Family-owned hotels tend to deepen the sense of connection to people and place that many of us are looking for when we travel. From Ibiza to Mykonos, Grenada to the Maldives, these are 12 of the best family-owned properties around the world.
Most of us still see travel as a form of escape—whether it’s a break from our hectic jobs, city living, or mundane responsibilities. That being said, there’s been a rise in travellers yearning for that sense of comfort and familiarity once they land on foreign shores. Whether that’s a concierge who remembers your name, a dish that’s been passed down through generations, or photos on the wall depicting the original residents of the renovated farmhouse you’re staying in.
At these hotels, you’ll feel like you’re part of the family.
Villa Igiea, Palermo, Sicily
It’s truly a family affair whenever the Rocco Fortes are involved. With four generations of hospitality experience, every aspect of a Rocco Forte property has been touched by a member of the family—whether it’s the overall strategy by founder Sir Rocco Forte, interior design by his sister Olga Polizzi, new business development led by son Charles, or dining options and wellness amenities by daughters Lydia and Irene Forte. At Villa Igiea in the Fortes’ native Italy, an Art Nouveau palazzo awaits, bringing old world glamour, Sicilian delicacies, and the Tyrrhenian Sea at your doorstep.
Calabash Grenada
It’s a true sister act over at Relais & Châteaux property Calabash Grenada, where the Garbutt sisters Adele, Beth, and Bobbie, have taken over from their parents to bring new life and fresh ideas to the much-loved boutique hotel. The sisters’ passion for their beloved island shines through with local touches seen everywhere throughout the 30 elegant suites as well as in the bright Caribbean flavours highlighted across three restaurants. Sustainability plays a big role in Calabash’s ethos—they even have their own organic regenerative farm, where most of their produce and spices come from.
Jamaica Inn, Caribbean
Those looking for a slice of paradise away from the crowds need to look no further than the five-star Jamaica Inn. Under the ownership of the Morrow family for over 65 years, this tropical haven is tucked away within a sandy cove near former fishing village Ocho Rios. Joining her father as co-owner a few years ago, Olivia Morrow has focussed on targeting a younger cohort of jetsetters who are looking for the quiet luxury experience that Jamaica Inn is known for. Though it may be the gorgeous 700-foot private beach that has kept those in the know flocking to the hotel for years—Ian Fleming, Marilyn Monroe, and Sean Connery, to name a few—it’s the personalised touch that the Morrows bring that keeps the guest experience fresh and exciting.
Kalesma, Mykonos, Greece
While Mykonos attracts the party set throughout the summer months, hotelier and restaurateur Aby Saltiel has built a more laidback, serene offering at his hotel, Kalesma. The 5-acre property spills into the Ornos Bay with 25 whitewashed suites and two villas all with private pools, terraces, and SONOS sound systems. Saltiel spent his summers growing up on the island and lives on the property throughout the season—his presence is a welcome sight for guests who fast become his friends. With a desire to show guests the “real” Mykonos, Saltiel’s vision comes to life with family-style dinners at the in-house restaurant Pere Ubu, outdoor showers for connecting with nature, and a local bread maker who produces fresh Greek bread each morning.
Can Lluc, Ibiza
If DJs and ravers are what you imagine when you envision Ibiza, think again. Husband-and-wife duo Lucas Prats and Tina Soriano have created a secluded hideaway called Can Lluc, amidst olive groves and pine trees near the Sant Rafael hills. The estate has belonged to Lucas’ family for over 300 years and was the site of a working farm until two decades ago when it was transformed into a boutique hotel. Keeping with the Ibizenco architecture, the pair opted to keep original family furnishings to accentuate the rustic surroundings. In addition to the existing suites and houses, two new grand villas with private swimming pools have launched in 2024.
