Luxury long haul holidays for families to book this winter

1. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, Saint Lucia

Set in a lush valley between Saint Lucia’s twin Pitons, Sugar Beach is the kind of place that makes a long-haul flight feel entirely worth it. Cottages and villas tumble down the hillside to a crescent of white sand, many with their own plunge pools, and the rainforest spa (complete with treehouse treatment rooms) is the perfect antidote to the pre-Christmas rush.

Why it works for families: there’s a dedicated kids’ club, plenty of space to spread out in the villas, and the calm bay is ideal for little swimmers and first-time snorkellers. Getting there is easy too, with British Airways flying direct from London Gatwick to Hewanorra International Airport, followed by a 45-minute transfer to the resort.

The festive edit

• Christmas: In the run-up to Christmas, parents can join cocktail masterclasses at Saltwood Lounge and rum and chocolate pairings at the Cocoa Mill, before a Christmas Eve beachside barbecue at Bonté & Jalouise Grill. On Christmas Day, Santa arrives with presents for younger guests, followed by live entertainment and festive dining at Saltwood. Over Twixmas, the Festival of Lights invites families to write wishes on lanterns and watch them float off into the evening sky.
• New Year: Choose between a Club Tropicana party at Bonté & Jalouise Grill or Saltwood’s Rainforest Luxe Dinner with Champagne, before everyone gathers on the beach for a midnight fireworks finale.

From £1,093 per night with breakfast, book now

2. One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius

Occupying its own private peninsula on Mauritius’ east coast, One&Only Le Saint Géran has been a favourite with in-the-know families for decades. Think powder-soft beaches on one side, a calm lagoon on the other, and a Guerlain spa for when the grown-ups need a moment.

Why it works for families: the KidsOnly club is one of the best in the Indian Ocean, and over the festive season it comes with the Saint Géran Explorer Passport, treasure hunts and island-inspired creative workshops. Direct flights from London to Mauritius take around 12 hours, with the resort roughly an hour’s drive from the airport.

The festive edit

• Christmas: Santa makes his arrival at the resort, and a traditional festive chalet serving mulled wine, gourmet fondue, festive pastries and family-friendly treats brings a touch of alpine magic to the tropics. Expect festive buffets with all the Christmas favourites too.
• New Year: The big one. Nicole Scherzinger headlines the resort’s New Year’s Eve gala, an evening under the stars with dinner, live entertainment and fireworks to welcome 2027.

From £650 per night on a B&B basis, book now

3. One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

One&Only Reethi Rah sits on one of the largest private islands in the Maldives, in the North Malé Atoll, which means something rare in this part of the world: room to roam. Twelve beaches, winding bike paths through tropical gardens and villas that sit either on the sand or over the water make it a natural fit for families who want barefoot luxury without feeling confined.

Why it works for families: the KidsOnly club keeps little ones busy with crafts, games and plenty of time in the water, while older children can try paddleboarding, snorkelling and sandbank picnics. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from London Heathrow to Malé, followed by a 45-minute speedboat transfer.

The festive edit

• Christmas: The season begins with a tree-lighting ceremony, and Santa’s arrival on the island is a highlight for younger guests. Festive dining runs throughout, with beachfront entertainment and a gala dinner beneath the stars.
• New Year: Jessie J headlines an exclusive New Year’s Eve performance on the island, bringing hits like Price Tag and Bang Bang to a private-island setting, before fireworks light up the sky at midnight.

From around £1,575 per night on a B&B basis, book now

4. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection, Utah

If your idea of a festive escape involves snow rather than sand, The Lodge at Blue Sky is the one. Set across 3,500 acres of wilderness beneath Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, it pairs a working ranch with sleek, fire-warmed lodges and some of the best mountain cuisine in the American West.

Why it works for families: there’s endless space for adventure, from snowshoeing and horse-drawn wagon rides to cosy evenings by the fire, and the ski slopes of Park City are close by. Fly direct from London Heathrow to Salt Lake City, and the resort is around 45 minutes’ drive away.

The festive edit

• Christmas: In the lead-up to Christmas, families can decorate gingerbread houses, snowshoe out to a cosy mountain yurt for fondue, and take horse-drawn wagon rides through Gracie’s Farm with hot cocoa in hand. Christmas Eve brings a special festive dinner, while Christmas Day begins with a complimentary hot cocoa bar and a peaceful winter hike before a celebratory Christmas dinner at Yuta.
• New Year: Head out on guided snowshoe excursions across snow-covered trails, then gather for a New Year’s Eve feast and celebratory cocktails at Yuta Bar. New Year’s Day is all about a slower pace, with a nourishing breakfast, fresh juices and restorative yoga amid the mountain scenery.

From $1,484 (approx. £1,119) per night, book now

5. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

Tucked into a palm-covered hillside on Koh Samui’s northwest tip, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is all private pool villas, sweeping views over the Gulf of Thailand and a beach that’s made for lazy afternoons. December is one of the best times to visit the island, with drier weather and warm seas.

Why it works for families: Kids For All Seasons (ages four to 12) runs daily crafts, games, Muay Thai and beach activities, with a separate programme for teens, and the larger residences have room for the whole family. Fly direct from London to Bangkok, then take a short Bangkok Airways hop to Koh Samui.

The festive edit

• Christmas: Christmas Eve is a Fisherman’s Christmas Eve on the Main Beach, with holiday roasts, Thai favourites, local seafood, live music and fireworks. Christmas Day brings brunch at KOH Thai Kitchen and a Children’s Party at the Beach House with games, crafts, sweets and a visit from Santa, plus an ocean-inspired Christmas tree made from live plants and sustainable materials.
• New Year: Grown-ups can choose between a six-course Mediterranean dinner with paired wines at Pla Pla or a global feast at KOH Thai Kitchen, before the Sea of Wonder party on the Main Beach with DJs, live entertainment and fireworks over the sea. Children have their own New Year’s Eve celebration with face painting and games, and New Year’s Day is a relaxed sliders and barbecue gathering on the beach.

Check rates and book now

6. One&Only Cape Town, South Africa

For a festive season with long sunny days and no jet lag to speak of (Cape Town is just two hours ahead of the UK in winter), One&Only Cape Town is hard to beat. Set on its own private island at the V&A Waterfront with Table Mountain as a backdrop, it combines city-break energy with resort-style calm, and Nobu is on site.

Why it works for families: the KidsOnly club, penguin-themed festive activities and easy access to beaches, Boulders penguin colony and safari add-ons make it a brilliant base for all ages. British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow in around 11 and a half hours.

The festive edit

• Christmas: The season kicks off with a tree lighting on the Vista Deck on 10 December, where children can meet Santa. From 21 December to 3 January, Waddle’s Workshop at KidsOnly is hosted by Waddles the Penguin with crafting and treasure hunts, and little chefs can decorate cupcakes and cookies or make pizza in the ROOI pastry kitchen. Christmas Eve is a five-course dinner with Cape jazz at ROOI, followed by a festive buffet lunch with live music on Christmas Day.
• New Year: Ring in 2027 with a five-course dinner at ROOI or an omakase menu at Nobu, followed by music and midnight toasts at Vista Bar & Lounge. Nobu’s New Year’s lunches, with classic dishes, cocktails and a DJ, continue from 1 to 3 January.

Check rates and book now