Ditch the Kids: Five Child-Free Locations for Moms to Take a Break This Mother's Day
With Mother’s Day approaching on Sunday, 12 May, it’s time to pamper and pay homage to all those marvelous Moms. Let’s face it, being a parent is no easy feat and is certainly not for the weak. As 58%* of parents plan to travel alone in 2024, why not mix it up this year and celebrate all the wonderful moms with an indulgent, child-free holiday spree rather than the typical Mother’s Day gifts. With International Parents Day also on its way (Saturday, June 1) it could be the perfect excuse for a parents-only trip. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Tripeden.com has delved into its more than 28 million listings across over 175,000 destinations around the world to share five picturesque locations with stunning, adult-only resorts, so parents can take that well-deserved break.
Zakynthos, Greece
Lovers of the Mediterranean can head to exotic Zakynthos, a Greek island that flaunts astonishing beauty, nature trails, and boundless beaches with azure-blue horizons. Zakynthos is the perfect destination to enjoy some peace and quiet—away from the buzz and routine of city life. Featuring amazing hotels, deliciously fresh food, and a stunning coastline along the Ionian Sea, there is plenty to get up to on this island of dreams. Take a stroll around the town center of Alexander Roma Street and 21st Maiou Street, studded with shops, bars, and restaurants aplenty, before going on to see the endangered Caretta sea turtles, protected and preserved by the Mediterranean Marine Life Centre. These underwater creatures can be spotted swimming across the beautiful beaches of Marathonissi, East Laganas, Kalamaki…the list goes on.
Where to stay: Tsilivi village in Zakynthos Island is tucked away from the mobs and crowds and houses the striking Zante Maris Suites. This five star resort, brimming with tranquility, is a haven for downtime, child free. Nature meets architecture in each suite, which is a bona fide sanctuary—imagine groves of olive trees, streams of trickling waters, and views to boot. There is also the private pool suite for guests craving outright seclusion. Lounge by the pool and soak in the sun with a craft cocktail in hand—think local liquors infused with Mediterranean herbs. The only question on guests' minds should be what’s for dinner later. For culture vultures, Byzantine Museum is just a short drive away and promises a day full of history and classic antiquity.
Sankt Jakob in Haus, Austria
From snow to sunshine, Sankt Jakob in Haus quite literally has it all. It’s the ideal getaway for couples craving adventure. Take a hike through the hills, as Sankt Jakob in Haus is known as the sunniest village in the PillerseeTal. Voyagers can take a trip up to the Buchensteinwand mountain, capped with an awe-inspiring wooden cross 100 feet (30 meters) in height and flanked by stunning views. Finally, cool off with a dip in the lake in Waidring or glide along the emerald-green waters of Lake Pillersee.
Where to stay: The Adults Only Boutique-Hotel Unterlechner is beautifully positioned atop a hill and amidst the wonderful Kitzbühel Alps. Located just above Sankt Jakob in Haus, this property is complete with a sun terrace and rooms boasting panoramic mountain views. If a day of leisure is what the doctor ordered, then travelers should lounge at the indoor or outdoor nature pools, garden or herbal saunas. Although there is much to do in and around the grounds, Swarovski Crystal Worlds is worth a visit if only to discover a sparkling wonderland of art, filled with masterpieces and the 17 Chambers of Wonder, an exhibition par excellence.
Cancun, Mexico
An idyllic paradise with powdery white-sand beaches, Cancun is just the destination for parents to take their well-deserved child-free break. Renowned for its all-inclusive resorts, it’s really those turquoise-blue lagoons and palm-fringed shorelines that entice crowds near and far. And if all one wants to do is lie on the beach and enjoy a tequila margarita, go right ahead, there is no judgment here! But, if in the mood to explore, this full-day Catamaran Adventure to Isla Mujeres excursion is just the ticket. An enticing cruise across the Caribbean Sea, this 45-foot (14 meter) long catamaran also offers activities from snorkeling around the coral reef and discovering vibrant sea life, to a buffet lunch along the shores of Isla Mujeres.
