In 2006, FTF's annual Top 10 survey of award-winners highlighted the most exclusive resorts that offer a genuine welcome to families.

Remember when luxury and family travel were considered mutually exclusive concepts? Fast forward to today’s travel scene, where top luxury hotel and resort brands are doing backflips to attract families with children.

What can you expect? Picture cutting edge or palatial classic design, Egyptian cotton linens, large flat-screen TVs, iPod chargers and DVD players with Bose speakers, Wi-Fi access and seamless security in your accommodations.

Throughout the resort, impeccable service, Asian-influenced spas, championship recreation facilities, artisanal cuisine, a cache of fine wines, and private jet access are givens. And for the kids? They’ll delight at unexpected amenities, child-proofed rooms, fluffy bedding, creative and engaging experiences, special menus and adults who understand it’s their vacation too.

Why the metamorphosis? Experts in the industry point to several factors, from the impact of 9/11, which caused families of all economic levels to pull together, to the preponderance of older, well-heeled parents having -- and doting upon -- young children.

Our winners were selected from the more than 50 five-star resorts nominated by FTF correspondents, luxury travel specialists, and traveling families.  To find the very best vacation for those who expect the very best -- for their children and themselves -- FTF evaluated each resort's setting, accommodations, recreation and spa facilities, family indulgences and special services.  Our Top 10 winners exceed guest expectations in each of these categories and range in price from an affordable $249/N to the stellar $16,230/N for a family of four.

Whatever the reason, this is a trend we applaud, particularly in the case of properties that are sincere about targeting the luxury family market. and we present Family Travel Forum’s 2006 Top 10 Getaways for Luxury Travelers awards.

Top Luxury Beach Resorts:
Four Seasons Resort Lanai'i at Manele Bay, Hawai'i
Half Moon, Rose Hall, Jamaica
Hotel Del Coronado, California
The Breakers, Florida
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Top Luxury Golf Resorts:
One&Only Palmilla, SanJose del Cabo, Mexico
Sandy Lane, St. James, Barbados
The Grove, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Top Luxury Spas:
Evian Royal Resort, Evian-les-Bains,France
Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, Mau'i, Hawai'i