Adults Only Hotels: A Celebration of Elegance and Relaxation
Adults only hotels aren’t just places to sleep-they’re designed for peace, intimacy, and refined relaxation. If you’ve ever felt drained by the noise of family resorts or the chaos of crowded pools, you know what these places offer: silence that actually feels like rest.
What Makes an Adults Only Hotel Different?
Adults only hotels exclude guests under 18, sometimes raising the minimum age to 21. This isn’t about restriction-it’s about intention. These properties remove the distractions that come with children: loud poolside games, early-morning cries, and the constant need to plan around nap times.
Without kids, the atmosphere shifts. Lounges become places to read in quiet corners, not to chase runaway toddlers. Dining rooms turn into candlelit experiences, not buffet lines with plastic cups. Even the spa schedules are built for uninterrupted treatments-no interruptions, no rush.
According to a 2024 report by Hotel Business Review, 68% of guests at adults only properties say they choose them specifically to escape family-oriented environments. The top three reasons? Quiet (89%), privacy (82%), and a more sophisticated vibe (76%).
Where to Find the Best Adults Only Hotels
You don’t need to fly to Bali or Ibiza to find one. There are dozens of high-quality adults only hotels across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean that deliver elegance without the hype.
In the UK, places like The Pig & Butcher in Hampshire offer secluded rooms with private hot tubs and farm-to-table dining-no children allowed. In Spain, El Hotelito in the Canary Islands is known for its cliffside infinity pools and midnight wine tastings. In Mexico, El Dorado Spa Resort in Riviera Maya uses blackout curtains, soundproofing, and zero kids policies to create one of the most peaceful all-inclusive experiences in the region.
Even in cities, adults only options are growing. London’s The Zetter Townhouse in Clerkenwell has a rooftop bar that shuts down at 11 PM-no rowdy crowds, just jazz and cocktails. In Paris, Hôtel Le Narcisse Blanc offers a 24-hour silence policy in rooms and a spa that books appointments by reservation only.
What to Expect in Terms of Service and Style
These hotels don’t just remove children-they elevate everything else.
Staff are trained to anticipate needs without intrusion. Room service arrives without knocking. Turndown service includes handwritten notes, not cartoon stickers. Bathrooms are stocked with premium brands like Aesop, Byredo, or L’Occitane-not the generic hotel shampoo.
Design matters too. Think minimalist interiors with natural wood, stone floors, and muted tones. Curtains that block all light. Beds with high-thread-count linen. No TVs in every room-because sometimes, silence is the best entertainment.
Even the pool areas are designed differently. No water slides. No splash zones. Instead, you’ll find heated infinity edges, sunken loungers, and towel service that never leaves you waiting. At El Ganzo in San José del Cabo, the pool is surrounded by a bamboo wall and open only to guests over 21. The music? Soft jazz or ambient soundscapes, never EDM.
Why Adults Only Hotels Are Growing in Popularity
It’s not just about avoiding kids. It’s about reclaiming time.
Post-pandemic, travelers are prioritizing mental recovery over ticking off attractions. A 2025 survey by Travel + Leisure found that 57% of adults aged 30-55 now consider “quiet” a non-negotiable factor when choosing a hotel. That’s up from 34% in 2019.
Also, couples are choosing these stays for reconnection. No distractions. No screens. Just long walks, shared meals, and late-night conversations without interruptions. One guest at La Casa de la Abuela in Portugal wrote: “We didn’t speak for three hours one afternoon. We didn’t need to. It was the first time in years we both felt truly still.”
Even solo travelers are flocking to these spaces. Women over 40, in particular, report feeling safer and more respected. No groping at the bar. No kids running through the lobby. Just calm, respectful service.
How to Choose the Right One for You
Not all adults only hotels are the same. Some are ultra-luxury. Others are cozy boutique escapes. Here’s how to pick:
- Define your goal: Are you looking for romance, solitude, or just quiet? If it’s romance, look for properties with private balconies or in-room fireplaces. For solitude, choose remote locations-think countryside villas or island retreats.
- Check the age policy: Some say “18+,” others “21+.” If you’re in your 50s and want to avoid 25-year-olds partying in the lobby, go for the higher age limit.
- Look at the vibe: Is it spa-focused? Wine-focused? Art-focused? Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Spain pairs stays with wine tastings from their own vineyard. El Fenn in Marrakech offers daily Moroccan tea ceremonies and live oud music.
