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For a Countryside Getaway:
Hacienda De San Rafael · Sevilla
Hacienda de San Rafael | Andalusia, Spain
Set on a former olive estate, this retreat in Andalusia is all about slowing down in Southern Spain. Guests stay in hacienda suites—beautifully restored to maintain the property’s 18th-century charm—featuring unique ceramics, vintage silks, and terracotta floors. Days here are spent lounging by the outdoor pool and dining on hyper-local cuisine sourced from the property’s vegetable garden. Off-property, families have their choice of special experiences, including horseback riding through a national park, sailing off the sandy beaches of Costa de la Luz, tapas tours, bull ranch visits, and wine tastings.
BEST FOR: Families of all sizes with kids of all ages. Some of the villas here offer private pools and fully-equipped kitchens.
Killiehuntly Farmhouse · Braemar
Killiehuntly Farmhouse | Killiehuntly, Scotland
This homey retreat located in Scotland's ruggedly beautiful Cairngorm National Park offers a ‘best of both worlds’ experience: guests stay in cozy, self-catering cottages but have a number of special offerings—including pony rides, spa treatments, 4x4 tours, nature walks, and fishing—at their disposal. Guests congregate in the farmhouse, with its Scandinavian-chic communal spaces, for shared breakfasts and dinners (featuring fresh produce and eggs from the property’s hens).
BEST FOR: Families of all sizes with kids of all ages. The cottages have lots of space and kitchens, so you can prepare snacks and meals for little ones as needed.
Heckfield Place · Windsor
Heckfield Place | Hampshire, England
Set on 400 acres of rolling English countryside just an hour from London, this luxurious Georgian manor hotel is both elegant and family-friendly, with light-filled rooms and a host of family-friendly activities. Guests can explore woodland trails and walled gardens, row on the lake, or visit the biodynamic farm, which supplies produce to Heckfield’s excellent restaurants (led by famed chef Skye Gyngell). And while parents enjoy restorative treatments at the destination spa, little ones can participate in curated workshops and nature-based kids’ programming.
BEST FOR: Families of all sizes with kids of all ages. The hotel has connecting room options, as well as a two-bedroom cottage for families who want more space and a full kitchen.
Le Barn · Paris
Le Barn | Bonnelles, France
This countryside stay combines the rustic charm of summer camp with the elegance of a French chateau. Located 45 minutes from Paris in the Chevreuse Valley, Le Barn is centered on unwinding in style, whether it’s canoeing on the pond, horseback riding through the forest, or playing croquet on the lawn. The farmhouse-style rooms boast exposed wood-beam ceilings and earth tones, along with amenities like 100% Egyptian cotton bedding, and meals highlight seasonal French cuisine featuring vegetables from the on-site garden.
BEST FOR: Families of all sizes with kids of all ages. The hotel has a few family-oriented accommodations, including The Dormitory which has 8 single beds, and the Family Room, which has a double bed along with a pair of bunk beds.
Les Sources de Caudalie · Bordeaux
Les Sources de Caudalie | Bordeaux, France
Set in the heart of French wine country just 20 minutes from Bordeaux, this wellness-centered escape is owned by skincare brand Caudalie and offers everything from antioxidant-infused spa treatments to meals at its two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Despite the elevated offerings, the property remains grounded and accessible, especially for families. There’s plush, spacious suites, an outdoor pool, and a host of child-friendly activities—including vineyard visits complete with juice tastings for the underage.
BEST FOR: Families with one or two children. The suites can accommodate parents plus up to two kids, and there is a two-bedroom apartment with a mini kitchen and washing machine for those who need a bit more space.
For a Seaside Escape:
The Rooster · Antiparos
The Rooster | Antiparos, Greece
This serene stay is one of Greece’s most special hotels, and—thanks to its secluded setting, laid-back vibe, and spacious villas—is a lovely option for families. Located on the elegant island of Antiparos, the Rooster boasts 17 Japanese-minimalist villas, each with a private pool and outdoor shower. It’s perfect for parents looking to splurge on a Grecian getaway, with an atmosphere that feels stylish and trendy but also delightfully removed from the high-paced energy of islands like Mykonos. Don’t miss dining at the hotel’s excellent farm-to-table restaurant.
