Plan My Journey
Flache Bucht mit ruhigem Wasser am Nachmittag

Our Recommendations

For Families

Houses where children are welcome without everything being designed around them.

For Families

Family travel rarely fails because of the house and often because of the structure: distances too long, too little shade, rooms that cannot be divided sensibly.

This selection names houses with dependable childcare, short distances, and rooms where parents and children can both settle.

Why this recommendation exists

"Family friendly" covers too much. What interests us is whether connecting rooms exist, how shallow the water is, and whether evenings allow for different mealtimes.

What this recommendation is not

None of these is a club resort. If you want a continuous entertainment programme, you will find it better elsewhere.

The houses

Where we would send someone

Granitfelsen und heller Sandstrand einer Insel im Indischen Ozean im Morgenlicht

01 — Baa-Atoll, Malediven

Soneva Fushi

The island that founded the idea of barefoot luxury in 1995 and still takes it seriously: dense jungle, no shoes, its own recycling and glass studios. Larger than our other recommendations — but so overgrown you never notice.

Why this house

Bicycles instead of buggies, a shallow reef, and childcare that takes older children seriously too.

Suits
Families placing several generations together, with children free to roam.
Season
January to April. June and July bring rain and wind.
See the house
Terrassierte Küste in Italien im Morgenlicht mit Zypressen und offenem Meer

02 — Tremezzina, Comer See

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

A grand hotel of 1910, run by the same family for generations and still warm with it. The view across to the Bergamasque Alps is among the finest on the lake.

Why this house

The floating pool in the lake keeps children busy for days, while Bellagio is ten minutes away by boat.

Suits
Families and couples who want grand-hotel atmosphere without stiffness.
Season
Late April to June, September and October.
See the house
Mallorquinische Küstenlandschaft mit Steinmauern, Olivenbäumen und Meer

03 — Casares, Andalusien

Finca Cortesín

An Andalusian estate between Marbella and Sotogrande with unusually generous rooms, mature trees and one of Europe's more demanding golf courses. Quiet, despite the Costa del Sol address.

Why this house

Space, several pools and Andalusia at the door — good for two generations who want different things.

Suits
Families and golfing travellers who need space and still want privacy.
Season
April to June and September to November.
See the house
Kapholländisches Weingut mit weissen Giebeln, Nutzgarten in langen Reihen und Bergen dahinter

04 — Franschhoek, Südafrika

Babylonstoren

A Cape Dutch wine farm with a three-hectare kitchen garden that governs everything else.

Why this house

A working farm with a garden, animals and a bakery: children have plenty to do without anything being staged.

Suits
Travellers before or after a safari, guests drawn to gardens and cooking
Season
October to April
See the house
Weite afrikanische Ebene mit Akazien und Wasserlauf im frühen Morgenlicht

05 — Thornybush, Südafrika

Royal Malewane

Known for its guiding: the lodge employs some of the few highest-qualified trackers and guides in South Africa. If you want to understand what you are looking at, this is the place.

Why this house

Safari with children works here because private vehicles and shorter drives are taken for granted.

Suits
Travellers with some experience who take game viewing seriously.
Season
May to September.
See the house

Pure Voyage Notes

Worth knowing beforehand

Pure Voyage NoteHotel Note

From what age does a safari make sense?

From around six, or four with a private vehicle. What matters is short drives, a patient guide and a camp with a fenced area. Many lodges set a minimum age of twelve — usually solvable with a private vehicle, but worth settling before you book.

Noted by Pure Voyage

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One hotel that convinced us, with our advice on suite and season. The openings that actually matter. And a destination at its best right now. No offers, no advertising.