- Read recent reviews: Look for phrases like “no noise,” “felt like a secret,” or “no one bothered us.” Avoid places where guests mention “kids were still allowed” or “pool was too loud.”
Common Myths About Adults Only Hotels
Myth 1: They’re only for couples. False. Solo travelers, friends, and even groups of colleagues often book these stays. The lack of children makes them ideal for anyone who wants to decompress without social pressure.
Myth 2: They’re too expensive. Not always. While luxury properties like El Dorado can cost $800+/night, you can find excellent adults only stays for under $200 in places like Portugal, Croatia, or even rural England. The Old Rectory in Devon offers double rooms from £140/night with breakfast and a garden hot tub.
Myth 3: They’re boring. If you think quiet means dull, you’ve never experienced a sunset cocktail at a cliffside bar with no one else around. Or a 90-minute massage with oils scented by lavender grown on-site. Or a bookshelf filled with first editions and no Wi-Fi password needed.
What to Pack for an Adults Only Stay
- Comfortable, quiet footwear-no flip-flops that slap on tile floors
- A good book or two (physical copies preferred)
- Light layers for evening breezes
- Reusable water bottle (many hotels refill them for free)
- Eye mask and earplugs-even in quiet places, unexpected sounds happen
- Small notebook and pen (for journaling or sketching)
- Comfortable swimsuit-no bikinis that scream “pool party”
Leave the kids’ toys, strollers, and snack bags at home. This isn’t a vacation for them. It’s for you.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not a Luxury-It’s a Necessity
Adults only hotels aren’t a trend. They’re a response to a real need: the need to be alone with your thoughts, your partner, or your silence. In a world that never stops demanding your attention, these places give you back the one thing you can’t buy anywhere else-peace.
If you’ve been feeling worn down by constant noise, constant demands, constant distraction-this is your invitation to reset. Book a stay. Turn off your phone. Let the quiet do its work.
Are adults only hotels only for couples?
No. While many couples book these stays for romance, solo travelers, friends, and even small groups of colleagues often choose them for peace, privacy, and quiet. The absence of children makes these hotels welcoming to anyone who wants to relax without distractions.
What’s the minimum age for adults only hotels?
Most require guests to be at least 18, but many raise the limit to 21, especially in resort areas. Always check the policy before booking-some properties enforce this strictly, even asking for ID at check-in.
Are adults only hotels more expensive?
They can be, but not always. Luxury properties like those in the Caribbean or Ibiza often cost more, but there are plenty of affordable options in Europe and the UK. For example, boutique hotels in Portugal or rural England offer adults only stays for under £150/night with excellent service and ambiance.
Do adults only hotels have pools?
Yes, but they’re designed differently. You won’t find water slides or splash zones. Instead, expect heated infinity pools, quiet loungers, and towel service. Many are surrounded by greenery or privacy walls to ensure tranquility.
Can I bring a pet to an adults only hotel?
Some do, but it’s rare. Most adults only hotels focus on human tranquility and avoid additional variables like pet noise or allergies. Always check the pet policy before booking-many explicitly prohibit animals.
Is Wi-Fi available at adults only hotels?
Yes, but it’s often intentionally weak or limited to common areas. Many guests appreciate this-it encourages unplugging. If you need strong Wi-Fi for work, ask ahead. Some properties offer dedicated workspaces with better connectivity.
Are meals included in adults only hotels?
It depends. Many are all-inclusive, especially in the Caribbean and Mexico. Others offer breakfast only or have on-site restaurants with à la carte dining. Always check what’s included before booking-some charge extra for dinner even if they say “all-inclusive.”
Are adults only hotels safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, often more so than family resorts. The absence of children and the focus on quiet, respectful environments make these hotels popular with solo women. Staff are trained to be discreet and attentive, and the guest demographic tends to be mature and considerate.
Can I book an adults only hotel for a work retreat?
Absolutely. Many businesses now book these properties for small team retreats, leadership workshops, or creative brainstorming sessions. The quiet, distraction-free environment helps with focus. Just make sure the hotel allows group bookings and has meeting space if needed.
What’s the best time of year to book an adults only hotel?
For maximum peace, avoid peak holiday seasons. Late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal. You’ll get better rates, fewer guests, and the quiet you’re looking for. Winter can be great too-especially in warmer climates like Portugal or the Canary Islands.
