Top 5 luxury family resorts for your socially distant vacation

Family friendly pools. Calm ocean waves. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Lots of interactive learning activities. Cozy nights by the fire (and s’mores!). That’s the norm on a family vacation. But, what about staying at luxury family resorts during COVID?

It’s a time of year when people are normally traveling all over the place. You might be wondering what to do with the last bit of your summer. And what about the fall? Or the rest of 2020? 2021?

Where can families vacation in the US during COVID?

As COVID numbers continue to trend in the wrong direction for the United States, we continue to be more limited in where we can travel. This is a dynamic situation, and things are changing daily. But overall, here’s the trend if you are thinking about a vacation during COVID. As a US citizen, if you are going to travel near term, domestic is your safest bet.

For more detail on this, read my article covering the Top 50 destinations in the US for your post-quarantine vacation (linked here).

If you are thinking about taking a family vacation during COVID, I need to tell you something. There are so many amazing properties spread across the US that were designed for social distancing. And that was wayyy before it was the travel industry’s hottest trend! If you don’t believe me, read on.

This article will dive into some of the best family friendly resorts in the United States. I will share 5 of my favorite luxury family resorts to consider for your socially distant family vacation during COVID.

 

Top 5 luxury family resorts for your post-quarantine vacation

Whether you live on the east coast, the west coast, Hawaii, or you’re willing to travel there or anywhere in between, there’s a breathtaking option for you. 

And yes, I understand that there are some areas of the US that are seeing spikes in COVID cases. The properties on this list are all in remote locations, have tons of outdoor space, and offer secluded accommodation options. For example, glamping tents, cabins, villas, bungalows, private homes, or full buyout.

We’ve chosen options at different price points and rounded things out geographically within the US. Everyone has different needs and priorities, so they are not listed in ranking order. 

It is also not an end all, be all list. There are too many great properties to include them all. If you do not find something that matches your needs, please reach out and ask (email me directly: jordan@thejourneybound.com). I am happy to have the conversation and guide you in the right direction!

You might be looking for a near term driving distance getaway. Or maybe you’re planning ahead for a time when you will be ready to travel. Either way, continue reading and use this hand-picked list of luxury family resorts as a starting point. 

 

VIP perks and amenities for you

I am partnered with many of these properties (e.g. Virtuoso), which means free stuff and VIP treatment for you! At a minimum, this means:

  • Free breakfast daily
  • Food, beverage, or spa credits to use during your stay
  • Potential room upgrades

Plus, I will always contact the properties directly on behalf of my clients. This ensures they are ready to welcome you personally, and gives you the best chance of receiving extra amenities and room upgrades 🙂

 

Terranea | Palos Verdes, CA – With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Terranea serves as the premier luxury destination resort for families on the Southern California coast. A property celebrated for its natural beauty, the 102-acre retreat features guest rooms and suites, including spacious bungalows, casitas, and villas. Their commitment to providing all guests with an extraordinary experience starts with ensuring a safe and comfortable stay, to offering luxurious resort amenities. At your fingertips are outdoor dining, award-winning golf, four swimming pools, boutiques, and adventures on land and at sea. Here, you’ll experience a truly immersive sense of wonder along the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Choose from wide variety of accommodations spread throughout the sprawling property, including guest rooms, suites, bungalows, and residence style casitas and villas.

  • Open: Now
  • $430++ per night

Under Canvas | Great Smoky Mountains, TN – Located on the outskirts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains lies upon 182-acres of lush, wooded terrain. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors without forgoing the comforts of home. You’ll enjoy nightly s’mores by the campfire, complimentary camp activities, and adventure bookings made right at camp. Welcoming travelers to Tennessee’s ancient mountains and misty blue vistas, Under Canvas’ eco-friendly glamping accommodations offer an unparalleled outdoor experience in “The Land of Blue Smoke”.

Choose from a variety of safari-style canvas tents, boasting optional en suite bathrooms and stargazing windows, king size beds, distinguished furnishings, daily housekeeping, and wood-burning stoves.

  • Open: Now
  • $200++ per night

Montage Kapalua Bay | Maui, HI – Set along the picturesque waters of Namalu Bay, Montage Kapalua Bay welcomes families to embrace the Maui lifestyle. Enjoy the spirit of aloha with genuine island hospitality and authentic culture. Capture cherished family moments and inspire your children’s sense of wonder with Montage Merit Badges and the Paintbox children’s program. As you relax across 24 acres of tropical paradise, the spirit of Hawaii merges with your own to create “pono” — a true sense of balance and harmony.

Choose from a variety of luxurious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom residence style accommodations to make this your Hawaiian home away from home.

  • Open: October 15th (as of the time of this article)
  • $825++ per night

Wequassett | Cape Cod, MA – Nestled on the elbow of Cape Cod, Wequassett was voted by Conde Nast as one of the 20 best luxury kid-friendly hotels and resorts in the U.S. It turns school vacations into an actual holiday for all. There are endless possibilities for children to learn, grow, and discover at the award-winning Children’s Center. The entire family will enjoy roomy suites, beach bonfires, drive-in movie nights under the stars, and boat rides to the Outer Beach. It is a meticulously landscaped luxury hideaway featuring five acclaimed restaurants, two magnificent pools, two beaches, boating and water sports, four Har Tru tennis courts, and eighteen holes of golf. Here, the family has arrived on Cape Cod.

Choose from a wide variety of uniquely designed cottage style accommodations, villas, and private residences.

  • Open: Now
  • $695++ per night

Suncadia | Cle Elum, WA – With more than 6,000 acres of forested mountain landscape, Suncadia’s wealth of year round activities make for a perfect Pacific Northwest escape for the entire family. A picturesque Washington State resort, you’ll have 40+ miles of hiking and biking trails, three championship golf courses, local wining & dining, and world class spa treatments at your fingertips. Count the stars on a crisp clear night and let the fresh, pine-scented air clear your mind. There’s no place quite like Suncadia.

Choose from a variety of lodge rooms, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites, and larger condo style accommodations.

  • Open: Now
  • $259++ per night

Again, this is not an end all be all list of luxury family resorts. But, whether you’re looking for a luxury family vacation during COVID or if you’re planning ahead for a time when you will be ready to travel, this hand-picked list is a great place to start. 


Most luxury travelers don’t have the time, knowledge, or expertise to plan truly awesome vacations. I offer a personalized travel planning and concierge service to help you save time, access the best travel experiences, and travel hassle free.

I am partnered with many of these luxury properties (e.g. Virtuoso), which means VIP perks and amenities for you! To contact me directly, email jordan@thejourneybound.com. To start planning your trip today, click SCHEDULE A CALL below.