Eight Great Hotels for Children

Tell any child they're going to stay with a Cousteau and I guarantee their bags will be packed in double-quick time. The Fijian resort of renowned marine ecologist Jean-Michel Cousteau—son of the late and legendary Jacques Cousteau—is the perfect combination of grown-up luxury and pint-sized adventure where parents can relax in style and kids can embark on a journey of discovery. The resort is located at Savusavu Bay on the island of Vanua Levu, about an hour's flying time from Nadi, with just 25 cottages and villas set in 17 acres of coconut plantation and a pristine coral reef just off the main beach. Fijians love kids, and nowhere more so than at the resort's Bula Club which runs two programs: Lei Lei for babies to 5-year-olds, and Marau for kids aged 6 to 12. Both are complimentary and feature fresh, healthy meals, bottled soft drinks and special nature and cultural excursions to nearby rainforests, villages and markets. But it's the marine adventures—snorkeling, scuba-diving (kids must be aged over 10 to learn), fishing and reef discovery trips with a full-time marine biologist that will keep them enthralled throughout the day. There are family pool parties at the Bula Club each day at 5pm (adults have their own oceanfront Serenity Pool to relax in peace), and nannies can be booked so parents can enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner alone. "Perfect for both adults and kids," says one of our editors, Andrew, who has stayed here. "I've never seen so many happy faces."

Rates start from $669 a night, including all meals, minimum stay three nights.

Designed to look like an old-fashioned ski lodge, this 275-room hotel is a brilliant all-rounder. With a prime spot at the base of the mountain, it has ski-in/ski-out access and is steps from the top-notch Beaver Creek Ski School. The other side of the hotel overlooks the resort's Alpine style village, pedestrian plaza and ice skating rink. From 9am to 10pm, you can leave kids from age 3 to 12 in the capable hands of the Camp Hyatt team, which will keep them busy with ski lessons and making s'mores, while you hit the slopes or soak in a mineral pool at the hotel's excellent spa. Hungry youngsters will love the massive carb-loaded breakfast buffet at Bivans restaurant, but parents looking for a stylish night out should head over to the nearby Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, where Chef Wolfgang Puck recently opened an outpost of Spago. Summer diversions in the area include horseback riding, river-rafting, mini-golf, wall-climbing and a fun children's museum.

Room rates from $179.

This grand estate and sporting club in Dartmoor National Park is a super property for your kids and dogs to run around in the fresh air and partake in all sorts of fun activities. Full of country-gent charm, Bovey Castle offers 63 rooms, including one two-bedroom suite and some adjoining rooms, but large families or those with a nanny should book one of the 22 fully serviced 3-bedroom cottages, which were recently added just a short walk from the main building. Spacious and contemporary with lots of natural light, each cottage has high ceilings, brightly colored furnishings and artwork and a living room with an open fireplace. While you take long country walks, play golf or get a scrub in the Elemis spa, your kids can join Bovey Rangers (during school holiday periods only or by appointment) for scavenger hunts, falconry demonstrations, fishing, climbing, horse riding, archery and air rifle shooting. From London it's about a 3.5 hour drive, or a three-hour train to Exeter and then a half-hour drive to the hotel.

Room rates from £225; cottages from £500.

Like a giant Disneyesque theme park rising out of the Arabian Desert, Dubai is a terrific family destination, and one of the most child-friendly places to stay is Jumeirah Beach Hotel—a vast resort set on its own private stretch of beach. With almost 600 good-size rooms and suites, 19 family style villas, more than 20 restaurants and bars, swimming pools, tennis courts, a spa, a golf driving range, water sports, and even a purpose-built coral reef, this is a place for children (and adults!) to have fun 24/7. Adventurous kids can learn the basics of scuba diving at the first-rate PADI center; there's a well-run Kid's Club and a dedicated lounge for teens with a computer room, Playstation and movies. The biggest attraction lies next door: Wild Wadi, Dubai's premier water park, which is a huge hit with my friend's kids, who are regulars.

Room rates from $654.

Located on 400 bucolic acres overlooking Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms is a National Historic Landmark and working farm with a mission is to enlighten visitors about environmentally friendly farming practices. The inn occupies the large estate house that was once the residence of Lila Vanderbilt Webb—her grandchildren still operate the property. 24 rooms and 4 guest cottages are decorated in traditional New England style—some with original furnishings. Don't come here expecting city-hotel luxury, though; you won't get Internet, TV or fancy spa treatments, but the restaurant serves delicious regional dishes. There are plenty of outdoorsy activities, such as hiking, fishing, biking and sailing. At the Children's Farmyard, little animal-lovers can take part in milking cows, collecting eggs, spinning wool, and petting the animals. This is the place to bring the kids for fall foliage viewing.

Room rates from $145.

One of my UK faves (watch the video!) for good reasons—it's cute, comfortable, classy, romantic and family friendly all at the same time. Lovingly created by Olga Polizzi of the Forte hotel group, this gem is perched right by the sea and has a wonderfully relaxed and cosy atmosphere—think delicious home-made ice creams in summer and board games by the fire in winter. The 29 simple, beach-pad rooms have plush white linens, and many have blue or green mosaic bathrooms. Some rooms are small, but all have a sea view. Opt for room 6 or 7 for a private terrace, or the Nook (Prince Charles' favorite) for extra seclusion. Families have the option of adjoining suites in the main house or 2-bedroom suites in the rear annex (I prefer the main building). The ambience is very laid back—English coast meets the Med—with stone pathways winding through tropical foliage. Local activities include coastal walks to see seals and dolphins, sailing (Tresanton has a 48-foot classic yacht), and tours of nearby castles and the Eden Project biosphere, or you can just catch some sun on the terrace while the little ones play in the supervised daycare center. The food is sublime, especially the fresh seafood from Falmouth Bay. Children under six aren't allowed in the restaurant after 6.30 p.m., but they can have “high tea” before Shrek or Toy Story entertains them on the in-room DVD player. Reach it by plane (to Newquay Airport), train (4 hours from Paddington to St. Austell), or car (5 hours from London).

Room rates from £220.

The recently renovated Cloister at Sea Island ticks all the right family boxes—lots of activities, a great year-round climate, very safe, and an efficient staff that couldn't be nicer. Its country club atmosphere makes it look very grown up, but children are more than welcome. Many of the 149 rooms are connected to accommodate families; those needing several bedrooms should rent one of the resort's privately owned residences. Families can spend hours together on the wide, sandy beach or at the sprawling pool club serving pizzas and burgers from the snack bar or fresh seafood at the casual grill. Every day except Sunday, Camp Cloister keeps kids entertained with horseback riding, baking classes, tennis and naturalist-led tours. Drop them there and visit the impressive new spa and fitness center—which is unique for its squash courts—or golf at any of Sea Island's three championship courses, two of which have been updated by Tom Fazio and Rees Jones. For some family bonding, try the weekly Bingo night or the plantation supper, serving traditional Southern dishes like fried chicken and corn-on-the-cob.

Room rates from $450. Kids 15 and under stay free in their parents' room.