If you just survived uninterrupted “quality time” with the kids during their seemingly endless school vacation, you might feel like you’ve earned a holiday yourself (from the children). Or perhaps you just want to vacation somewhere you don’t have to fight for pool space next to someone else’s screaming little ones. Click through to see the world’s best adults-only resorts—just looking at them is making us feel more relaxed.
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Hotel Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
This resort, designed for couples, spells out its kid-free policy in just the right way: "Relax to the sound of red-crested cardinals instead of red-faced toddlers in the quiet luxury of our adults-only resort". Quiet time is pretty much guaranteed at the Hotel Wailea, since there are only 72 suites spread across 15 acres of ocean-view property on Maui.
Hotel Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
This resort, designed for couples, spells out its kid-free policy in just the right way: "Relax to the sound of red-crested cardinals instead of red-faced toddlers in the quiet luxury of our adults-only resort". Quiet time is pretty much guaranteed at the Hotel Wailea, since there are only 72 suites spread across 15 acres of ocean-view property on Maui.
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
You slide in to your private infinity pool, refreshing tropical drink in hand. In front of you: an uninterrupted view of the Pitons tower over the Caribbean Sea. Next to you: no one else in sight but your partner. Yep, Jade Mountain resort looks pretty much like heaven. The rooms don't let any pesky walls get in the way of the awesome panoramas either—each of the 24 infinity pool "sanctuaries" feature 15-foot ceilings and an open fourth wall with the incredible views that don't sacrifice privacy.
Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort, Mexico
You might not automatically think "classy" when you think of all-inclusive resorts, but the Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort definitely is. It's more fine hotel than party resort—as evidenced by its membership in the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World collection. If you can tear yourself away from the Royal Hideaway's six swimming pools, 24-hour free room service, or white sand beach, you'll be just a quick walk away from Playa del Carmen's shopping and nightlife hub, 5th Avenue.
Secrets Papagayo, Costa Rica
Leave your wallet at home along with the kids, as pretty much everything you want is included at the Secrets Papagayo. Your stay comes with: all meals and snacks, unlimited top-shelf spirits, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, entertainment, and even gratuities. Your suite will have a view of either the gardens or the gorgeous Gulf of Papagayo, plus a private patio or terrace to enjoy it from.
Beach Club Hotel, Australia
The Whitsunday Island chain in Australia is so ridiculously perfect looking you'll think you're inside a computer screensaver. Pure white sand beaches, vibrantly clean turquoise water, and gently waving palm trees—welcome to paradise. On Hamilton Island, you'll find the boutique Beach Club, with just 57 rooms. A booking at this romantic hideaway includes VIP chauffeur service around the island, a heated infinity pool, and of course, easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji
If you're going to fly all the way out to Fiji, and shell out all that money to stay in an over-water room, do it right. Stay somewhere with just ten exclusive, private over-water bures. With no kids allowed. In a room with a separate "bathing pavilion" that offers up lagoon views from a giant bathtub. Yes. Do that. You'll find all of this at the Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji.
Coco Plum Island Resort, Belize
Leave the crowds and your troubles behind and head to Coco Plum Island Resort , a private island where it will be just you and your sweetheart and a maximum of thirteen other couples. Choose from an ocean-front cabana or villa (all of which face east so you can enjoy amazing tropical sunrises over the Caribbean sea). Still too many people for you? You can rent out the entire island for yourself, if you so choose.
Sandals Whitehouse, Jamaica
Set on beachfront property nestled within a 500-acre nature preserve, the Sandals Whitehouse has created its own little neighborhood. The resort has three unique European Villages: French, Italian and Dutch, all set along two miles of pristine beach. For ultimate luxury, book a room that comes with a butler who will cater to your every whim.
Post Ranch Inn, California
No passport? No problem at the Post Ranch Inn, a domestic hideaway in Big Sur that feels like a world away. (Especially since there are no televisions or alarm clocks in the rooms.) Book one of the unbelievable Cliff House rooms which have decks suspended over the cliffs and glass-walled bedrooms that look out over the ocean. Whatever room you book, it will include free outdoorsy activities (like guided nature hikes and stargazing), a gourmet breakfast, and access to the ranch's guest vehicles (Lexuses, of course).
El Dorado Maroma, Mexico
Maroma Beach consistently makes lists of the world's best beaches, and you'll see why once you're admiring it from your private thatched-roof bungalow as you receive a professional massage. Staying on a Thursday? Pick out your dinner from the weekly pop-up fish market featuring catches straight from the ocean. Stay in an infinity pool swim-up suite or a private beachfront villa—either way, the luxury will start from the moment you arrive (with a welcome champagne toast) and continue right up until you have to leave and return to the cold, cruel, kid-filled real world.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Best Adults-Only Resorts
- The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
- 10 Exotic Beach Resorts for Under $200
Caroline Morse wishes she were at a kid-free resort somewhere warm right now. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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