BEST FOR: Families willing to splurge, who have one baby or up to three small children. All of the villas here can accommodate at least three, and some of the villas can accommodate five. They all have pools, but not full kitchens.
Les Bassans · Brest
Les Bassans | Brittany, France
France's low-key region of Brittany—with its pink granite coast and this new boutique hotel—is a great long weekend for families. Les Bassans offers casual luxury at its finest, with 25 rooms designed in a coastal-chic style and sweeping ocean views. In addition to a restaurant inspired by a 1930s ocean liner, there’s a spa with a solarium, LED & collagen bar, and hammam. Guests can explore the surrounding area’s hidden coves and medieval villages, and enjoy direct access to the sandy Trestignel beach.
BEST FOR: Families with one baby or one small child. The suites have sofas beds, or you can add a cot free of charge. They also stock the rooms with Minois bathcare products for children.
Helenekilde Badehotel · Copenhagen
Helenekilde Badehotel | Tisvildeleje, Denmark
Denmark's coastal town of Tisvildeleje, an hour north of Copenhagen, is a delightfully low-key seaside destination. The best hotel is Helenekilde Badehotel, the charming sister hotel to Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen. In addition to relaxing by the water and exploring the tiny town, families can spend their days biking, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking the nearby Tisvilde Hegn forest. The hotel also has a pétanque court, sauna, and two lovely restaurants serving modern Danish fare. Be sure to book Restaurant Kilden in advance, and, if the weather is nice, opt for a table on the terrace.
BEST FOR Families with one baby or two children. The family suite here has two inter-connected rooms with double beds, but no kitchen.
Les Hortensias du Lac · Soorts-Hossegor
Les Hortensias Du Lac | Soorts-Hossegor, France
We love this 25-room surf lodge on France’s western coast for its ultra relaxed ambiance and cool decor. Located on the shores of Lake Hossegor, the hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the beach, and draws inspiration from the surf hotels in the Hamptons (white-paneled walls, natural materials, and Adirondack chairs). Guests are provided with bikes, paddles, and surfboards to explore the area, and on property, there’s an infinity pool, gym, and mineral spa with an outdoor Nordic bath. Les Hortensias also features a fantastic seafood restaurant.
BEST FOR: Families with one baby or two children. Several of the rooms here accommodate up to four, but they don’t have kitchens.
Les Roches Rouges Hotel, Saint Raphaël, Beaumier · Saint Tropez
Les Roches Rouges | Saint-Raphaël, France
Set right on the Mediterranean, this boutique hotel on the French Riviera offers a secluded, laid-back atmosphere in Saint-Raphaël, which is removed from the bustle of the region’s major towns. It’s a great pick for families seeking a chic stay with a retro vibe—think white-washed design with pops of yellow and nautical stripes, modern art, and modular furniture. In addition to Michelin-starred dining, there’s a sleek spa with Maison Caulières treatments and kid-friendly activities like family yoga, snorkeling sails, and guided hikes. The seawater pool that sits right by the ocean is stunning.
BEST FOR: Families with one baby or a few small children. The suites sleep three, and there is one Family Suite which can accommodate up to six, but it does not have a kitchen.
Quinta da Comporta · Comporta
Quinta da Comporta | Comporta, Portugal
The laid-back beach town of Comporta is one of Europe's most family friendly destinations—you'll see lots of stylish little tots at the beach clubs here, which are more low-key than clubby. It also has great activities like dolphin watching and horseback riding. It's a beautiful place to spend time during the summer, and while we love to stay in a villa here, we also appreciate Quinta da Comporta hotel for families, as it has several on-property villa options that provide families with lots of space but also the amenities of a full resort (spa, pool, gym—and a sprawling jungle gym!). Plus, it has a striking location amongst Comporta's beautiful rice fields.
BEST FOR: Families of all sizes with kids of all ages.
