Best Luxury Family Hotels in Europe: Curated for Families

Not every place on this list looks like a storybook castle, but Adare Manor certainly does. This neo-Gothic estate in western Ireland has been converted into one of the best luxury family-friendly hotels in Europe, offering expansive family suites and private cottages. It’s ideal for multi-generational escapes, with a seemingly infinite list of activities to entertain guests of any age: think horse riding, bike tours, archery, falconry, padel, golf and much more. There’s also a cinema, spa and indoor swimming pool for when you want to sit back and relax.

Glamour and elegance abound at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa: an absolute icon of classic Swiss luxury. This historic Belle Époque hotel is located between Lakes Thun and Brienz, and combines perfectly with scenic train journeys through Switzerland. It will impress not only older family members, but also the youngest with a dedicated play area, endless activities, kid-friendly dining options, family-focused spa experiences and even a special breakfast buffet for little ones. Adventurous families will also appreciate the glacial peaks and Alpine scenery of Jungfraujoch and Interlaken, offering seasonal outdoor activities like hiking and tobogganing.

There are plenty of luxury family beach hotels in Europe, but Forte Village Resort takes the concept to a whole new level. Located at the southern tip of Sardinia, this spacious beachfront resort is the perfect spot for an idyllic family vacation in Italy. It offers dozens of luxurious bungalows, suites and family villas with private pools, as well as an exceptional spa and wellness programme, extensive dining options and a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. The resort is especially fantastic for kids and teenagers; there’s the Children’s Wonderland, a water park, bowling, go-karts, sports academies and more.

Set in the sparkling heart of the Champagne region, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa promises a sumptuous escape in the French countryside. Outside of its elegant family suites and private terraces, older guests can explore the surrounding vineyards, taste Michelin-starred cuisine and of course sample plenty of bubbly. Younger family members will be well taken care of at the hotel, enjoying everything from bike rides to riverside picnics. The world-class spa offers a wide range of treatments, including a special wellness ritual for children aged 6 and up.

Domaine de Manville is a stylish and tranquil oasis at the foot of the Alpilles in Provence. Although it’s quite a large estate, staying here feels like being welcomed into a family home. The hotel accepts guests of all ages and offers activities for everyone, including a kids club in the forest where little ones can enjoy crafts, educational workshops and nature activities. There’s also a golf course, spa and cinema, as well as an agroforestry farm that the whole family can visit together. Stay in one of the nine private villas and enjoy a range of relaxed dining options.

If your family can’t decide between mountains and sea, Belmond La Residencia is for you. Tucked into the Tramuntana mountains of Mallorca, it’s not far from the island’s hidden coves and shimmering sea. Here you can meet local artisans, visit nearby villages and cultural sites, learn to cook Mallorcan cuisine, explore the area on guided hikes or take a mocktail-making class. There’s also a supervised children’s club with pottery workshops, art classes, tennis lessons and donkey meet-and-greets, as well as dedicated children’s pools set amid lush gardens.

Set in the heart of the chic Salamanca district, Rosewood Villa Magna is one of the most refined hotels in Madrid, and its spacious suites and interconnecting rooms are ideal for families. For even more space – plus stunning city views – book one of the lavish ‘houses’ on the top floors. The hotel is a haven of calm and elegance, while also providing easy access to the city’s parks, museums and culinary highlights. Its seasonal Rosewood Explorer programme offers special activities and amenities for kids, and in winter the gardens are transformed into a magical ice rink – complete with a pop-up lounge featuring festive treats and mulled wine for grownups.

Just an hour south of Lisbon, the unspoiled beauty of Sublime Comporta awaits. This is the kind of place where the rest of the world feels far away, even though you’re within easy reach of both the city and beach. Families will feel right at home in one of the large villas, each with its own private pool and outdoor space. Kids can also enjoy the dedicated children’s pool, and older travellers will love the locally sourced cuisine and state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Croatia has recently emerged as one of the world’s best places for family travel. And the alluring island of Hvar is home to one of the top luxury family beach hotels in Europe: Maslina Resort. Minimalist modern design meets mindful luxury at this Mediterranean gem, which offers three expansive villas to accommodate even the largest family groups. There’s a family swimming pool, a library and a playroom for kids with activities inspired by local culture. The proximity to Croatia’s crystal-clear waters and laid-back island lifestyle will charm guests of all ages.

