Our Favorite Virtuoso Hotels and Resorts in the US for Families

Virtuoso is the leading global network of luxury travel advisors. This consortium works with top destinations and the world’s best travel brands to ensure your next vacation is your best vacation. While this travel network stretches to the four corners of the planet, it also includes many incredible properties that don’t require a passport or an international flight.

If you’re looking for a luxurious vacation closer to home, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly Virtuoso hotels and resorts in the US for families.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Whether your family is jonesing to kayak the pristine headwaters of the Everglades or get goofy at Walt Disney World, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando is your perfect home away from home. The 500-acre resort also provides easy access to the Kennedy Space Center, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios. And the Ritz Kids program will ensure your children always have fun stuff to do. When it comes to family-friendly hotels, the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes, is tough to beat.

OWV founder, Patty Monahan, had the opportunity to return to the resort with her son in July 2023. In addition to relishing the recently renovated suites, Patty and four-year-old Miles thoroughly enjoyed the grounds and activities. Miles’s favorites were the lazy river and slides, all the pets at Ritz Kids, and the chocolate milkshake at the pool bar.

The Ritz organizes special excursions like fishing lessons, kayaking, and eco-tours. These excursions occur within the property’s boundaries, providing parents with peace of mind. After partaking in an outdoor adventure, head to one of the resort’s many restaurants to fuel up for more adventures. The property has 13 dining options. In other words, you’ll always find a menu that appeals to the whole family.

Other activities not to be missed at the resort? They include The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman. And The Ritz-Carlton Spa featuring a salon, private heated lap pool, healthy spa café, and 40 treatment rooms. When it comes to pampering, nobody does it better than The Ritz-Carlton Spa.

The Phoenician in Scottsdale

Near downtown Scottsdale, Arizona, you’ll find The Phoenician, nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. First opened in 1988, the resort has undergone extensive renovation, and it shows in every beautiful detail.

The refurbished and elegantly decorated main lobby, Thirsty Camel Lounge, and Afternoon Tea Room invite guests to savor the day. And if you need a little retail therapy? The Phoenician has you covered there, too. Charming gift shops and boutiques beckon visitors to window shopping, souvenir collecting, and more.

OWV founder Patty and her son put the resort to the test in July 2023. Miles loved the kids club activities (and still proudly wears the necklace he made there), the splash pad and slide, and the ice cream at the Marketplace. “The impeccable and attentive service and the ease of access and proximity of everything makes this property perfect for families with little kids,” says Patty.

Kids will want to make the pool complex their go-to hangout. It has VIP and children’s areas, allowing guests of all ages to enjoy endless fun in the sun. What are some other amenities we can get behind? They include the Marketplace, a European-style café where you can grab a coffee in the morning and walk around the property’s beautiful cactus’ garden.

For something more substantial than coffee drinks and café-style eats and sweets, check out Mowry & Cotton, featuring the best in Modern American cuisine. Or head to one of The Phoenician’s signature restaurants, J&G Steakhouse or Relish Burger Bistro.

Besides dining options, the Phoenician boasts the three-story Phoenician Spa with a rooftop pool and Drybar. The facility takes relaxation to the next level. And The Phoenician Athletic Club provides ready access to basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, a cutting-edge fitness center, and a redesigned and rerouted 18-hole golf course.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Scottsdale, Arizona, is known for its verdant cottonwoods and towering lavender-hued mountains. Located in the Valley of the Sun, you’ll enjoy gorgeous weather and boundless family-friendly activities.

What’s another of our favorite family-friendly resorts in Scottsdale? The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Situated near the base of the McDowell Mountains, the region is enveloped by the majestic Sonoran Desert. This 750-room resort contains 65 lush acres and offers limitless views of the surrounding terrain.

With four award-winning restaurants, you’ve got plenty of options to please the whole family. They include Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak, Richard Sandoval’s La Hacienda, the Toro Latin Restaurant and Rum Bar at TPC Scottsdale, and the Ironwood American Kitchen.

There’s also a world-class golf course and six sparkling pools lined with white umbrellas and large palm trees. Besides splashing around in the water, kids have the option of the Trailblazers Kids Club and Family Recreation Center. It includes a playground and the Sonoran Splash Pool, complete with dueling waterslides!

Patty and Miles experienced their new Privado villas in July 2023. A bit further from the main action, these gorgeous studios and suites offer exclusivity and plenty of extra touches.

“The Princess is known for their holiday extravaganza, but their summer program was equally incredible. 2023’s theme was Let’s Roll, a nostalgia of the 80s and 90s, complete with a real roller skating rink, mini golf, laser tag, drive-in movies, pool parties, and fireworks.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

If you’re looking for milder temperatures and the rejuvenation of alpine landscapes and mountain-cold water, then Lake Tahoe’s your spot. The Ritz-Carlton’s breathtaking resort appeals to families with varied interests.

Whether you’re after adventurous hikes, creative activities, or scavenger hunts, the resort has you covered. And for those who can’t get enough of winter sports? The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, is the perfect launching point for adrenaline-spiking adventure.

You’ll find it all, from downhill skiing to snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to ice skating. And that’s to say nothing of the horse-drawn sleigh rides, dog sledding experiences, massive sledding parks, and good old-fashioned snowman-building fun!

The resort has 181 rooms and comes with access to the exclusive Lake Club. This translates into a private pier and dedicated concierge whose sole job is to bring your aquatic dreams to life. At the Village at Northstar, enjoy après-ski cocktails (no matter the time of year) and homestyle comfort food served at the Backyard Bar & BBQ.

