5 kid-friendly resorts to guarantee a fantastic holiday

It can be a tricky balance finding a resort that caters both to your need for total relaxation and your kids’ cravings for fun and action. Make sure the whole family has a blast on your next vacay with our top picks for family-friendly holiday resorts for the upcoming school holiday break. Go ahead, book that flight (or ferry, or car) and pack those bags. Psst… many of these spots offer some pretty smashing deals and all-inclusive holiday – packages you’ll want in on!

Bintan Lagoon Resort (Indonesia)

Bintan Lagoon Resort is a familiar favourite for short getaways. Located a comfy one-hour ferry ride away from Singapore, this beach resort offers city dwellers a quick break from the hustle and bustle. Knead away those knots with an indulgent massage by the beach – you may just fall asleep with the sound of waves crashing in. Children’s activities are a-plenty with the Nutty Bunch Club for those aged four to eight. Kids get to play for free on the slides, crawling tubes and nets, foam obstacles and more, in the newly opened Jungle Gym. Dads can tee off at the resort’s golf courses overlooking the scenic South China Sea. Want more? Check out the resort’s range of packages tailored for different travellers.

Bintan Lagoon Resort
reservations@bintanlagoon.com
bintanlagoon.com

Paradise Koh Yao (Thailand)

Another beach destination on top of our list is Paradise Koh Yao. This exclusive island resort in Thailand is perfect for families seeking time together, away from the oh-so popular Phuket. Getting there is a breeze with a short drive from the airport to the marina, followed by a 40-minute boat ride to the resort. Tucked on a private strip of beach, this resort is a fabulously photogenic spot. Prepare to be wowed by the hillside setting where children can play on the beach and catch crabs while you dine with your feet in the sand. Start the day by taking a longboat to the nearby marine reserve, then while away some hours in a hammock or have a go at kayaking. End it all with a happy hour when the large billed hornbills fly in to roost. Sounds like getting back to nature in comfort!

Paradise Koh Yao
res@paradise-kohyao.com
paradise-kohyao.com

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket (Thailand)

Centara Grand at Karon beach in Phuket is kid heaven – think four swimming pools and an extensive water park complex with waterfalls, slides and a lazy river. Apart from the Kids Club and E-zone for the teens, there is an array of watersports available here, including boat rides, kayaking, windsurfing and parasailing. Not much of a thrill-seeker? Relax and unwind with pampering treatments and massages at the popular SPA Cenvaree. Families can take their pick from a selection of rooms, suites and villas suitable for two adults and two children.

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
reservations@chr.co.th
centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand

Fairmont Zimbali Resort (South Africa)

If you want to include education in your family trip, check out Fairmont Zimbali Resort in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Apart from being a beach holiday destination, this resort is also a cultural and natural wonderland. Immerse the family in nature with guided tours for bird and butterfly watching, or check out the two UNESCO Heritage sites located in the vicinity. Kids will also love the fun indoor and outdoor activities at Y-Univers Kids Club, including traditional South African games and crafts, as well as learning about the conversation of animal life. If you’re looking for some uninterrupted alone time, babysitting services are available for hire by hour.

Fairmont Zimbali Resort
zimbali@fairmont.com
fairmont.com/zimbali-resort/

The Ritz-Carlton (Singapore)

Looking for a fun holiday without the hassle of passports or transits? Do away with the fuss of travelling overseas and indulge in a staycation right in the heart of town. The new Ritz Carlton Kids Safari Adventure package is a great option for those who dig camping – sans mosquito bites and bad sleep, of course. Created for children aged four to 12, this package includes a pitched sleeping tent in the room, completed with starry lights, treats, toy animals and an activity book. With local attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer just minutes away, there’s no need to scour for daytime activities to keep the kids occupied!

The Ritz Carlton Milennia Singapore
6337 8888
ritzcarlton.com/singapore

Looking for a different kind of holiday? Check out our travel section.