Latest news with #ForbesFiveStar
USA Today
5 days ago
- USA Today
These 10 dreamy Caribbean resorts make family travel feel effortless
As a mom who's traveled frequently since my now-teenage daughter was a baby, I know there are lots of extra touches to look for at resorts so that everyone in the family feels like they're truly on vacation. Sometimes, all you can afford for vacation is a quick getaway, but when you have the time and money for something truly special, nothing beats a luxury Caribbean resort for a never-fail family vacation everyone can enjoy. These resorts might offer generous rooms to spread out, pools that are fun for the kids, restaurants to please every palate, or kids' clubs where young travelers want to spend time. And at the best luxury resorts in the Caribbean, you don't have to pick one quality over any other. Combining their appealing amenities and luxe lodging with beautiful beaches and tropical settings is a recipe for a dream getaway. WATER WORLDS: Who doesn't love a lazy river? These 14 family resorts have the best ones in the US (Updated for 2025) 1. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman - George Town, Grand Cayman Best sure-thing luxury Caribbean resort Caribbean resorts don't come any more luxe than The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Start with its setting on the famous Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands. Then consider its elegant guest rooms and suites done up in coastal modern-meets-British Caribbean style. A long list of amenities and activities at the property includes basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts; kayaks, standup paddleboards, water hammocks, and other beach gear; a Greg Norman-designed nine-hole golf course; and a newly enhanced indoor-outdoor fitness center. AFFORDABLE LUXURY: Kids stay free at these 11 family-friendly all-inclusive resorts If you're vacationing with toddlers, the little ones might be most impressed by Starfish Cay, with its zero-entry pool and waterslides. Adults will appreciate the on-site spa and Blue by Eric Ripert, the Caribbean's only Forbes Five Star restaurant. And everyone in the family can learn about the natural beauty and cultural traditions of the Cayman Islands through the activities offered by Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program. 2. Fairmont Mayakoba - Playa del Carmen, Mexico Best Caribbean luxury resort in Mexico A recent top-to-bottom renovation has made Fairmont Mayakoba an even more appealing destination for a luxe family escape. This Riviera Maya resort takes cues from its tropical forest setting, with 401 rooms and suites done up in soothing nature-inspired hues and wood tones, some of which overlook the resort's canals or stretch of Caribbean beachfront. Complimentary bicycles, on-property transportation, a bird-watching boat tour, and various water sports and beach activities are included in the resort fee, and you can also opt for an all-inclusive dining package. The Maykana Beach Club offers a stunning setting for enjoying the resort's waterfront, with multiple food and beverage options and an infinity pool surrounded by lounge chairs and cabanas. There are additional pools set right on the sand, and a kids club by the beach gives grownups an opportunity to sneak off for a cocktail. A second kids club is located by the resort's sprawling pool area, where there's a waterslide for young guests and plenty of room for relaxation if that's more your speed. The restaurants throughout this luxury resort look ripped out of the pages of a design magazine, but the kids will still find plenty to munch on, especially at La Laguna's impressive breakfast buffet. 3. Zemi Beach House - Shoal Bay, Anguilla Best boutique luxury resort Get away from it all by booking a beachfront guest room or suite at this 77-room boutique hotel set on six acres on the island of Anguilla. Both the grownups and the kids will enjoy a stay at Zemi Beach House, where amenities include an infinity pool with an aquarium window, tennis courts, a spa, and a beach concierge who can help everyone explore the water with complimentary snorkeling gear or by paddling a kayak. SAIL IN STYLE: 7 best all-inclusive cruise lines in the world The hotel's island-inspired kids club is open daily and offers fun activities for kids ages four to 12, like cooking lessons, arts and crafts sessions, and "mermaid" and "merboy" swimming experiences. The kids club also hosts movie nights once or twice a week, which means the adults can enjoy a night out at the hotel's hip Bohio Bar and Sushi Lounge or a cocktail at the Rhum Room, which features a collection of 140 small-batch, single-estate rums. 4. Scrub Island Resort, Spa, and Marina - Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands An unforgettable private island escape If you're a fan of the outdoors but aren't a fan of roughing it, head to Scrub Island Resort, Spa, and Marina in the British Virgin Islands. Start by booking one of the resort's luxury villas, which offer full kitchens, private pools, and views that provide the perfect backdrop for morning coffee or an afternoon cocktail. TAKE YOUR PICK: 12 amazing all-inclusive family resorts for every age and interest At Donovan's Beach, the family can get out on the water for some kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and snorkeling. A short walk takes you to the quieter North Beach, a 1,000-foot stretch of sand ideal for relaxing with a good book or taking a dip in the Caribbean or beachside pool. The lagoon-style, multi-tiered Pavilion Pool offers fun for all ages with a waterslide, waterfalls, and swim-up bars, and you can also take the ferry over to Marina Cay for efoiling and other water sports or a fun waterfront meal. The resort can also help arrange tours and activities like sailing lessons, snorkeling tours, and day trips to nearby islands. 