8 multigenerational holidays to take this year

An incredible getaway for all ages is a trip to Africa. A melting pot of biodiversity, culture and natural wonder, this continent never fails to amaze. You can’t go wrong with a South Africa adventure, combining the winelands with sightings of penguins at Boulder Beach and – of course – spotting the Big Five on safari. One of our favourite spots is Sabi Sands Game Reserve where Singita’s collection of luxury lodges provide everything you need after a day on safari. Equally, for a more exclusive experience, Tswalu offers private game drives which present a front row seat to elusive species including some rare and endangered, as well as lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo.

To dive deeper into Africa’s ancient traditions and enjoy a life-enriching experience as a family, we suggest a safari in Serengeti National Park or Maasai Mara National Reserve – you may even spot the big migration if timed well – before trekking with the local hunter-gatherer tribe. In Northern Tanzania, the Hadzabe people are one of the last remaining tribes and they allow a rare glimpse into their nomadic way of living, showing visitors how they hunt using handmade bow and arrows as well as their innate appreciation for nature. Similarly, discover the Maasai’s way of living by visiting a local village where you may be given the precious opportunity to take part in their traditions, witness ancient ceremonies and even go hunting for wild honey. 

Howdy, partner! Guest ranches, or dude ranches as they are otherwise called, allow you to saddle up and discover what life is like as a real-life cowboy in America’s great outdoors. 

Rawah Ranch located in northern Colorado’s wilderness is a fantastic option for all ages. Whether you fancy yourself as Billy The Kid, Butch Cassidy or Woody from Andy’s toy box, on this getaway you can enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing, rock climbing, paddle boarding, archery, hiking, cattle herding and more. Rooms are authentic, many converted barns or wooden cabins with comfortable amenities and all the home-comforts you would expect. However, it’s the setting, from dusk ‘til dawn, that is certain to blow you away. There may not be any singing kumbaya around the campfire, but roasting marshmallows, eating s’mores and sharing stories as a family is almost guaranteed. 

With glamorous sailing resorts like Antibes, Nice and Monaco, the French Riviera is among the world’s most luxurious sailing destinations. Start your family adventure along the South of France’s beautiful coastline in Cannes before sailing to St. Tropez, where you can soak up the rays at world-famous Pampelonne Beach and enjoy three-Michelin-Star dining at La Vague d’Or. Next up is snorkelling around Île De Porquerolles before back to Cannes for unrivalled shopping and even more delicious cuisine. (Visit Hôtel Martinez – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and thank us later). Explore the coast some more and drop anchor in the bay of Juan Les Pines before sailing to Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Then it’s on to Monaco, with a pitstop in Éze for a delicious lunch en route. Fun for all ages, this trip can be as fast-paced or leisurely as you like, and there’s a beautiful super-yacht to suit all families and budgets.

Where rainforest meets beach, Costa Rica has something for every traveller. The active among you can zipline above the trees, while those seeking a little R&R can curl up on a chaise lounger, watching the calm waves lap the shore. We recommend Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo where beach bums, wellness warriors and culinary connoisseurs can live in harmony.

Costa Rica is also an exceptional destination for discovery… and just because you’ve graduated doesn’t mean that you’ve learnt everything you need to know – we’re looking at you grandpa! And what better way to learn about our planet than experiencing it first hand? During you Costa Rica getaway, you can discover biospheres where active volcanoes, palm fringed beaches, pristine waterfalls and tropical rainforests marry exotic wildlife and flourishing fauna. Explore the mist-shrouded heights of Monteverde Cloud Forest or observe nesting sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park, all while discovering the country’s unique ecosystems. 

Discover a sample Costa Rica 8 night itinerary here from £3,049pp

Don your snow boots and get ready for hot cocoa with an exclusive stay in Finnish Lapland. OCTOLA is a private wilderness lodge in the heart of the Arctic Circle. Sleeping up to 24 guests, the resort is available for exclusive buy out, or you can hire a wing of the property (either six or four en-suite rooms). Discretion is in OCTOLA’s DNA and with this limited booking process, you’ll never share the facilities with more than one other group.  