Brown’s Hotel is best known as an icon of sophisticated luxury and literary history in London, but it’s also one of the city’s most family-friendly hotels. The concierge team can easily arrange activities for younger family members, from exciting adventures to afternoon tea. There are special interconnecting family rooms and suites, as well as a long list of customised amenities and services for babies, children and teenagers: think rubber ducks, kids’ menus, mocktails and age-appropriate spa treatments. Plus, the captivating shows of the West End are just a short walk away.

The entrance of the Kimpton Fitzroy London looks straight out of a fantasy film. Inside you’ll find all sorts of whimsical touches, from the beloved Lucky George (a bronze dragon) to the Plant Pals programme (in which a plant named after a famous artist or author will be delivered to your room). These details aren’t just for younger travellers, either; they’ll awaken a sense of childlike wonder and fun in every family member, making your stay even more memorable.

If you’re dreaming of the ultimate English countryside getaway, consider escaping to one of the opulent suites or cottages at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa. Located in the Cotswolds not far from Bath and Bristol, this exquisite estate boasts a warm and cosy ambience despite its massive size. Kids can go horse riding at the equestrian centre or head to the Hideaway: a space designed for family fun. There’s also a fantastic babysitting service available.

Gleneagles is the epitome of a Scottish country estate, with 850 acres of grounds and 100 years of history. It’s a wonderful place for a luxurious family holiday, offering activities for children and adults alike. Highlights include the three golf courses and a serene spa. Younger guests will receive an Adventure Guide, encouraging them to complete challenges and earn badges during their stay. They’ll also love the kid-friendly breakfast buffet, snack station and sweets trolley.

Andronis Arcadia has earned its reputation as one of the top luxury family-friendly hotels in Europe, and certainly one of the best on Santorini. Here every family member will be treated like the guest of honour, regardless of their age, and will get to fully enjoy the magic of this emblematic Greek island. There are spa treatments and yoga sessions designed for kids, family cooking classes and all kinds of fun educational activities at the ARCADemy Kids Club.

Set on the picturesque coastline of Puglia, Borgo Egnazia is a village-style retreat with the Adriatic Sea at its doorstep. The hotel’s Casas, or villas, boast private pools and gardens and plenty of space for families. Consult your own private concierge for tips on age-appropriate activities, including cooking classes and entertainment at the kids club. As for dining, the entire menu at Da Frisella restaurant is specifically designed to suit younger guests’ tastes.

Boasting classic Portuguese style and stunning ocean-view villas, Vila Vita Parc is among our favourite family-friendly hotels in the Algarve. It’s especially ideal for multi-generational trips, as guests of all ages will find plenty to do across the expansive resort. Adults can enjoy the wine cellar, clifftop spa and two Michelin-starred restaurants while little ones have the time of their lives at the kids park and crèche. There’s also a teens club with sports and wellness experiences specially designed for ages 10–15.

Escape to an authentic Alpine paradise at Les Fermes de Marie, where children and adults alike can immerse themselves in the natural splendour of Megève, France. The hotel’s elegant chalet style is exceptionally cosy in both winter and summer. Each season offers endless outdoor adventures – from hiking to Alpage des Fermes to building snowmen. The kids club here is truly phenomenal, with a dedicated kids concierge and a long list of activities for every season.

Housed in a converted 10th-century castle and completely surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, Castello di Casole promises an unforgettable family trip in the heart of Tuscany. Especially beautiful in early summer and autumn, this gorgeous estate has two family-style villas with three bedrooms each and private outdoor areas. Spend your days here enjoying family cooking classes, e-bike tours, truffle hunting expeditions and – for the adults – world-class wine.

An elegant wellness retreat meets a family sanctuary at Schloss Elmau, hidden among the verdant slopes of the Bavarian Alps. The resort includes a historic concert hall and six different spas – half are family-friendly and half are just for adults – boasting everything from cold plunges to Japanese-style onsen. Activities for children and teenagers include hiking, football camps led by renowned coaches and educational workshops in science, art and literature. The hotel’s location makes it the perfect addition to a family trip to Munich or Austria.

Mykonos may be best known for its glitzy nightlife and buzzing beach clubs, but it’s also a fantastic destination for a family getaway. We suggest staying at Santa Marina, set away from the crowds on a 20-acre seaside property that boasts the island’s only private beach. Settle into a two-level family suite or a roomy villa, complete with a private pool and panoramic sea views. If you’re hoping to spend a relaxing summer holiday with your family, this is an excellent choice.