standard | location | city or region | accommodation category | CB! age rating

BALLYVOLANE HOUSE city/region: Cork   accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Run by a young family in southern Ireland, the 6-room Ballyvolane House offers the comforts of home (plus a good bit of grandeur), live-in playmates, and a chance to experience a culture from the inside out. With a tree house to play in, woods to explore, animals to feed and fishing on premise, you can truly relax here and forget about the winding Irish roads for a few days. The hosts are very accommodating to families and go out of their way to make stays enjoyable. Since they have 3 kids, they have almost anything you forget to bring from toys to raincoats. You also have full run of the grounds, from the gardens (basically unchanged since the 18th century) to the lakes, where fly-fishing lessons are offered for grown-ups and kids. If you are looking for a true Irish country house experience that embraces your children too, this is it.

BAVARIAN FOREST HOLIDAYS city/region: Bayerisch Eisenstein   accommodation category: apartment location: mountains   standard: simple   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Beautifully maintained self-catering apartments with plenty of extras thrown in. Gorgeous views, fantastic local food and drink, wonderful hosts and lots of interesting activities in close proximity. The owner provides toys, games, DVDs, and a fabulous activity folder for kids.

BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL city/region: Boston   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens As the grand dame of Boston’s waterfront, this hotel combines elegance, service, and location to deliver an unforgettable Boston experience. From the moment you are greeted by the bellmen in long coats and top hats, you know that you are in for a luxurious stay. The lobby sits right on Boston Harbor and takes advantage of the location with waterfront dining, music outside in the summer, and water taxi service to Logan and various other destinations. The Rose Kennedy walkway provides guests with easy access to The North End, The Financial District, and Fanueil Hall. It’s also within walking distance to the Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, the Fleet Center and the ICA. The rooms are spacious and the service is outstanding. My kids are fans of the saltwater pool—it doesn’t sting your eyes or dry your skin. Meanwhile, I love the pilates and yoga classes, as well as the nice gym. Kids are greeted with a welcome gift and games, and other amenities like strollers and bed rails are available on request.

BOWOOD RESORT & SPA city/region: Wiltshire   accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Situated in a 2,000-acre stretch of historic parkland, the Bowood Resort & Spa is a luxurious getaway for every age. The stunning interior design is a highlight, as is the world-class golf course and thrilling Adventure Playground for school-age kids. In other words, everyone has the opportunity to have fun at Bowood. Guest rooms are spacious with exceptional bathrooms. A fine dining restaurant is available, as is a more casual bistro that is perfect for families. The state-of-the-art spa features a wonderful lap pool with daily swimming hours for children. When not relaxing onsite, area activities are plentiful and include must-see attractions like Avebury and Bath.

CARMEL VALLEY RANCH city/region: Monterey Peninsula   accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Carmel Valley Ranch is a wonderful destination with kids. The one-bedroom suite accommodations are perfect for families as there is a back bedroom plus a sofa bed in the living room so parents get a bit of privacy. Onsite amenities are numerous including the River Ranch area that is perfect for children and includes a swimming pool, hot tub, a toddler pool with a water spray play area, tree swings, bocce ball, basketball courts and lots of grass. There is also a beautiful infinity hot tub and more adult-oriented pool adjacent to the lobby of the hotel. Golf facilities are first rate and feature a natural grass driving range. The primary onsite restaurant is delicious, resort casual, and has an amazing glass wall wine cellar with an extensive selection. After dinner, families can gather around the fire pits for s’mores. Located just 20 or so minutes from many of the Monterey Peninsula's main attractions, Carmel Valley Ranch is resort that is relaxing for all ages and interests — we'll be back with our kids!

CAVALLO POINT LODGE city/region: San Francisco Bay Area   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, cool for teens Set near the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, Cavallo Point Lodge is a historic retreat with easy access to phenomenal Bay Area activities. Guests are treated to a unique Bay Area experience – most of the lodge is comprised of turn-of-the-century buildings that were part of the original Fort Baker army post. Meticulous renovation work preserved original features and recycled materials whenever possible - the result is an eco-friendly yet luxurious atmosphere. The décor is modern and cozy with a stunning art collection. There are many room types to choose from - suites in the Bayside buildings feel like apartments - a spacious option for families. Adjacent to an enormous grassy area and a fabulous hands-on kids museum, the location is ideal for families with toddlers; meanwhile, immediate access to some of the best biking and hiking in the Bay Area make the lodge perfect for families with older kids as well.

