5 Luxury Hiking Experiences For Mature Families

Family vacations are tremendous fun when the kids are young and can be even more so when they are much older. On these later vacations, the time spent together does not just involve entertainment and relaxation but also discovering who your kids are as young adults and vice versa. For many families, this bonding is done through an outdoor activity, like a hike.

Hikes are the perfect group activity for the sheer simplicity of its mechanics. There is no need for any special skills or expensive equipment nor is it only accessible to those with a superior fitness level.

All that is required is the choice of a scenic trail that suits every family member’s comfort level. And there is no shortage of such trails in Australia or around the world. Even better, is that many trails today also include an element of luxury, whether in the form of five-star accommodation or as a special feature en route to the destination.

woman with drive has picked five top luxury hiking experiences to enjoy with your adult children or parents.

Cape To Cape Track in Margaret River, Australia

Duration: Four days / eight days
Distance: Approximately 13km / 34km

Located in the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia, the Cape To Cape Track stretches for 135km of coastline. However, you can always opt for Walk Into Luxury’s four-day Luxury Taster Private Walk or the eight-day Ultimate Luxury Private Walk. Whatever your choice, you are guaranteed to walk away from the entire experience without a sore spot in your body.

Spend the first half of each day wearing a custom-made insulated pack and walking a terrain that alternates between white sand and lush forests. The track is rated as moderate with a couple of easy sections thrown in to give you a breather. The second half of the day is yours to fill at your five-star villa with exclusive dinners, premium wine tastings, private spa treatments or just relaxing in your private plunge pool.

Bay of Fires Lodge Walk in Tasmania, Australia

Duration: Four days
Distance: 27km

Once hailed by Lonely Planet as the hottest travel destination in the world, the Bay of Fires is a Tasmanian pride and joy. The bay itself extends from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north, and is a spectacular combination of beach and wilderness. The main trail will take you past pristine white sand, stunning rock formations and of course, the turquoise Tasman Sea.

Recharge and rejuvenate in the Forester Beach Camp, a private eco-lodge tucked in a dune swale behind a white sand beach. Swim or snorkel in the natural, rock-ringed “harbour”, enjoy three-course dinners of fresh Tasmanian produce, and gaze at the clear, starry sky before calling it a day.

Hollyford Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Duration: 3 days
Distance: 40km

One of the country’s most spectacular trails, the Hollyford Track runs through the Hollyford Valley, which was carved out by glaciers in New Zealand’s South Island. This is one of only two places in the world where rainforest meets glacial waters.

Groups are an intimate number of 16 on this guided hike that covers 17km on the first day, 14km on the second and 9km on the last. Hike the well-marked trails through the valley while listening to your expert guide talk about the geographical diversity and wildlife, and share stories of the pioneering Maori families.

The second day of your hike will see you crossing Lake Alabaster in a jet boat before you wrap it up on day three with a scenic helicopter ride over the incredible Milford Sound. The Hollyford Track is said to contain the essence of New Zealand’s wilderness, history and heritage.

The Dolphin Trail in Western Cape, South Africa

Duration: Two days
Distance: 17km

The South African National Parks, The Fernery and Misty Mountain Reserve have found a way to challenge and pamper hikers taking on the Dolphin Trail. The hike starts at the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, passes through the Misty Mountain Reserve and ends at The Fernery.

The challenge is hiking across the magnificent Tsitsikamma Coast. The pampering involves your heavy luggage being transported by 4×4 between overnight stops at the luxury accommodation.

But the real reward is walking through a pristine indigenous forest filled with native birds, spotting whales, dolphins and even otters over the rugged coastline and swimming in the rock pools. Celebrate your progress at the end of each day with a spa treatment and well-deserved drink or two over a gourmet meal.

The Rocky Mountains in Colorado, U.S.

Duration: Depending on chosen trail
Distance: Depending on chosen trail

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa offers four guided hikes for different skill levels and that feature gourmet breakfasts or lunches, and even a mountain wine excursion into the White River National Forest.

The hotel has recently teamed up with Swedish outdoor equipment specialist, Fjällräven, to infuse its guests’ hiking experience with concierge program. Aptly named Backpack Concierge, the bespoke program offers hiking enthusiast a choice between two premium backpacks to accompany them on the mountain trail.

Among the bag’s contents is a deck of Local Secrets cards curated by Park Hyatt staff and which list the top local hot spots from secluded hot springs to pet-friendly trails. Spend the day surrounded by the majesty of the Rocky Mountains then bring yourself back to luxury on the ground.

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