea. Kids can play the role of a prince or princess for a day, meet their favourite Disney characters at the Grand Staircase, partake in games in the Children’s Activity Center or head outside to the resort’s playground, pools and waterfall-themed slide and whirlpool. Test your navigation skills in a garden maze in the shape of Mickey Mouse, then feast on a selection of Asian and Western culinary creations.

5The Anam, Khanh Hoa
VIETNAM

With a private beach on one side and dramatic mountain views on the other, The Anam in Cam Ranh Bay is picture-perfect. Spend your days lounging beside one of three pools, strolling through gardens then taste your way through the resort’s four restaurants. Kids can head to the kids’ club or take part in daily water sports, yoga and tennis. This five-star resort has indoor and outdoor movie theatres that screen a selection of movies daily. The hotel staff can also organise a fishing excursion in a traditional Vietnamese boat or a number of cultural experiences.

=6Disney Explorers Lodge
HONG KONG

Just minutes from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Disney Explorers Lodge Lodge is an adventure-themed hotel and the perfect base for families to relax and unwind after a magical day. In the Adventurers’ Suite, old-world charm meets glamping and you can follow in Mickey and Minnie Mouse’s footsteps around the world. Admire their maps, journals and other mementos from the new friends that they have made during their travels. If the kids still have energy, splash around in the pool before enjoying international cuisine at the property’s on-site restaurant.

=6Club Med Kani
MALDIVES

Who doesn’t love an all-inclusive resort, particularly when it’s in the Maldives? Club Med Kani is set on a two-kilometre stretch of white-sand beach and is the perfect base for family holidays. Included activities range from flying trapeze school and group sailing lessons to stand-up paddleboarding, soccer and beach volleyball. Kids aged 4 to 17 can take part in a variety of games, sports and creative activities with a dedicated G.O. by their side every step of the way.

7Sun City Resort
SOUTH AFRICA

Body surf and safari in the same resort? Yes please! Sun City Resort is the only retreat within two hours of Johannesburg. You can go on a safari in the morning and then tear up the waves in the afternoon. The resort’s Valley of Waves water park is jam-packed with water slides and wave generators. It also has a Lazy River for anyone looking for a more relaxing time. Accommodation is spread across four main buildings and caters to families of all sizes.

8Disney’s Hollywood Hotel
HONG KONG

Surround yourself in the glitz and grandeur of classic Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. Meet Mickey Mouse at the international buffet, splash around in the piano-shaped pool or enjoy the gardens dotted with vintage cars and famous landmarks. This funky Art-Deco hotel is a great option if you’re heading to Hong Kong Disneyland.

9The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Residences
NEW ZEALAND

A perennial New Zealand fave, The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences is the perfect place to stay in Queenstown. An exceptional library of rare books will excite any bibliophiles, and the fleet of mountain bikes available provide an easy way to explore the spectacular surroundings. Large rooms sleep up to six. Head into town on the courtesy shuttle bus for shopping, and maybe to try one of those famous Fergburgers.

=10LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
UNITED KINGDOM

If your kids love playing with lego, then LEGOLAND Resort Hotel is perfect. Pick from Pirate-, Ninja- or Adventure-themed rooms and enjoy the ultimate sleepover experience during your LEGOLAND holiday. LEGOLAND Park tickets are even included in your stay. There are interactive LEGO features around the hotel and imaginations will run wild. Especially at the pirate-themed indoor water play area and pool. Wake up to breakfast served in BRICKS Family Restaurant and enjoy a range of evening entertainment before bed.

=10One&Only Reethi Rah
MALDIVES

With six kilometres of private coastline, including 12 beaches and two stunning swimming pools, One&Only Reethi Rah makes this list year after year for good reason. As romantic as their beach and water villas look, there’s no reason why kids can’t have fun here, too. The luxury family villa caters for up to nine guests, while a complimentary kids club offers programs suitable for youngins through to teens. Water is the main attraction, so gear up to go snorkelling, diving, kayaking, on dolphin cruises… and so much more. Then get dry on the synthetic football field and tennis courts or the outdoor climbing wall.