With miles and miles of sandy beaches, calm, shallow waters and relaxed friendly locals, many of the destinations offer perfect holidays for all the family.
From our own personal experiences at Virgin Holidays, we have chosen a selection of hotels and resorts that cater for every need. Whether it is the expert provision of family-orientated water sports, the kids’ or teen clubs where new friends are made, or finding time for mum and dad to relax and indulge in a spa treatment, round of golf or time to sample the local sights and cultures. The Caribbean islands, home of the all-inclusive holiday, have long been popular destinations for family holidays, and with direct daytime flights to 6 islands and incredible value for money, it is little wonder. Whilst in your tropical paradise, why not teach the kids about the history and culture of your chosen destination or island hideaway, the importance of ecotourism and taking just photos and leaving only footprints – there’s no better environment to learn it in!
We’ve hand-picked a selection of hotels and resorts from across the world that we personally recommend for a memory-filled family holiday.
See our recommended family hotels in...
Barbados
It might take you a few days to slow down to the relaxed pace of life here, but you’ll soon get into the swing of things.
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Location: Barbados, Caribbean
This superb family resort, spread out over 32 acres, has attractive, landscaped gardens and a proper village atmosphere to it, courtesy of the excellent facilities.
Thailand
Thailand, the land of a 1,000 smiles, is one place where you can be sure of the warmest welcome. Hua Hin is a quiet, relaxed beach resort 2 hours 30 min south of Bangkok, on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand.
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Location: Hua Hin and Cha Am, Thailand
Another fabulous hotel from the Hilton family, this resort features a beachfront pool, state-of-the-art spa and 5 restaurants and bars to choose from, including Milestones Jazz Bar & Lounge with live music.
United Arab Emirates
With year-round sunshine and miles of lovely beaches, United Arab Emirates is THE new destination, waiting to be discovered – and you’ll discover it in style with Virgin Holidays.
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Location: Dubai and beyond, The Middle East
Set in exotic gardens beside a private stretch of lovely Jumeirah Beach, this is a great hotel, giving you the best of everything that Dubai has to offer. Try water sports from the beach, relax by the hotel's large pool, or visit the shopping malls on the COMPLIMENTARY shuttle.
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Location: Dubai and beyond, The Middle East
Nestled in a unique location between the majestic Hajar Mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, this hotel offers a luxury getaway.
Mexico
Mexico's Caribbean coast combines miles of beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
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Location: Tulum, Mexico
This beachfront property lies on 2 miles of soft white sand and is surrounded by lush, mangrove forests. Built in the style of a traditional Mexican hacienda, it offers an amazing variety of facilities and activities to keep active singles, couples and the whole family entertained.
St Lucia
Boasting some of the Caribbean’s loveliest mountain scenery, the volcanic island of St Lucia is covered in lush vegetation.
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Location: St Lucia, Caribbean
Set amidst coconut palms, hence the name, this all-inclusive resort is surrounded by 85 acres of tropical landscape. There is a superb range of facilities to tempt you, including several bars and an excellent choice of restaurants, serving both à la carte and buffet meals.
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Location: St Lucia, Caribbean
This all-inclusive, village-style resort is set in 60 acres for your family to enjoy, situated beside the beach on the northern tip of the island. Almond Smugglers Cove is such a fun place and kids and adults alike will love it.
Antigua
Very laid-back, it has beaches galore, safe waters and a nearly unbroken wall of coral reef.
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Location: Antigua, Caribbean
This lovely, low-rise hotel is spread over 40 acres of tropical landscaped gardens, offset by almost a mile of the beautiful white sands of Jolly Beach. The 8,000sq ft fantasy pool is an inviting place to relax.
Jamaica
Jamaica is spectacularly beautiful. Rolling hills contrast with steep gullies and the towering Blue Mountains beg to be explored.
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Location: Jamaica, Caribbean
As well as enjoying a beautiful location, this lovely resort is also family heaven. Children are kept amused for hours at the Kids Camp with Certified Nannies and Sesame Street ® activities, while teens are having a blast at Liquid teen nightclub and the XBOX 360® Game Garage.
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Location: Jamaica, Caribbean
Lying on a beautiful, long stretch of beach, this newly refurbished resort offers 40 acres of space. There’s a main swimming pool with swim-up bar, but everyone (kids especially) loves the Sugar Mills Water Park – grab a tube and float down the ‘lazy river’ or try one of the slides.
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Location: Jamaica, Caribbean
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa is a firm favourite with Virgin Holidays and it’s not hard to see why! A complete all-inclusive resort, it occupies a prime location on the longest beach in Ocho Rios and offers a wide range of lavish amenities in an atmosphere that combines grandeur with excitement.
Bahamas
Over 200 pristine white sand islands and 700 cays make up the Bahamas.
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Location: Paradise Island, Bahamas
Atlantis offers thrills, new experiences and a high standard for sophistication and excitement. Explore exhilarating water rides with plunges, twists and turns at AQUAVENTURE. Create lasting memories with a one-of-a-kind dolphin experience at Dolphin Cay.
Experience up-close views of more than 50,000 marine animals from over 200 species.
Turks & Caicos
This small chain of islands and tiny cays is a British Crown Colony and has something of a castaway feel.
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Location: Turks and Caicos, Caribbean
This is a Luxury Included® family resort with an unparalleled array of facilities and activities for kids of all ages, including Pirates Island Waterpark, Sesame Street ® activities, XBOX 360® Game Garage centre and Scratch DJ Academy.
Mauritius
Set in the Indian Ocean and surrounded by sandy white beaches, Mauritius is a tropical island paradise. Look forward to elegant hotels offering wonderful spas, fine dining, excellent water sports, great kids’ clubs and world-class golf courses.
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Location: Mauritius, Indian Ocean and India
Located on an exquisite stretch of beach, La Pirogue is built in the style of a fisherman's village and boasts a fantastic range of facilities for all the family, including a 1,000sq metre infinity pool with a floating Jacuzzi, sumptious dining options and a wonderful supervised kids club.
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Location: Mauritius, Indian Ocean and India
As soon as you walk through the open-air lobby with its magnificent beachfront vistas and marble floors, you know that you're entering a luxurious paradise. This elegant hotel is fronted by nearly a kilometre of breathtaking white sandy beach and is set within beautifully landscaped gardens.
Cuba
Cuba’s extraordinary history, its years of self-sufficiency and unique Afro-Latin culture make for a holiday that’s like nowhere else on earth.
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Location: Cuba, Caribbean
What an amazing resort this is! It really is a world of fun, and much more than a mere hotel. Located in the Punta de Hicacos Natural Park, the Tryp Peninsula integrates harmoniously with its natural environment of colourful gardens and beautiful beaches.