Baur Au Lac, Zurich, Switzerland
Coming in to the family business as a seventh-generation owner can be a daunting task, but Marguita Kracht, of the Baur-Kracht family that has owned and run Leading Hotels of the World member Baur au Lac in Zurich, is up for the challenge. Along with her father Andrea, Marguita has curated an impressive itinerary for guests staying at the 180-year-old luxury property—complete with its own park—such as a cruise along Lake Zurich in the hotel’s very own saloon boat, outdoor dining on the new terrace of Mediterranean restaurant Marguita (named after both the hotel heiress and her grandmother), or a personalised walking tour through the city’s Old Town.
Le Coucou, Méribel, France
Has the intense summer sun got you dreaming of cosy nights by the fire? Enter Le Coucou, the five-star refuge for skiers and winter lovers situated in picturesque Méribel. Part of the Maisons Pariente group, the family-run collection of design-led boutique properties dotted throughout France, Le Coucou offers a ski-in/ski-out luxury experience with panoramic views of the Three Valleys. Masions Pariente construct all of their properties in the style of a private home, and guests at Le Coucou can delight in the ultra-personalised service and chic furnishings that greet them after a day out on the slopes.
Hotel Union Øye, Norangsfjorden, Norway
For adrenaline seekers and nature enthusiasts, there’s no other family you’d rather be welcomed into than the Flakk family. Knut and Line founded their adventure travel company 62ºNORD out of their love for their homeland and the many thrilling experiences it had to offer. Hotel Union Øye is the grand dame in their unique collection of hotels—nestled between stunning Norwegian mountains in the hamlet of Øye, the hotel’s traditional exterior alone is a sight to behold. Along with their daughter Maria, the family go through great lengths to create completely bespoke itineraries for their guests, including hikes up the Sunnmøre Alps with local guides, a sauna session overlooking the majestic fjord before a cooling wild swimming excursion, or an e-bike trip through the Norang Valley.
Villa Nai 3.3, Dugi Otok, Croatia
Goran Morović has a deep connection to the land where his luxury property, Villa Nai 3.3, sits on. His family has been tilling the land and tending to the olive groves at the island hotel for over 500 years, and it was this legacy that drove him to create an idyllic retreat where guests could be fully immersed in the outdoors. Together with his wife Nives, they have built an intimate sanctuary with only eight rooms and suites, all with views of the surrounding groves and the Adriatic Sea. Leaning on the expertise of Croatian architect Nikola Bašić, the duo’s adult-only hideaway exudes rustic charm with the accommodations seemingly carved into the land itself.
Milaidhoo, Maldives
Celebrating the distinct Maldivian culture is at the heart of the family-owned luxury Milaidhoo resort. The team calls their guests “storytellers” and welcomes them to craft their own exclusive experiences during their time on the island. All villas and residences boast their own private pools and have expansive views of the crystal waters and powder-white sand right on your doorstep. From Maldivian cooking classes to taking part in traditional music performances, there’s a never-ending list of activities the Milaidhoo family have in store.
Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia
If going off-the-grid is more your style, then you’ll fit right in with the Ivara family. Fabrice and Evguenia are absolute thrill seekers who turned their passion for adventure into a luxury abode fit for the most ambitious explorers. Cap Karoso is a tropical oasis on the remote Sumba island, where intrepid travellers are invited to take part in authentic Sumbanese traditions through cultural workshops, ceremonies, ikat weaving, or maybe even fishing trip or horse riding expedition with the local islanders.
The Vineyard, Berkshire, UK
Wine lovers, rejoice! There’s no need to fly all the way to Napa with Sir Peter and Lady Michael’s wine haven, The Vineyard. Along with their children, the couple have curated a collection of over 30,000 bottles from both the New and Old World for guests to enjoy, including some from Sir Peter’s award-winning winery in California. Guests are spoilt for choice with 49 sumptuous rooms and suites, delicious dining options—all meticulously paired with an exceptional wine list, of course—and the chance to view one of the largest private art collections in the country.
Lead image credit: Union Oye, photo by Maroy Klouda
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?