5 Best Hidden Islands for Luxury Family Holidays

There’s something about islands for luxury family holidays. Maybe it’s the sense of escape, the slow rhythms, or the way time seems to loosen its grip. But not all islands are created equal — and we’re turning our compass toward the lesser-known. Because while the world’s best-known islands are beautiful for good reason, their size can work against them — too many people and not enough space to go around. Beaches where there’s nowhere to lay your towel, cruise ships emptying out for the day, and a pace that feels anything but peaceful.

We’re after something else: islands where nature still leads the way, where there’s room to explore, and where the experience feels personal. From castaway corners of the Indian Ocean to European outposts that feel worlds away, these are the five islands we love right now — each one chosen with a different kind of family escape in mind.

1. Meganisi, Greece – Best for Under 5s

A peaceful Ionian hideaway perfect for tiny travellers and their tired parents.

Just a stone’s throw from Lefkada, Meganisi is one of those rare Greek islands that has somehow stayed under the radar. No airport, no cruise port, no mega-resorts — just gentle hills, tiny harbours, and shallow, pebbly coves that feel like they were made for paddling. For families travelling with babies, toddlers, or under-fives, it’s the kind of place that makes life easy without compromising on beauty.

Everything here is compact: car journeys are short (the island is just 20 square kilometres), the water is calm, and the pace is blissfully slow. You can stroll to a sleepy taverna, hop aboard a little boat for a day trip, or simply dip in and out of the shallows with a shaded spot always nearby. And because it’s not overdeveloped, Meganisi still feels real — think olive groves, old stone houses, and locals who know everyone by name.

Accommodation leans towards private villas and low-key boutique hotels, ideal for families who want a bit of space, a kitchen for early dinners, and a pool for post-nap splashes. The fact that you arrive by boat (just 25 minutes from Nidri on Lefkada) adds a little sparkle to the start of the adventure — especially for little ones fascinated by ferries.

Our Tip

Consider combining Meganisi with a short stay on Lefkada or the mainland to ease into the journey. We can arrange private transfers, child-friendly villas with gated pools, and even boat hire with a skipper who knows the best swim spots — no sea legs required.

2. São Miguel, Azores – Best for Adventurous Tweens & Teens

Think Jurassic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and the kind of nature that feels like one giant playground.

If your crew is the kind that wants to hike a volcano in the morning and kayak a crater lake by afternoon, São Miguel hits the sweet spot. The largest of the Azores — Portugal’s wild, volcanic archipelago adrift in the North Atlantic — it’s a dream for families with curious tweens and teens who thrive on active days and unusual landscapes.

Here, nature takes centre stage. Explore Sete Cidades with its twin lakes tucked inside a vast volcanic caldera. Go canyoning down forest waterfalls, soak in hot springs surrounded by ferns, or set off on a whale-watching expedition (the Azores are one of the best places in Europe to spot sperm whales and dolphins, particularly from April to October). The roads are smooth, the distances manageable, and the climate mild year-round — perfect for families who want a sense of adventure without long travel days or extreme temperatures.

What makes São Miguel especially appealing for older kids is the sheer variety. One day, it’s paddleboarding in a crater; the next, it’s swimming in thermal pools, eating cozido (a traditional stew slow-cooked underground using geothermal heat), or tackling a forest zipline course. There’s just enough edge to keep them engaged without tipping into full-on wilderness.

Our Tip

Stay in or near Furnas, a lush valley town where bubbling hot springs and volcanic gardens make even short walks feel like an adventure. We’ll pair you with guides who know how to pitch it just right for tweens and teens — whether that’s a bike ride through tea plantations or a low-key hike that ends with a wild swim.

3. Isla Holbox, Mexico – Best for Parents Travelling with Grown-Up Kids

Low-key luxury, wild beauty, and just the right kind of buzz.