CHEWTON GLEN HOTEL & SPA city/region: Hampshire   accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Chewton Glen is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in the UK and is slowly inching further into the family holiday space. Situated on the edge of The New Forest and just minutes walk from the sandy beach, it is the ideal place from which to experience rural and coastal England at its very finest. If you're looking for a hotel which allows you to deposit your kids in the kids' club whilst you spend the day doing your own thing, this is not for you. But, if you want a hotel that allows you to spend quality family time together, be it in the beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites, the spacious public rooms, the stunning indoor and outdoor pools or the pretty gardens then this ticks all the boxes and more. Perhaps you fancy a round of croquet on the lawn, a family cycle around the grounds or an introduction to falconry, it can all be arranged. Or you can chill out in the spa and even treat your kids to a junior manicure. It's a place to spoil and be spoilt.

CLAY BROOK AT SUGARBUSH city/region: Vermont   accommodation category: hotel location: mountains   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The Clay Brook is brand new, so everything is very clean and well done. Hands-down the best feature is the location for skiing—you can literally walk off the slopes and drop your skis with the valet and that's it! They even have boot warmers available—talk about luxury! Our kids loved the outdoor heated pool and got a kick out of swimming and jumping in snow at the same time. The decor is traditional and comfortable; rooms are spacious with full kitchens. If you call ahead, they will even stock the fridge for you. Fabulous!

CLUB MED CANCUN YUCATAN city/region: Yucatan Peninsula   accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens This property offers extensive baby equipment including strollers, high chairs, cribs and baby baths. The Mini Club is for children 4+ - kids can play all day and the parents get to explore. Right on the ocean, beautiful bathtub water surrounds the facility. There is a large white sand beach the all inclusive buffet makes it easy to feed kids and adults with many choices. Families with 4 or more people can easily fit into connecting rooms.

DOLPHIN BAY RESORT AND SPA city/region: California Central Coast   accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: luxurious   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action Located in the heart of California’s Central Coast, Dolphin Bay is an exceptional oceanfront getaway. Comprised entirely of 1 and 2 bedroom suites, guest units feel like luxurious apartments with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and spacious living areas. The suites are so well-designed and decorated that it would be easy to settle in comfortably for a week or more. The bluff-side setting is our favorite feature—many of the suites have phenomenal views of the ocean and rugged coastline. The physical footprint of the hotel is small, with just enough hotel-type amenities to make relaxing a breeze, including a year-round heated pool, excellent restaurant, and spa offering an array of treatments. Shell Beach is a short walk away, and there are a variety of beach communities to explore in the area, as well as access to top notch wine tasting.

DREAM INN city/region: Santa Cruz   accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: trendy cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The Dream Inn’s beachfront location is ideal for families. Kids are just steps from the sand and the landmark Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with numerous games and rides. The casual and funky décor is fun yet comfortable, and definitely kid-friendly. A favorite amenity is the pool and lounge area hanging over the beach. We love that all rooms feature ocean views and pricing is value-oriented. It’s also noteworthy that the property, part of the progressive Joie de Vivre brand, supports the community with consistent donations to local organizations in need.

ESENCIA city/region: Yucatan Peninsula   accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: luxurious   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun The hotel is a small luxury hotel with just 29 rooms on a beautiful beach. We loved the intimate and luxurious atmosphere, and the food was fantastic! The staff made our trip great and relaxing - they knew our names and always greeted our son. We were actually able to relax on the beach while our son played in the sand - much easier at an intimate resort like this! Cottages are well-appointed for families.

FAIRMONT KEA LANI city/region: Maui   accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens We really enjoyed the Fairmont Kea Lani as a family. We stayed in one of the condo units which comfortably fit our extended family of nine. Our condo had direct access to the big lagoon pool, was a short walk to beach and had a plunge pool on the patio. My kids thought that the plunge pool was the highlight of the entire trip! The resort has great pools for a variety of ages including one for babies and a kid’s pool with slides. There are daily onsite children's activities; some are complimentary and some have a small fee. Besides the beach, the resort has good open space for toddlers to run around and explore. This resort is a great option for a family reunion.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI city/region: Hawaii   accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: luxurious   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Our girls are still asking when they can go back to Hualalai and tell us that this trip to Hawaii was the best vacation they've every had. The highlight for them was the extensive and creative activities for kids of all ages including unique and cultural programs like hula dancing and mask making. Every detail for kids has been thought of here - from swim diapers at the pool to customized special treats in the room; the result is parents are able to relax too and everyone enjoys the gorgeous grounds and amenities. There is a saltwater protected lagoon with over 4,000 tropical fish which was great for snorkeling without surf. The food is excellent with a fresh breakfast buffet we all loved. The hotel is luxurious but not pretentious, key for a family-friendly atmosphere.

GRACE BAY CLUB city/region: Turks and Caicos   accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: luxurious   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Situated on a gorgeous white-sand beach, this property includes 38 spacious, all ocean-view family suites, a new spa and fitness center, an on-the-beach pool, a poolside Grill and Bar, and children's program. The Grace Bay Club is a great option for families wanting to be truly pampered while enjoying quiet time and easy-to-access island activities. The service here is exceptional; the manager of the pool and beach personally made sure that every person, adult and child alike, had a wonderful experience.

HALF MOON, A ROCK RESORT city/region: Jamaica   accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Half Moon is a large 400 acre plantation style property that surprisingly feels intimate. There are many beach and pool areas to enjoy. The Caribbean beaches with warm blue waters are calm enough to be able to lie on a float and relax. The resort has many onsite activities including horseback riding (even in the water), water sports, tennis, exercise room, golf and a fabulous new spa. Accommodation options include 4-7 bedroom villas that come fully staffed with a housekeeper, cook and butler and hotel rooms in apartment-style buildings, many with oceanfront terraces. There are several restaurant choices for family dining.

HOTEL BODMI city/region: Grindelwald   accommodation category: hotel location: mountains   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Hotel Bodmi is an excellent example of a Swiss 3-star hotel that would be classified as a 4-star property in any other part of the world. Located on a grassy/snowy knoll above the town of Grindelwald, the views of the Eiger and surrounding peaks are magnificent. The hotel’s position is ideal as it allows guests to escape the bustle of town, but still has easy access to restaurants, shops, and the incredible activities of this area. Guest accommodations include family rooms and 1-3 bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens. Family-owned and operated, the atmosphere is inviting and friendly. A kids’ club is offered over the winter months. Onsite dining is excellent.

HOTEL DEL SOL city/region: San Francisco Bay Area   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: simple   style: trendy cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Hotel del Sol is conveniently located, kid-durable yet hip, filled with great SF to-do ideas and affordable. Small things like video rentals, the weekend BBQs and daily pool breakfast/afternoon cookies make the place seem fun - for all kinds of kids. Since it's part of the Joie de Vivre hotels, you can build frequency points as well.

HYATT REGENCY HUNTINGTON BEACH RESORT & SPA city/region: Los Angeles Area   accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa couldn’t be in a better location. Directly across from the expansive, beautiful beach - you simply walk across the hotel's pedestrian bridge to cross the Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re not in the mood to get sandy, take the kids to the Resort’s private water playground Slyders. Complete with three slides, a kids’ pool, wading pool and oversized hot tub, they’ll never want to leave. Reasonable priced resort dining, complete with kids’ menus. There’s also a small grocery store where you can buy snacks and supplies for nightly "s’mores" that you roast over a poolside fire pit. There’s an arcade, on-site surfing lessons and bike rentals, large workout facility and spa for adult relaxation. It’s just a 5-minute drive from the Huntington Beach Pier, but you can make it even easier by taking the resort shuttle.

IDAHO ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANCH city/region: Sawtooth Mountains   accommodation category: ranch location: mountains   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens There are few views more spectacular than the one from the porch of the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch - the dramatic peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains dominate the setting. The 80-year old ranch is authentic on the outside but modern and comfortable inside. Cozy cabins with connecting doors are optimal for families. There are endless outdoor activities to choose from in this area including world-class hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. Kids love the hot springs mineral pool and there is an evening kids program with games and activities that my 5-year-old still raves about. The bottom line is everyone has an opportunity to unwind here and take advantage of the incredible setting.

