After months or even years apart, families are finally reuniting. In fact, according to a spokesperson for Virtuoso, a global network of luxury travel advisors, gathering for multi-day reunions is one of the biggest motivators for vacations today. This has prompted many hotels and resorts to create a relatively new role: family reunion coordinator.

Think of it as the evolution of the wedding planner. After all, many of these events have the same number of people of varying ages and interests as you would see in a smaller ceremony – and travel logistics from multiple destinations to consider.

“We know that travel can be mind-bending these days,” says Florencia Oriolo, experience manager at Nayara Alto Atacama in Chile. “So we provide a completely seamless experience for large families by understanding groups, ages and interests, and then creating a customized plan.”

At the lodge’s sister hotels in Costa Rica, Nayara Tented Camp and Nayara Gardens, Reunion Coordinator Ivanova Barreda arranges memorable experiences for large family groups. One of them was a picnic and photo shoot at the stunning Mistico Arenal Suspension Bridge Park. Another was a visit to the Sloth Sanctuary, where family members participated in conservation efforts by planting aspen trees, a major food source for the animals.

Anna Cassasola runs the family reunion program at Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas in Perashchia, Belize. Some of her recent guests have enjoyed group photos on the beach, a large barbecue featuring Garifuna drummers and dancers, and private lessons covering chocolate making, from beans to bars.

In Trancoso, Brazil, Iracema Gretchen Keseberg is the family reunion specialist at Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa. Her itineraries often include horseback riding along the nearby beach; classes in the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira; and private dinners at local restaurants.

Laura Gerwin, curator of family and celebrations, says the recently opened Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection in Santa Fe, N.M., is seeing many family reunions, thanks in part to the Bunkhouse, a private 12-bedroom home. She keeps guests busy with activities such as hosting private children’s camps, which include a pony; fly fishing or rafting; and experiences that span generations, including hot air ballooning and private lunches served in the nearby wilderness.

Competitive families may find their match in the Great Race, organized by the Ojai Valley Inn in California. “The family was divided into groups and each group participated in a series of challenges and activities with added points,” said Sydney Romero, who arranged the reunion event. “It was so much fun to see the family working together – and to see their competitive spirit come alive!”