It has not been the most straightforward year so far. People the world over have had their travel plans put on hold, weddings cancelled, honeymoons postponed, and Summer holidays to far-flung parts of the globe have had to be shelved.
Because of the disappointment 2020 has brought, many travellers will be reorganising their dream holidays and "once-in-a-lifetime" trips for next Summer. Therefore, it is a good idea to start planning early as there’ll be limited space available at some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet that we can offer.
Yes, when all this is over, you will deserve that trip. So, make being locked down at home a distant memory and have a look at some of the world’s most beautiful family destinations on offer for the trip you deserve post Coronavirus.
Five family-friendly destinations we recommend for 2021
Below, we have drawn up a list of five of the best family-friendly destinations to visit in 2021, and even suggested the accommodation too. Happy travels!
Jamaica – Jamaican me jealous already
Situated 600 miles south of Florida, Jamaica offers stunning white beaches leading to an azure blue Caribbean Sea, jaw-dropping waterfalls, lush vegetation and forests, a fantastic gastronomical scene and world-famous rum. Bearing all this in mind, it is no surprise that it is a favourite Caribbean destination for many families seeking relaxation and adventure alike.
Families with teenagers can enjoy adventure sports like cliff-jumping, paragliding, snorkelling, and diving or if you are looking to just relax, it is the perfect place too. There are plenty of stunning bays and coves all over the island providing you with beaches you had only ever imagined on your screensavers.
Moon Palace Jamaica
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The main tourist areas where tourists tend to stay are the Blue Mountains, capital city Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and Jamaica’s southern coasts.
However, for the luxury you deserve, and for a great mixture of family fun, adventure and relaxation, there is no better than the Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios.
Set on a private beach, the 705-room Moon Palace Jamaica is an all-inclusive resort with four outdoor pools and a water park, as well as a spa, a fitness centre, water sports programmes, a surf machine, and an area for guests to swim with dolphins.
With large rooms boasting views of the Caribbean Sea, family deluxe rooms, balcony rooms, and honeymoon suites all available, the Moon Palace is certain to cater for your every need.
Jamaica claims to be simultaneously a paradise and a playground, and that is just what you will find at this all-inclusive resort. The hotel’s numerous bars offer loud live music options for nights when you feel like dancing, or alternatively a chilled out piano vibe in the piano bar – whichever suits your mood. There are several restaurants and bars, a 24-hour cafe, 24-hour room service, and in-room liquor dispensers are included.
The family-friendly all-inclusive option includes access to the top-class spa for mums and dads while the kids are entertained at the Playroom – all cared for and looked after by the trained on-site staff.
So, sip a cocktail by the pool and try the delicious local tropical fruit in a cocktail, then explore this paradise island.
Barbados – a little slice of home from home
Barbados is an extraordinary jewel in the Caribbean. The soft-sand beaches and turquoise water create postcard-perfect scenes but there is more to the island than sun, sea and sand.
Barbados was under British rule until its independence in 1966 so it has a distinctly British vibe. Cricket, horse racing, polo, high tea, and driving on the left side of the road are all part of this unique experience.
From colonial architecture to recognisable place names and the fact that The Queen is still the official head of state, it can often feel more familiar than most Caribbean islands.
Top attractions in Barbados, apart from the outstanding beaches, include caves, historic sites like St. Michael’s Cathedral or the 1,000-year-old baobab tree in Queen’s Park, plantations, a wildlife preserve, and numerous points of interest in the capital city of Bridgetown.
The landmark Parliament Buildings and the National Heroes Square are two of the main sites in the city centre. Also allow some time to walk around the Garrison Historic Area to see George Washington House and the Garrison Tunnels, the Guard House, and the Barbados Museum.
Just outside the capital is Carlisle Bay, a typically beautiful Caribbean beach. Long stretches of crystal-clear turquoise waters make this one of the most inviting areas to swim in the placid water, rent a stand-up paddleboard, or simply relax on the beach.
For active families, there is also plenty of holiday sporty action to choose from located all over the island. This includes snorkelling, diving, swimming, fishing, and other aqua-based excursions at the stunning Bathsheba Bay.
If you or your kids are into wildlife, a trip to Animal Flower Cave is essential – it is one of the best places around to see whales.
Plus, if you’re bringing little monkeys of your own, make sure you head to the family-friendly Barbados Wildlife Reserve where agoutis, monkeys, deer, tortoises, and iguanas wander about freely within the confines of the facility, providing great opportunities for photography and close-up encounters. There are also parrots, caimans and snakes to view!
Colony Club by Elegant Hotels
Porters, Barbados
Yes, Barbados has it all, so do not settle for anything less than perfect and stay with your family at Colony Club by Elegant Hotels just north of Bridgetown.
The service here is unparalleled and you and your family will want for nothing. The Colony Club has a celebrated health and wellbeing ethos, so there is a luxury fitness centre with professional classes and health spa too.
The rooms are magnificent and offer views of the pool and garden as well as the Caribbean Sea, whilst also catering for wedding celebrations and honeymoons with the beautiful suites.
At Colony Club all-inclusive resort, the guests’ experience always comes first. There are bespoke tours on offer, motorised water sports, a complimentary water taxi and numerous bars and restaurants to choose from for every day of your stay.
We know you will love this idyllic island, but we are certain that you will never forget your stay at Colony Club either. It is a little slice of paradise on a paradisiacal island.
St. Lucia – launching a thousand cruise ships
Affectionately known as "Helen of the West Indies" simply because of its beauty. Helen of Troy was known as the "face that launched a thousand ships" after Sparta and Troy went to war over her. Because of St. Lucia’s own beauty, Britain and France were once locked in constant battle for its ownership and it changed hands 14 times as both nations vied for it.
This Caribbean island boasts plenty of natural splendour, including golden sands, rainforests, and stunning gardens.
"Must see" places for tourists to St. Lucia are Marigot Bay, Sault Falls near Dennery which cascades 55 feet, and Pigeon Island.
Pigeon Island was used as a lookout point back when the British and French fought over the island, and you can still see the crumbling Fort Rodney today, offering unique views over the island.
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
Castries, St. Lucia
However, it is on the beautiful west coast that Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is set on lush hillsides, bringing to mind the beauty and charm of a picturesque Mediterranean village. This stunning all-inclusive resort is like nothing you have ever witnessed.
For some family-friendly all-inclusive relaxation, Windjammer Landing offers everything needed for a blissful family escape.
There’s plenty to entertain the children at Windjammer Landing, and it’s known to be one of the best family destinations in the whole Caribbean.
There are fun activities like water sports, snorkelling and volleyball. What’s more, kids in the 4 – 12 category will love the action-packed and fully supervised programming hosted by the Jacquot Fun Club. For teens looking for their dose of exploration and adventure, they also provide numerous daily activities, making St. Lucia the perfect family destination.
The all-inclusive option includes dining experiences at the five on-site restaurants and four on-site bars. This covers all your meals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages, and includes access to motorised and non-motorised water sports.
Cannot get any better? There’s wine and champagne included by the glass too. Cheers!
Antigua – land of beaches
While Antigua is full of beautiful, pristine white sand beaches – they say they have one for every day of the year – it would be too easy to recommend it as a tourist destination simply to soak up the sun and get a tan.
There is plenty more to Antigua than its coasts, and families with children will never be short of activities! Everyone should make the trip to the interior to see the jungle where you can zip-wire from tree to tree, perfect for kids with lots of energy!
What is more, Shirley Heights is a must. The former military complex is the perfect spot to watch the sunset and there are plenty of bars and places to eat set up there.
With drinks, a barbecue, local bands playing a mixture of Caribbean music and international hits while overlooking one of the most stunning views in the world, it is no wonder this is a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike.
Then there’s Devil’s Bridge. The waves of the Atlantic Ocean have crashed into Antigua’s east coast for tens of thousands of years and formed a natural limestone arch.
Last but not least, Fort Berkeley is well worth a visit. There are perfect views at every turn along the trail and you will be amazed at the spectacular juxtaposition of man-made power protecting beautiful nature when you arrive at the fort. The twenty-five cannon indicate the British did not readily want to lose this beautiful island!
Blue Waters Resort & Spa
St John’s, Antigua
So where to rest your head? Surely there is no more suitable place than a World Travel Award Winner over five consecutive years, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019?
Blue Waters Resort & Spa on the north coast, where the azure Caribbean Sea laps against white sandy beaches, is the idyllic tropical paradise that everyone dreams about.
There are four bars and restaurants offering a diverse range of gastronomy at stunning al fresco settings on the seashore. This generous all-inclusive resort provides all of your meals at every hour of the day. What is more, there is house wine by the glass, liquors and spirits, or beers and cocktails available all day at your request.
For families with children travelling with them, Blue Waters Resort & Spa really comes into its own.
