Running out of places to take the kids for your next family vacation? We hear you; holiday-planning can be tricky when travelling with little ones – and you don’t want to end up feeling more tired than before you left! We’ve scouted out some great family-friendly destinations across Asia that have loads to offer for kids, so check them out!
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Enjoy a wonderful family holiday in one of the luxurious villas at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, located on the far northwest tip of the island. The elegant hillside property offers views of the Gulf of Siam and is just steps away from the beach. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the private pool and spacious sundecks. Larger parties can opt for the one-to five bedroom residence villas, featuring indoor and outdoor living areas, spacious decks with pools and even a live-in housekeeper! The resort has two in-house restaurants serving up Thai food, seafood and Mediterranean eats. For more privacy, you can also choose to dine in your villa.
To do
Guests can look forward to fun activities such as cooking classes, snorkelling and waterfall excursions, paddle boarding and Thai massage and boxing classes. You can drop the kids off at the complimentary children’s club (for four- to 12-year-olds) where little ones will be kept busy with games and activities, including mini massages. The centre also has a children’s menu and babysitting available on request.
scottdunn.com/four-seasons-koh-samui
Athgira River Camp
Specialising in bespoke travel packages across Asia, Shanti Travel Asia offers both ready-made itineraries and tailor-made vacations. One of their focus destinations is Sri Lanka, a country with so much to offer both parents and kids – from stunning temples and safari tours to cooking classes, you’ll be in for a fun time. Minneriya National Park and Uda Walawe National Park are great places to explore on safari, or you can take advantage of the beautiful waters and hop on a catamaran for the afternoon. For a unique experience, the Shanti team recommends staying at Athgira River Camp, an eco-friendly glamping spot. Each rustic tent houses a locally made teak bed and has a private bathroom with a shower. The property’s badminton court turns into an alfresco restaurant at night where you can enjoy a barbecue dinner by the bonfire.
To do
Enjoy a dip in the natural swimming pool by the Rakwana River and other fun activities such as nature walks, bird-watching tours and a trip to nearby villages. Older kids will definitely want to have a go at some of the adventure water sports on offer.
shantitravel.com | contact@shantitravel.com
InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort
For your next getaway, gather the fam and head to InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, located on Koh Samui’s west coast and with spectacular ocean views. Take your pick of the resort’s elegant rooms, suites and villas – there’s a Family Pleasure offer (for two adults and two children) that includes a stay in the Club two-bedroom residence villa or Club Napa Reserve three-bedroom residence villa that come with private infinity pools. As part of the package, you’ll also enjoy private butler services, complimentary afternoon tea and evening cocktails.
To do
Younger ones will have a blast at the signature Planet Trekker’s Kids’ Club, designed for ages four to twelve. There are fun games and crafts galore on offer here, from Thai-inspired activities, to crab hunting, nail painting, weaving and more. For a special family adventure, jump in a speed boat for a fun time out at sea before returning to a hearty seafood barbecue in your villa. The resort also offers nanny services, and little ones below four can enjoy complimentary kids’ meals.
samui.intercontinental.com | icsamui.rsvn@ihg.com
Rosewood Phuket
Located an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport, Rosewood Phuket is a fun, family-friendly hotel. The eco-conscious property boasts different room types, from hillside pavilion suites with plunge pools and sea views to spacious two-bedroom villas with infinity pools, courtyards and direct beach access. Kids are treated to special in-villa amenities such as child shampoo and shower gel, child-sized bathrobes and slippers, books, games, arts and craft and toys. Enjoy a family meal at the popular Thai restaurant Ta Khai and head to Asaya for relaxing treatments and wellness programs.
To do
With a kids’ pool and children’s sun loungers, little guests are in for a good time! The Rosewood Explorer Club is also a fun spot, offering climbing walls, arts and crafts and reading nooks. Little ones will enjoy exciting activities such as treasure hunts, umbrella painting and tree planting, and water sports are also available, from kayaking to stand-up paddle boarding.
lightfoottravel.com/rosewood-phuket
Santiburi Koh Samui
Set on the northern shore of the island, Santiburi Koh Samui is a great resort for families. Located right by a private beach, the property has a range of garden and pool villas and suites on offer, including a two-bedroom duplex that is perfect for larger families. The three restaurants offer a mix of cuisines, from authentic Thai eats to tasty surf-and-turf. The menus are also good for families, with comfort food options for kids.
To do
Head to the sports centre and enjoy Muay Thai boxing – the classes are great for all ages. Another fun activity is the resort’s Thai cooking classes where you and the family will learn to whip up authentic Thai dishes together. Also, don’t miss trying the fun (and, best of all, free) water sports at the Santiburi Water Sport Centre – including paddle boarding, kayaking and windsurfing. Each Thursday, the resort has a “Parents’ Night Off” where the kids’ activity centre is open until 10pm for parents to enjoy some downtime within the resort.
Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City
Visiting Vietnam? Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City’s new Grand Tower is located in HCMC’s bustling District 1. It’s a contemporary property offering studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodation for short- and long-term stays. You can also combine selected studio apartments to fit larger groups. The property’s features include a swimming pool, laundry and dry-cleaning, room service and a 24-hour concierge. If you opt for the Family Package, you’ll also get round-trip airport transfers, in-room fresh fruit, daily breakfast for four and a daily three-course set menu for four at onsite restaurant Sky28.