L'ALBERETA city/region: Lakes Region   accommodation category: hotel location: lake   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action L’Albereta is an idyllic 2-3 night getaway for families traveling in Northern Italy who want a unique and very Italian luxury hotel experience. Located in the picturesque Frangiacorta wine region, the Moretti family transformed a historic country into a boutique hotel with an award-winning restaurant and state-of-the-art spa featuring health counseling, analysis, and every treatment imaginable. Although the hotel is not kid-centric, it is genuinely kid-friendly. Parents seeking an extraordinary food, wine, and spa experience can do so here as there is a kids’ club available for young children including babies. Local excursion opportunities are plentiful; highlights are Lake Iseo and Lake Garda. Milan and Venice are both within easy reach via car or train for itinerary stops before or after a visit.

LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA city/region: San Diego   accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: old world cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens There are a number of family-oriented activities for all ages at La Costa including a beach pool with a waterpark and slides, as well as Kidtopia and TeenZone facilities with daycare for young kids and teens alike. The property is Mommy and Daddy friendly too with a full spa and golf course. Guest rooms have kitchenette facilities and the location is central for regional exploration.

LES FERMES DES MARIE city/region: Megève   accommodation category: hotel location: mountains   standard: luxurious   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens If you're looking for the ultimate chalet-style luxury experience, this is it. Les Fermes des Marie is a spectacular boutique hotel that manages to successfully merge adult-focused relaxation with a kid-friendly vibe in an intimate setting. A lovely spa featuring their exclusive mountain plant-derived product line is paired with a kid-friendly indoor pool. The delicious, upscale restaurant works for all with a children's early seating during peak family periods. Every guest room is uniquely decorated, decadent, and cozy; several different configurations work for families. A well-appointed kids' activities room has something for all ages to play with and is paired with a seasonal activity program. Megève is filled with appealing restaurants and shops; it's a 5-minute walk from the hotel or you can opt for the hotel's free shuttle. The location is ideal for a weekend getaways as it is just over an hour from the Geneva airport and 30 minutes from Chamonix.

LES JARDINS DU MARAIS city/region: Paris   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The off-the-beaten-path location of Les Jardins due Marais on the border of the 11th and 3rd districts offers families an opportunity to experience life in an authentic and historic Parisian neighborhood. The big tourist attractions of Paris are an easy Metro ride away as the station is just a few-minute walk from the hotel. Meanwhile, unique shops and kid-friendly restaurants are plentiful in the immediate area. The 263-room hotel is comprised of several connected modern buildings that have been renovated and feature contemporary interior design. The hotel caters to a variety of travelers; for families, the big benefit is the array of room categories that accommodate 4-5 people. Some rooms offer kitchenette facilities too. The staff is friendly the pricing is value-oriented for the quality level.

LI ZUTI COUNTRY RESORT city/region: Tuscany   accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action Li Zuti is comprised of 7 wonderfully designed apartments in a meticulously renovated 13th century manor house. The high quality of this new resort stands out as exceptional in this self-catering accommodation category. Guest apartments are spacious, immaculate, and feature just enough modern elements to make them feel fresh without disrupting the authenticity of the experience. Kitchens are small and simple, but include all you need to cook meals at home. For those that don’t want to cook, the resort will book a personal chef for you; the one we experienced at Li Zuti was unbelievably good. Breakfast is included, but there is no restaurant. There are no amenities other than a gorgeous pool and hot tub (a spa is being developed now). The setting is stunning and located just 20-30 minutes from central Florence and the A1 highway, making this an excellent home-base for exploring Northern Tuscany.

LOS SUENOS MARINA AND RESORT city/region: Herradura   accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Los Suenos is situated in a gorgeous area where everything is at your fingertips. It is comprised of multiple condominium communities with many amenities. The concierge team was excellent and made us feel right at home—they were very accommodating. Two thumbs up for the kids club! This is a wonderful resort option for an active family.

