Top 10 Long Haul Destinations for Families

All three of our destinations in Arabia feature in this top ten list. Abu Dhabi is the second largest area after Dubai in the region, and its rich history in pearls and oil have made it a fast growing destination for those seeking luxury. With an abundance of beaches, parks and gardens to explore, there is plenty to do for the whole family. It is even possible to go ice skating in the desert and visit the equestrian club for some horseriding.

Barbados is the Caribbean’s most populated island. Our exclusive luxury resorts are perfect for the discerning family, and you can still enjoy beaches in almost complete solitude. All of our resorts cater for children with child appropriate meals available and excellent facilities at the kids' clubs. Parents are equally well catered for with relaxing spa treatments, golf courses, daily activities and hours of relaxation while the little ones are being entertained. 

It is not difficult to understand why families flock to Dubai for a family holiday. From Aquaventure, the amazing water park that allows you to take water slides through 'shark infested' waters, to world-class shopping and malls that spread out for miles, Dubai can create a lifetime of memories. We recommend Dubai for some sizzling winter sun, as during the summer, temperatures reach well over 40 degrees.

An India holiday is an experience for the senses. Bustling cities, historical architecture, stunning beaches and wonderful wildlife, this vibrant and diverse country offers families a once and a lifetime cultural journey. Take your children on an inspirational family holiday where they can absorb the sights, sounds and smells of this amazing country and learn about a different way of life. We have a great selection of family holidays available including our Light by Western & Oriental range, offering you a more affordable  accommodation options. 

Mauritius’ many untouched beaches and exotic surroundings make it a perfect destination for a family holiday. Palm trees heaving with coconuts are scattered along the beaches, and the crystal blue sea gently laps the beach, allowing children to paddle safely. Many of our world-class resorts have excellent kids facilities along with plenty for adults too. With plenty of nature reserves nearby, walking and hiking to waterfalls is a must-do, the island's Natural History Museum holds plenty of information on stories of the dodo and other tales that make the island so great for families. 

For a diverse desert holiday, visit Oman with its cultural sights and long stretches of sandy beach. A great winter sun destination and increasingly popular with families looking for adventure. At Western & Oriental, we recommend you combine your family holiday to one of Oman’s luxury resorts in Muscat with a desert experience where you sleep out under the desert stars. With no pollution, noise or clouds, it is among one of the best places in the world for you to see the night sky at its clearest and will provide some magical nights for you and your family.

The unspoiled Caribbean coast of Mexico's Riviera Maya is located on the Yucatan Peninsula and stretches south of Cancun for 75 miles, fronted by the second-largest coral reef in the world. This upmarket region offers a tropical paradise of white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and lush tropical jungles with a vibrant nightlife and fabulous culinary delights. Rich in Mayan Heritage, there are plenty of activities for the whole family from a range of water sports, to snorkelling with sea turtles and exploring the Mayan ruins. 

St Lucia is growing in popularity as a great family holiday destination in the Caribbean. With sandy white beaches, tropical rainforest, mountains and reefs it has something for everyone. There is plenty to see and do on the island, take a whale-watching safari, drive into a volcano or just relax on the beach for some family bonding time. Our resorts are also packed with activities for children to enjoy while you relax by the pool or enjoy some of the exclusive rejuvenating treatments at the spa.

Always a popular family holiday destination, Thailand combines adventure with luxury perfectly, and we have a range of exotic holidays and exclusive resorts that the whole family will love. For a fun filled family holiday, spend a few days in the north of the country enjoying the active lifestyle of rainforests and jungles, before ending on one of Thailand’s famous beaches in the southern region of Phuket.

Vietnam is the perfect destination for some adventure, culture and sightseeing. Relatively undeveloped compared to Thailand, Vietnam is the quieter alternative and has been, until recently, relatively untouched by mass tourism. This is why we recommend a visit as soon as possible. We have several private tours to choose from which would be perfect for a family, all of which can be adapted to suit your needs. Alternatively, have a look at some of our hotels perfect for beach holidays.