AMPM Newsletter: Best Hotels for Family Travel

Edition | March 2025 

Family travel remains the largest segment of U.S. leisure travel, but today’s travelers are redefining what that looks like—designing personal, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that go beyond the traditional vacation. Whether it’s a stay in a 16th-century Irish castle, a high-altitude escape in the Swiss Alps, or an intimate safari on a sprawling 66,000-acre South African reserve, these seven extraordinary hotels offer the perfect backdrop for tailor-made family adventures:

• Nantucket: The Cottages at the Boat Basin
• Washington, D.C.: Dupont Circle
• Western Ireland: Dromoland Castle
• Scottish Highlands: The Fife Arms
• Crans-Montana, Switzerland: Crans Ambassador
• Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica: Nayara Resorts
• KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve

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At just under 50 square miles, Nantucket is known for its tight-knit community and easygoing charm, making it one of America’s favorite summer destinations. Exceptional beaches and calm waters—perfect for young children—offer endless coastal fun, while the Great Point Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities to spot seals basking on the shore and whales breaching in the distance. Dive into the island’s fascinating maritime history at the Whaling Museum, set within a restored 19th-century candle factory, where exhibits bring Nantucket’s whaling legacy to life. After a day of exploring, stop by The Juice Bar, a local favorite, for a scoop (or two) of their award-winning homemade ice cream, with over 50 flavors to choose from.

• Stay: Overlooking Nantucket’s harbor, The Cottages at The Boat Basin unveiled a six-month, multi-million-dollar renovation in 2024. Acclaimed designer Audrey Sterk infused the 29 cottages with new life, drawing on centuries-old seafaring history (think: nautical charts, brass barometer instruments, and rope and jute furnishings). Individually styled accommodations range in size from studios to three-bedroom lofts; all are named after 18th-century whaling ships (Sea Syren, Essex and Orion). If you plan on bringing Fido, be sure to book one of the property’s 14 designated Woof Cottages, complete with beds, a welcome basket of treats and toys, and personalized pet tags. All guests enjoy complimentary access to Priority Bicycles, fishing rods and nets for kids, and complimentary shuttles to the beach.

• Don’t Miss: Set against a spectacular harborside backdrop at the White Elephant resort, Brant Point Grill offers an unforgettable al fresco dining experience on the heated Harborview Terrace. This spring, the terrace will unveil a brand-new look, featuring a revamped bar area and expanded deck space—perfect for savoring Great Point Oysters while soaking in the waterfront views.

• Save the Date: Family Picnic Day at the Creeks Preserve (June 8); the Nantucket Film Festival (June 25–30); annual Family Summer Celebration (July 8) at the Maria Mitchell Association, featuring an outdoor BBQ with games, crafts, and ice cream.

The nation’s capital is a slam-dunk for families, thanks to its abundant green spaces and a wide mix of educational attractions, many of which, like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the National Children’s Museum, are free. And what better time to visit than during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, when the Tidal Basin is transformed into a pink-and-white wonderland? Families can stroll beneath the blossoms, admire themed light installations, and take part in festival highlights like the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and the Blossom Kite Festival, a riot of color against D.C.’s iconic landmarks.

• Stay: Located a short walk from the White House, the 1950s-era Dupont Circle is known for its can-do service (ask the concierge to hook you up with passes to the city’s best museums) and spacious, family-friendly rooms including the 3,000-square-foot Grand Penthouse Suite, complete with three terraces, specially commissioned artwork, and a fireplace. Thanks to the hotel’s central location, guests are strolling distance from coffee shops, bookstores, the Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, Phillips Collection and the anticipated National Geographic Museum (slated to open mid-2026).

• Eat: In April, Scotland’s Fish Shop makes its S. debut in D.C.’s $3.6-billion Wharf development, currently one of the country’s most ambitious urban revitalization projects. Artfarm’s third restaurant in the U.S., slated to open in time for cherry blossom season, will serve ethically-sourced fish from day and short-trip boats, as well as creel-caught and hand-dived crustacea.

