What makes a hotel truly luxurious?

It depends on what your definition of luxury is. For some, luxury is a minibar, telephone, and hairdryer in the room. For others, it’s about an amazing location and great service. Boutique hotels, which are privately owned, tend to give the best personal service, while larger luxury hotels allow you to be more anonymous. Five-star hotels often have a bar, restaurant, and spa, but don’t always provide the best overall experience.

How do boutique hotels differ from traditional luxury hotels?

Boutique hotels are often privately owned, with each room individually designed. Staff are usually passionate about what they do, and the atmosphere is more personal and relaxed. Boutique hotels focus on design, service, and experience rather than star ratings.

What wellness amenities do top luxury hotels offer now (e.g. sleep tech, spa treatments, circadian lighting)?

Top luxury hotels now offer high-tech wellness features such as automatic dimmable lights, in-room voice assistants, circadian lighting, sleep masks, oils, sprays, and mood lighting to support better rest and relaxation.

Which hotels offer AI-personalised wellness experiences or smart rooms?

Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii, offers Thermal Body Mapping and advanced sensors that personalise treatments. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and W Scottsdale use AI-powered robotic massages and fitness assessments. Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland integrates AI with genomic data to create tailored longevity programmes. Mandarin Oriental’s AI-driven concierge adjusts experiences based on your preferences. Hilton’s Connected Room technology and Zoku Amsterdam’s AI-powered app learn your routines, while Wynn Las Vegas features voice-activated smart suites. Six Senses and SHA Wellness Clinic use biofeedback and real-time mood tracking for fully personalised stays.

Are pets welcome at most luxury hotels, and what special services do they offer for them?

Each hotel has its own pet policy, but many luxury hotels welcome pets. Expect dog-friendly rooms, beds, and treats, though some may charge an additional nightly fee.

What VIP or concierge experiences can you expect at a luxury hotel?

Concierges can arrange theatre bookings, restaurant reservations, private drivers, cooking courses, truffle hunting in Tuscany, hot air ballooning, and bespoke culture trips — it all depends on what you’d like to experience.

How can I find the best boutique hotels near me or in a specific city?

Explore boutique hotel recommendations on www.lulusluxurylifestyle.uk. Lulu Townsend has over 25 years of experience in the hotel industry, including marketing and consulting for luxury and boutique hotels worldwide.

Which hotels in Rome are best for a romantic weekend, spa retreat, or wellness break?

JK Place Roma, Rocco Forte’s Hotel de la Ville, and Crossing Condotti are three romantic boutique hotels in Rome that suit weekends focused on style, spa time, and wellness.

When is the best time to book a luxury hotel for the best price or availability?

Book in off-peak seasons or when flight prices are lower for the best rates and availability.

Do boutique hotels offer flexible booking or cancellation options?

Many boutique hotels offer flexible booking and cancellation policies, especially when you book directly with the hotel.

What should I look for when choosing a 5-star versus a boutique hotel?

A 5-star hotel typically includes a bar, restaurant, and spa, ideal for a full-service luxury holiday. A boutique hotel offers a more personal, romantic stay and often lets you live like a local.

Which luxury hotels are leading in sustainability or eco-friendly practices?

Leaders include The Brando in French Polynesia, Soneva Resorts, Heckfield Place in Hampshire, 1 Hotels, and Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, all combining conservation, regenerative farming, and eco-conscious design.

What are the best eco-luxury hotels for wellness travellers?

Excellent eco-luxury wellness stays include Euphoria Retreat in Greece, Preidlhof in South Tyrol, Kamalaya in Koh Samui, and Ulpotha in Sri Lanka.

How are luxury hotels adapting to conscious travel trends in 2025?

Hotels are moving from being green to regenerative, investing in renewable energy and refill culture, reducing waste, and supporting local communities. Kitchens focus on local sourcing and low waste, while wellness programmes blend science with traditional wisdom. Luxury is now about how a place makes you feel and the positive mark it leaves behind.

Where should I stay in 2025 for the best wellness escapes?

Ulpotha in Sri Lanka is a standout for yoga, Ayurveda, organic vegetarian food, and digital detox in an off-grid setting.

What are the top luxury destinations for solo travellers?

Italy, Bali, Greece, and Sri Lanka are popular with solo luxury travellers for their combination of safety, culture, wellness, and boutique-style hospitality.

