The 8 Best Ritz-Carlton Resorts for Families in 2023

Wide shot of smiling mothers hanging out with sons by pool at luxury hotel suite — Thomas Barwick /Getty Images

The Rundown

Best Overall: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman – See Rates at Kayak

"For many kids, the highlight is the Starfish Cay water park with its zero entry splash pools and water slides."

Runner-Up, Best Overall: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island – See Rates at Kayak

"Kids Night Out, hosted every Friday and Saturday evening, also gives parents the chance to savor a romantic meal at Salt, the hotel's AAA Five Diamond Restaurant."

Best for Summer Adventures: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain – See Rates at Kayak

"The Ritz Kids Ranger Program introduces children to the wonders of the desert with animal-themed activities and scavenger hunts."

Best for Winter Fun: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe – See Rates at Kayak

"After a day on the slopes, warm up around the fire pit where the hotel's "Marshmologists", gourmet marshmallow experts, teach s’mores-making classes"

Best for Teens: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples – See Rates at Kayak

"If your teen is happier playing video games than being active outside, they'll love Vue, a high-tech gaming lounge with virtual reality games."

Best in Europe: The Ritz-Carlton, Abama – See Rates at Kayak

"With 12 dining outlets, your family is bound to find something they like to eat."

Best in Asia: The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay – See Rates at Kayak

"A spa, fitness center, sports courts, and complimentary yoga and tai chi classes are all big perks for adults."

Best in the Middle East: The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain – See Rates at Kayak

"Take the kids on a luxury yacht cruise, or book them a lesson on one of the beachfront tennis courts with a professional coach."

Best Overall: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

The beach at Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman — Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

Located on Grand Cayman’s magnificent Seven Mile Beach, one of the best beaches on the island, this Ritz-Carlton resort represents the ultimate vacation for families that love sun, sand, and sea. Spend your days playing on the beach or making memories on a sailing or kayaking adventure. The Ambassadors of the Environment program offers eco-friendly activities for children and families, including kayaking in mangroves and shipwreck snorkeling trips. For many kids, the highlight is the Starfish Cay water park with its zero entry splash pools and water slides.

The resort also boasts five tennis courts and a Wave Game Room complete with Xbox and PlayStation 4 games for teenagers. When you want some time alone to check out the spa or the golf course, sign your little ones up for a morning at the Ritz Kids club. Of the six on-site bars and restaurants, Andiamo is particularly family-friendly with classic Italian pizzas, pastas, and freshly made gelato to tempt even the pickiest eaters. For upgraded space and privacy, book a two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen and living area.

Runner-Up, Best Overall: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Set on a Florida barrier island known for its museums, forts, and nature trails, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is ideal for tranquil family getaways within the U.S. You can make the most of the hotel's direct beach access with surfing lessons, stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks. The oceanfront pool has a dedicated kids’ play area, and there's an indoor pool if the weather is unfavorable. Children’s activities include story time in the courtyard and activities discovering sharks and coral reefs; while the Our Space gaming room is a favorite hangout spot for teens.

From the spa to the 18-hole golf course, adult amenities also abound. For the chance to explore them properly, you can check any children aged 5 to 12 into Ritz Kids, a day care program where they'll be kept busy with nature-themed games and activities. Kids Night Out, hosted every Friday and Saturday evening, also gives parents the chance to savor a romantic meal at Salt, the hotel's AAA Five Diamond Restaurant. Suites have a separate living room and pull-out sofa bed and you can also ask the hotel about pirate-themed indoor campouts.

Best for Summer Adventures: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Surrounded by the majestic Sonoran Desert near Tucson, Arizona, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is the perfect choice for adventurous families that like to spend time outdoors. The property's three swimming pools (one with a 235-foot water slide) and 26 miles of hiking and biking trails provide hours of family fun. You can also take part in guided hikes, geocaching adventures, and stargazing sessions. The Ritz Kids Ranger Program introduces children to the wonders of the desert with animal-themed activities and scavenger hunts.

While the kids are out making new friends, parents are free to try out the gemstone-inspired treatments at the spa or tee off at one of three championship golf courses. In the morning, children will love selecting their own oranges from the Core Kitchen & Wine Bar orchard and for lunch, Cayton’s Restaurant is a kid-favorite restaurant with sandwiches, shakes, and gourmet burgers diners of all ages can enjoy. You can also book a suite or casita with ample living space, or inquire about connecting rooms, in-room camping experiences, and Kids Night Out events.

Best for Winter Fun: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe enjoys a magical setting in between the lake and mountains and although it’s a fine destination all year round, it’s especially rewarding in winter. Snow junkies will love having ski-in/ski-out access to Northstar California Ski Resort, known for its first-class snowmaking capabilities and its Ski & Snowboard School for kids and adults. Other winter activities include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sledding and there's also a gondola can connect you to the ice skating rink at the Village at Northstar California.

Mountain concierge services and après ski activities are the cherry on top of this resort’s winter appeal. After a day on the slopes, warm up around the fire pit where the hotel's "Marshmologists", gourmet marshmallow experts, teach s’mores-making classes. Other amenities include a full-service spa and the Ritz Kids club. Backyard Bar & BBQ is the top restaurant for families, since you can ski in and enjoy wood-fired pizzas and burgers on the patio. All rooms feature gas fireplaces and suites and residences offer up to four bedrooms.

Best for Teens: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

In Florida, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is a great fit for families with teenagers, providing plenty to do whether they like spending time together or prefer being left to their own devices. Three miles of white sand beach set the scene for this parasailing, paddle boarding, and kayaking paradise in addition to the two heated outdoor pools, 36 holes of championship golf, and four floodlit tennis courts. If your teen is happier playing video games than being active outside, they'll love Vue, a high-tech gaming lounge with virtual reality games.

Younger siblings can enjoy Nature’s Wonders, the interactive environmental program for kids aged 5 to 12. For meal times, head to Gumbo Limbo or The Poolside Café for laid-back salads and sandwiches, or sushi at the Dusk restaurant. All rooms come with private balconies and high-speed Wi-Fi, while suites with a connecting second bedroom will give teens the sense of independence they crave.

Best in Europe: The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

Families looking for a luxurious yet child-friendly European escape will find it at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in the Canary Islands. Located on a 160-hectare Tenerife estate with magnificent Atlantic views, it features impressive Moorish architecture and a golden beach which can be accessed by private train or funicular. The Ritz Kids club is the largest in Europe, offering an outdoor playground, planetarium room and garden.

The resort also boasts no fewer than six swimming pools and the Abama Golf Course and Tennis Academy are conveniently close by, while the spa specializes in indigenous therapies. With eight dining outlets, your family is bound to find something they like to eat. You could treat the kids to handmade Italian pastas and pizzas at Verona or enjoy award-winning fine dining at one of two Michelin-starred restaurants on-site: M.B. and Abama Kabuki. The accommodation is equally diverse and families of all sizes can opt for connecting rooms, spacious villas, or two-bedroom suites.

Best in Asia: The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay

Situated on the southern shores of China’s Hainan province, The Ritz-Carlton Sanya overlooks an idyllic white sand beach. Families are greeted with a special welcome kit, and receive complimentary access to the Ritz Kids club with its indoor and outdoor playgrounds and children’s swimming pool. Uncle Martin’s Secret Garden is a particular highlight for green-thumbed little ones, complete with live animals. Take part in activities especially designed for families, ranging from water polo to poolside movie nights.

A spa, fitness center, sports courts, and complimentary yoga and tai chi classes are all big perks for adults. With so much activity, you’re sure to work up an appetite and can choose from six restaurants including Pearl for traditional fine dining inspired by the varied cuisines of China and Fresh8 for your standard buffet meals with live cooking stations and a play area for the kids. For dessert, the Scoop ice cream parlor is always a popular choice. Baby furniture, including cribs and bed guards, can be requested for your room and family villas include a private pool and 24-hour butler service.

Best in the Middle East: The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Located in Manama’s exclusive Seef District, this Ritz-Carlton affords access to the members-only Royal Beach Club with its private beach, lagoon, and outdoor pools. Take the kids on a luxury yacht cruise, or book them a lesson on one of the beachfront tennis courts with a professional coach. If you and your partner want to relax and enjoy the view alone, check your children into Ritz Kids for a fun day of supervised water sports, cooking classes, and art projects.

Alternatively, you could play a round on the Royal Golf Club or indulge in a couples treatment at the spa and hammam. 14 restaurants cater to all ages and tastes, from fine steaks at Plums to authentic Mexican cuisine at Cantina Kahlo. The most family-friendly is La Plage, an al fresco beach restaurant with Arabian and Mediterranean fare. The most luxurious room choice is the three-bedroom villa, which comes with a private beach and infinity pool.