If your family holiday now means meeting at the gate rather than packing juice boxes, Holbox is your kind of island. Set off the Yucatán Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Holbox (pronounced Hol-bosh) has that rare mix of bohemian cool and natural beauty — perfect for parents and grown-up kids reconnecting in a way that doesn’t feel like a “family trip.”

There are no cars here, just sandy streets, golf carts and bikes. Days stretch lazily between beach bars and hammocks, while the more active can kayak through mangroves, swim with whale sharks (from June to September), or take a barefoot stroll to see bioluminescent waters light up the shoreline. It’s safe, walkable and has a rhythm that invites everyone to do their own thing — whether that’s sunrise yoga, a fresh ceviche lunch, or simply watching the tide roll in.

Accommodation is stylish but unpretentious — think boutique beach hotels with open-air restaurants, rooftop plunge pools, and thatched casitas tucked into palm groves. There’s just enough scene here to keep things lively (especially in the evenings), but nowhere near the mass-market bustle of nearby hotspots like Tulum or Cancún. For parents and adult kids who want time together — without being on top of each other — Holbox offers the space and soul to do just that.

Our Tip

Avoid the rainy season (September–October) and travel in shoulder months like May or early December. We’ll match you with a beachfront hotel that balances privacy with people-watching and can arrange private boat trips or a foodie-focused tour through Holbox’s emerging culinary scene.

4. Salina, Aeolian Islands – Best for Multi-Generational Escapes

Old-world Italy, island tranquility, and a rhythm that suits every age.

Just off the northern coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are one of Italy’s best-kept secrets — and Salina is perhaps the loveliest of them all as an island for luxury family holidays. With its twin volcanic peaks, vineyard-strewn hillsides and pastel harbours, Salina feels untouched by time, but offers just enough polish to make it deeply comfortable for every generation.

For grandparents, it’s a dream: leisurely strolls through olive groves, long lunches under vine-covered pergolas, and peaceful piazzas. For parents and kids, there’s snorkelling in clear waters, boat trips around dramatic coastlines, and hiking trails with show-stopping views. The island is car-light, walkable, and full of family-run hotels and villas that capture the best of Sicilian hospitality.

Salina is one of those rare places where everyone can find their pace. Days are unrushed, food is a central event, and the landscape — with its mix of sea, vineyard and volcanic peak — provides a backdrop for memory-making, without ever needing to over-plan.

Our Tip

Combine Salina with a night or two in Taormina or Catania to ease your arrival. We’ll arrange private transfers and hydrofoils to make island-hopping seamless, and pair your group with local guides who know just how to balance culture with downtime.

5. Siargao, Philippines – Best for a Trip for Two

Palm-lined shores, slow island rhythm, and just the right kind of wild.

If you’re carving out time for just the two of you — no school runs, no family WhatsApp pings, just pure reconnection — Siargao is worth every mile. Often dubbed the “Bali of the Philippines” (but still years behind in development), this dreamy teardrop-shaped island is fringed by coconut groves, emerald lagoons and powder-soft beaches — and it’s one of Asia’s best-kept secrets for couples.

Our co-founder, Emma, recently returned from a milestone anniversary trip in the Philippines — and it’s easy to see why the country is earning a spot on our radar for romantic escapes. Though Siargao is best known in surf circles, its broader appeal lies in its ability to switch off the noise. Think boutique stays hidden in the palms, island-hopping by outrigger boat, natural rock pools carved into the reef, and long, open-skied dinners under the stars. The vibe is peaceful, stylish and delightfully unplugged — no mega-resorts, no cruise ships, just a scattering of design-forward hotels and villas where everything slows down beautifully.

There’s a quiet romance here that’s hard to find elsewhere — it’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning paddleboarding through mangroves, the afternoon in a hammock, and the evening discovering grilled seafood on a secret beach. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just long overdue time together, Siargao feels like a world away in the best possible sense.

Our Tip

The dry season (March to October) is best for beach-lazing and island-hopping. We’ll take care of seamless transfers via Manila or Cebu, and can secure you a tucked-away villa with a pool, a local guide for private adventures — or simply space to do absolutely nothing.

