Why Adults Only Resorts Are the Secret to True Vacation Bliss

If you’ve ever planned a holiday getaway, you’ve probably run into the idea of an “adults only” resort. Maybe you snorted at the slick brochures that promise tranquility, luxury, and not a single sticky ice cream finger in sight. Maybe, like me after a long stretch of school holidays with Elora, you wondered: do child-free zones really live up to the hype, or is it just clever marketing for overpriced cocktails and swim-up suites?

It’s not really about hating children. Trust me, as a Dublin mum, half my heart walks around in sparkly rainbow trainers and calls me “Mum” with sticky hands. But there’s a different kind of pause when you check into a place where the only screaming is from the guy losing at trivia night, not the toddler denied a second scoop of vanilla. The adults only resort isn’t about exclusion for exclusion’s sake—it’s a magic little experiment in what relaxation looks like for grownups when you peel away the layers of crayons and sippy cups.

The Real Perks: Beyond Just Peace and Quiet

The biggest draw? Yes, it’s the quiet—no whiny choruses during breakfast, no Lego underfoot. But the perks run deeper than silence. Adults only resorts, especially the all-inclusive types, create an entire ecosystem built around what grownups actually like to do. Massages that last longer than five minutes, dinners you eat while they’re still warm, and a bartender who will actually remember your favorite drink (mine is a Moscow mule, in case you’re mixing!).

Take the pools, for example. At family resorts, pools turn into splash battle zones, and hot tubs are often commandeered by excitable kids. Adults only pools, on the other hand, transform into serene sanctuaries—complete with floaty loungers, swim-up bars, and maybe even grown-up pool games that don’t end in a meltdown. Some places even have infinity pools reserved just for couples or solo travellers, so you can soak in those sunset views in peace.

Food, too, hits a different level. Instead of menus that read like a children’s birthday party (chicken nuggets again?), you get a shot at local cuisine, multi-course wine paired dinners, and experimental flavors. Many adults only resorts offer culinary classes, winemaker dinners, and chef’s tables that just wouldn’t make sense in a family hotel. A friend of mine, who stayed at a place in Greece, still talks about the olive oil tasting like she’s met a new love interest.

Of course, there’s the vibe. Imagine a spa where laughter is as soft as the music, not a clockwork parade of shouts and giggles. Or nightlife where you can actually hear the live band because the audience isn’t two dozen overtired children needing a late-night snack. Some stats: a survey by the travel platform Skyscanner in 2024 found that over 64% of Irish couples preferred adults only getaways specifically for the relaxed atmosphere and increased activity choices.

Who Are Adults Only Resorts Really For?

The biggest myth? They’re just for honeymooners or the perpetually loved-up. The guest list spans a lot wider than you’d think. My friend, Anya, travels solo and picks adults only resorts strictly for the stress-free energy. Whether you’re single, coupled, celebrating an anniversary, or meeting friends for a reunion, these places lean hard into “customized experiences.” Yoga retreats, wine tastings, art courses, even sports tournaments get tailored with adults’ interests in mind—think tennis, golf, or cocktail mixology contests.

Another visitor group: older adults and retirees. Plenty of people like my parents, who’ve “done their time” parenting, now want trips without the energy burn of little ones zooming past at breakfast buffets. Stats collected by Booking.com in late 2024 show that empty-nesters make up nearly 40% of bookings at adults only hotels in Europe, with luxury and relaxation topping their wish lists.

Then, of course, there’s the obvious one: couples. If I’m honest, Damon would never admit it, but our best holiday in years was at a quiet adults only beach hideaway in Portugal, where watching the moon ripple over the water was as wild as things got after 10 pm. You get time to remember who your partner is when you’re not working crowd control at every meal, and nobody has to eat dinner at 6 on the dot because “kids’ club closes.”

There’s also a social angle. Shared interests—think cooking classes, group hikes, painting workshops—get far more traction when everyone involved is old enough to stay up past 9 pm. If you’re looking to meet new people or just swap stories over cocktails, you’ll find the crowd much more relaxed and open to friendly chats. Retirees, child-free couples, solo travelers: it’s all about what draws you together as adults, not what you’re trying to escape.

Adults only resort doesn’t have to mean expensive, either. While some exclusive spots reach for the stars (and your bank balance), there’s a wave of boutique hotels and budget-friendly packages cropping up all the time. Many places now offer adults only “wings” or floors within larger resorts, giving you the best of both worlds—think romantic dinners by the sea, plus access to lively bars or shows at your whim.

Things to Know Before You Book

So you’re tempted—who isn’t? But before tossing your beach towel in a suitcase, check a few key facts that will make or break your trip. First off: age limits. Most adults only resorts set the bar at 18, but some go for 16 or 21. If you’re traveling with adult children, double check the fine print. Nothing ruins a holiday mood faster than a “you’re too young” at check-in.

Then there’s the vibe. Not all adults only resorts are created equally. Some crank up the romance—think secluded suites, couples massages, “do not disturb” literally everywhere. Others lean into group fun: live DJs, dance classes, pub quizzes, and social mixers. Read reviews and ask your travel agent if you’re aiming for moonlit walks or all-night pool parties—the wrong energy can be a disappointment if you’re expecting zen and get EDM by the pool, or vice versa.

Mind the “all inclusive” angle, too. Some packages are truly unlimited, while others ration the premium drink list or charge extra for top-tier restaurants. Research menus, check if spa treatments are included, and find out if there are dress codes for fancy dinners (nobody wants to pack a jacket only to find shorts are the norm!).

People watching is part of the fun, but privacy matters. Adults only doesn’t mean everything is open and communal. Many resorts have private cabanas, secluded pools, and booking systems for spa sessions or romantic dinners—book ahead to nab the best spots.

Another tip: location matters more than you’d guess. Some adults only resorts are set deep inside larger family resorts—a classic “adults only wing” situation. This is handy if you’re traveling with extended family and want to break away but still share some meals or activities together. If you want full serenity, go for truly stand-alone adults only properties—it’s a different level of chill.

Look out, too, for special events. Many places offer music nights, cooking classes, and art sessions—some even bring in guest chefs, sommeliers, or yoga instructors for pop-up retreats. Ask what’s scheduled during your stay; you might time your trip for a wine festival or wellness week that totally transforms the atmosphere.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what to check for your perfect match:

And here’s something wild: The “childfree” travel movement has doubled since 2022, according to Expedia Group data from April 2025. More travelers every year want at least a few days where the only thing breaking the silence is their own delighted shriek on a waterslide.

I get it. After endless birthday parties, school pick-ups, and living room dance recitals with Elora, I adore the chaos of family travel—but occasionally, a weekend where the only thing I have to carry is a paperback and beach bag feels like winning the lottery. Even Damon says he comes home from those rare grownups-only getaways actually relaxed. Maybe the point of an adults only resort isn’t to banish family life, but to remind us what self-care, reconnection, and actual rest feel like. Not bad for a few nights without the pitter-patter of small feet, right?