Escape the Hustle and Bustle at These Adults Only Hotels
Want a vacation where the only noise is the ocean, the only crowd is your partner, and the only thing you have to decide is whether to order another glass of wine? Adults only hotels aren’t just a trend-they’re a necessity for anyone who’s tired of screaming kids in the pool, breakfast tables full of cereal boxes, and staff who act like they’re managing a daycare center instead of a luxury resort.
Why Adults Only Hotels Are the Real Luxury
True luxury isn’t about gold-plated faucets or infinity pools that cost $2,000 a night. It’s about peace. About silence. About waking up without hearing a child scream because they dropped their waffle.
Adults only hotels are designed for grown-ups who want to unwind, reconnect, or just disappear for a few days. These properties ban guests under 18-sometimes even under 21-so you won’t see strollers in the lobby, high chairs in the restaurant, or toddlers running through the spa. The vibe is calm, intentional, and quiet. No one’s blasting cartoons at 7 a.m. No one’s splashing in the pool at midnight. You get to sleep in, read in peace, and enjoy a drink without someone asking if you want ketchup on their fries.
According to a 2025 report by the Global Wellness Institute, bookings for adults-only resorts rose 42% in the last two years, with travelers over 35 making up 68% of all luxury leisure bookings. This isn’t just about avoiding noise-it’s about reclaiming your space.
What to Look for in an Adults Only Hotel
Not all resorts that say "adults only" are created equal. Some just remove the kids’ club and call it a day. The best ones design every detail around adult needs.
- Quiet zones-Look for properties with designated silent pools, meditation gardens, or book-filled lounges where conversation is kept hushed.
- Evening experiences-The best ones offer wine tastings, live jazz, stargazing, or late-night cocktails with no rush to turn off the lights.
- Spa-focused amenities-Think hot stone massages, thermal circuits, and aromatherapy treatments-not just a sauna shoved into a corner.
- Flexible dining-No 7 p.m. dinner curfew. No buffet lines. Private tables, room service until midnight, and menus that don’t include chicken nuggets.
- Location-Is it tucked away on a private beach? Perched on a hill with no neighboring hotels? The more isolated, the better.
One common mistake? Choosing a resort that says "adults only" but still has a noisy bar scene or loud music playing at 10 p.m. Always check recent guest reviews for mentions of noise levels. Words like "peaceful," "serene," and "no disturbances" are your clues.
Top Adults Only Hotels Around the World
Here are five standout properties that actually deliver on the promise of quiet luxury-not just marketing.
1. The Nines, Santorini, Greece
Perched on the cliffs of Imerovigli, The Nines has only 18 suites. Each has a private plunge pool and panoramic views of the caldera. No poolside DJs. No kids running through the hallways. Just you, the Aegean Sea, and a bottle of Assyrtiko wine. The restaurant serves locally sourced seafood with wine pairings curated by a sommelier who knows your name by day two.
2. El Fenn, Marrakech, Morocco
This 29-room riad blends Moroccan elegance with minimalist design. Think hand-carved wood, velvet cushions, and a rooftop terrace that feels like a secret garden. The spa offers traditional hammam rituals and rose petal baths. Guests report falling asleep to the call to prayer-not a child’s laughter.
3. The Caves, Jamaica
Hidden in a limestone cliffside near Negril, The Caves is the only resort in the Caribbean where guests sleep in natural sea caves. No TVs. No phones allowed in the dining area. Just candlelight, fresh lobster, and the sound of waves echoing through stone. It’s not for everyone-but if you’ve ever dreamed of a romantic escape that feels like a hidden world, this is it.
4. Hotel El Mirador, Tuscany, Italy
A 17th-century villa turned boutique retreat, El Mirador offers olive oil tastings, cooking classes with nonna-style chefs, and a pool surrounded by cypress trees. The staff remembers your favorite wine and brings it to you without being asked. Breakfast is served on your terrace with homemade jam and freshly baked bread. No one rushes you. No one interrupts.