• Save the Date: WorldPride (June 1-30), marking the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations in the city. The month-long festivities will include family-friendly events such as parades, concerts, and educational programs, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

With villages that feel straight out of a storybook and such natural wonders as the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, Western Ireland is a top destination for adventure-loving families. Many come not just for the landscapes but also to trace their ancestry, and with the legendary Irish hospitality—where visitors are treated like family—it’s a place that feels both like a discovery and a homecoming.

• Stay: Set on a 500-acre estate, Dromoland Castle is the former ancestral home of the royal O’Brien family and its sprawling estate offers activities galore for the whole family. Guests can choose to stay in the original 16th-century castle or in the new Dromoland Lodge, a five-bedroom private residence (a stay at the latter comes with two golf carts for exploring the grounds, a personal residential assistant, and airport transfers). Days can be spent exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, the nearby Cliffs of Moher (a UNESCO World Heritage site), or tracing lineages with the resident genealogist. Kids are always fascinated by the “Hawk Walk” with the resident falconer; they can also partake in archery and go-karting while parents settle into the newly opened Castle Spa, featuring treatments by celebrity-favorite skin care line Barbara Sturm.

• Eat: When staying at Dromoland Lodge, dinners can be prepped by a private chef who prepares lavish meals on site or guests can also opt for the “crock pot” menu where a warm dinner awaits after a busy day of sightseeing.

• Don’t Miss: Dromoland Castle’s “Princess for A Day” includes breakfast in bed, frilly gowns for dress-up, age-appropriate spa treatments, and even Irish dance lessons.

• Save the Date: Beginning April 2025, the Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus will operate four weekly flights from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Nashville International Airport (BNA), the first-ever nonstop connection between the two cities. United Airlines is due to increase summer 2025 seat capacity between the U.S. and Ireland in response to high demand.

With its wild landscapes and refreshingly cool climate, the Scottish Highlands are an unforgettable destination for families and multi-generational travelers. This spring and summer, take a cue from one of Europe’s most famous families—the British royals—and escape to Scotland’s storied north, where activities include hiking through heather-covered hills and exploring ancient castles steeped in legend.

• Stay: With its museum-worthy collection, The Fife Arms is one of the art world’s most renowned destination hotels, but the property (in the charming Aberdeenshire village of Braemar) also excels at keeping the entire family entertained with a host of activities. For the creative souls, there’s sketching or writing workshops, while outdoorsy types will be drawn into Cairngorms National Park (the largest National Park in the U.K.) to forage for delicacies like edible plants and flowers. In spring, the park comes to life with the return of migrating birds like the mighty Osprey and the Black Grouse Lek.

• Don’t Miss: Cairngorms is also a certified International Dark Sky Park; on two-hour stargazing experiences led by a professional astronomer, guests use telescopes to identify constellations and learn about heavenly bodies.

• Save the Date: On select days in June, July, and August, guests will have exclusive private access to Balmoral Castle, the Scottish Highlands retreat beloved by the Royal Family, from Queen Victoria to Their Majesties, The King and Queen today. For another immersive castle experience, head to Inverness Castle, where a highly anticipated attraction debuts this year. Led by a guide who has worked for the Royal Family for nearly 25 years, the experience will feature interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling, digital installations, and Gaelic-inspired gardens, all designed to bring the legends and history of the Highlands to life.

As the “coolcation” trend continues, Europe’s new summer spots are beginning to emerge—and Switzerland is leading the way. Since becoming a resort in 1893, Crans-Montana has enthralled visitors with its setting overlooking the Rhône Valley and its fresh mountain air, said to be the Alps’ purest (the 300 days of sunshine per year also help). Its high-altitude slopes draw thrill-seekers eager to conquer the Plaine Morte Glacier, which sits at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. Families can be active in nature, whether it’s at the Fun Forest adventure park (tree-top obstacle courses, anyone?) or at Etang Long Beach Club—where kids can try wakeboarding, join a beach volleyball match, or tackle an inflatable obstacle course on the lake.