OCTOLA is all-inclusive, however there’s no self-serve buffet here. Instead, expect butlers and decorated chefs to attend to your every whim. The surrounding 300 hectares of unspoiled forest is yours for exploring. A variety of activities are available with the click of a finger, from ice fishing and husky dog sledding to Santa Claus experiences and helicopter tours. Every minute of your stay will be filled with winter fun and frolics… although, in our opinion, staying up late by the cosy fire as a family eagerly awaiting the Northern Lights is just as exciting as racing snowmobiles. 

Explore OCTOLA with our five-minute read

Aah, Maldives. A popular family holiday destination, the collection of private island resorts are perfect for extended families seeking a sun-drenched getaway that’s laced with oodles of vitamin sea. But where is best to stay? Sourcing the ideal island with the right accommodation is where we come in. Blending ample living space with enough bathrooms for all can be a challenge. Plus, you want to be together, but have designated areas where you can be apart, right? We get it.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has the ideal spot. The Ritz-Carlton Estate is located on its own sandy cove, totally secluded yet a stone’s throw from the main resort, and encompasses three bedrooms, a living and dining room, a kitchen, a spa suite and an expansive outdoor deck complete with infinity pool overlooking the sunset. Similarly, Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi boasts its own private island a short boat ride from the main isle. Featuring a three-bedroom villa, a two-bedroom overwater villa and a four-bedroom residence it’s where you stay if you’re travelling with all the cousins. The private island is totally yours to explore, with dedicated staff, a spa and fitness centre, tennis courts and an entertainment clubhouse. There’s also a range of experiences available such as deep-sea fishing and reef snorkelling while island activities can be arranged such as family beach volleyball tournaments, Olympic games afternoon and treasure hunts for the kids. Plus, you can access all the deluxe facilities on the main island too.

Book your luxury Maldives holiday today.

Dubai has heaps of things to do for all the family as well as a guarantee of warm weather. From Legoland to a choice of waterparks, and every aquarium, mermaid experience and shopping mall with an indoor ski slope in between… you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to filling your days. And don’t even get us started on the diverse culinary options. But what about choosing where to stay?

Jumeirah Malakiya Villas are just the ticket. Part of the exciting Jumeirah Madinat complex, these new villa options – with private pool – present families with their own place to call home. Built to evoke old Arabia, these individual palaces are a beacon of sophistication. Choose between two and three bedrooms, across different floor plans, but all offering the same elevated level of luxury. Sleeping up to eight guests, there’s plenty of space for nan and grandad. Malakiya Villas also provide ample complimentary services for all guests including private butler service, return airport transfers from Dubai International, daily aperitifs and complimentary entry to Wild Wadi Waterpark. What more could you need for your next multigenerational holiday?

Continuing with the UAE, Abu Dhabi is another exceptional choice for a multigen getaway. Combining family fun with art and culture, lift the sparkly curtain and you’ll be able to peek into the capital’s Arabian soul. Saadiyat Island is where you’ll find the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi alongside Saadiyat Beach Club and Saadiyat Golf Club. 

Similarly, Yas Island is a hub of activity for the younger members of the group… and those who just never want to grow up. Ferrari World is for the adrenaline junkies. Home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, which flies from 0 to 240km/h in just five seconds, as well as exhilarating rides which combine twists and turns with vertical climbs and zero gravity falls from the dizziest of heights; it’s not for the faint hearted. However, there are also attractions for littler racers including gentler rides, simulators, go karting and even soft play. Also on Yas Island is Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi another indoor theme park with all your favourite characters from The Flintstones and Looney Tunes to Batman and Tom and Jerry. Plus, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay that’s close to all the action, The WB Abu Dhabi, is within walking distance and offers family-size rooms, character meet and greets and even a swimming pool outdoor cinema.