For families looking to get away this holiday season, here are a number of multi-gen destinations with experiences everyone can enjoy:
Sledding and Carriage Rides in St. Moritz
While St. Moritz is one of the most well-known ski resorts in the world, the town also offers plenty of activities for non-skiers of all ages to enjoy. Travelers are invited to stay at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz, where they can take advantage of one of their winter experiences for an unforgettable stay in the magnificent Alps. Popular at the property is their sledding from Preda to Bergün, where guests hop on the train to Preda to embark on the longest sled run in Europe, spanning just under four miles, to Bergün. For travelers who want to take in the scenes from above, the Carlton offers paragliding from Corvatsch, allowing guests to soar over the Alps for a one-of-a-kind flight. Those looking for something a little more low-key can enjoy their carriage ride through the town, complete with warm furs and mulled wine, or spend a day with the hotel's very own Outdoor Butler, an experience that is completely tailored to the interests of the guests.
Snow Rafting in Niseko Village, Japan On the starkly snowy Japanese island of Hokkaido rests Niseko Village, a prime winter destination. Resting at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village is a haven for ski lovers and non-skiers alike who appreciate secluded luxury and culture. The winter wonderland offers its very own Snow School with a variety of activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. Adventure seekers can spend the day whisking through fresh white powder by snowmobiling or snow rafting, while those looking for something less thrilling can enjoy reindeer sledding and snowshoeing.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve acts as a world-class gateway to Niseko's mountains and winter offerings. Complete with a team of Higashiyama Reservists to create a tailored experience, the property provides access to the top highlights and offerings in the area. No matter the activity, whether soothing or exhilarating, guests of Niseko Village experience a stay unlike no other.
Skiing, hot-air balloon rides, pony sledding and more in Méribel, France
Les Trois Vallées in France is the largest ski domain in the world and includes Méribel, the oldest resort within the domain. With 372 miles of skiing on 330 marked pistes and 150 ski lifts, Meribel caters to all ages and ski abilities from alpine, off-piste, cross-country, and snowboarding. While skiing is a popular winter activity attracting visitors to Méribel, there are a number of other opportunities for travelers of all ages to explore the area such as skiing joëring, where a horse pulls skiers as they hold on tight and experience how mountain goers made the ascent in the days before ski lifts. Other experiences include sledding and pony sledding, a hike through the forest with snowshoes or on horseback, snowmobile rides through the valley, and taking to the skies with hot-air balloon rides or even a two-seater paraglider. Arranging these fun winter experiences can be organized seamlessly for guests staying with Hôtel Le Coucou Méribel.
Perched on the heights of Belvédère, close to Le Rond-Point des Pistes, Hôtel Le Coucou is a the ultimate French Alps hotel located in one of the loveliest sites in Méribel, right next to the slopes. The elegant five-star hotel offers two separate private chalets along with the spacious suites and rooms of the hotel. The two, four-bedroom ski-in ski-out luxury chalets are available for families and groups as a home away from home, while also providing the same services and amenities the hotel has on offer. The chalets provide the ideal cozy and comfortable retreat for a mountain holiday and each are fully equipped with a fitted kitchen so that guests can try their hand at traditional mountain dishes, a large cathedral living room with a vaulted ceiling and immense bay window for enjoying the boundless views over the Méribel valley from the cocooning sofa, and an open dining area. Each chalet also features a private ski room, indoor pool and private spa. For young travelers, Hotel Le Coucou has partnered with Petit VIP to create the Kids Club & Teens Lab, a universe welcoming children and teenagers, from age 4 to 15 years old and a very child-friendly hotel experience. Every day, edutainments activities are offered, combining games, experiments, sports and artistic workshops, with the aim of learning while also having fun, all in the respect to the planet.
The Ultimate “Skip-Gen” Africa Itinerary
Some of Africa’s best properties have teamed up to create a high-end itinerary geared towards grandparents opening their grandchildren’s eyes to the wonders of Africa. Together, grandparents and grandchildren can experience enriching lessons in the importance of protecting and giving back to Africa’s special people, wildlife, and places on this 11-night epic itinerary. Combining the best of city, island and bush, Cape Town’s iconic Ellerman House, Kenya’s Angama Mara safari lodge and the Seychelles’ private North Island have partnered to craft this unforgettable learning experience for travelers. From meeting and learning from local children at their schools in Cape Town, to training with anti-poaching dogs in the Maasai Mara and planting indigenous trees in the Seychelles, grandparents and grandchildren alike will leave a lasting impact on these destinations while sharing incredible moments that will stay with them long after they return home.
Exclusive Group Safari Accommodations — Etosha Heights Private Reserve, Namibia
Within the Natural Selection portfolio is Safari House, a traditional Namibian farmhouse located in the heart of the Etosha Heights Private Reserve. While the holiday season towards the end of the year is rain season, the rain showers are short and sharp and the clouds and lightning storms make for some of the best sunsets to be witnessed. At this time, the landscape is green and luscious and with animals still present. Temperatures are still warm and at its true African heat. Offering genuine hospitality, Safari House is an exclusive use property and the perfect base for a family or group of friends to explore the 148,200 acres of pure wilderness. With unpretentious and traditional Namibian hospitality, Safari House sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms and welcomes guests and children of all ages. There is a pool for cooling off after dusty game drives and a waterhole in front of the house making the veranda the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon, watching what comes down to drink. Guests can easily cool down after dusty game drives with the pool Meals are homemade and hearty, and a highlight is a traditional Namibian braai (BBQ), cooked in front of the guests and enjoyed sitting out under the stars. The biggest luxury Safari House offers is the freedom that comes with a private guide and vehicle. Game drives are entirely tailored to guests’ needs and flexibility is never a problem, whether guests would like to look for big game or the smallest of birds on game drives.