Lake Tahoe is your spot for laid-back luxury and endless adventure year-round. You’ll find the perfect combination of outdoor activities, posh amenities, and friendly locals. It’s ideal for families on the go because you’ll find things to do for all ages and areas of interest. And all in one of the most breathtaking locations this side of the Swiss Alps.

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town at The Sea Pines Resort

What do you say about a resort declared one of the “World’s Best Places to Stay” by Condé Nast Traveler? The recommendation gets the final word. Nevertheless, let’s elaborate on the experience of staying there. Fans of southern hospitality and low country landscapes will fall head over heels for The Inn & Club at Harbour Town at The Sea Pines Resort. In a nutshell, it’s a slice of heaven.

Laze away the afternoon on the porch with a tall glass of sweet tea and a good read. Or enjoy a round of golf. Take your pick from three world-class courses. Perhaps most noteworthy is Harbour Town Golf Links, The Sea Pines Resort’s flagship course. For more than four decades, this course has attracted some of the world’s best players and countless fans to one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour — The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing.

What if you and your kids aren’t huge golf fans? That’s okay, too. Plenty of other options exist. They include private lessons with former Wimbledon champ Stan Smith. There are also miles of biking trails for those who prefer two-wheeled fun. And the Atlantic remains at your beck and call. The concierge will prepare a chair for you so you have nothing to worry about but the sand between your toes.

As the premier destination among Hilton Head Island’s luxury hotels, The Inn & Club at Harbour Town offers incredible cuisine at Links, an American Grill. From its Wine Spectator award-winning wine list to local craft beers and handcrafted cocktails, you’ll find plenty of tempting beverage options. And the menu includes steaks grilled to perfection and seafood fresh from the Atlantic’s waters.

Terranea Resort

Situated along the Pacific Coast in sunny Los Angeles, the Terranea Resort is like entering another world. This 102-acre property offers 270-degree expansive oceanfront views and is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula south of the city. It combines the best of a verdant coastal retreat with easy access to LAX and Long Beach airports.

As California’s premier coastal resort destination, Terranea features 360 well-appointed guest rooms, suites, and bungalows. You’ll also find additional casitas and villas throughout the property.

Amenities include The Spa at Terranea, a 50,000-square-foot facility featuring 25 treatment rooms with sweeping waterfront views. There’s also a cutting-edge fitness center and a yoga and pilates studio. For those who like to golf, check out The Links at Terranea, a nine-hole short course and practice facility designed by Todd Eckenrode.

Atop coastal bluffs, affording panoramic views, you’ll savor Terranea’s relaxed Mediterranean vibe. But you’ll also be entranced by its call to adventure and creativity, which includes ready access to a wide array of activities — whale watching, kayaking, tide pooling, painting by the sea, falconry, and more.

And nothing beats the resort’s award-winning California cuisine, founded in sustainable food practices and locally grown ingredients. Options include Mar’sel, known for its elegant dinners and seasonal Sunday brunches, Catalina Kitchen, with its vibrant contemporary setting, and Bashi, melding the best of classic Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian flavors into an exceptional dining experience.

Four Seasons Jackson Hole

If the little touches make a vacation most memorable to you, then Four Seasons Jackson Hole is your spot. We’re talking customized fly-fishing trips, in-room massages post-hiking, and warmed ski boots delivered to your doorstep before hitting the slopes. And that’s just the beginning.

In the shadow of the Grand Tetons and the doorway to Yellowstone, the Four Seasons Jackson Hole has 156 guest rooms, including 32 residences and 18 suites. It also provides ready access to endless adventures.

Whether we’re talking mountain biking, sleigh rides, downhill skiing, hiking, or fishing, the resort’s landscapes afford a bounty of options. The romance of the American West comes to life as you explore the Snake River, Rendezvous and Sleeping Indian mountains, and the meadows of Jackson Valley, teaming with wildflowers.

After giving your muscles something to do, savor the luxury of a spa treatment and total pampering. Then, head to the Westbank Grill, where you’ll find menu items to please every palate and preference. Or give the Handle Bar a try. This slopeside pub is the brainchild of Michael Mina and his team, and it doesn’t disappoint.

The Resort at Paws Up

Do you want to channel the feel of the television series Yellowstone without all the drama? Then, The Resort at Paws Up is your ticket. Located in the unspoiled wilderness of Montana, the location remains a working ranch.

As a result, you’ll enjoy endless opportunities to explore authentic ranch living. These include the chance to go on a cattle drive. Of course, this means giving horseback riding a try. Whether you spend an hour, a day, or a week in the saddle, you’ll explore some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States along the way.

As you discover the countryside that captivated Lewis and Clark, try your hand at fly fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Not only will you gain an appreciation for this pristine retreat, but you’ll soon understand why it’s been declared “The Last Best Place.”

Enveloped in rustic luxury, outdoor adventures culminate in posh treatments at Spa Town and nights spent sleeping on the finest linen. In-home dining is available at the resort’s many accommodation types, including glamping options with a dedicated camping butler to ensure “nature served on a silver platter.”

Virtuoso Hotels and Resorts in the US for Families

When it comes to the perfect vacation, it’s all about who you know. That’s why the team at Our Whole Village are members of the Virtuoso luxury travel advisors network. This give us exclusive access to unbelievable travel perks at Virtuoso hotels and resorts in the US for families that we can share with you. It also allows us to better support you on every step of your journey.

We’ve been in the business of family travel since 2014, and we travel with our children. In other words, we walk the walk and talk the talk. Are you ready to plan your next family stateside vacation? An unrivaled journey filled with luxurious amenities and one-of-a-kind activities and experiences? We’ve got you covered. Contact us here to take the first step toward your next adventure!