Ready to Plan Your Own Island Escape?

Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or twenty-somethings, as a couple or with four generations in tow, we’ll help you find the perfect islands for luxury family holidays. Our bespoke service is about more than finding a destination — it’s about crafting a trip that fits you.

From private villas to hidden beaches, boat charters to beach clubs, we handpick every detail so all you have to do is show up, switch off, and sink into something extraordinary.

Let’s start planning your next escape. Get in touch — and we’ll take it from there.

In October 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to experience luxury in South Korea during an educational trip, hosted by Serandipians—a prestigious luxury travel alliance for which we are proud to be recognised as Gold Tier Members. Our hosts, the Korean Tourist Board and a trusted local tour operator, had secured us reservations at some of the most sought-after spots—exclusive beauty experiences, incredible dining, and deep cultural insights.

At Tots Too and Essential Escapes, we always seek out destinations that offer something truly special—places that surprise, captivate, and deliver meaningful travel experiences. Seeing South Korea first-hand allowed me to personally explore the very best of what this country has to offer, so we can create bespoke luxury travel in South Korea that feels seamless, immersive, and unexpected for you.

As an ardent foodie, the culinary side of the trip excited me the most, closely followed by the opportunity to shop for Korean beauty products. My daughters’ shopping list was impressive—threatening to make up most of my luggage allowance (excuse the pun!). But beyond the food and beauty, I was eager to truly understand this destination—a country that has surged onto the global stage thanks to K-pop, Oscar-winning films, and the TikTok skincare revolution.

I’ll admit, my knowledge of South Korean culture was light before this trip. I know Japan well, but South Korea always felt like its lesser-known neighbour, and I was intrigued and thirsty to learn more. What I found was a country of contrasts—ultra-modern yet deeply traditional, bustling yet serene—but above all, full of the warmest, most welcoming people.

Seoul: The Heart of Luxury Travel in South Korea

Seoul is the beating heart of South Korea, where cutting-edge modernity blends seamlessly with a rich cultural past. From towering skyscrapers to ancient palaces, the contrasts are striking.

One morning, I found myself wearing a traditional Hanbok while strolling through Gyeongbokgung Palace, feeling transported to another era. By the afternoon, I was immersed in the world of high-tech skincare, visiting a cosmetic design house to learn about the latest innovations.

And the food—I could talk for hours about it. The hidden back-alley gems, the traditional Korean barbecue that was unlike anything I’d ever experienced, the hipster bakeries and coffee houses that were just as much about the aesthetic as they were about the taste. Every meal felt like a discovery, and yes, I took more than my fair share of videos for the gram!

For those considering luxury travel in South Korea, Seoul offers a dynamic mix of curated experiences, from exclusive shopping districts to private temple visits that take you beyond the usual tourist paths.

Busan: Coastal Calm and Culinary Adventures

Just three hours by bullet train from Seoul, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, offering a completely different experience. Known for its beaches, fresh seafood, and relaxed atmosphere, it was the perfect antidote to the energy of Seoul.

The famous Jagalchi Fish Market was an experience in itself—not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely fascinating. The street food was phenomenal; tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Korean crispy chicken, and gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) were among my favourites.

We even purchased fresh seafood and joined a cookery class, where I finally learned how to make Haemul Pajeon (Korean seafood pancakes) and the perfect dipping sauce—something I’d always wanted to master.

The day continued with visits to Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village (a quirky, colourful hillside town filled with murals and cafés), and ended with a much-needed visit to a Korean spa—the perfect way to unwind after days of exploring.

For those looking to extend their luxury travel in South Korea, Busan’s coastal elegance offers a beautiful contrast to Seoul, with its high-end resorts, private guided tours, and world-class seafood dining experiences.

A Country That Stays With You

Beyond the landmarks and food, it was the little moments that made the trip so special—a traditional tea ceremony, an unexpected conversation with a monk, a tiny café with the best pastry I’ve ever tasted.