5. Atlantis - Paradise Island, The Bahamas Best resort for families who like nonstop action Atlantis has firmly established itself as one of the Caribbean's iconic resorts, drawing families, couples, and other travelers to its sprawling, jaw-dropping property on Paradise Island off the coast of Nassau. It's a luxury Caribbean resort where options abound, with more than 40 food and beverage spots (including the new Cocodrilo, the resort's first Mexican restaurant), 14 pools, five miles of beach, and five different lodging choices. The Coral was designed with families in mind, with beachy-chic guest rooms and suites and a location close to all the kid-friendly fun, while the villas at Harborside provide more space for larger families to spread out. CARIBBEAN DREAM: 10 great all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean Kids and teens will be huge fans of Aquaventure, a 141-acre playground of waterslides and a river ride, and Dolphin Cay, where guests can learn about and interact with dolphins and other marine life in a variety of ways. Atlantis keeps rolling out new and refreshed experiences, too, like the first resort location of Shake Shack, a scavenger hunt that takes players to 12 different spots around the resort, and a new mini-golf course and sports bar. 6. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort - Soufrière, St. Lucia A luxury Caribbean resort for families who just want to chill out Located on the southwestern part of St. Lucia, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort sits on more than 100 acres of tropical forest and boasts a white-sand beach leading into the Caribbean Sea. Book a villa, beachfront bungalow, or one of the residences on the property (like the new Spice of Life ultra-lavish nine-bedroom villa residence), and the whole family will enjoy butler and turndown service, plunge pools, and private patios. Embrace your athletic side on the tennis courts, beach volleyball court, or during scheduled fitness classes, or hit the beach for some windsurfing, kayaking, or snorkeling. Kids ages four to 12 can head to the V Team Kids Club for nature walks, arts and crafts projects, sandcastle building, and other fun (and supervised) activities, while the Spice Club Program for tweens and teens offers activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, table tennis, video games, and billiard tournaments. Babysitting services are also available (at an additional charge), so parents can make some time to try a cocktail at The Cane Bar or book a massage in one of the treehouse-style gazebos at The Rainforest Spa. 7. Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa - Gustavia, Saint-Barthélemy, French West Indies Best celebrity-style luxury resort in the Caribbean St. Barts isn't just for celebrities, models, and other movers and shakers. Families can enjoy a luxurious escape at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, a Parisian-chic boutique property set along the island's scenic Grand Cul de Sac. The kids can start the day at Le Barth's Amis St. Barth breakfast buffet, offering juice, cereals, and breakfast cookies. Once the family is sufficiently fueled, it's time for some kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, or sandcastle building at the hotel's gorgeous stretch of beach. An infinity pool overlooks the shore, providing another spot for cooling off or lounging with a great beach read. GO SOUTH: Tropical beaches? Good drinks? Kids clubs? These all-inclusive Mexican resorts have it all The whole family can indulge in some self-care, since children ages eight and up can enjoy age-appropriate treatments like gentle massages and facials at Le Spa at Le Barthélemy. Parents and kids can also book duo treatments for some memorable together time. The hotel's Haute Couture Concierge helps guests book activities and car rentals for exploring the island, and babysitting services can be arranged so the grownups can enjoy drinks at Seven Stars Bar. And when it's time to wind down, guest rooms and suites offer tranquil, tastefully decorated spaces for relaxing and taking in ocean or garden views. 8. Carlisle Bay - Saint Mary Parish, Antigua A top luxury resort for soaking in the Caribbean scenery The elegant yet still family-friendly Carlisle Bay on Antigua incorporates its bayfront-meets-rainforest setting into every element of its design and amenities. Think tennis courts surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, an open-air yoga pavilion, restaurants with views of the Caribbean Sea, and suites with balconies or covered terraces with day beds for lounging amid all that natural beauty. And a refurbishment underway will only make that all even better. NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 15 best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. for families Carlisle Bay's kids club offers age-appropriate organized activities throughout the day for two- and three-year-olds, four- to seven-year-olds, and eight- to 12-year-olds. The kiddos might embark on a nature or beach walk, craft with clay and beads, or mix up some mocktails. The whole family can take advantage of complimentary kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and other non-motorized water sports or head out to explore the island on a horseback riding or zip line tour (for an additional fee). You can opt for an all-inclusive or bed-and-breakfast package, and children up to 12 years old eat and stay free. 9. Rosewood Little Dix Bay - Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands Best luxury Caribbean resort for families traveling with babies Private sailing lessons. Instructor-guided snorkeling safaris. Island scavenger hunts. Private tennis lessons. Those are just a few of the ways your family can spend its vacation time at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, a refined but still relaxed luxury resort set on 500 acres of Caribbean beachfront property on Virgin Gorda. Guest rooms and suites blending Caribbean style with mid-century-modern design all overlook the ocean. CLOSE TO HOME: 25 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S. The resort provides a range of amenities for tiny travelers, including cribs, highchairs, baby bathtubs, and even diaper pails. Guests can enjoy butler service, complimentary bikes, and chauffeured golf cart transportation around the resort, which can bring you to the beach for some kayaking, the Pavilion Pool for some swimming, or the spa for an island-inspired treatment. A kids program called Rosewood Explorers is the place to be for school-aged kids; immersive activities include Caribbean folk arts and crafts, cooking classes incorporating ingredients grown at the resort's sustainable garden, and trips down to the water to learn about local marine life. 10. Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa - South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Best new luxury Caribbean resort Opened in March 2025, Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, sits in a prime spot on Turks and Caicos' less-trafficked South Caicos island. The resort's 100 guest rooms and suites take cues from the natural setting, incorporating regionally sourced materials like native wood and coral stone and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious balconies for taking in the views. And the resort's use of renewable energy sources, an industrial composting system, and other sustainability measures help protect its scenic location. TURQUOISE WATERS: The 10 most beautiful Caribbean beaches (and where to stay near each) Families can enjoy beach, pool, and spa time at the resort or get out on the water for some kayaking, snorkeling, and bone fishing. A complimentary kids club leads fun educational activities for young guests ages four to 12. The resort also offers a Salt Discovery Experience, where guests can learn about the island's salt trade heritage while also observing local wildlife, and coral reef restoration workshops in partnership with the South Caicos Coral Reef Consortium, where visitors can help leave the destination even better than they found it. New direct flights from American Airlines flying from Miami to South Caicos every Wednesday and Saturday make it easy to get to the property. For a family vacation splurge, these luxury Caribbean resorts have all the ingredients of a dream getaway originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
Forbes
18-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
A New Hampshire Lakefront Estate Hotel Aims For Five Stars
The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum New Hampshire is renowned for its majestic White Mountains, a sandy seacoast, and the Lakes Region, which gave birth to the beloved film On Golden Pond. While the northern New England state has plenty of resorts, inns, and hotels, it has always lacked a bona fide luxury accommodation befitting its natural splendor. That may be about to change with the August opening of The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, a brand new 114-room luxury resort & spa in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region. The resort is situated in Tilton, a classic New England town on Lake Winnisquam, the state's fourth-largest lake, which is located near its more famous brethren, Lake Winnipesaukee. While the Lakes Region, located south of the White Mountains and approximately 90 minutes north of Boston, has long been a popular summer vacation destination, prime real estate on the most desirable lakes has traditionally been the domain of wealthy summer residents. In this case, the owners have secured an ideal location on 36 acres with 3,400 linear feet of private shoreline along Lake Winnisquam. The Lobby Lounge at The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum. The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum. The resort has been modeled after a private estate and inspired by New Hampshire's 19th-century grand hotels. The stated aim is to become the state's first Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond property. When that happens remains to be seen, but it's safe to say that this is New England's most anticipated hotel opening of the season. There are 96 guestrooms and 18 suites, situated in a new 150,000-square-foot building of stone and cedar shingles, reminiscent of the grand lake estates of a century ago. More than 70 percent of the rooms, which are decorated in soothing blues and greens for their calming effect, will have a water view. Throughout the hotel, a private collection of 19th and 20th-century American paintings, objects, and crafts will be on display. Suite at The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum. The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum. The property will have two private beaches, an outdoor infinity pool, two hot tubs, a tennis court, and four pickleball courts. The Spa is a 5,000-square-foot full-service facility for both resort guests and day spa visitors, offering a comprehensive menu of massages, facials, body treatments, and wellness therapies featuring minerals and botanicals from the local landscape. The Spa will feature eight treatment rooms, dry saunas, two relaxation lounges with a double-sided fireplace overlooking the orchard, an additional 1,500 square-foot terrace with a year-round outdoor heated mineral spa, a meditation garden, and a dedicated spa fire pit. Chef Chris Viaud, Director of Culinary Lake Estate on Winnisquam ERIN MCGINN Two-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee and Bravo TV Top Chef alum Chef Chris Viaud has been picked as the Director of Culinary Arts, overseeing The Restaurant and the poolside Folly Bar. The property will feature amenities that have traditionally been hard to come by in New Hampshire hotels, such as a wine cellar, a beachside bourbon bar, and a library that houses a grand piano. Lakeside diversions will include a small fleet of kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards, on a body of water the owners refer to as 'Lake Winnipesaukee's calmer cousin.' The architects are Samyn-D'Elia Architects of Holderness, New Hampshire, with interior design by Manuel de Santaren, Inc. of Boston. What's unusual about this ambitious project is that it involves no hotel chains, management companies, or investment companies. The Lake Estate on Winnisquam is funded and will be managed by New Hampshire residents. Ed and Patti Rocco are the respective General Manager and Estate Manager, both long-time veterans of the hospitality industry. The primary investors are New Hampshire natives Dan and Elaine Dagesse. The Lake Estate on Winnisquam is aiming for the stars – and the diamonds –with graciousness, luxury, and high design. Only time will tell if they reach that lofty goal.