POGGIO ETRUSCO city/region: Tuscany   accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action Poggio Etrusco was the highlight on our family's Tuscany vacation. The spot is beautiful, and the cottage is comfortable with great views. Johnny and Pamela our hosts clearly love children. Pamela and our son had fun exploring bugs together while my husband and I got some time on our own, a welcome rarity on a family vacation. Johnny and Pamela are great local guides for sites and great food. The best part for the kids was that their daughter, Alaia, who welcomed them into her play, and shared great Italian snacks with them. Our time with them couldn't have been better. They are interesting, knowledgeable, warm, and generous hosts.

RAPHAEL HOTEL city/region: Rome   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The unbeatable location on a quiet street adjacent to Piazza Navona is the reason we love Hotel Raphael for families. Many of Rome’s major tourist attractions are within walking distance. Rich with local color, the historic streets in this part of the city are fun to explore. The ivy-covered hotel has a boutique feel with appealing public areas and modern rooms. Families need to know that some room categories are small and the hotel offers only a handful of suites that can accommodate 4 people. That said, if a suite is available and you have a flexible budget, the property makes a wonderful home-base and is a favorite for many Ciao Bambino clients. The rooftop terrace is a special feature with lovely views of Rome’s landmarks.

RESORT AT SQUAW CREEK city/region: Lake Tahoe   accommodation category: hotel location: mountains   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The Resort at Squaw Creek is one of the few full service resort properties in the North Lake Tahoe area. Set at the Eastern end of Squaw Valley, the setting and mountain views from this vantage point are spectacular. Although the hotel is very modern on the outside, rooms and public areas are traditional and comfortable. Some recently renovated guest rooms feature kitchenette facilities and fireplaces; there are a wide variety of room options that support families. What makes this property special is the long list of fantastic onsite amenities including a pool complete with a water slide for summer fun, an ice skating rink for winter fun, a kids club (ages 4-12), a spa, an 18-hole golf course, and an array of restaurants. Ski enthusiasts will appreciate the convenient location just steps from the Squaw Creek lift.

SMUGGLERS' NOTCH city/region: Vermont   accommodation category: resort location: mountains   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: toddler fun, school age action, baby ready, cool for teens Smuggs is a place for families who really enjoy doing things together. They didn’t earn the #1 spot for Family Programs (for 12th year!) in the 2010 SKI Magazine Reader Survey for nothing. In addition to top notch skiing, Smuggs offers a huge list of activities including a waterpark, zip line canopy tour, mini golf, fishing, biking ... the list goes on and on. As you plan your stay, with a quick call, a Smuggs vacation specialist will guide you through the myriad of activities so you don’t miss anything during your stay. Extensive supervised children's programs are available from 6 weeks and up. Great care has been taken to make sure guests are not inconvenienced while at the resort. There is a well-stocked Country Store, several restaurants, an on-site shuttle service, and everything is self-contained at Smuggs so you never have to go off property.

SOLAGE CALISTOGA city/region: Napa Valley   accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Wonderful setting with mountain views from every direction. Hip, modern, and fun atmosphere and attitude. Kids, couples, dogs - the social environment at Solage makes it fun for a variety of age groups and interests. Separation when necessary makes it all work - there are family and adult pools, kids activities and an extensive spa and bathhouse. Everyone comes together for meals at the onsite restaurant where the food is phenomenal.

STOWE MOUNTAIN LODGE city/region: Vermont   accommodation category: hotel location: mountains   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Stowe Mountain Lodge is located within Stowe Mountain resort at the base of Mount Mansfield. The hotel has a beautiful, big lobby with fireplaces where you can sit and have a drink, read a book, or play a game. Guest rooms are spacious and wonderfully appointed. The outdoor swimming pool is heated year-round and perfect for families. The proximity to the mountain is second to none: you walk out the door of the hotel and you are steps from the gondola and lifts. They also offer valet ski service which makes all-family skiing easy and efficient. Kid-focused activities here are great and include a game room and extensive kids' night out program. The service is fabulous.

SUN VALLEY LODGE city/region: Sun Valley   accommodation category: hotel location: mountains   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Sun Valley is known for phenomenal skiing, but it is an amazing destination for year-round outdoors-oriented activities. The historic Sun Valley Lodge is an iconic resort property with a long list of onsite activities including an ice skating rink, bowling alley, game room, and year-round heated swimming pool. The hotel is located in an intimate village setting with shops and restaurants. There are always world-class events in progress in and around Sun Valley from music festivals to sporting events. Families have a variety of rooms to choose from including condos with kitchens and living areas.

