Since having my daughter Millie, who has now turned two, I vowed to always have a Euro Summer (unless pregnant again and travel restrictions were not in my favor). As you guys know all too well, traveling with kids is not a vacation anymore. It’s a trip. The honest truth, it’s only a real vacation unfortunately when they are not there. And that’s OK! We know how important it is to have one on one time with your significant other, whether it be date nights or a special trip. Whenever we plan a vacation that she’s not a part of, we try to pick places and hotels that would be A) hard to get to or too long of a trek with kids or B) hotels that don’t allow kids under a certain age.
Like last year, we chose to plan a trip around Forestis in the Dolomites. And this year we chose to go to Cuixmala in Mexico — a long flight, then a short flight, then a 2 hour drive. The point is, we are intentional about the trips we take without Millie, and the hotels we choose play a big part in that. So here are the 5 European hotels I would — and have — left my kids at home for. Sans guilt.
Doesn’t allow children who are 8 years or under, so it’s a no brainer as to why this would be the perfect destination without littles. No wonder most people choose this as a babymoon or honeymoon location. If I were to plan my next baby perfectly, I would time it around having a babymoon here.
Probably one of my top 5 hotels in the world — and not just because I am partial to Italy and la dolce vita. This iconic hotel is on the coast of Tuscany and sits perched on the cliffs oceanside. It’s run by the Issimo hotel group and the hotel gift shop is just as iconic. Grab all the hotel merch you can here. It’s all yellow and white umbrellas, very Slim Aarons-like, and beautiful people. I once spotted James Franco sitting next to us at dinner. Swoon.
A few other reasons this place wouldn’t be as ideal for littles aside from the no kids under 8 rule:
The main attraction is sitting cliffside with beach chairs scattered on the rocks at the water’s edge. I would be terrified of a toddler toppling over — and equally unable to enjoy this serene book-reading spot without kid distractions.
This is a cliffside hotel with a lot of steps. Not very stroller friendly.
There isn’t a sandy beach, just a cliff where you can jump into the water for a quick swim when the waters are tame.
It’s the perfect romantic and intimate setting where you would truly want to enjoy just your partner or a group of couples.
Another Mediterranean coastal cliffside hotel, but this one is in Mallorca, Spain. It was originally built as a military citadel to protect the bay of Palma. This former fortress was transformed into a sanctuary by the sea, making it a unique adults-only luxury boutique hotel.
This one is even stricter — no children under the age of 15 allowed. The vibes here are super quiet, private, and away from the foot traffic you’d normally experience in Deià, Palma, or Sóller.
The people we met there were older couples or young couples, a lot of New Yorkers and those who appreciate architecture and a uniquely designed hotel. While Mallorca is super family friendly in general, this hotel was more for couples and you could tell.
Word of caution — while we found the hotel to be stunning, the restaurant by the water was extremely buggy. I remember being swarmed by fruit fly-like bugs that stuck to my Aperol Spritz like glue and surrounded us. The hotel staff seemed unfazed by it because of its nature reserve location. The hotel is located in a protected marine and bird reserve, so no fumigation, candles, or chemical pesticides are allowed. BUT we did hear from other hotel guests that the other restaurants weren’t like this — just had to point that out as it was our experience and one I won’t forget!
If you ever wanted to stay at Yves Saint Laurent’s private residence, now you know where to go. This hotel has been on my bucket list for so long and we will finally be going early July, staying in his master suite. I truly cannot wait — will report back after we go and follow up with a full guide!
This hotel also has a no kids policy and does not accommodate minors under the age of 14, unless the entire property is booked out privately. However, if you are in the area staying at another hotel, you are able to bring kids to have lunch or dinner at the hotel restaurant — but they must be over the age of 5.
I have dreamed of staying at this hotel for so long and visiting Bodrum! We almost booked this summer but then pivoted given the proximity to Turkey to the ongoing conflict in the region. In March, when we were booking our flights and planning our summer vacation, we had read in the news about missiles being intercepted and our travel agent suggested travel insurance might be a good idea. So given the uncertainty we decided to save that trip for another summer. Please do check current travel advisories before booking this route as situations can change. Plus, I think Bodrum would be more fun with a group of friends anyway.
Bodrum in general I hear is very family friendly, and this hotel does not have a no children allowed policy. However, the property is famous for its chic waterfront deck overlooking the Aegean Sea. Like Il Pellicano, this is what the hotel is known for — and where you would want to be blissfully child free, enjoying infinite rosé, reading material, and unobstructed, non-fenced views. Not worrying about your child going overboard into the Aegean Sea.
The hotel does have a pool but from what I have read, it is quite small. The structure of the hotel is a rugged, multi-level layout so I imagine a lot of stairs and walking.
Bodrum to me gives Mykonos vibes — maybe not as absurdly expensive but still very much adult-oriented, with nightlife and bustling beach clubs like Scorpios. I would definitely rather save this trip sans kids and go with a fun group or for a milestone birthday.
This is the one I left out of the Reel — and it’s the best one.
Chase and I went here last year and it was a dream. If you want an adults-only non-beach vacation, this place is for you. It’s a five-star, adults-only mountain retreat in the Italian Dolomites and does not allow children under the age of 14. So you have no option but to add this to your where-to-go-without-kids list.
It is very much geared toward couples and adults looking for deep relaxation, being in nature, and an unreal luxury spa. The spa was open from 7am until 9pm! We went in the summer when the sky didn’t turn dark until around 9pm anyway, so we would stay until 8pm, shower quickly, and have a fast turnaround for dinner. The vibes here were super casual — most of the time everyone was just walking around all day in their robes using the facilities from 7 to 7. It literally felt like we were all in a cult dressed the same. It was hilarious.
The breakfasts and dinners were so good, the restaurant was designed impeccably, and the views of the mountains were to die for.
Aside from the child policy, I don’t know if I would want to bring a child to the Dolomites anyway. It’s quite a trek, especially coming from the US. It’s an 8-hour flight plus a 4.5-hour drive through the windiest, narrowest streets — and that’s if you time your drive right. It took us almost 6 hours on a weekend given the mountain and Milan traffic. I myself got car sick and I never do! It reminded me of the Aspen mountain pass but much, much longer.
Word of caution — if the car rental company tells you they only have electric vehicles left, do not take it. This contributed to our drive being about an hour longer since we had to stop at a McDonald’s both ways to recharge for about an hour each time. Learn from us.
Despite all of that, I would go back in a heartbeat. If you are looking to do and experience something truly different, this place will take your breath away — and so will the rooms. The hikes they offered were also pretty incredible if you are into that. I preferred the spa, but the one hike closest to the hotel was more than enough for me.
That’s it from me! If I missed any hotels you think are worth adding, please comment below — we are always growing our list and looking for new places to take advantage of when we have childcare and can do a trip for ourselves. Those trips are so important, whether it’s solo, a girls trip, or with your SO. Travel is healing.
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xx
Steph
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