Scenic Escapes

A kids’ safari in Botswana is the stuff of bucket-list vacations, combining eco-luxe lodges with some of the most impressive and diverse wildlife on earth.  This once-in-a-lifetime trip had been the dream for my animal-loving daughter. She had recently turned seven, which is the perfect age to try out an African safari vacation. Who knew? Lured by the country’s ...

Vermont offers an exceptional experience in many things: lush mountain scenery, winter sports, great craft beers, ice cream, and —to my surprise— tacos. Surely at least one of those appeals to you, and it’s reason enough to venture to Stowe.Stowe, Vermont, the skiing capital of New England, combines all the best ingredients of the Green Mountain state. And ...

Approaching an island resort by boat has an element of intrigue that can’t be matched— even by the most picturesque, winding road.Our family's quest— searching the best summer vacation spots in Maine and New England.The Casco Bay island ferry ride makes most little stresses melt away before the Inn at Diamond Cove’s slow reveal. Hotel transfer ...

I’m thrilled to announce that Luxe Recess will begin offering seasonal wellness retreats for mothers.I’ve spent the last five years growing Luxe Recess to be an invaluable resource for readers planning their family vacations. My goal has always been to ensure that a family’s vacation investment in both time and money is as magical as possible. A recess ...

Planning a trip to the Cape? Trying to figure out what to do or which Cape Cod family resort is best for you? We can help.While we at Luxe Recess always have you covered on hotels, we asked food and travel writer Katie Lockhart to share her favorite beaches and bites to eat from her summers growing ...

Texas has no shortage of world champion BBQ, big hair, baseball champions and really long road trips. The Lone Star State is filled vacation options filled with water park hotels, lazy rivers, theme parks, zip lines, and horsing around.From luxury dude ranches like the Inn at Dos Brasis to 5-star city hotels, Texas has it all.Are you are ...

As a mother and travel writer, few phrases I think spawn vacation fantasies more than “family-friendly Relais & Châteaux.”The Inn at Hastings Park celebrates the richness of Lexington history and a drive-worthy restaurant for the greater Boston area. Outfitted by Vineyard Vines.Since 2015, the Boston area now has its own gourmet outpost at the ...

Come meet Bernese mountain dog Kitty Jacob Astor II, who reigns supreme at the St. Regis Aspen and take home his plush replicas.In addition to greeting you in person, Kitty the resort's Bernese Mountain dog makes his way in plush form into welcome kits for kids at the St. Regis Aspen.Luxe Aspen With KidsIf you are like me, ...

The owners of Martinhal Resorts created a vision for a family luxury hotel brand inspired by their own family travels. Martinhal properties combine family elements with luxury, comfort, and style in their Portugal resorts and Lisbon hotel.Martinhal Family Hotels and Resorts owners Chitra and Roman Stern are parents of four children. They observed first-hand the gap in the ...

Reaching Family Blissby Boat and BicycleCombining the Southern traditions of Lowcounty with the brand's signature California casual luxury, Montage Palmetto Bluff hits a sweet spot.It was our third day at Montage Palmetto Bluff  slowing down from hot and heavy August air in Lowcountry. We stood waiting for one the resort’s boats to tour and enjoy lagoon views of the ...

  Beaches, castles, horse-drawn carriages, ice cream, and pastel de natas are what your family will love. Visitors can take a bicycle tour to the lighthouses of the Algarve. Portugal is a hot destination Portugal is in the midst of a tourism boom, with visitors flocking to its clean, sandy beaches, bustling coastal towns and gloriously warm climate. It’s a safe country to visit ...

The best family ski resorts in Colorado? Vermont? California? Utah? What are the best ski resorts for beginners? We know, and we’ll tell you. It’s time to start planning a ski vacation! Where should you go? Let me help you. I’m the mom of a skiing family. My husband is an avid skier, and he has shared his love of skiing ...

 For a fantasy family weekend with nothing but walks on the beach, board games, spa time, and lobster at every meal.  When I think back of all of the places we have explored in New England, I have a very deep soft spot for the Inn by the Sea, just south of Portland, Maine in an area called Cape ...

Bicycles, Segways, rowboats, trams, and golf carts are some of the many ways you can explore the Versailles Gardens.Why Travel to Versailles, France? Versailles was once the hub of French royalty; its beauty and French history continue to be a cultural force. Many parents might be fans of the recent shows, Versailles, Outlander, or Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. The ...

Although there are many bucolic areas in New England, only the Berkshires can boast spectacular hikes, revered art collections, internationally acclaimed performances, foodie restaurants, and historic architecture to enjoy all in one day.Where are the Berkshires and why visit them?The Berkshires is the collective term for the Western-most area of Massachusetts and is equidistant to New York and ...

Every resort has a giant chess board—yawn. What about hungry human hippos? Or life-size foosball?  Smugglers Notch Resort is a true four season vacation like no other in New England. It’s not easy offering a truly year-round destination for families in New England. We have something called mud season. But Smugglers Notch has it in the bag. Meriden, the Luxe Recess ...

What do you do for the ultimate Red Sox fan in your family? Gather your 24 closest friends or family and book the Jim Beam Dugout Suite that just opened at Fenway Park and book the Fenway Suite at Hotel Commonwealth.  The intimate view from your own dugout at Fenway Park. The Jim Beam Dugout Suite: VIP Fenway Park How would ...

Thinking of the Newport mansions? Newport is, in fact, as fantastic for families as it is for singles, couples, and grandmothers if you know where to go. Are The Newport Rhode Island Mansions for Kids? Did you cry when Downtown Abbey concluded, too? One of my passions has always been Gilded Age architecture (hence my obsession with the Berkshires). These summer cottages ...

Families traveling to Florence have found Hotel Grand Minerva, a boutique 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool, outstanding restaurant, and comfortable rooms that sleep four or five. The Hotel Grand Minerva Location Hotel Grand Minerva is located steps from the train station, which is almost problematic in that it’s too close to take a taxi but can still be a ...

Performers dancing down lively city streets, Capuchin monkeys calling through dark, leafy canopy, rays of sun lighting up Machu Picchu: kids will never forget their first encounter with Peru. Peru travel is on the rise. Traditionally touted as a backpacker Mecca, Peru is one-of-a-kind blend of vibrant culture, tangible history, and ultra-diverse wildlife.Mery Calderon grew up in Cusco ...

Florence with kids is really all about gelato. A Room With A View came out when I was thirteen years old. My best friends and I watched it on VHS tape dozens of times, and we quoted the film’s brilliant wit doing our best impressions of Maggie Smith and Helena Bonham Carter. Most of all we each longed to ...

 The sleigh driver asked the words my son was longing to hear: “Who wants to do some DONUTS?”  And horses whipped the sleigh in figure eights as my little guy cheered “Now that’s what I’m talking about!” The Montage Deer Valley Located at the top of the mountain, The Montage Deer Valley Resort (check for rates) provides unrivaled ski in ski out ...

We stayed in a wide variety of accommodations over this five-week period: homes of friends, Airstreams, quirky inns and luxury hotels. Some experiences we’ll remember for a lifetime. A family meanders up the California Coast to Victoria, Canada This year was the year, our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a long drive with the kids and experience some of the most ...

This was our first vacation at an estate resort. We traded walks on the beach for strolls through wooded fairy villages, hunting crabs for holding falcons, and flip flops for wellies. We’re hooked.The K Club Have you ever had a happy owl shake her tail feathers back and forth perched on your wrist? Add it to your bucket list. The K ...