Although the Kids Club and Creche have been closed until 31st December 2021, there are still plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained, from water sports to tennis, not forgetting plenty of time on the beach or in the pool.
What’s more, there are countless activities to do on the island for families seeking fun and enjoyment, including zip lining, boat trips and swimming with the rays.
For tourists with babies and toddlers, Blue Waters Resort & Spa has got everything covered. Guests can book a babysitting service for just $10 an hour per child (min 3hrs), $15 an hour for 2+ children (min 3hrs) and to use the service after 11pm, the rate is increased by $5 per hour.
The award-winning accommodation is something you will remember forever too. Aside from the beachside rooms and suites with views of the sea, the Rock Cottage, Pelican House, and Turtle Cottage are truly astonishing. No expense has been spared to make sure families or large groups have the most luxurious stay possible.
Whether you are eating breakfast as the sun rises over the ocean or enjoying dinner as it sets, you will not be able to forget the beautiful views. Each bedroom comes with en suite bathrooms as well as offering a dining room, fully equipped kitchen and private patio or balcony, with direct access to the villas’ infinity edge pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Blue Waters is located in Soldier’s Bay, ensuring its three beaches are practically private. In fact, its beaches are so secluded you would be forgiven for thinking you were on your own private island and that you are the only people on Antigua.
Make the most of this by taking part in a variety of exhilarating water sports including snorkelling, windsurfing, and kayaking. Do not worry if you are new to all this action, Blue Waters offer introductory lessons to beginners.
Explore an underwater paradise and meet some of the local sea life which inhabit the Caribbean.
Mauritius – more of Mauritius in 2021
This tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean has been popular with families since the 1950s but it is in 2021 that you should make Mauritius the family destination of a lifetime.
It is comprised of Rodrigues and Mauritius island as well as the outer islands, which all form part of the Mascarene Islands.
Boasting some of the most amazing white sand beaches on the planet, stunning warm blue waters, high mountains, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and so much more packed into one small country, Mauritius is the perfect destination for a family adventure!
Firstly, the capital Port Louis is the largest city, and is definitely a major stop to visit in Mauritius. There are so many different things going on here that you could spend more than one day and not cover it all.
There is the picturesque central market where you can find locally grown vegetables, exotic foods, local products and spices, arts, crafts, and souvenirs.
Similarly, in Port Louis, Le Caudan Waterfront is a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Aside from the great shopping centres, there you can also enjoy street entertainers, a Kiddyland children’s entertainment park, and a wide array of food options.
There are many historical buildings to visit on the waterfront, including the Blue Penny Museum and the Mauritius Natural History Museum.
A trip to Mauritius will not be complete if you do not visit the relatively undeveloped south section of the island.
Since the majority of this area doesn’t boast the same beaches as in the north, it’s not so visited by tourists and therefore there are fewer developments. It is the best place to visit with the family in order to get a glimpse of true Mauritian life as well as the magnificent wild landscapes all along the coastal road from Souillac to Le Morne.
Make sure you see the attraction of Ile aux Aigrettes, the amazing Lion Mountain, and the picturesque town of Mahebourg where you can find tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, local arts and crafts, spices, and teas.
Constance Belle Mare Plage
Belle Mare, Mauritius
Then, it is just a short drive up the east coast to Constance Belle Mare Plage, a stunning 5-star resort with its own 18-hole golf course, featuring 104 Prestige rooms, 149 Junior Suites, 6 Deluxe Suites, and 18 distinctive Villas.
This place is perfect for adults and children alike. They will love the Constance Kids’ Club where they can splash in a kids’ pool, play interactive games, video games, do arts & crafts, learn how to make pizza and ice-cream, and even enjoy the fantastic children’s circus.
This leaves you free to explore the stunning 2-kilometre-long white sandy beach, pamper yourself at the spa and wellness centre, go deep-sea diving, play a round of golf, or sample the fine cuisine that makes these islands in the Indian Ocean so unique.
Make 2021 the family holiday of a lifetime
Having stayed inside for the most part of 2020, most families will have a heightened desire for adventure in 2021. It is true, the Coronavirus pandemic has been life-changing for many – so it is time to seize the moment and book that life-changing holiday for your family.
These five family-friendly destinations are sure to entertain the young and old alike, while also providing complete luxury and relaxation at the same time.
Feel free to visit our website at www.kenwoodtravel.co.uk to browse our island getaways. Otherwise, to contact us simply call 020 7749 9220 to request a quote or personal recommendation.
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