Top 10 family-friendly resorts for large groups

Planning a group holiday that keeps everyone happy can be an uphill struggle. The kids need space to play. The teens want privacy. Younger adults are looking for a city’s buzz. The grandparents might prefer a quiet rural spot. So, where to holiday in a big group?

We’ve rounded up 10 dream destinations for families, friends and multi-generational trips. Whether you’re after sun-soaked beaches, thrilling activities or private villas with room to spare, we’ve got you covered.

Mauritius: Heritage The Villas

Perfect for a large family holiday

Think of this as your home away from home, but with more palm trees. The setting is a 6,000-acre former sugar plantation that contains its own nature reserve. You get the best of both worlds at Heritage The Villas – complete seclusion in the privacy of your own villa, while a short hop on a golf buggy brings you to two five-star resorts with lively restaurants and social areas.

The spacious private villas come with multiple bedrooms, infinity pools and fully-equipped kitchens, providing plenty of space for the group to relax together – or apart. You can dive into water sports, practice your swing on the championship golf course or let the little ones run wild in the kids’ club. And when hunger strikes, the option for an in-villa private chef is the cherry on top.

Kuramathi Maldives

Best for a group of friends on holiday

A private island with everything you could wish for on an all-inclusive group holiday. It’s an ocean lover’s dream, with a mile-long sandbank that gives way to cobalt-blue water. As for meal planning, forget about it – dining together is a breeze here thanks to the all-inclusive packages. Top-end deals include access to all nine restaurants.

The villas at Kuramathi, which range from beachfront to overwater options, offer ample space for everyone. Snorkel through kaleidoscopic coral reefs, set sail for island excursions or simply soak in the serene vibe. Book muscle-melting massages in the luxury spa or toast the sunset at the adults-only Champagne Loft.

Constance Ephelia Seychelles

Great facilities for large family groups

This leafy resort is designed with the surrounding environment in mind. It’s hidden away within a protected marine park and offers two postcard-worthy sandy beaches, giving it the bona fide feeling of a secret retreat. If you’re looking to grab some alone time while the kids splash around in the pool, book a treatment at one of the largest spas in the Indian Ocean.

Constance Ephelia ticks all the boxes for families, featuring spacious, multi-bedroom villas with private pools. There’s also a kids' club and babysitting services. Activities include zip-lining, nature walks and kayaking, while food options range from casual bites to gourmet fine dining. If you’re looking to keep the whole group entertained, this lush island paradise is hard to beat.

Algarve: Pine Cliffs Resort

A crowd-pleaser for a large family holiday

Pine Cliffs Resort’s townhouses and villas are ideal for groups, with shared spaces that feel both luxurious and laid-back. Think stunning beach views from the top of a cliff and a lift that takes you straight to the sand – no effort required.

For downtime, choose between golf, tennis, padel and multiple pools – or let the little ones explore the kids’ club while you steal off for some spa time. Tots will love the life-sized pirate ships to play in, as well as the beach ice creams, daily treasure hunts and games.

Orlando: Margaritaville Resort & Cottages

Something for every generation

Theme parks? Check. Private cottages with room for everyone? Check. On-site pools and water slides? Double check. Located near Disney World and Universal Studios, Margaritaville Resort & Cottages is the ultimate destination for multi-generational fun.

It's a playful resort with tropical cottages and an energetic vibe. Whether you want to keep your brain sharp with quizzes, take a bike ride, schedule in some spa treatments or sink a few of their famed Margaritas, there’s a pastime for every age group.

Crete: Elounda Gulf Villas

A fun holiday idea for big groups of food lovers

Tailored luxury is the name of the game here. These stunning villas come with private pools, concierge services and breath-taking sea views. From private dinners to group outings, Elounda Gulf Villas can make it happen in style.

Activities include boat trips, cooking classes and wine- and olive-oil-tasting sessions. If you do visit with family, there’s a UK-owned and well-respected kids’ club that offers three complimentary sessions a day.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

A top pick for large groups

Dubai is one of the best destinations for group travel. Its legendary Anantara The Palm combines Thai-style opulence with supreme practicality. Overwater villas come with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and every global cuisine you can think of is covered here. Anantara The Palm’s concierge service will be only too happy to organise special group experiences like private beachfront dinners.

Families can challenge each other with thrilling water sports like paddleboarding and wakeboarding, while those in the mood for relaxation can float in the temperature-controlled lagoon pools or rejuvenate in the spa. For an extra dose of adventure, book a desert safari, complete with dune bashing, camel rides and a traditional Bedouin feast under the stars.

Turkey: Hillside Beach Club

Gorgeous beach holiday for groups

Tucked away on Turkey’s turquoise coast, with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, Hillside Beach Club is all about balance. There are kids’ clubs and water sports galore, including sailing, water-skiing and diving. Meanwhile, its private beaches include a serene adult-only cove alongside Blue-flag family options that come with plenty of space for everyone.

In the evenings you can expect outdoor movie screenings and live music. Group dinners are a real highlight here thanks to the resort’s diverse dining options, including traditional Turkish mezes and seafood freshly caught from the Med.

Thailand: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort

A family-friendly resort with serious wow-factor

Set on picturesque Kata Noi Beach, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is a haven for families and friends. The spacious suites and interconnected rooms make it easy to stay together while still enjoying personal space. Children will love the dedicated kids’ club packed with activities like arts and crafts sessions, treasure hunts and beach yoga, while adults can sign up for a Thai cooking class or unwind with a beachfront massage.

The resort has multiple pools as well as easy access to the beach for exciting water sports like see-through kayaking or e-surfing. The whole family can hop on a boat to visit several nearby islands and the snorkelling is exceptional throughout the whole area.

South Africa: Garonga – Little Garonga

A unique luxury safari experience for groups

Garonga’s exclusive-use lodge in South Africa is ideal for those looking for an intimate yet adventure-packed experience, as large groups or families can book the entire place. Nestled in the heart of the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, this safari retreat has three private air-conditioned suites designed to blend luxury with nature.

The tailored safaris are a hit for all ages, thanks to a special kids’ safari programme offered alongside thrilling game drives. When you’re not busy tracking the Big Five you can relax by the pool in Garonga – Little Garonga, book in a massage or feast on gourmet meals prepared by your own private chef.

This feature was created on 23rd December 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.