What are the best local luxury stays in the UK right now?

Chewton Glen, Heckfield Place, Lime Wood Hotel, Double Red Duke, and Thyme offer standout design, service, and character.

What are trending boutique hotel locations and hidden gem stays this year?

Trending locations include Puglia, Menorca, the Cotswolds, the Scottish Highlands, Lisbon, Sri Lanka, Suffolk, Kyoto, Oaxaca, and Cornwall, each with small, design-led hotels and a strong sense of place.

5 Family-friendly Global Destinations

Family FriendlyLulu's Luxury Lifestyle & TravelSpainItalyUSA

24 Oct

Written By Lulu Townsend

When you’re planning on travelling with family but are unsure of where, it can be difficult to choose a destination. Luckily, there are plenty of global destinations that are family-friendly (you’ll learn of five in particular). The best part is that these are destinations that provide you with a balance of comfort for adults and fun for the kids. Your family may want to explore new cultural experiences or relax in exotic beach locations. Whatever your dream family vacation might be, it could be somewhere abroad or even in your own country.

1. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo may be one of the best travel-friendly destinations that also offer some of the best 5-star hotels around the world. You and your family may be exploring ancient temples in the morning and playing games at one of the neon-lit arcades in the afternoon. For the kids, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea may be some of the best places to visit. Adults can enjoy plenty of shopping options and world-class dining that might be some of the best in the world.

You really don’t want to miss out on the majestic views of Mount Fuji from afar. The kids will be in awe of how it looks. Another great place for families is the Ghibli Museum, where you and your family can learn about the magic of Japanese animation.

2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a mix of Mediterranean charm, rich history, and plenty of places where families can visit. One place you all should not miss out on is the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, which features so many vibrant colours. It’s also a place where you and your kids can go cycling (especially along the beachfront promenade). Don’t forget to visit the Barcelona Aquarium, where kids can see plenty of sea and marine life up close and personal.

Another excellent family-friendly attraction might be the CosmoCaixa Science Museum for that educational experience that your kids might enjoy. Sometimes, visiting museums just might be better than the classroom.

3. Orlando, Florida, USA

Yes, we cannot get through the rest of this guide without mentioning “The Magic Capital of the World”. Walt Disney World features many parks, including Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and, yes, the iconic Magic Kingdom. If you go to Epcot, you can “travel the world” in a way. Yet, going to the real countries is just way better.

Aside from Disney World, there’s Universal Studios and so many different waterparks where your family can get wet and have fun. Orlando is more than just theme parks. You and your family can encounter different kinds of wildlife, ride on an airboat, and enjoy plenty of excellent dining options that you and even the kids will certainly enjoy.

4. Sydney, Australia

Sydney has a lot of pristine beaches, memorable landmarks, and all kinds of wildlife encounter opportunities. Of course, you and your family do not want to miss out on the photo opportunities of the iconic Sydney Opera House and have the Sydney Harbor Bridge in the background. Kids can enjoy the Taronga Zoo, which can be accessed by ferry. After meeting up with different kinds of animals, they can also interact with the many exhibits they can find at the Australian Museum.

For a day at the beach, Bondi Beach is the place to be. Learn how to surf and enjoy seaside dining at nearby cafes. Sydney may be one of the most popular travel destinations Down Under. Yet, it takes the top prize for families.

5. Rome, Italy

Rome, the Italian capital, is rich in history. The ancient Colosseum still stands, drawing in numerous visitors from around the world. If your kids love pizza, they can truly enjoy a slice or two of real, authentic, Italian-made pizza that is flavorful and might be way better than your local pizza parlour. After enjoying perhaps some of the best real Italian cuisine, head over to the Trevi Fountain to toss coins.

For the educational side of your Rome visit, be sure to check out the Vatican Museums to learn about the history of the Catholic Church. Vatican City is technically its own city-state, but it’s a family-friendly place to visit inside a…well, family-friendly travel destination.

Final Thoughts

These five family-friendly destinations are some of the best in the world. Whether it’s a destination somewhere around the world or right in your backyard, you’re bound to get the best experience of a lifetime with the people you love most. You, your spouse, and your kids can truly enjoy travelling to never-been-to places and tell stories that can surely impress your friends and other family members. There’s always

Family FriendlyTokyoBarcelonaOrlandoSydneyRomeSpainItalyAustraliaUSA

Lulu Townsend