Are we there yet? Our guide to family travel.
Making family travel easy.
Every family is different. And while family time is precious, it can be hard to please everyone.
We can't promise to take away the constant ‘are we there yet?’ questions, but we can ensure excitement, curiosity, and fun for everyone - with some much-needed relaxation time for the adults thrown in too.
All creatures great and small(er)
Watching a herd of elephants by the watering hole, listening to the roar of a pride of lions and observing baby cheetah cubs playing in the African bush, a safari is truly one of life’s greatest family adventures, with memories guaranteed to last a lifetime. While there is plenty of excitement to be had on the twice daily game drives, traversing more than 13,500 hectares of South Africa’s Sabi Sand game reserve in search of the Big 5, the family fun starts on arrival at Ulusaba. Young guests aged six and over are invited to join the Cubs’ Club with access to a series of tailored activities. From a Mini Ranger course learning how to track and identify animal footprints to safari walks spotting birds, insects, lizards and many other creatures, there is plenty to keep children entertained while parents relax with a spa treatment or a dip in the pool.
Mahali Mzuri, located in the Olare Motorogi Conversancy on the northern edge of Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara ecosystem, takes up prime position to watch one of nature’s most spectacular seasonal events, the Great Migration. Simply gather the family, sit back and relax on the deck to watch the spectacle unfold in front of you. Daily game drives – open to children of all ages with private closed vehicles for families with under 6-year-olds – are bound to surprise and delight with an abundance of wildlife to discover while teenagers can join their parents on safari walks led by experienced guides. Back at Mahali Mzuri, parents can enjoy rest and relaxation at the Spa or by the infinity pool, safe in the knowledge their offspring are kept busy on treasure hunts or mini wildlife walks around the camp.
Cape Crusaders
While Franschhoek in South Africa is often listed as one of the world’s top wine destinations, with plenty of child-friendly activities and located less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands also make for a great family destination.
Charlie and the Chocolate factory fans will delight in the Chocolate Experience at Franschhoek’s Huguenots Fine Chocolate learning all about the history of chocolate, finding out how this sweet treat is made, culminating in a tasting of the shop’s delicious creations. Car enthusiasts - young and old(er) - are bound to be impressed by the magnificent collection of vintage cars on display at the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Those preferring two wheels instead can explore the Cape Winelands by bike, stopping off along the way to learn about the area’s rich history and discover its fauna and flora.
After an activity-packed day, travel back to Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard on the Wine Tram and once there, parents can sit back and relax with a glass of wine while younger family members are kept entertained, playing lawn games such as croquet and boules against the stunning backdrop of the Klein Dassenberg mountains.
Culture, cuisine and camels
With its rugged mountain range and snow-capped peaks, a holiday at Kasbah Tamadot in the majestic Atlas Mountains in Morocco make for a perfect family adventure. The activities available for younger guests are endless: from Moroccan tea parties to discovering the menagerie of camels, mules and donkeys or treasure hunts while parents seeking relaxing will find it at the Asounfou Spa. Teenagers meanwhile will enjoy biking through the foothills of the High Atlas or joining in with a traditional Berber cooking class.
A European family adventure awaits
Mallorca has long been a popular destination for family holidays and while there is plenty to keep everyone entertained at Son Bunyola, our vast estate on the northwest coast, those in search of adventure will find it in abundance on this beautiful Spanish island. From stand-up paddling along Mallorca’s spectacular coastline to cycling its many routes and canyoning in the Tramuntana Mountain Range or taking to the sea and setting sail in search of the dolphins that make that Mediterranean their home for much of the year, there are plenty of memorable family outings to choose from.
No matter the season, the Swiss mountain resort of Verbier really is a paradise for thrill seekers of all ages. Families who love to ski are well served with plenty of slopes for all ages and abilities. For an adventure full of exciting twists and turns, the area around Verbier is home to western Switzerland’s longest toboggan run – perfect for speed fanatics. A magical snowshoe trek among the trees at nightfall makes for a great end to a fun-packed day in the Alps, before heading to The Lodge for a delicious family dinner. In Summer, a visit to the aerial walkway near the Medran cable car station will see families take on a challenging high rope adventure course. For keen cyclists, there are plenty of cross-country mountain biking trails but for families looking for a more relaxed approach to exploring the beauty of Verbier on two wheels, hiring an e-bike may be the way to go.
Desert island vibes
For a sensational, stress-free family holiday in the sun, Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands is the perfect paradisical destination for getting away from it all. With snorkelling, kayaking, stand up paddling, tennis and much more on offer, there is an endless of activities to keep guests of all ages busy. The little ones are bound to be kept entertained with treasure hunts; pizza making classes; beach Olympics and pirate parties on the beach while parents take a well-deserved break at the Spa. Families will also love spotting the array of wildlife that have made Necker Island their home, from lemurs to flamingos to giant tortoises.
Inspired to book your next family adventure, browse our offers or speak to our friendly reservations' team for more information on family getaways Virgin Limited Edition-style.
Even more inspiration
Mallorca for all ages
Mallorca has long been a popular destination for family holidays and while there is plenty to keep everyone entertained at Son Bunyola (link to SB homepage), those wanting to venture beyond the estate will find an island packed with distractions and diversions for kids of all ages.