Hospitality Net
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Igor Morosowski has been appointed General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown announces the appointment of Igor Morosowski as the hotel's General Manager. With more than 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Igor brings an exceptional breadth of expertise to the role. In his new position, Igor will ensure the continued delivery of unparalleled service and hospitality for the 189-room property located in the heart of Downtown Manhattan. Igor's journey with Four Seasons began in 2007 at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, and since then, he has held various leadership roles at some of the world's most iconic Four Seasons properties, including Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, and Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. He most recently served as Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, where he helped lead the property to continue being the only Forbes Five Star hotel in the nation's capital. Igor's global perspective, paired with his in-depth understanding of the luxury lifestyle market, makes him a perfect fit to lead the Four Seasons New York Downtown team. Igor's multilingual talents are reflective of his international upbringing in Ukraine and Germany, and his career that has spanned across Europe, the United States, and the Pacific. With a degree in Hospitality Management from Les Roches Marbella, Igor has developed a deep understanding of global hospitality trends, which he applies to lead teams in creating memorable, world-class experiences for guests. In his personal life, Igor is deeply connected to the Four Seasons brand, with his wife Leigh and daughter Gigi also being a part of the Four Seasons family. His love for travel and hospitality, combined with his dedication to leadership and family, serves as a driving force in his career. Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown looks forward to an exciting new chapter under Igor's leadership, continuing to set the standard for luxury and service in one of New York's most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How This Famed San Francisco Chef Reinvented His Steakhouse For The Big Island
Tyler Florence Miller & Lux Hualālai opened its doors in December 2023 at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, the only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Resort on Hawaii's Big Island. Ushering in a new era for steakhouse dining in Hawaii, Chef Florence's Big Island interpretation of the classic steakhouse builds on the number of San Francisco-based restaurants he helms which include Chase Center's Miller & Lux, named San Francisco's 'Best Steakhouse' by San Francisco Magazine, and his original flagship Wayfare Tavern. This is his love letter to Hawaii, told through marbled cuts, fresh island produce, and a memorable setting thanks to the natural beauty of the area. Think: palm trees, golden sunsets, and the 18th hole of the Hualalai Golf Course. If the original Miller & Lux helped define Thrive City as a culinary destination, its Hawaiian sister-restaurant brings that same allure to this esteemed hotel property. At Chase Center in San Francisco, Miller & Lux gained traction by combining old-school steakhouse glamour with exclusive ranch partnerships, tableside service, and a menu built for special occasions. Now, those same standards arrive on the Big Island—infused with island flavors and backed by Florence's signature attention to detail and culinary flare. After a successful holiday pop-up in 2022, the decision to go permanent was easy. 'We saw an opportunity to fill a need on the Big Island for a true, quality steakhouse,' Chef Florence says, 'and it was exciting to bring some of our San Francisco spirit to Hawaii.' The menu offers both the classic San Francisco dishes that his steakhouse is known for, particularly Miller & Lux's famous 45 Dry-Aged steaks, the buttery Dover Sole deboned tableside, and the beloved Caesar for two, but also innovative dishes that can only be found at Miller & Lux Hualālai. Miller & Lux interiors on the Big Island 'The menu celebrates a lot of the classics found in San Francisco, but all of our ingredients are sourced locally on the island," he explains. "We pride ourselves on partnering with local farmers, ranchers, growers and fishermen to give a distinct Big Island profile to the dishes we bring to the table.' That said, it's the local additions that truly set this location apart. Oysters grown on-site at the resort, Kauai shrimp, Big Island beef tartare, and a Bananas Foster made with local apple bananas, rum, sugar, and vanilla show how island ingredients are woven into every course. 