9 Tropical Destinations Perfect for a Mother-daughter Getaway

My mother and I are at our best when unwinding on the beach with a piña colada in hand. It’s not that we don’t love adventurous travel; it’s just that our travel styles are different. She’s all about going with the flow, and I prefer to have a plan and a well-balanced itinerary. But one thing we both appreciate is a good tropical resort.

Whether you hope to surprise your mom for Mother’s Day or the two of you want to plan a trip together, you’re bound to find common ground at these warm-weather destinations that encourage low-pressure bonding. Read on for tropical (and tropical-style) vacation ideas to inspire your next mother-daughter getaway.

San José del Cabo, Mexico

San José del Cabo should be at the top of your tropical list. It has everything you could ask for in a mother-daughter trip: stunning beaches, art, culture, great food, and breathtaking resorts. For a truly memorable getaway, book at Solaz Resort Los Cabos, on one of the rare (and particularly stunning) swimmable beaches along the Sea of Cortez. From dining at Al Pairo, where innovation and seafood reign, to floating in the beachfront infinity pool with a piña colada, to experiencing a spa treatment at Ojo de Liebre, the lone thalassotherapy spa in Baja, it’s a perfect spot to leave real life behind.

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Looking for the Southeast Asian villa vibe without trekking halfway around the world? Costa Rica has stunning resorts that combine jungle luxury with beach views. Visit the Osa Peninsula, on the Pacific side, near the border with Panama, and stay at Lapa Rios where ecotourism and pura vida wellness are top of mind. Hike through the rain forest to see native wildlife and waterfalls, then decompress with a yoga class or in your ocean-view bungalow.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

For moms and daughters who want equal parts island relaxation and adventure, the Galápagos are an excellent choice. This is a trip that could be a belated Mother’s Day celebration because the summer months are a prime time to visit. The wildlife here is a huge draw, of course, as you can spend quality time with the sea lions and giant tortoises along the island’s shores. Pikaia Lodge, which offers all-inclusive packages, is on Santa Cruz, the Galapagos’ main hub. Perched on the edge of a volcanic caldera, the 29-room hotel has the resort amenities you want on vacation, such as a spa and an infinity pool, and runs guided tours of the surrounding islands aboard its fleet of exploration yachts.

The Algarve, Portugal

Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and quaint towns and villages. The destination may be expensive during summer, but you can plan a mother-daughter trip on a budget by visiting during the shoulder season in spring or fall. Base yourselves in Faro at Opus One Luxury Guest House, and then take a couple of day trips—head east one day to explore Estoi and Tavira, and west another to explore Portimão and Lagos. Be sure to try the Portuguese specialty of grilled sardines at Dona Barca in Portimão, and experience petiscos, the country’s version of tapas, at Tapas d’Alma in Lagos.

Key West, Florida

A Florida Keys road trip from Key Largo—the archipelago’s largest island—to Key West at the very tip takes you through some of the most spectacular tropical scenery in the country. But if you and your mom aren’t wild about the close quarters of a four-hour drive, book a flight and accommodations at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, one of the best hotels in Key West. The city has a lively and eclectic bar scene, replete with old-time saloons and classic watering holes, and welcomes anglers, adventure seekers, and artists alike. Literature buffs can follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, who lived and worked in Key West for more than 10 years. A visit to the Hemingway Home and Museum is a must, if only to see the dozens of resident cats, many of whom are of the six-toed variety.

Kauai, Hawaii

If you and your mom haven’t made it to Hawaii yet, Kauai is a stunning introduction to the islands. Here, you’ll not only find idyllic palm-fringed beaches, but also endless adventure. Stay in the breezy bungalows or cottages at The Lodge at Kukui’ula for proximity to the expansive pool area. Wander from the infinity pool to a series of saltwater lagoons featuring waterfalls and a view of the Pacific Ocean. The on-site restaurant uses produce from Kukui’ula’s organic 10-acre farm, which is also open to guests. The flowers will be fully in bloom for Mother’s Day, and you select your own mangos, passion fruit, eggs, and assorted vegetables to make Mom a full farm breakfast.

Palawan, Philippines

Palawan is an unspoiled tropical paradise, a haven of limestone, jungle, and white-sand beaches. It’s ideal for a mother-daughter trip because it doesn’t have all the party undertones of some other islands. A Mother’s Day trip to Palawan is perfect timing, since May, the last month of the dry season, is one of the best months to visit. Try staying on El Nido or Coron, where you can book a luxury hotel for an affordable price, like The Funny Lion, a boutique hotel with outposts on Coron and El Nido. Make sure to island-hop while in Palawan to get the full archipelago experience. You can even zip line from El Nido to Depeldet Island.

Coronado Island, California

If you and your mom are after a West Coast getaway, Coronado Island—right across the bay from San Diego—is a great choice. It has both gorgeous beaches and small-town charm. Get up with the sun and go for a bike ride by the shore, which is lined by Newport-esque mansions and beautifully curated gardens. When it comes time for lunch, stroll along Orange Avenue, where you’ll find great galleries, restaurants, and shopping. Stay at the recently renovated Hotel del Coronado, which was featured in the Marilyn Monroe classic “Some Like It Hot.”

St. Martin, Caribbean

Where can you hop between France and the Netherlands? Not in Europe, where the two countries don’t even share a border, but in the Caribbean, on the Friendly Island, as St. Martin/St. Maarten is often called. Cruise ships typically pull into the Dutch side, docking in St. Maarten’s capital city of Philipsburg, where you’ll find nightlife, great duty-free shopping, and the beautiful Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, whose name says it all. On the French side of the island, St. Martin’s capital city of Marigot is worth a visit, where an array of cafés and restaurants await, each more enticing than the last. Then venture out to Pic Paradis (a 15-minute drive). At 1,391 feet, this is the highest point on the island, and you’ll enjoy warm breezes and a spectacular view.