Top 10 Adults Only Luxury Resorts and Hotels

What Are the Best Adults-Only Luxury Hotels and Resorts? Many of our honeymooning clients and other couples without kids crave a child-free resort to celebrate their special occasion.

Now, ironically, many adults only hotels (especially all inclusive properties) aren't in the luxury category, which makes this mandate harder than it seems. For example, no Aman Resort is adults only, and of the many Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world, only three don't allow young children. Most other luxury brands, such as Cheval Blanc, Belmond, The Peninsula, Oetker Collection, Six Senses, etc. allow families with kids at all their hotels and resorts. Even some resorts that originally opened as adults only, such as Joali Being, have opened their doors to guests of all ages, as they were losing too much business. Like it or not, many high net worth guests have children and in their limited downtime want to travel as a family, so it's not worth it for most luxury hotel brands to alienate them.

That said, in many cases it's possible to avoid most kids if traveling during times of year when there aren't school holidays (although of course note that there are many different school holidays, for example U.S. vs. Australia and New Zealand school holidays). On the other hand, it's also true that you may not avoid babies and toddlers who aren't in school yet–and often they have the most potential to be disruptive, since they're not at an age when you can reason with them. It's worth considering private island resorts, such as most luxury resorts in the Maldives, since these tend to be stand alone villas with great privacy; again you'll want to avoid the winter and spring school holidays, however.

Here are our picks for the best adults-only hotel and resort experiences, including the minimum age requirement (since some do allow older children).

1. Monastero Santa Rosa, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Child Policy: Children must be 16 and older

TravelSort Clients enjoy Virtuoso Benefits at Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests, served in the restaurant or via in-room dining
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Monastero Santa Rosa is gorgeous. A former convent, it has been lovingly turned into an incredible boutique property of just 20 rooms and suites with jaw-dropping views, an infinity pool overlooking the azure ocean, terraced flower gardens, and a fantastic spa. If you're headed to the Amalfi Coast, don't miss Monastero Santa Rosa–just be sure to plan ahead, since it quickly fills up.

2. Otahuna, Christchurch, New Zealand

Child Policy: Children must be 12 and older

TravelSort Clients enjoy Virtuoso Benefits at Otahuna, a Relais & Chateaux property:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests, served in the Dining Room or via in-room dining
Complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people/room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (minimum 3-courses & value of $100 USD)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

There are many visually stunning resorts around the world, but Otahuna, while a beautifully restored estate and a listed historical building in New Zealand, is one of my most memorable stays ever because of the palpable care of the entire team. Co-owner Miles Refo and Donna, the sommelier, warmly welcomed us when we arrived, and Jimmy, the fantastic head chef, personally presented each course we enjoyed at dinner (our son was exceptionally allowed to join us for dinner, our best meal in New Zealand, enjoyed in one of the light filled turrets off the sitting room). If you enjoy beautiful gardens, nature, history, fine food and wine and truly personalized service, don't miss Otahuna when visiting New Zealand. Reserve well in advance: there are only 7 rooms and suites.

3. Villa Nai 3.3, Croatia

Child Policy: 12 and older

At this eco-conscious retreat on the rustic island of Dugi Otok, enjoy sea views from the saltwater infinity pool or from one of the eight luxurious rooms and suites, with plush beds, marble bathrooms by Agape, sleek Italian Giorgetti furniture, and Frette towels.

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
$100 USD equivalent dining credit
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

4. Caesar Augustus, Capri, Italy

Child Policy: Children must be 10 and older

TravelSort Clients enjoy Virtuoso Benefits at Caesar Augustus, a Relais & Chateaux property:

Upgrade to the next category of room upon arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast already included in the rates
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit, applicable only towards dinner at La Terrazza di Lucullo (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Bookings in Master Suites also receive a complimentary bottle of champagne and fruit plate
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

For a splurge, reserve one of the Master Suites, such as the Tiberio Suite, with its four poster bed and stunning views of the Bay of Naples from the bed, from the jacuzzi in the bathroom, and of course from the private terrace.

Best Adults Only Luxury Resorts and Hotels

5. Sequoia Lodge, Crafers, Australia

Child Policy: 18 and older

If your couple's trip takes you to Australia, it's worth the trip to Adelaide to experience Sequoia Lodge, atop Mount Lofty. While there's excellent wine tasting at nearby wineries, you'll be tempted to stay at the lodge, relaxing in the artesian spring-fed hot pools, perfecting your serve on the tennis court, or soaking in the views from your suite’s balcony with a glass of wine from the 4000-bottle cellar.

Virtuoso Benefits

Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom (already included in hotel rates), served in the hotel restaurant or via in-room dining
$100USD equivalent in local currency Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 Resort or Hotel credit (for a total of $300 during stay)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

6. Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico (All Inclusive)

Child Policy: Children must be 16 years or older

Glamping is taken to a new level at Naviva, with only 15 luxury tents ensconced in 48 acres of jungle close to the Pacific Ocean. Activities include snorkeling, free diving, shore fishing, nocturnal forest bathing, power hiking, Mexican boxing, yoga, meditation, a temazcal ceremony, and more.

TravelSort Clients enjoy Four Seasons Preferred Partner Benefits at Naviva (all meals already included in the rate):

All meals, snacks and beverages for the duration of the stay
Round-trip transfers for two people from Puerto Vallarta Airport
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in

7. Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini

Child Policy: 13 years and older

Virtuoso Benefits

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit (for a total of $300 during stay)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

8. Ballyfin, Ireland

Child Policy: 9 years and older

If you stay at one estate in Ireland, it should be Ballyfin. A little over an hour's drive from Dublin, you'll enter another world on this 600 acre estate, with a Regency manor house that was painstakingly restored and now offers 21 rooms and suites. Explore its grand State Rooms, the elegant Drawing Room, or the sun-filled Conservatory, reached through a secret door hidden in a bookshelf of the Library. Its many activities, from falconry to fishing on the lake or hiking and biking will work up an appetite for a multi-course tasting menu in the Dining Room, with many of the fresh ingredients grown or foraged in the estate's gardens.

9. Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort

Child Policy: 16 years and older

TravelSort Clients enjoy Four Seasons Preferred Partner Benefits at Sensei Lanai:

Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom, served in a hotel restaurant or through In-Room Dining
Hotel/Resort Credit (based on room category booked):
• Guest Rooms: USD 100 credit per stay
• Suites and Specialty Suites: USD 200 credit per stay
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in

10. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Child Policy: 18 years and older

TravelSort Clients enjoy Virtuoso Benefits at Post Ranch Inn:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
$100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Honorable Mention: Alila Ventana Big Sur

Child Policy: 18 years and older

Close to the Post Ranch Inn, Alila Ventana Big Sur is all-inclusive. TravelSort Clients enjoy Hyatt Prive benefits, including a confirmed upgrade within 24 hours of booking for non-peak periods: