Four multi-generational stays that promise the holiday of a lifetime
From a Robinson Crusoe-style island paradise to an off-the-beaten-path desert retreat, these family-friendly hotels and resorts will open up a world of adventure with Marriott Bonvoy®
01/09/2024
There is nothing more gratifying than going on a family holiday. Grandparents, parents and kids of all ages kicking back and enjoying themselves is what memories are made of. Whether you opt for a Kenyan safari lodge that can accommodate larger groups or a private island hideaway in the Red Sea with child-friendly water sports, these four hotels and resorts offer the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure to please young and old alike. And the best bit? Sign up to the Marriott Bonvoy travel programme for free and earn points with your stay, which you can put towards your next unforgettable ‘3G’ (three generations) trip.
Marriott Bonvoy has more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations – and the more you stay, the greater the rewards, from complimentary breakfasts to lounge access and room upgrades. Family holiday harmony is guaranteed.
Not yet a member of Marriott Bonvoy? It’s free to join, and you can collect Avios on your stays.
Standard King room at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
JW MARRIOTT MASAI MARA LODGE
A safari is a surefire multi-generational holiday hit. Watching the kids’ faces when they see elephants, lions and zebras in their natural habitat (and not on the television) is a memory-maker. The Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya is home to the ‘Big Five’ and between July and September - coinciding neatly with the school holidays - you can witness the great wildebeest migration. Back at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which is for six-year-olds upwards, the head guide is a passionate conservationist who will regale guests with stories about the flora, fauna and local culture. When all the excitement gets too much, there are 20 spacious tents with terraces offering serene views over the River Talek, and the interconnecting family suite has two separate bedrooms for larger groups. The swimming pool and spa will keep everyone happy, as will sitting around the firepit (opening image) and feasting on locally inspired dishes at Sarabi restaurant.
Write home about… Floating over the vast, golden-hued plains of the reserve in a hot air balloon. A wildlife experience that will be talked about for years to come.
A 1,000sqm infinity pool overlooks the vast desert of Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi
AL WATHBA, A LUXURY COLLECTION DESERT RESORT & SPA, ABU DHABI
Vast, unique, captivating… The Arabian desert is full of the possibilities of adventure. Al Wathba, less than an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi, is nestled in the dunes, offering out-of-this-world sandscape views. The 99 rooms, suites and villas, set amid shady palms and well-manicured courtyards, are inspired by traditional Bedouin dwellings, with two- and three-bedroom options for families. Here, everyone can do their own thing. While the adrenalin-chasing crowd might like to go sand biking or dune bashing, those after something a little more sedate can explore the terrain on a nature walk. Cool off afterwards in the infinity pool or at the Saray Spa, with its salt rooms and ice-cold bucket room. As the sun sets and the lamps are lit, the atmosphere is bewitching. Follow an authentic Levantine, Mediterranean or Italian dinner with stargazing.
Write home about… Surfing amongst the sand dunes on the hotel’s wave simulator, The Desert Waves. It’s surreal but spectacular, and teens will love it.
Lunch at Hunter’s Yard, Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection
MOUNT JULIET ESTATE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
The wild beauty of Ireland, with its green valleys, meandering rivers and dramatic coastline, ticks every cross-gen box. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Emerald Isle at Mount Juliet Estate, a five-star country house hotel on the banks of River Nore in the heart of Kilkenny. Whether taking a swing on the 18-hole golf course, casting a fishing line, exploring woodland trails on horseback or honing archery skills, the picturesque grounds (500 acres, no less) promise activities for everyone in your tribe. Swap stories in the luxurious surrounds of the historic Georgian manor house or the more contemporary Hunter’s Yard, both of which offer a range of rooms and suites for all requirements. Dining comes every which way, from a special children’s afternoon tea to a Michelin-starred menu, with a team of babysitters on hand, should you require a little grown-up time.
Write home about… The kids’ facilities, from the junior golf camp to the magical adventure playground complete with woodland fairies and gnomes. Little imaginations will run wild.
Sundeck of the Presidential Dune Villa at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort
THE ST. REGIS RED SEA RESORT
The newly opened St. Regis Red Sea Resort is the first ever private island hideaway to open in the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. Situated in the Ummahat archipelago, surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system, this is a marine lover’s paradise. Snorkelling or scuba-diving in the crystal-clear waters will unearth an underwater world of exotic sea life, coral reefs and shipwrecks. Plus, there’s paddleboarding, sailing, wing-foiling, windsurfing and kayaking. Or why not charter a boat or travel to the mainland to explore dormant volcanoes and archaeological treasures? Back at the island, the 90 overwater and beachfront villas come with one to four bedrooms, and all feature a private sundeck and pool, positioned to capture the blazing sunsets, and round-the-clock butler service. The restaurants and bars cater to every taste, from sushi to shawarma to club sandwiches. While the youngsters are in the Little Treasures Children’s Club, hotfoot it to the serene St. Regis Spa.
Write home about… The outdoor activities tailored to families, which include child-friendly water sports as well as easy-to-manage hikes with local experts.