• Stay: A trio of legendary mountains (the Eiger, the Mönch, the Jungfrau) provide the backdrop of Crans Ambassador, a 150-year-old property that boasts hiking paths right out front. After a day of outdoor adventures, guests can unwind with massages and body treatments at the spa, which has a large heated indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, and treatments specially for kids, such as a sweet dream massage. There are four dining options at Crans Ambassador, serving everything from classic raclette to Peruvian and Asian-inspired dishes at La Muna (no picky eaters here!).

• Don’t Miss: The Crans Ambassador is within walking distance to the Crans-Montana Golf Academy, featuring a course designed by renowned golfer Severiano Ballesteros, and one by Jack Nicklaus. Young guests, aged 4 to 14, can sign up for the academy’s “Happy Golf School,” with daily sessions on the fundamentals — holding a club, proper posture, making the first golf swing — in a fun and engaged setting.

Birdwatching, volcanoes, hanging bridges suspended high above the rainforest — it’s no wonder families love Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park. Spanning more than 29,000 acres, the natural reserve holds a dizzying array of adventures, whether you’re the type of family who wants to go trekking over lava fields, kayaking on Lake Arenal, visit locally-run coffee farms or unwind in the mineral-rich waters of natural hot springs.

• Stay: Inspired by African safari lodges, Nayara Tented Camp is the first tented concept in Central America. Scattered high on the hillside, each of the canvas accommodations feature safari-style interiors (canopy beds with botanical headboards and a palette of forest-green and leather) along with freestanding tubs and terraces with private plunge pools fed by thermal waters and dead-on views of the volcano. At the crest of the mountain are six interconnected private hot springs that are heated to varying temperatures and serve as a self-guided wellness circuit. Families can opt to stay in the two-bedroom tents, which are located on the highest point of the property and connected by a central terrace with a plunge pool. Larger families and groups can choose the two four-bedroom tented villas with private kitchens and pools.

• Don’t Miss: The most difficult decision at Nayara is selecting activities from the diverse offerings designed to engage all ages. A highlight for many young explorers is “The Secret Life of Tony, the Sloth”, a behind-the-scenes look at the beloved resident sloth, or join guides to spot toucans, hummingbirds and elusive glass frogs in their natural habitat. More intrepid travelers should head off-property to explore Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, as well as trekking over the dried lava fields of the volcano.

• Eat: A surprise picnic lunch can be arranged at postcard-worthy locations with prime volcano views. Foodies will also love visiting a local market and sampling tropical fruits and homemade treats, and exploring the nearby mom-and-pop coffee farm where Nayara sources its beans.

• Save the Date: Starting May 22, 2025, United Airlines will launch a daily direct flight between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

Dreaming of a first-time safari for the whole family? KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s eastern province, offers stunning landscapes, wildlife and culture, all within easy reach of Cape Town or Johannesburg. Plus, its private concessions are far less crowded than Kruger National Park, allowing for a more intimate experience with excellent Big Five sightings.

• Stay: Six lodges on a more than 66,000-acres private game reserve make up andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve whose landscapes are vast and varied, with sand forests, marshes, open grassland, and unspoiled Indian Ocean beaches. The Family Suite at AndBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge is a great choice for maximizing together time: a central living room connects the two wings of the suite, each of which have bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers, as well as interconnected children’s rooms. A private veranda off the shared lounge has panoramic views of the surrounding bush and connects directly to the lodge pool. The highlight: a private guide and vehicle exclusively for the family, allowing you to explore Phinda’s protected wilderness at your own pace.

• Don’t Miss: andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is inspiring the next generation of conservationists with its WILDchild Eco-Guide Challenge, a hands-on safari activity for young adventurers. Kids and teens can step into the shoes of a ranger, learning such skills as animal tracking, plant identification, and catch-and-release fishing. Guided by expert conservationists, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the environment in a mind-opening experience they will take back home.