luxury Family holidays is our expertise
Sure, a beach vacation is fun. But honestly, it’s forgettable. Looking for activity, discovery, and memorable experiences? And the chance to make unforgettable memories in far-off places with cherished loved ones?
some inspiration
These small-scale, culturally minded holidays specialize in engagement and adventure – and the kind of excitement that makes kids dump their digital devices to focus on the here and now. For parents who don’t want to put their bucket lists on hold for 20 years until their children fly the coop. Instead they’d rather bring their kids along for fun, educational adventures as soon as they’re ready for it. Browse our destinations below for a few of our favourites.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES (0 – 5 yrs)
lapland & father christmas in finland
If huskies, reindeer and the Northern Lights all sound like essential components in a winter escape – then this is perfect family adventure. Immerse yourself in the vast Arctic wilderness, storybook towns – and magical evenings hunting down the the Northern Lights. We’ll even take you to meet father Christmas in his very own workshop, before lending a hand to feed Rudolph and his friends.
Galapagos Safari Camp
A luxury family-friendly tented camp in the highlands with itineraries that take in land-based highlights (giant tortoise reserves, active volcanoes, iguana-spotting, boat trips, snorkeling with sea lions and so much more. This is a perfect alternative for families who prefer not to cruise.
FOR THE not-so-LITTLE ONES (5 – 15 yrs)
GALAPAGOS islands & andean highlands
Experience the very best of Galapagos aboard your own private luxury yacht cruising from one island to the next. On this journey, you will come face-to-face with the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, retracing some of Charles Darwin’s route of 1835 with superb naturalists to guide you.
PERU & amazon
Discover the awe inspiring Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, explore the colonial gem of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, wonder at immense Lake Titicaca, fly over the Nazca Lines in the desert or float down the Amazonian tributary with macaws screeching overhead, on this fabulous family-friendly Peru itinerary.
COSTA RICA
If you’re looking for a truly amazing outdoor vacation, packed with adventure, nature and multi-activities, then Costa Rica is a great choice. See volcanoes, zipline above canyons, go whitewater rafting, go whale watching and see incredible wildlife, staying in luxury treehouses and beachfront lodges.
Galapagos Safari Camp
A luxury family-friendly tented camp in the highlands with itineraries that take in land-based highlights (giant tortoise reserves, active volcanoes, iguana-spotting, boat trips, snorkeling with sea lions and so much more. This is a perfect alternative for families who prefer not to cruise.
caribbean
There are a myriad of child-friendly resorts in the Caribbean. We can make it as relaxed or as action-packed as you and your kids want. For example, how about a resort which offers Turtle programs? Kids can play a vital role in ‘turtle watch’, keeping count of the egg hatchings and watching them pop out of the sand and safeguarding their energetic crawl to the ocean.
italy
A luxury family-friendly tented camp in the highlands with itineraries that take in land-based highlights (giant tortoise reserves, active volcanoes, iguana-spotting, boat trips, snorkeling with sea lions and so much more. This is a perfect alternative for families who prefer not to cruise.
LOIRE valley, France
Exploring the Loire Valley with your kids, is like a fairytale storybook holiday. The kids will love it for the castles, canoeing, ziplining, swordplay and sprawling sunflower fields. The parents will love it for the great food & wine. Everybody wins!
PARIS
Paris with kids? Oui, oui! Everyone knows that Paris is great as a romantic holiday, but scratch the surface and you’ll see it’s also the perfect destination to explore with kids. From scavenger hunts at the Louvre, to chocolate tasting tours, behind the scenes bakery tour and River Cruise, the kids will love spending a week in Paris!
Bora Bora
Beautiful overwater bungalows and underwater adventures welcome you in stunning Bora Bora, French Polynesia’s leading lady. The warm seas, palm fringed beaches and the turquoise waters of this South Pacific paradise is the perfect playground to entertain the family with a range of excursions such as glass bottom boat tours, and water sports including: paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, beach walks, beach games, and learning activities such as marine life demonstrations, and other exciting family activities for kids of all ages.
ICELAND
A family trip to Iceland is like stepping into a scene from The Lord of the Rings – a fantasy playground with activities for all ages. Spend a week in Iceland with your family on a self-drive or fully guided trip in the comfort of a 4×4 with personal guide, and enjoy hikes over lava fields, glacier treks, whale watching, horseback riding on Icelandic horses (a pure breed brought here by Viking Settlers over 1000 years ago), and exploring deep inside a volcano, on what is truly the trip of a lifetime.
private yacht charter
A Crewed yacht charter delivers the ultimate all-inclusive vacation on the water aboard your own private Sail or Power catamaran. Complete with a professional captain and gourmet chef, your family will enjoy spacious accommodations and a premium, personalized yacht charter experience. Choose from over 15 amazing destinations throughout the Caribbean, Americas, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, Far East and South Pacific.