At Tots Too and Essential Escapes, we believe the difference between a good trip and an extraordinary one lies in the details. First-hand experience gives us the insight to craft itineraries that not only cover the must-see highlights but also open doors to the unexpected—the side streets, the hidden restaurants, the encounters that make a journey truly personal and unforgettable.

With my suitcase fit to burst and my black book full of recommendations, I left South Korea with one certainty—I’ll absolutely be back. And now, I can’t wait to help you experience it too.

Why Visit South Korea in October?

• Mild, comfortable weather – Warm days, cool evenings, and a backdrop of autumn colours.
• Stunning autumn foliage – Palaces, temples, and even city streets take on golden hues.
• Fewer crowds – Enjoy top sights, markets, and restaurants without the summer rush.

Thinking of Visiting?

Now, with first-hand insight, we can create a luxury travel experience in South Korea that’s not just a trip, but an experience carefully designed around you. Whether it’s exclusive access to hidden culinary gems, private guides to bring the country’s history to life, or unique stays that immerse you in both modernity and tradition, we’ll ensure your journey is as effortless as it is extraordinary.

Let’s start planning.

– Emma

Own up, before you had kids, did you always choose the airline seat furthest away from the toddlers? Well now, it’s all part of the fun, so here are our top tips for those travelling with children.

PACKING
• Before you pack, check what’s already on hand at the resort. We can advise you on the family facilities and equipment available there, and in many cases particular items can be requested.

• We can even arrange to send your essential supplies of nappies, toys and feeding kit on ahead for you, so you can travel light.

• Don’t pack everything into your main suitcases; keep a change of clothes in your hand luggage in case of spills en route (not just for kids, for you too!)

• Don’t forget to check the latest security guidelines regarding taking fluids on board (especially if you’re packing milk formula or drinks). You may be asked to open infant milk cartons and taste them at airport security, leaving you with spilling milk, slowly going off. It’s better to take pre-measured powder in tubs and ask the airline for boiled water for bottles. You can then mix together when needed.

AT THE AIRPORT
• Remember to allow plenty of time – everything takes longer with children

• If you’re driving to the airport, take advantage of valet parking. Ask us for a preferential discount

• Toddler reins are useful if you’re trying to manage luggage as well as active kids. If you have a cabin bag with wheels, try hooking it over the buggy handles for one less thing to carry.

• If two parents are travelling, you may consider booking one seat separate from the others at check-in, allowing one adult to rest whilst the other manages the kids (swapping at half time of course!)

• If the flight’s not full, see if the airline staff will hold an empty seat next to yours, especially if your toddler doesn’t have their own seat.

• Some airlines will allow you to take your buggy with you right up to the gate, then it goes in the hold at the last minute. Take a sling too, so you can easily carry your baby from the plane to the baggage reclaim area on arrival.

BOARDING
• Most airlines let families board first, but this increases the time in a cramped seat. If you have a booked seat and your children like to let off steam, it’s better to wait till the last minute.

Or one parent could go ahead and get organised on board, whilst the other waits to bring the kids on later.

COMFORT ON THE FLIGHT
• Ear pain on take-off and landing can be eased by giving your child a drink to sip or a sweet to suck. It’s ideal if babies can be fed by breast and bottle at this time.

• For an easy nappy change in cramped loos on board, prepare individual nappy sacks containing clean nappy and wipes to avoid lugging a huge changing bag with you. Keep a set prepared in your seat pocket.

MEALTIME ON THE FLIGHT
• In flight meals are often extremely hot – test first before offering to your child

• For babies, take your own baby food, utensils and disposable bibs

• You may ask the flight attendant to warm up milk or baby food, but do so a little in advance as it may take time

ENTERTAINMENT ON THE FLIGHT
• New toys will hold the attention longest, or think ahead and hide away some of their old favourites before travelling so they are a novelty again on the flight.

