"Luxury travel" means the "above and beyond" quality, the assurance of the finest settings and top-quality experiences. Luxury travel also-- with kids along-- means the absence of any hassle time.
Luxury travel, by definition, isn't for all of us, and costs a pretty penny. But for those seeking to go over-the-top of the line, below are some suggestions for families.
Luxury Travel: Caribbean
- Mustique: Villa Rental
Forgive the pun, but Mustique has mystique: this 1,400 acre island is known as a private retreat of the rich and famous; what's less known is that others can also enjoy luxury travel here as most of its eighty-five private residences are available for rent. Click to find the right one for your family: you can search for Amenities such as "Butler/Creative Cook" or "Designer Swimming Pool"; or choose Balinese Architecture; or simply go to "Perfect for Families."
- Round Hill, Montego Bay, Jamaica
This legendary playground of the rich and famous welcomes families and even has a Pineapple Kids' Club. Villas are half price in summer: say, $3500-$6000/week, including breakfasts cooked for you. Rooms are less. Check for an off-season (May-Oct.) Family Plan that includes nanny service for 5/hrs./day. Meal plans are available. Expect formal place settings! - Check prices
- Luxury Travel: Orlando
Concierge at Disney World
Disney World's top tier of resorts (such as Grand Floridian, and Animal Kingdom Lodge) are beautiful places, and all offer a kids' club, spa, and -- less well known-- a Concierge level of service. Concierge rooms are usually on a private floor or wing with keyed entrance. Guests have a special lounge, with continental breakfast in the mornings and various snacks throughout the day. A member of the concierge staff is assigned to each guest to help with planning: restaurant priority seating, etc. Some concierge clubs offer special extras: such as a Sunrise Safari into Animal Kingdom, for guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Get the scoop about Concierge level at AllEarsNet, an excellent "unofficial" Disney World site.
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Luxury Travel: Family Adventures
"Family Adventures" are escorted small-group tours to beautiful places, with all details handled, and fine lodgings and meals. That's the typical format, which is pretty good (at about $2000/person for 6 days) ; but some companies take the experience above and beyond.
GrandTravel, for example, has a summer "Splendors of Italy" trip exploring Venice, Florence, Siena and Rome. Make Venetian masks; see how wine is made; take a private cooking lesson with a Tuscan chef, and a pony ride in the countryside; plus many tours of art and architecture with a knowledgable guide. Services include pre-departure counselling; GrandTravel is expert in helping the generations have the best possible time together. And how's this introduction to Venice: "Upon arrival at Venice’s airport, board a private motor launch and cross the lagoon to your elegant palazzo hotel." Lots of other destinations, too.
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Luxury Travel in London
The Atheneum
It's hard to decide what's the classiest thing about The Athenaeum: its prime spot on Piccadilly across from Green Park; its afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream; its signature Athenaeum teddy bear. Or maybe the whisky lounge, with 250 single malts. But all in all, I'd vote for the Concierge, Donald... you'll get the royal treatment whether you're Kevin Spacey or Mrs. Doe from Idaho. Note: families can stay in complete apartments with private entrances on a small side street. - Check prices
Luxury Travel: Hawaii
Hawaii has many luxurious and beautiful resorts, and many of them have kids' programs. (See Hawaii Resorts.)
Pure Kauai, however, is something a bit different. Families stay in villas with full kitchens and multiple bathrooms; many have pools and Jacuzzis. Cribs, high chairs, board games, etc. can be supplied. Meals are prepared by personal chefs, either cooked on-site, or delivered. Activities include: Family Hula Class, private session; Tide Pool Exploring with a guide; Mountain Tubing; Boogie-boarding; more. Trained guides and instructors supervise all activities. Childcare can be provided too. (Adults could have time for in-room massage or private yoga class.)
Note: for any resort, always check recent visitors' comments. TripAdvisor is a great resource.