THE CARNEROS INN city/region: Napa Valley   accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun Stylish and comfortable cottages and villas with plenty of space inside and out for stays with kids. The unique atmosphere integrates well with the surrounding landscape and is great for couples as well as families. The hilltop pool and restaurant have fantastic views. There is a new family pool area with seasonal toys and snacks. There are a few meal options on the property including a specialty market; the hamburger's at the Boon Fly Cafe are amazing and the restaurant Farm has a perfect grassy areas outside for kids to run around while parents relax with a glass of wine.

THE ELMS HOTEL & SPA city/region: Worcestershire   accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Families immediately feel welcome when they arrive at The Elms. Part of the Luxury Family Hotels group, the property fully embraces children of all ages. Amenities and services are top notch in every way. Onsite dining is fresh with plenty of food choices for everyone. Rooms are well-appointed, comfortable, and ideally configured with connecting options for families. There is a supervised children's program that will care for infants as well as toddlers, and many kids activities including table tennis, a trampoline, playground, and a fantastic indoor swimming pool. Children's High Tea is served every day and is quite popular. The countryside setting is spectacular and full of interesting excursions.

THE RESORT AT PAWS UP city/region: Montana   accommodation category: ranch location: mountains   standard: luxurious   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens Every element of our experience at Paws Up was phenomenal. The sheer beauty of the resort, mountains, and rivers is beyond compare. Our extended family took over Tent City. They call it “glamping”—the best of camping and a luxury hotel. Each and every need and desire was handled immediately with a smile and attention to detail. We had our own “butler” for the tent—by the end of the week he was part of the family. As far as activities go, there was never a dull moment from horseback riding, ATV drives, fishing, and skeet shooting to name a few. I’ve traveled all around the world and our week at Paws Up will remain one of my most treasured memories!

TURTLE BAY RESORT city/region: Oahu   accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens This classic hotel on Oahu's North Shore has something for everyone in the family (especially for those who golf or surf). A kid-friendly swimming beach with restaurant, showers, volleyball, and other luxuries, large central pool, children's pool with water slide and adjacent family jacuzzi, a separate more grown-up jacuzzi with views of the bay, poolside bar, tennis, horseback riding, two golf courses, kid-friendly dining, and recently refurbished rooms in the main hotel large enough to accommodate a family of four in a double room. If you would like more room, beachfront cottages and nicely-appointed villas are also available. Given the choice, I would choose the cottages over the villas they are closer to the main hotel, pool, and tennis and have a nicer view.

VAIL MOUNTAIN LODGE city/region: Rocky Mountains   accommodation category: hotel location: mountains   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Vail Mountain Lodge is comprised of luxury rooms, suites, and 2-3 bedroom condo units. Guest units are well-furnished, comfortable, and enormous with loads of room for one or more families to spread out. The unbeatable location is just steps from the shops and restaurants in Vail Village, and there’s a complimentary shuttle available for anything in town not within walking distance. Guests have access to the top notch Vail Athletic Club and the hotel spa—both are located in the lower level of the property. The in-house restaurant, Terra Bistro, is excellent for breakfast and gourmet meals.

VICTORIA PALACE HOTEL city/region: Paris   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, cool for teens Guests that stay at this 62-room property off the Rue de Rennes are treated to a quintessentially French experience in the heart of the Left Bank. The Victoria Palace Hotel is located in a fashionable, high-end residential neighborhood and guests have a true opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind restaurants, markets and boutiques. This property has been owned by the same family since 1936 and the warm atmosphere and service reflects their commitment to ensuring every guest is comfortable. The location, traditional French decor, spacious rooms and connecting configuration options makes this property an ideal choice for families that want to be immersed in local color and culture.

VILLA SAN MICHELE city/region: Florence   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: luxurious   style: old world cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens Although this is a luxury, old-world property, there are many fantastic onsite amenities for children including a cooking school (8-12 years old), painting lessons, football/soccer lessons with private coach, heated open-air swimming pool, huge gardens, and children's menu. The staff is extremely attentive and willing to assist with every need!