Celebrate Father’s Day With These Luxe International Getaways
From a French cruise to a Jamaican golf trip, there’s a dream vacation for every dad.
Traveling with your dad can foster a newfound sense of closeness and provide lifelong memories—and it can also be a hell of a lot of fun. In honor of Father’s Day, consider booking one of these great getaways, from a whisky-soaked Scottish cruise to snorkeling in the Maldives.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The reigning star of the resort town of Cabo San Lucas just may be the Casa Maat at JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa. Think about this luxe boutique hotel within the larger JW Marriott as the resort version of a speakeasy—it’s tucked just behind the JW with its own private dining spaces and guest-exclusive pools.
These spaces will be much less crowded than those at its big resort neighbor, which means you’ll never be forced to wait for a lounge chair or drink at the bar. Guests also have access to the JW amenities, including a premium spa where you can experience a traditional Mexican temazcal therapeutic ceremony.
Scottish Highlands
A whisky tasting straight from the source might be the gold standard in terms of father/son trips—but a drive through the Scottish Highlands may be a bit taxing for some. The new Holland America Highlights of Scotland cruise itinerary will allow the two of you to traverse the Highlands from the comfort of your stateroom.
Each day you’ll arrive at a new port with tours available at top-rated whisky distilleries like Glenmorangie. It’s worth noting that the Scottish Highlands also boast more than a thousand historic castles to explore once you’ve had your fill of fine single-malt Scotch.
The Maldives
Every dad deserves to experience the lap of luxury, and the Maldives certainly delivers. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is unparalleled luxury from start to finish. You’ll be picked up directly from the airport and whisked away by private speedboat directly to the Fari Islands where your very own personal butler will be waiting to take you to your suite.
Once you’ve checked in, the islands are your oyster. Spend the day on the beaches overlooking the impossibly turquoise blue waters, test your snorkeling skills, or indulge in an overwater massage at the spa. This property also boasts a total of seven restaurants that range from classic Western cuisines to a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant in the sand.
Ochos Rios, Jamaica
Every dad loves a good deal, so an all-inclusive option like Sandals’ new adults-only Dunn’s River in Ochos Rios, Jamaica is always a smart move. Aside from enjoying unlimited food and drinks at the lush property’s twelve restaurants and nine bars, hotel guests get complimentary green fees at the nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club.
The 18-hole golf course is situated 700 feet above sea level with verdant fairways that feature stunning views of the ocean and mountains. The country club also boasts a practice range, putting and chipping greens, pro shop, restaurant, and snack shack, and has been ranked among the best golf courses in Jamaica by Golf Digest and Frommers Travel Guide.
The South of France
For wine lovers who geek out on Chateauneuf-du-Pape and celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau like it’s a national holiday, you can’t do better than a wine-fueled tour of the South of France. You could always take him on a road trip, but you’ll cover more ground on a river cruise like the Viking South of France.
The whirlwind, wine-focused trip will take you through Lyon and Provence while stopping along the way to experience vineyards and wineries in some of the most famous appellations in the world. This experience can also be tailored to suit travelers with limited mobility, so if your dad prefers a slower pace, he’ll definitely be accommodated.
Cappadocia, Turkey
For those into heart-pumping experiences and unique accommodations, hop a flight to Turkey. You’ll likely fly into Istanbul (which is in and of itself a great trip) but if you prefer the country landscape to the city, head straight to Cappadocia. This historical district in Central Anatolia is home to the world-famous “fairy chimney” rock formations and still-standing Bronze Age cave homes built into the volcanic rock.
Check into Argos in Cappadocia; a luxury hotel occupying the ancient cave formations. You’ll have easy access to major attractions in the region like the Kaymakli Underground City and Zelve Open Air Museum. Don’t miss a bucket-list hot air balloon flight over the otherworldly Göreme region.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid is going through a bit of a renaissance right now, thanks in-part to an incredible number of post-pandemic luxury hotel openings and reservations. If you’re craving a Spanish sojourn, it’s a great time to skip tourist-heavy Barcelona in favor of the capital city. The Mandarin Oriental Ritz serving as the crown-jewel hotel of the city.
With a Champagne bar and Michelin-starred restaurant, the Belle Époque-era hotel is ideal for an upscale stay in Madrid. The Prado Museum and El Retiro Park are right across the street from the centrally-located hotel, and you can comfortably meander around Madrid without needing to tackle public transit or taxis.