5. The Setai, Miami Beach, Florida
On the quieter end of South Beach, The Setai has a 100% adults-only policy and a rooftop pool that feels like a private club. The vibe is modern Asian-minimalist, with bamboo-lined walkways and a spa that offers CBD-infused massages. Even the poolside attendants move like they’re in a slow-motion film. No loud music. No volleyball games. Just sun, silence, and a perfectly mixed gin and tonic.
How to Pick the Right One for You
Not every adult wants the same thing. Some want romance. Others want solitude. Some want wine. Others want yoga.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to be social-or completely alone?
- Is a spa my top priority, or is it the food?
- Do I prefer a beach, mountains, or a city?
- Am I okay with no Wi-Fi in the rooms?
If you’re looking for romance, choose a property with private dining and candlelit walks. If you want to reset mentally, go somewhere with no Wi-Fi and a meditation garden. If you’re a foodie, pick a hotel with a chef who sources ingredients daily.
Also, consider the season. A resort in Bali might be perfect in January-but in August, it’s humid and crowded with European retirees. Check weather patterns and peak travel times. The best adults-only hotels fill up fast, so book at least 6 months ahead.
What You’ll Miss (And What You Won’t)
Some people worry they’ll miss out on family fun. But here’s the truth: you won’t miss it. You’ll feel lighter.
You won’t miss:
- Having to explain why you can’t go to the pool because "the kids are screaming."
- Being asked to "be quiet" while you’re trying to sleep.
- Watching your partner’s eyes roll when someone drops a sippy cup in the restaurant.
You’ll gain:
- Two hours of uninterrupted sleep.
- A conversation that lasts longer than five minutes.
- A real vacation-not a parenting assignment with a view.
Final Thought: You Deserve This
You’ve worked hard. You’ve paid bills. You’ve raised kids, held jobs, and kept things together. Now it’s time to take a break that’s just for you. Not a weekend away with the family. Not a quick city trip between meetings. A real escape.
Adults only hotels aren’t about being selfish. They’re about being human. About remembering that you still need quiet. That you still deserve peace. That you still want to feel like an adult-not a caregiver, a manager, or a stress sponge.
Book that room. Turn off your phone. Let the waves or the mountains or the candlelight do the work. You’ve earned it.
Are adults only hotels really worth the price?
Yes-if you value peace, privacy, and quality over noise and crowds. These hotels cost more because they offer fewer guests, higher staff-to-guest ratios, and curated experiences. You’re not paying for a pool-you’re paying for silence, attention, and space. A night at a top adults-only resort might cost $800, but if you’re getting 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep and a real conversation with your partner, it’s cheaper than a therapist.
Can couples stay at adults only hotels?
Absolutely. In fact, couples make up the majority of guests. Many resorts offer romantic packages: private dinners, couple’s massages, and sunrise breakfasts on the balcony. Some even have suites designed for two, with deep soaking tubs and blackout curtains so you can sleep until noon.
Are there adults only hotels in the UK?
Not many traditional resorts, but there are boutique retreats. The Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall offers an adults-only wing with a thermal suite and silent yoga. The White Horse in Oxfordshire has a no-kids policy in its spa and dining areas. For a true escape, consider the Isle of Skye’s Eilean Iarmain or the Lake District’s The Pheasant Inn-both keep children out and quiet in.
What’s the difference between adults only and no kids?
"No kids" often means kids aren’t allowed in certain areas-like the spa or pool-but they’re still in the hotel. "Adults only" means the entire property bans guests under 18 (or 21). The vibe is completely different. At an adults-only hotel, the staff doesn’t just tolerate quiet-they design everything around it.
Is it weird to go alone to an adults only hotel?
Not at all. Solo travelers, especially women over 35, are one of the fastest-growing segments. Many resorts offer single occupancy rates and host small group activities like wine tastings or guided walks. You’ll likely meet others who are there for the same reason: to disconnect and recharge.