Where to stay: Experience all things luxe at the Atelier Playa Mujeres - Adults Only - All Inclusive Resort, situated within the beautiful Playa Mujeres landscape between the crystalline waters of the Caribbean and a verdant golf course. This resort is a proper escape from the daily cacophony of a city, as guests can lounge anywhere on these vast grounds or soak up the sun whilst swimming a few laps in the pool, followed by an exotic cocktail or two. The suites showcase artwork inspired by Mexico’s history and culture, and are restful havens with delightful views. The property flaunts an impressive roster of restaurants and bars, whipping up food for all palates, from traditional Mexican and Asian fusion to Italian delights and Caribbean treats.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
With world-renowned luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and a vibrant nightlife, Dubai is a dream destination for parents who wish to sleep all day and party all night—minus the kids. Unwind and reconnect at Jumeirah beach, against the backdrop of the striking Burj Al Arab, the ultimate symbol of Dubai’s luxury. Then relish the exquisite culinary delights on offer across the town. If scaling new heights is on your bucket list, this Burj Khalifa At The Top Ticket is the perfect excursion. Set on the 125th floor, it flaunts breathtaking vistas of the city’s famous skyline. There’s also telescopes at the viewing platforms, which allow travelers to marvel at such striking landmarks as the Marina and Palm Jumeirah.
Where to stay: Connect, relax, and leave all worries behind at W Dubai - Mina Seyahi, Adults Only, a resort fit to recharge the batteries. Situated on the highly sought-after Jumeirah Beach coastline, this luxury five-star hotel is an urban escape, alive with day-to-night programming. Sample their array of amplified dining outlets, the dialed-up DJ sets at Ginger Moon’s infinity pool, as well as the forever hot and happening Japanese rooftop lounge, Attiko. The generously sized guest rooms are a nod to the glamourous past and boast a retro vibe. Celebrate child-free bliss at the W Dubai, where guests can go from having a stress-free morning at the Bar-B Spa to dancing the night away at the on-site beach club.
Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica
Lush mountains and a green jungle make up the backdrop of stunning Santa Teresa Beach. Every parent deserves the chance to rejuvenate and reconnect and this stunning beach in Costa Rica is made to order. Picture leisurely walks along the palm-fringed coastline, devouring gourmet cuisine at beachfront restaurants, or savoring sunset cocktails to the sound of crashing waves—beats bickering with the kids any day! An aquaphile’s paradise, Santa Teresa is known to be a top destination for surfers of all stripes, but if adventure is what you’re after, then stroll through the jungle and make friends with the neighborhood howler monkeys nestled amongst the treetops.
Where to stay: Tucked away in a remote part of the Costa Rican jungle is the Casa Chameleon Hotel Mal Pais - Adults Only, an impressive property flanked by tropical wilderness. The perfect place for a secluded getaway, kid-free for a week or two, each of Mal País hideaways flaunt total privacy and all out tranquility—envision an au natural décor and wooden features galore. Interestingly, the hotel was built using renewable resources, such as bamboo and volcano rock, thereby infusing the surroundings with an organic vibe. Authentic dishes with unforgettable flavors are served up at Brasas del Mar, showcasing an open kitchen where diners can watch in wonder as the chef cooks up a storm, from breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner, starring the region’s fresh and best ingredients.
*Travel Predictions 2024 research commissioned by Tripeden.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,730 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1008 from Argentina, 1012 from Australia, 505 from Austria, 1001 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1009 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1002 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 504 from Denmark, 1011 from France, 1011 from Germany, 1016 from Hong Kong, 1004 from India, 510 from Ireland, 504 from Israel, 1014 from Italy, 1004 from Japan, 1009 from Mexico, 1014 from The Netherlands, 1015 from New Zealand, 500 from Portugal, 502 from Singapore, 1010 from South Korea, 1009 from Spain, 502 from Sweden, 507 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1003 from Thailand, 502 from the UAE, 1007 from the UK, 1005 from the US and 1007 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2023.