• Picture books and activity/sticker books are lightweight and can occupy a lot of time. Avoid games with little pieces that can get lost

• Don’t bring all the toys out at once, pace yourself throughout the journey.

• A few crayons can transform an unused airsickness bag into a puppet!

• iPads and handheld electronic games are great, but at certain times they need to be switched off so they don’t interfere with the pilot’s instruments..

ARRIVALS
• Look out for fast track customs and immigration check points for those travelling with infants.

• Be prepared for the climate outside the airport, with sunscreen and hats (or extra layers when on your return!).

Bon voyage from Tots Too!

Our clients trust us to recommend only the best family hotels and villas. These may not necessarily be 5-star, although many of them are, but they all have a special something.

At a Tots Too hotel, parents never feel second best. There will always be good food, beautiful surroundings, excellent leisure choices and childcare options so you have the chance to unwind.

At a Tots Too hotel, there is a genuine welcome for the littlest guests, as shown through the attitude and facilities that go way beyond the call of duty.

Not all Tots Too hotels are the same. Many are large, with the scale to offer the services that parents need, but some are little gems off the beaten track. Some are no-holds-barred luxury, whereas others, like our glamping choices, offer the luxury of the great outdoors.

Although we favour luxury hotels and villas, there is a great range in the prices in the Tots Too portfolio. Just ask our team for one to fit your budget

Read the answers to our frequently asked questions here, getting down to the nitty gritty…

FAQs >>

ANOTHER COMPANY HAS QUOTED A CHEAPER PRICE WHY SHOULDN’T I BOOK WITH THEM?
Please share their quote with us. We will try and match the quote where possible. We usually find, however, that a lower

quote does not have important inclusions, such as transfers from the airport or hold baggage for flights.

WHY ARE FLIGHTS FOR SOME EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Europe is well served by budget airlines, with frequent price fluctuations. This makes it impractical to quote a fixed price for all-comers. Tour operators do not

receive any discounts on the published budget airline rates. For this reason, where there are no scheduled flights, most of our guests book budget flights themselves. We are, however, happy to do this on their behalf, for a small admin charge.

For flights served by scheduled airlines, we are able to offer a package price, including flights, with full ATOL and ABTA protection.

ARE YOU AN ESTABLISHED COMPANY?
Tots Too was founded in 2007, as part of Essential Escapes which was founded in 2002. We have licences through ATOL (no.5914) and ABTA (no.Y0062) for the protection and peace of mind of our clients. We can be reached at our central London offices.

IS IT CHEAPER TO BOOK AT THE LAST MINUTE?
Flight prices increase steeply the closer you get to departure, so there are major savings to be had by booking in advance. Package operators serving the budget end of the market purchase flights

for the whole season in advance, and often drop their prices to fill empty seats close to departure. However, for luxury hotels, the opposite is true, as the best prices are through the early booking offers, available only several months ahead of travel. We will try and find the best value for you whenever you book.

WHY CAN’T WE BOOK ONLINE?
Tots Too offers a bespoke service for our families, something that we just couldn’t replicate with an automated system. Although we make our website as informative as possible,

we find that our families have lots of very sensible questions to ask, specific to their own circumstances. There’s no substitute for a personal conversation for something as complex and individual as a family holiday, be it by phone, webchat or email.

ARE YOUR REVIEWS GENUINE?
Yes! When our clients return from their holiday, we drop them a line to welcome them home and ask them for feedback. With their permission, we add this feedback to our online reviews, sometimes anonymously at their request.

We do not remove negative comments, as we believe our clients would prefer to know the full picture, and this gives us the opportunity to answer questions on any area of concern. People have different preferences, expectations and budgets, and the range of comments in our reviews reflects this.

WHY AREN’T YOU OPEN ON WEEKEND?
We are a small team and we can’t stretch to covering the weekend. Please email us, leave a phone message or request a callback  and rest assured that we will reply to you promptly on Monday morning, or the time of your choice.