Perhaps the kids have finally flown the nest and it’s time to take Dad on a luxury train trip through the Scottish Highlands (single malt in hand, of course)? Or maybe you dream of sharing your love of wildlife with your grandchildren on an epic conservation safari in South Africa? Whether it's for a special occasion or fulfilling a lifelong ambition, more families than ever are mixing it up when it comes to travel, with young and old(er) striking out on incredible adventures that span the world.
What do you do when Grandpa loves dozing by the pool while the teenagers have their hearts set on an action-packed few weeks? The secret to a successful multi-gen vacation, one that feels less like herding cats and more like a Lipizzan ballet at the Spanish Riding School, is balance. That's where we come in. With a little careful planning, we'll help you integrate activities to suit all ages and abilities, creating memories that stay with you long after the last bowl of bucatini.
With everything from private villas to exclusive-use safari houses at your disposal, there’s never been a better time to travel together. A shared experience is a great way for grandparents to pass on a passion, reconnect and learn something new, and is a wonderful legacy to leave younger generations.
Celebrate that big birthday or family reunion in your own private house, villa, or chalet with a team of staff on hand to cater to your every whim. Or simply spend quality time with your nearest and dearest in the comfort of a luxurious exclusive-use property where you can dine when you want to, plan activities to suit your schedule and relax together on a multi-generational vacation to remember.
Hidden in the grounds of the Goodwood Estate, this 10-bedroom lodge is the perfect location for a quintessential countryside retreat. A real home away from home, here you can unwind with your nearest and dearest, enjoying woodland walks, golf or clay pigeon shooting before relaxing in the plush drawing room. With 24-hour butler service your every need will be taken care of, so you can concentrate on spending quality time with family and friends.
A truly luxurious retreat in the depths of Northern Iceland, this former sheep farm can sleep up to 34, offering the ultimate family getaway. Surrounded by truly incredible scenery, the wild landscape of the Troll Peninsula will be your playground – here you can go sea kayaking, snowmobiling or whale watching. After a day of adventure, recharge with fantastic locally-sourced meals and relax your weary muscles in the geothermally-heated outdoor pool, keeping an eye out for the Northern Lights.
An idyllic beach location within a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Riviera Maya. This fully catered eco-chic villa sleeps eight guests and boasts a roof terrace, swimming pool, maid and butler. Spend your days exploring nearby ruins in Tulum, snorkeling with turtles or simply unwinding and enjoying the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. If none of these appeal, there’s a home cinema system to keep screen addicts happy, too.
On the banks of the Chongwe River in the beautiful Lower Zambezi lies this private safari house offering an incredible wildlife experience. Your private safari guide will bring this scenic park to life, paddling canoes along the waterways, on game-drives in search of big cats, and tracking wildlife on foot. Meals are served alfresco on the spacious deck next to the pool, or in surprise locations nearby. With plenty of space to unwind between safari activities, and impressive game-viewing, this is an ideal way to experience Zambia as a family.
You don’t have to book a private property to enjoy a multi-generational trip of a lifetime; plenty of hotels, resorts and ranches will take excellent care of you and your family. Leave it to the staff to arrange special dinners and little surprises to delight you. Below are a few of our favorites properties where everyone is guaranteed a good time, whether you're a grandparent, grandchild or somewhere in between.
A real favorite with Scott Dunn families, Carlisle Bay is a superb introduction to everything the Caribbean has to offer; idyllic beaches, extensive childrens activities including a crèche and kids club, watersports, a spa and four wonderful restaurants. Service here is top notch, ensuring whatever you need as a group is taken care of. Choose from rooms where children can be accommodated with parents to larger three-bedroom suites, depending on your needs.
One of our favorite barefoot luxury resorts in Asia, located on the island of Koh Kood. With beautifully designed pool villas tucked away into the tropical vegetation, exceptional service throughout, down to your own personal butler, you’ll be taken care of whether you’re 8 or 80. Facilities are superb, with a three Michelin star chef, spa, open air cinema and a Scott Dunn Explorers kids club and plenty of watersports to keep you occupied.
Youngsters and the young at heart will love this working ranch in southern Wyoming, combining breathtaking scenery with charming Western hospitality. Stay in a two or three bedroom log cabin, or take out the Magee homestead if you’re a larger group and make the most of the great outdoors, navigating the trails on horseback or whiling away the hours fly-fishing. The tepee camp also offers exciting activities for children aged 4 to 8.