Hawaii
Hawaii is a near-perfect honeymoon destination, of course but the Aloha State is easy and fun, with kids, too. Any of the four major island (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island) have countless luxury resorts that cater to families. Kids will love learning to surf, snorkeling dolphins, great walks, thrilling heli rides & ziplining & so much more.
AFRICA
With its warm heart, welcoming people and sunny skies, Africa is a dream destination for a luxury family holiday. with children of all ages. East Africa boasts the iconic Masai Mara safari which delivers incredible wildlife, thrilling safaris and luxury camps and the annual Great Migration. South Africa offers breathtaking scenery, coastal villages and exhilarating Big Five safaris. What you experience is life changing – after a safari, you and your kids will never look at our planet the same way again.
new zealand
Enjoy an action-packed family adventure in New Zealand! Thrill-seekers won’t miss out; adventure is New Zealand’s middle name and many pursuits are suitable for kids. Zoom down a hill on a luge or in a Zorb (hurtling around in a giant transparent ball), dart along a river in a jet-boat, or for the really brave at heart, bungy off a bridge or try a canyon swing. Another highlight of course, is experiencing the magic of Hobbiton (Lord of the Rings), we guarantee your kids won’t be bored here.
ROME
This action-packed trip through Italy has everything and more to keep the whole family engaged and entertained. We’ve delved deep to bring you the great Italian classics with a twist that’s bound to put a smile on everyone’s faces. One of our favourite experiences? Head back in time at Gladiator School in the famous Colosseum, where, armed with a (blunt) sword and shield, you’ll learn about the history of Romans and challenge each other to a duel. Afterwards, spend time choosing your favourite toppings in a pizza-making masterclass, zipping through alleyways on a vintage Vespa and playing football.
LONDON
London is a great city to explore with kids in tow. The challenge is choosing from a vast number of museums, parks, shops and family-friendly restaurants and choosing the best hotel for your stay. Your trip will not doubt include of course the usual highlights: red double-decker buses, changing of the guards, to Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, National History Museum, etc … except we provide you a private guide & driver to bring the city to life, skip the lines and VIP entrances, luxury hotels that offer connecting rooms or ‘family rooms’ and the guarantee of a seamless experience.
FOR THE grown upS (16 yrs +)
morocco
Morocco is a great destination for families looking for an unforgettable adventure. From browsing the colorful souks (markets) in Marrakech’s ancient medina and the beauty of the Atlas Mountains (with mountain treks through white, blue and gold landscapes), to the shifting sands of the Sahara (with camel rides and night in the desert experience), cooking classes, and the beaches of Essaouira for water sports and surf camps, there’s plenty of “cool” activities for kids of all ages. Oualidia is also a great option as it has sheltered lagoon beaches.
ICELAND
A family trip to Iceland is like stepping into a scene from The Lord of the Rings – a fantasy playground with activities for all ages. Spend a week in Iceland with your family on a self-drive or fully guided trip in the comfort of a 4×4 with personal guide, and enjoy hikes over lava fields, glacier treks, whale watching, horseback riding on Icelandic horses (a pure breed brought here by Viking Settlers over 1000 years ago), and exploring deep inside a volcano, on what is truly the trip of a lifetime.
ThailanD, vietnam & Cambodia
Cruise down the Mekong River is a luxury floating hotel, wander aromatic food markets in Bangkok, bond with elephants in Chiang Mai, explore jungle waterfalls and sunsets in Phuket, and kayak around mangrove forests. With Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia being such a friendly, safe places to visit with children, this makes traveling through the countries easy and stress-free while staying in fabulous hotels with a range of family friendly activities such as biking country roads, learning to cook Pad Thai, snorkeling and so much more …
sri lanka
Sri Lanka travel offers an array of breathtaking experiences and activities. An island country located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is physically breathtaking, boasting countless picturesque beaches, tropical rainforests, wildlife and ancient ruins. Nature-lovers and adventure-lovers alike should travel to Sri Lanka for a taste of tropical paradise.
GALAPAGOS islands - private yacht (top pick!)