To do
Get your retail and dining fix at the Saigon Centre, conveniently located downstairs from Sedona. The property is also close to popular cultural sites and markets in the city. Or, if you don’t feel like heading out for a meal, enjoy city views and contemporary South-East Asian and Vietnamese cuisine at Sky28.
sedonahotels.com.sg/hochiminhcity
The Residence Bintan
Opened in early 2018, The Residence Bintan is a short 55-minute ferry ride away from Singapore. It’s a luxury property, with your choice of beachfront, estate and garden terrace villas. On the dining front, you’ll find traditional Indonesian cuisine and Pan-Asian dishes available at the resort’s two in-house restaurants, or you can also enjoy light bites and drinks at the poolside bar while you relax in a lounger or oversee your little ones in the kids’ pool. There are menus for children, too, so you don’t have to worry if you have picky eaters.
To do
Besides water sports, and heritage and nature tours, there’s loads to keep little ones happy and entertained. The Kakatu Kids Club offers a variety of fun activities such as batik painting, treasure hunts and local dance lessons – even yoga and cooking classes designed just for kids. For a special treat, pamper your princes and princesses with a foot massage at the spa. If you’re looking for some adult-only time, the hotel also provides babysitting services.
cenizaro.com/theresidence/bintan
Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain
Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain is a picturesque luxury family-friendly resort in Chengdu, China. From elegant suites to multiple room villas, the property offers stunning views of surrounding mountains and forests. If you’re looking for more space, the Two Bedroom Courtyard Villa is a great option as it combines two separate villas and a private courtyard. Dining-wise, you’ll be all set with the resort’s three restaurants, two bars, traditional tea house and snacks-and-dessert house, all of which focus on using local and sustainable ingredients. The resort also has a spa offering a selection of rejuvenating wellness treatments.
To do
Besides exploring the resort’s organic garden and enjoying children’s cooking classes, kids have loads to look forward to. One highlight will be getting up-close to cute panda cubs and other animals native to China at the nearby Giant Panda breeding base. You also won’t have to travel far for fun outdoor activities such as fruit picking.
executiveleisure@sg.fcm.travel | sg.fcm.travel/fcm-executive-leisure
Sohamsa Ocean Estate
Sohamsa Ocean Estate has two stunning cliff-side villas that offer loads of space for the whole family. Located about half an hour from the airport, the five-bedroom Villa Soham and four-bedroom Villa Hamsa share a dedicated team of 10 staff members that will be at your beck and call – you won’t need to lift a finger! The villas feature a private pools, spacious living and dining areas. Both are well-equipped with mod-cons including Wi-Fi access, a handy room-to-room phone system, 48-inch flat-screen TVs, game consoles and Sonos sound systems. Villa Soham even has its own gym and massage room with a steam room and sauna to boot. Special items for families such as high chairs, cots and pool toys can be arranged.
To do
Besides enjoying the amenities and facilities, including the gym and pool within the villas, guests can rent the seven-seater car for up to eight hours a day to explore the area. Go shopping at Nusa Dua’s Bali Collection, enjoy a day out at the Pandawa Beach, or pay a visit to the famous Uluwatu temple.
elitehavens.com/sohamsa-ocean-estate-villa
Grand Cliff Nusa Dua
Keep the family happy and well-entertained at Grand Cliff Nusa Dua. Spanning three levels, this contemporary seaside property features a private pool, two living rooms, indoor and outdoor dining area, a games room, home theatre, poolside spa and a relaxation pavilion. The five-bedroom villa is well-equipped for families, offering high chairs, car seats, baby cots and games. Coming fully staffed, the villa includes a private chef and a driver. Big and little kids will enjoy watching movies in the home theatre and playing games on the Playstation 4. There’s also a karaoke machine, board games and billiard table to keep everyone busy and happy.
To do
Little ones will enjoy a trip to Pirates Bay at Nusa Dua, This exciting kid-friendly spot features a pirate ship, treehouses and hanging bridges. Take the older kids to Surf & Turf, a trendy beach club that houses the first FlowRider in Bali. You could also head to Tanjung Benoa for some watersports. End the day with a trip to Jimbaran beach for a seafood dinner as the sun sets.
elitehavens.com/grand-cliff-nusa-dua-villa
Kaba Kaba Estate
Surrounded by rice terraces and greenery, Kaba Kaba Estate in Bali’s Tabanan regency is a great spot to escape from busy city life. This expansive eight-bedroom villa has multiple pools – a main pool, two suite plunge pools and a pool specially for the little ones. Kids will also be delighted that there is a special room for them with bunk beds. Besides a living room, a dining pavilion that seats 18 people, a library and media room, there’s also a swanky rooftop bar that’s great for entertaining. Those who prefer a more relaxing holiday vibe will find a dedicated spa with two massage tables, a spa bath and private garden. Want to get some sun? Head to the tennis court and croquet lawn for a quick game, or hop on one of the bikes (including two children’s bikes) and explore the surrounding rice fields and villages.
To do
Besides enjoying the pools, spa and games in the villa, guests can arrange for Balinese dance lessons and yoga sessions. You could also make a trip to visit sacred Pura Tanah Lot, an ancient Hindu temple perched on a cliff.
elitehavens.com/kaba-kaba-estate-villa
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