'There are classics like our Dover Sole which is deboned tableside and our tableside Caesar Salad that reflect our signature experience, as well as some that are unique the Big Island like the oysters – which are grown on-site at The Resort and served in the restaurant—and specialty fish and steaks that showcase the diverse flavors available just outside the door.' "The entire project is rooted in offering the best of the best," says Chef Florence, who visits the restaurant often and has even relocated several core team members to Hawaii full-time to carry the Miller & Lux ethos forward. Every detail, down to the steak knives hand-forged by local blacksmith Neil Kamimura using petrified wood and semi-precious stones, reinforces a sense of place. We chatted with Chef Florence on his San Francisco projects, Island culture and more. Here's what he had to say. Custom steak knives In San Francisco we have two exceptional experiences with Miller & Lux and Wayfare Tavern. Wayfare Tavern is really special to me. Growing up on the East Coast and splitting my time between New York and Charleston, I was surrounded by Old World America and these architectural buildings that held so much history, and had such a strong presence about them. When I moved to San Francisco in 2007, I began to search for that sense of home in the architecture. So much of that history was lost in the 1906 earthquake, and I wanted to create a nod to those architectural classics of decades past. When I built Wayfare Tavern, we looked at it like building a movie set. Something that resembled the late 1800's and the Gold Rush era. So I studied that time period and really sought out the features and experiences that could create this cozy, Ralph Lauren-esque American Tavern that feels welcoming and authentically American. Wayfare Tavern is now celebrating 15 years, and I love the impact it has had on the culinary community and how it's something the city can truly embrace. Thrive City is starting to become the new epicenter of San Francisco. It's this stunning, $1.6B megaplex, and home to the nicest arena in all of the NBA. We've been partners with the Warriors since they were still in Oakland, and after thinking through that experience we knew we had to create something better than anyone had seen before which led us to Miller & Lux. I can recall the moment I fell in love with steak. I was at one of my favorite restaurants growing up, The Pebbler in Greenville, SC, and I had my first bacon-wrapped filet mignon. I knew then that I would find a way to recreate that experience somewhere in my future. There are those moments that make an imprint on your life, and when the opportunity came to partner with Thrive City and the Chase Center, I knew that was the time to bring that dream to reality. Tyler Florence The entire project is rooted in offering the best of the best. At Miller & Lux, we have an exclusive partnership with a rancher in South Dakota for our own Black Angus Prime Plus Cattle, who are grassfed on the ancient grasslands that the American Buffalos dined on for years. It's a true signature experience that can only be found two places in the world—San Francisco and Hawaii. The community endorsement has just been the most rewarding – as we've been recognized as the Best Steakhouse in San Francisco by San Francisco Magazine the past two years, and I was also recognized as the Best Chef in the City which is truly an honor. We were invited! I've had a long-standing and great relationship with Four Seasons, and we were invited to do a pop-up during the 22'-23' holiday season—and it stuck. There was amazing customer feedback over the 32 dinner services we executed, in just over a month. Through the partnership, we saw an opportunity to fill a need on the Big Island for a true, quality steakhouse on the Big Island and it was exciting for us to be able to bring some of our San Francisco swagger to Hawaii. It also posed a creative interest to meld together our philosophy—great wine, great steaks, great celebrations—with the robust and amazing ingredients of the island. We made plans to move forward with a permanent space, which opened at the start of last year. Since then, we've had five members move out there full-time with their families and they've really brought the experience to life. The ethos of Miller & Lux is embedded into the restaurant wherever it goes, but this location was something really joyous to create—and so many of us now have a special place in our hearts for Hawaii. I try to get out there at least six weeks out of the year. Miller & Lux Hualalai I would go back to our prioritization of local ingredients. In the menu development process, I was looking at these beautiful apple bananas which are notably smaller and sweeter than its more common counterpart. I saw it and said – this is Bananas Foster. While not a Hawaiian dish, I saw the opportunity to showcase the island ingredients—local sugar, local rum, local vanilla—to bring guests something familiar, with a Hawaiian twist. It was an instant hit and now has actually become a signature dish at all of our locations. Diners can expect the impeccable level of service, quality of cuisine and signature flair that we have in San Francisco, and this location in particular has one of the most beautiful sunsets anyone can ever experience, every night, right on cue. We've nicknamed the restaurant the treehouse, as it's perched up above everything between the trees, and offers an unbeatable view of the 18th hole of the Hualalai Golf Course and Pacific Ocean. It's paradise.