Experience the very best of Galapagos aboard your own private luxury yacht cruising from one island to the next. On this journey, you will come face-to-face with the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, retracing some of Charles Darwin’s route of 1835 with superb naturalists to guide you, on this extraordinary journey with memories to last a lifetime.
PERU (top pick!)
Discover the awe inspiring Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, explore the colonial gem of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, wonder at immense Lake Titicaca, fly over the Nazca Lines in the desert or float down the Amazonian tributary with macaws screeching overhead, on this fabulous family-friendly Peru itinerary.
FOR everyone (multi-generational)
AUSTRALIA
For the ultimate family vacation, Australia has it all: incredible wildlife, pristine beaches, ancient rainforest, vast expanses of rugged outback and no language barrier or wildly exotic cuisine to overcome, and did we mention, great wine (for Mom & Dad). Settling into the Australian way of life is blissfully easy for the whole family. For a holiday of a lifetime, head to picture perfect Australia for an unforgettable, quintessentially Australian journey to discover the icons and hidden gems of the land down under.
india
India is a magical destination for a family holiday. The South is a great place to relax, while the cities offer excitement with colorful local markets, bikes, rickshaws and cows!! But what we love most about India is getting close to its incredible wildlife. Ranthanbore is home to beautiful Bengal tigers, while Jawai safari camp in the middle of the wide open wilderness is your best bet for tracking the elusive leopard. With private guides throughout your journey, India is an extraordinary destination, providing memories to last a lifetime.
Create your own story
We can create a bespoke family adventure that is perfectly tailored to each individual family member’s needs. We look forward to injecting some excitement into you next family escape.
Don’t just take our word for it …
“We were nervous arriving in the British Virgin Islands, just a few weeks after the reopening of the Moorings post Hurricane Irma. We needn’t have worried. The Excelsior had been repaired and was in immaculate condition. The crew of Kevin, Sally and Kay were top notch. The weather was perfect and the itinerary ideal with the right mixture of sailing, snorkeling, caving and beach time. We had two families totaling 10 adults and almost all of them called it their best holiday ever. Our challenge now is how to improve on it for our next holiday!
“Thank you SO much for the amazing job you did planning our recent family trip to Machu Picchu, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. There were lots of things we wanted to see and do in a short amount of time, so couldn’t afford to miss a day, along the way. You listened to our ‘wishlist’, made great suggestions of other things we should see and do, and managed to fit EVERYTHING IN. Our trip to Peru and Ecuador ending up being one highlight after another.”
Africa “We are so lucky to have had this extraordinary adventure on the other side of the globe. Thank you to Marie-France Gravel of Bespoke Travel Design, for planning this trip of a lifetime for us!”
“Marie-France was great and was available 24/7 while we traveled in South America. She made our trip to Peru so easy and stress free. We didn’t have to worry about booking tour guides, transportation, or accommodations. She even gave us lots of restaurant recommendations. Our holiday was a breeze!”
“Hi Marie-France,
We’re having a great time in Panama. Our tour guide Raul is great and he was even able to get us a photo op with the President, Juan Carlos Varela!
Sanyo
I wanted to say THANK YOU so much for all that you did to make our trip such an amazing one!!! We absolutely loved Half Moon Bay, Jamaica. Upgrading to the cottages (junior suites?) was just perfect- we had four rooms that made up a stunning cottage about 10 feet from the beach. We were so happy to have gone all inclusive and definitely appreciated the spa credits, tennis, and airport transfers. Thank you!!! I know working with our family was a bit chaotic and all over the place. Thank you so much for your patience and for your recommendations!!
“Hi MF! So sweet of you to check in. The hotel is amazing! Absolutely beautiful and all positive experiences. My Dad can’t stop thanking me for organizing such an amazing trip – he and the whole group are blown away. And of course, all I can say is how great you are at what you do! Thanks MF – you made our trip to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, easy & so enjoyable.”
“Marie-France, Thank you for organizing such a perfect trip to Hawaii. The location of our resort on the beach and all the handpicked excursions were perfectly chosen. This was one of our best family vacations we have had. Thank you again!
“A special thanks for Marie France organizing my family trip to Europe. Its no easy task dealing with me and the fact that there is 6 of us. She did a wonderful job and was so patient with me. I am so thankful for her efforts and I highly recommend her services.”
“MF, thanks for another great holiday for our family! We loved our stay in Aruba, and you found us the perfect place for the week. Looking forward to the next trip!”