Designed to mirror a traditional village, Borgo Egnazia is a stylish and luxurious hotel in Puglia, based around a central Piazza. Families adore it here, with an adventure playground for children within a walled courtyard, complete with climbing nets, giant games and wobbly walkways. An ideal option for multi-generation groups are the luxurious three-bedroom villas set over three floors, each with its own private pool, garden and roof terrace from which to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Dotted around the grounds of the luxurious Amanzoe are a handful of villas, providing privacy and seclusion for the ultimate family retreat. Each villa has a private outdoor pool and benefits from the services of a dedicated host and chef, so if your main aim is relaxation, you don’t even have to leave your villa. For those a little more active or for kids with itchy feet, the hotel’s private beach club has four pools and a variety of non-motorized watersports.
Want to push the boat out? We've got the low down on some truly extraordinary experiences that will wow your family whatever their ages. From helicopter rides across Kenya to off-the-beaten path hikes remote villages in Ladakh, whatever you do, this will be a trip you'll never forget.
A safari like no other, take to the skies in your own helicopter, exploring Kenya’s wild and wonderful landscapes and accessing areas otherwise impossible to reach. Fly over the Great Migration in the Mara, swoop low over the lunar landscape of Lake Turkana, soar right over Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. State of the art Eurocopter helicopters have expert pilots and take up to four guests, so groups can take two or three choppers for their adventure. Explore the most far-flung corners of East Africa, staying in beautiful luxury camps and lodges along the way – truly an ultimate safari.
Less a cruise boat and more a boutique five star floating hotel, Aqua Mekong journeys along the Mekong river on 3, 4 or 7 day cruises between Siem Reap in Cambodia and Saigon in Vietnam. Take in the changing scenery and rural villages along the way, cycle along the riverbanks, visit monasteries or head into the jungle with guides in search of wildlife. Service is truly five star, with a 1:1 guest to staff ratio, and every need anticipated.
Journey to this seldom-visited mountain kingdom in the Himalayas to walk between three beautifully converted village houses, combining traditional Ladakhi craftsmanship and surprising levels of comfort for such remote locations. Travel between the houses over the course of several days, learning about local traditions and cultures from your guide, stopping in at Buddhist monasteries and taking in the spectacular mountain scenery. Each house is taken exclusively, ensuring you have the most private and unforgettable experience together.
Explore the channels of the Gulf Islands and the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia in your own private ship. Guided by an expert crew who will take care of all the technical details, as well as hosting you and guiding excursions ranging from hikes to mountain lakes, searching for Spirit bears or grizzlies, or kayaking along the waterways. There are four staterooms on board, with a capacity for up to 11 seafaring guests. Journeys last from four to seven days – the longer journeys offer a real opportunity to access areas seldom visited by other travelers.
Torn between hitting the slopes or treating your children to a Disney experience? Why not enjoy the best of both worlds on this incredible trip that starts with some family-friendly skiing at Canyons, Utah before flying to Orlando, Florida to 'the happiest place on earth', Disney's Magic Kingdom. The ski resort, just a short hop from Salt Lake City, has ski-in, ski-out accommodation, which makes getting around a cinch. With something for everyone, we're confident that you and your family will make memories to treasure forever.
Channel your inner 'Indie' on this thrilling trip around the ancient city of Jordan where there are literally thousands of archaeological sites from Greek, Roman, Muslim and Christian conquests. Your and your little gladiators will learn about Roman warriors, explore the delights of Petra, and spend a night camping out in the desert before heading to the Dead Sea for some well-earned rest and relaxation.
Combine the bustling city of Bangkok with a beautiful Thai beach and an up close and personal wildlife experience in between. Explore the city’s markets and temples, getting off the beaten track on a cycling trip through the backstreets before heading to Elephant Hills. Here you can feed the elephants as well as enjoying other activities including forest walks and exploring the river and lake by canoe or long tail boat. Finish with time unwinding or enjoying watersports at Pimalai on Koh Lanta island to finish off your trip perfectly.
A fabulous introduction to South America, combining Andean culture and scenery with the inimitable wildlife experience of the Galapagos Islands. Starting in the colonial city of Quito you’ll head to a family-run hacienda for a few days of hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Indulge in delicious home-cooking and learn about the condor conservation project here. Fly out to the Galapagos, cruising for a week on an expedition boat, stopping on islands to meet giant tortoises and go snorkeling with sea lions.