These 11 Luxury Destinations Are Perfect for Family Travel This Summer

Costa Rica’s unique geography offers a plethora of activities for kids of all ages. And the best part is that you don’t have to choose between the mountain or the ocean—you can have it all. Nayara Resorts is a collection of three luxury properties in the Costa Rican rainforest surrounded by creeks, natural hot springs, and sublime views of the third most active volcano on earth. The new Nayara Tented Camp, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property,  is the ideal spot for a nature-filled trip. Visit the on-site sloth sanctuary and learn fun facts about these sleep-loving animals from the property’s sloth concierge. Then, embark on a bird-spotting mission. A private naturalist can teach your family about more than 500 bird species in the area, including toucans, red-lored parrots, green herons, and ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Surf’s up! With surfing making its debut at the summer Olympics, now is the perfect time to introduce the sport to your children. This will certainly give your offspring some serious bragging rights (and a healthy hobby) back home. The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko’Olina, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, is the ideal spot for a sunny, adventure-filled trip to stunning O’ahu. The resort offers a complimentary kids program that will keep your little ones busy with arts and crafts, outdoor sports, and swimming. Your children will have a blast learning to play the ukulele, dance hula, and weave lauhala (or leaves). Hiking, golfing, and visiting local farms also make for great family-bonding experiences. And even those traveling with infants or toddlers can take a much-needed break—the property has on-site babysitting services for when you need to indulge in some grown-up time.

Located along the stunning 133-mile Unaweep scenic and historic byway, Gateway offers screensaver-worthy vistas, exciting hikes through the desert, mountain biking, and adventures through some of America’s most beautiful national parks. Head to Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, for an unforgettable Colorado experience. The resort has a myriad of kid-friendly activities including a geology and dinosaur track tour of the area, pony rides, an art hike that will guide the kids through the fascinating rock art in the area, and stargazing. Your kids will channel their inner cowboy or cowgirl at the nearby Palisades Ranch with traditional experiences such as cattle drives and horseback riding.

When it comes to family-friendly resorts in the Bahamas, the sprawling Baha Mar is without equal. Your kiddos will keep busy during the day with countless fun (and educational) activities while you take in the stunning views with a cocktail in hand. The Baha Mar Explorers club caters to kids ages three to 12 years old and has daily nonstop programming running from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Cooking, mini-golf, music, face painting, interactive game shows, and animal experiences are just a few of the activities that the club offers.  Of course, when you are in the Bahamas, it’s all about the turquoise waters and the white sand beaches. Rent a kayak, go snorkeling, relax on a floating lounge, or head to Cable Beach and build a sandcastle—boredom is not an option here.

Maryland’s Eastern Shore is dotted with small family-friendly waterfront towns that cater to both kids and their parents. With more than 3,100 miles of shoreline, the state is a dream for those looking to unwind on the beach and bury their toes in the sand. Ocean City is one of the most popular spots for families in the summer. If you are craving a more isolated locale, head to Assateague Island National Seashore where wild horses roam the island unbothered. Stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, in quant St. Michaels. Overlooking the Miles River, this sprawling luxury estate blends classic 19th-century elegance with modern amenities and offers plenty of outdoor activities including sailing classes, tennis lessons, golf, and lawn games.

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Nature and conservation-minded families can now experience a unique side of St. Martin while enjoying the white sand beaches and turquoise waters this heavenly island is known for. Starting April 1, La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, launches a new turtle-watching experience on its beach that allows guests to witness how baby turtles hatch and make their way out to sea. If you are a family of early risers, consider exploring the uninhabited island of Tintamarre before dawn, with a marine conservationist as your guide. The tour allows travelers to spot Hawksbill sea turtles and schools of dolphins, and learn all about the island’s rich fauna. Visit Loterie Farm, a 137-acre nature reserve with hiking trails, ropes courses, zip lines, and suspended bridges. And of course, enjoy the warm Caribbean Sea as much as possible—the opportunities for water activities here are endless.

Enjoy the sun-drenched beaches of New England and have some serious fun while doing it. Cape Cod has so much to offer that a trip here may become your family’s new annual tradition. Biking trails, amusement parks, an outdoor children’s theater, exciting whale watching tours, and more than 130 beaches all make Cape Cod a haven for family travel. The 5-star Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property overlooking Pleasant Bay in Harwich, has an award-winning children’s center equipped with video gaming systems, toys, an outdoor amphitheater, and a large pirate ship playground with a splash park, ball pit, slides, and a picnic area. Daily and evening programming for kids ages four to 12 is also available, with activities like cooking, beach bonfires, scavenger hunts, and movie nights.

Located in the quaint historic town of Middleburg in Virginia’s wine country, the 340-acre equestrian-inspired Salamander Resort & Spa, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, features amenities that will delight both fun-loving kids and their stressed-out parents. Enroll the kiddos at Salamander Camp with activities ranging from horseback riding to swimming and arts and crafts. Go on a family adventure at the resort's Treetop Zipline that spans 20 acres, or play a round of cornhole on the grand lawn.

While your kids are busy exploring the exceptional equestrian offerings of the resort, which includes trail riding, pony rides, and meeting Cupcake, the property’s mini horse, you can try your hand in archery, axe throwing, or falconry. And don’t forget to venture outside of the resort and see what Middleburg has to offer: chocolate tastings, historic scavenger hunts, and, of course, for those over 21, local wine tastings. Craving some urban exploration? The nation’s capital is only about an hour away from Middleburg, making it the perfect day trip to discover some of the country’s most celebrated monuments.

Jet off to the Caribbean for an exotic family vacation packed with water adventures, stunning views, and nature-filled experiences. If you’re craving some Vitamin D, then stay at the legendary GoldenEye resort, once home to Ian Fleming and the site where he penned all 14 James Bond novels. The property offers stand-alone hut, cottage, and villa accommodations perfect for families looking for privacy. Kids can partake in coconut carving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and nature walks while adults enjoy cocktails and expansive vistas from Firefly, a hilltop estate offering impressive sunset views. You can also explore Jamaica beyond its picture-perfect sandy beaches. Head to the majestic Blue Mountains—a home to more than 300 bird species. If you’d like to stay there overnight, consider the luxury Strawberry Hill resort.

Why yes, you can have the dreamiest island vacation without ever leaving the country. Located in the middle of the Florida Keys, Marathon comprises several islands that offer activities for kids of all ages. Explore the hidden keys with a 26-mile jet ski tour around Marathon, or if you prefer something less adrenaline-inducing, you can experience hermit crab races and even dig for shark teeth. Visit rehabilitated turtles at the Turtle Hospital and see dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Stay at the luxury beachfront resort Isla Bella, located at the threshold of the Seven Mile Bridge. In addition to the mile-long coastline, the property offers a spa, five oceanfront pools, three restaurants, and an abundance of water sports. Your kids can try their hand in the daily craft classes, scavenger hunts, beach bingo, candy happy hours, and sand castle building contests.

If you’re craving some Californian sun, Catalina Island is the perfect getaway option for your family. With almost 90 percent of the island protected, it is the ideal spot to relax and explore its beautiful 50-mile coastline. If you prefer the view underwater, the island offers some great snorkeling, as well as glass-bottom boat tours for a chance to view marine wildlife from up-close. The biggest attraction though, is its zip line tour that begins 500 feet above Descanso Canyon and boasts panoramic vistas of the entire island. Stay at Hotel Metropole in downtown Avalon, or the boutique Snug Harbor Inn, which offers beautiful ocean views and elegant interiors.