For a Mix of Beach & Countryside:
Finca Cortesin · Marbella
Finca Cortesin | Málaga, Spain
Set on a 500-acre estate in Málaga on the coast of Spain, Finca Cortesin beckons with its traditional farmhouses, colorful gardens, infinity pools, and golf courses with dramatic views. For families with little ones, most days are spent at the beach club (which is accessed via a quick shuttle from the hotel). But there’s plenty to do beyond the water, from horseback riding and tennis to Thai-inspired spa treatments.
BEST FOR: Families with one baby or a few older children. There are connecting room options and a two-bedroom family suite (no kitchen), plus there are lots of services for kids. The villas, while pricey, some with kitchens and baby-sitting services included (for two hours a day).
HOTEL CORAZON (Agroturismo) · Deià
Hotel Corazon | Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca’s coolest boutique hotel has become a hot spot for the creative, 30-something crowd. Owned by local artists and filled with custom pieces made from the island’s natural materials, the hotel offers workshops, sound baths, guided hikes, and art shows. Set in a renovated finca between hilltop towns Deià and Sóller, the property has a fantastic restaurant with great drinks and a seasonally-driven menu. Hotel Corazon is great for families who appreciate an artistic atmosphere and don’t require many amenities (the hotel doesn’t have a spa, gym, or any TVs).
BEST FOR: Families with either one little kid or older kids who can have their own room. There are no villas here, but certain rooms have a living room that can accommodate a child or baby (you just won’t have tons of space).
Domaine de Murtoli · Bonifacio
Domaine de Murtoli | Corsica, France
Authentic and serene, this luxurious estate in Corsica is beloved by honeymooners and families alike. Thanks to the resort’s setting—nestled between rolling hills and sandy shores on the island’s southern coast—guests enjoy both a countryside escape and a beach getaway. There's also a golf course, spa, equestrian farm, multiple restaurants (including one with a Michelin-star), and outdoor pool with beautiful views. Families will appreciate the private villas (with private pools, outdoor kitchens, and access to hidden coves) along with the host of activities like geological tours and botanical walks.
BEST FOR: Families of all sizes with kids of all ages. There are options for rooms with one or two kids, or villas equipped with pools, several bedrooms, and full kitchens.
For a City Adventure:
Ett Hem · Stockholm
Ett Hem | Stockholm, Sweden
Scandinavia, like most of Europe, is very welcoming to babies and kids. In Sweden’s ever-stylish capital of Stockholm, Ett Hem is a design-forward stay where parents won’t be judged for bringing little ones along (the restaurant often has several patrons in high chairs!). The intimate townhouse hotel is just a 15-minute walk from downtown and, despite its small size, offers a gym, Pilates studio, sauna, spa treatment room, and restaurant (breakfast in the orangerie is the best way to start the day). Our editor brought her eight-week-old here, and the hotel couldn't have been more accomodating.
BEST FOR: Ett Hem’s homey atmosphere is welcoming to families, but the property is expensive and has a hushed feel, so it’s best for parents with just one baby or one to two kids who are down for walking around the city. There are connecting room options as well as apartment-like residences that have small kitchens and sleep four.
Hôtel du Couvent | Nice, France
The stylish Hôtel du Couvent is the most talked-about new stay in Nice, France, and it happens to be very family-friendly. The 88-room property is set in a restored convent in the heart of Old Town with gorgeous gardens (nearly three acres of them). For families, the outdoor pool and spacious suites beckon with direct garden access and full kitchens already stocked with essentials like pesto, and a menu of ingredients you can order for a night of cooking at home. There are plenty of elegant amenities including a Roman-inspired thermal bath circuit and a handful of restaurants, all of which incorporate ingredients sourced from the hotel’s nearby farm. And for design lovers, the Hôtel du Couvent boasts interiors by Paris’ Festen Architecture (who also did Paris’ Château Voltaire and the French Riviera’s Les Roches Rouges. Note that the rooms here do not have TVs, so bring your own iPad if you need one.
BEST FOR: Families with one baby or two older children. Many of the rooms have full kitchens, and there is a two-bedroom garden suite for those who want additional space.
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