Where Families Check In and Chill Out

From the shores of the Maldives to the mountains of New York, these six hotels prove that family travel doesn’t mean compromising on design or experience. Each destination blends thoughtful aesthetics with tailored offerings for all ages—inviting you to relax, explore, and reconnect in spaces where every generation feels at home.

BAA ATOLL, MALDIVES
On the edge of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives reimagines the Maldivian escape through a lens of laid-back luxury and playful sophistication. Bold design meets barefoot ease across four islands, where kaleidoscopic interiors, open-air dining, and iconic overwater villas set the tone for a stay that’s as creative as it is carefree. Finolhu shines as a multi-generational retreat. The Art Lab invites guests of all ages to explore hands-on activities—from pottery and resin art to painting and candle-making—while the Teens Hut offers a vibrant space for games, workshops, and outdoor adventures. For adults, there are ocean-view spa treatments, moonlit beach dinners, diving expeditions, and holistic wellness classes. Here, the spirit of play meets the ease of refined island living.

GRAN CANARIA, SPAIN
Just steps from the golden dunes, Seaside Palm Beach pairs 1970s design with modern indulgences, offering something special for every generation. Bold, color-drenched interiors—coral, violet, sunshine yellow—set the tone for a spirited yet serene escape. While grown-ups unwind at the adults-only pools, tennis courts, or the tranquil spa, younger guests are treated to a world of their own. The resort goes above and beyond for families: from a dedicated kids’ club (ages 4–12) and babysitting services to a separate baby pool, outdoor playground, and games. Special children’s menus and family-friendly room options—including free stays for kids under 12 and half-price connecting rooms—make holidays effortless.

CRETE, GREECE
Rooted in the rhythms of Crete, Phāea Cretan Malia is a modern village-style retreat where slow living and thoughtful design welcome the whole family. Minimalist architecture blends with organic textures and native landscaping, creating a tranquil, low-impact haven just moments from the sea. Families are gently woven into the fabric of the experience. Little ones can explore the natural world through eco-conscious activities—from gardening and cooking to hands-on crafts—while the resort’s open layout and spacious suites provide both freedom and comfort. Parents can unwind at the beach, take part in yoga or wine tastings, or gather for long, lingering meals made with ingredients grown on-site.

NEW YORK, USA
Perched above Hunter Mountain, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is a modern alpine escape where rustic charm meets creative energy. Set across 20 acres of wooded hillside, this reimagined 1960s motor lodge invites connection—to nature, to design, and to each other. Thoughtfully designed rooms, some with lofted bunks and potbelly stoves, create cozy spaces for families. Outdoors, a fire pit crackles with nightly s’mores, trails beckon just beyond the porch, and seasonal activities—from snowshoeing to wildflower walks—bring the Catskills to life. Families can gather for casual meals at Prospect, the on-site restaurant, or unwind with board games and local cider in the library lounge.

PAPHOS, CYPRUS
Set along the Paphos seafront, Almyra blends sleek Mediterranean minimalism with a warm, intuitive approach to luxury. Framed by landscaped gardens and ocean views, this resort is a masterclass in understated elegance, where clean lines, cool marble, and sea-glass tones create a calm canvas for the surrounding natural beauty. Families are front and center here. Children’s menus, a dedicated kids’ club, and interconnecting rooms make multi-generational stays easy, while thoughtful touches—like shaded toddler pools and sensory play for little ones—show real consideration for all ages. Grown-ups can escape to the adults-only spa wing, enjoy a quiet cocktail at Aeras, or take a dip in the infinity pool.

PHUKET, THAILAND
A bold fusion of industrial design and lush tropical fantasy, The Slate is Phuket’s most imaginative family escape. Set beside Nai Yang Beach, this artful resort—dreamed up by architect Bill Bensley—draws on the island’s tin-mining heritage, weaving raw materials, art, and unexpected luxury into every corner. Families are effortlessly catered to, with spacious suites and villas, a kids’ club filled with creativity and games, and a family pool shaded by palms. Teens can take part in Muay Thai classes or island adventures, while little ones dive into daily activities at the Tin Box kids’ club. Parents, meanwhile, can slip away to the award-winning Coqoon Spa or enjoy contemporary Thai cuisine beneath a canopy of trees.

For more information, please visit www.designhotels.com.