Travelling is often the first luxury to disappear when couples become parents. Baby gear, fidgety toddlers and overactive older children can turn a holiday into hard work. The solution? Try our roundup of child-friendly resorts in Asia that promise the best for both you and your kids.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand
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.
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.
More: scottdunn.com/four-seasons-koh-samui
Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
When it comes to families, Jacada Travel’s top pick for child-friendly resorts is Nihi Sumba in Indonesia. Coined as ‘the wellness retreat of a lifetime,’ at the edge of wilderness yet as safe as can be, this is a sanctuary for all to enjoy, especially for families with children of all ages.
With plenty of space for kids aged from toddlers to teens to safely romp and roam, at Nihi Sumba, it is a priority to create memories beyond your stay, develop a curiosity for discovery and to watch that invaluable ear-to-ear smile as your child explores this wonderful island.
The resort’s activities selection is vast and diverse ranging from story-telling and cooking classes to kite-building and rock painting, just to name a few. Some all-time favourites features include pony rides, adventurous jungle walks, family movie nights on the beach and assistance at Nihi Sumba’s very own turtle hatchery where you can help release new-born turtles back into their natural habitat.
More: jacadatravel.com
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Soneva Fushi makes visiting the Maldives with children a dream. The luxury beach resort caters to young travellers with big water slides and “The Den,” a kid’s center designed to pique children’s imaginations with swimming pools, a lego room, dress-up area, cinema and outdoor pirate ship! There is also an educational slant with a learning area, library, music room, private tutoring and many complimentary programs such as recycled paper making, palm leaf weaving, Dhivehi language lessons, stargazing workshops, bike safaris and so much more. Soneva takes kids seriously – the owner is locally based and regularly interacts with children to gather feedback on how to improve programs. Like parents, kids will get the luxury treatment with mini spa treatments, entertaining parties, cooking and mocktail making lessons, and sailing trips.
More: charlottetravel.com.hk
Rosewood Phuket, Thailand
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.
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.
More: lightfoottravel.com/rosewood-phuket
Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, Chengdu, China
Located at the picturesque gateway to the majestic Qing Cheng Mountains, Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain has been created to complement the UNESCO World Heritage & Natural Cultural site nearby Dujiangyan. Drawing upon the renowned Six Senses perspective of responsible luxury, the resort has been brilliantly designed to incorporate regional architecture and landscaping, resulting in an extraordinary cultural offering with a strong sense of place wedded to contemporary attitude.
Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain has everything for the family. Adults can pamper themselves in the luxurious spa, enjoy some quiet time by the pool or get active by playing a match of tennis. The resort offers various children activities including cooking classes, bike rides in the resort, afternoon movies, indoor games and more. Make sure to sign up for a visit to the Dujiangyuan Research Center of Giant Panda Breeding, home to over 30 giant pandas, 100 baby pandas, and other wild animals.
More: flightcentre.com.hk
Club Med Tomamu, Japan
Club Med Tomamu, Hokkaido is the trendiest new mountain resort to ensure fun for the whole family. Little ones can enjoy a host of activities specially tailored for them, managed by internationally recruited and trained staff members. Kids aged two to three years old can join Petit Club Med, where they can dive into creative and enriching activities such as puppet shows, arts and face painting. The Mini Club Med promises kids aged four to ten years old an adventure-packed holiday with exciting sports and group activities.
Additionally, Club Med Tomamu offers ski and snowboard lessons for children from four years old. Younger kids can enjoy the snow garden to feel the snowy joy. Families can also enjoy visiting nearby Mina Mina beach, Japan’s largest indoor pool, to ride a totally different wave. Float, swim, or even paddle board, and enjoy warm waters all season long.
More: clubmed.com.hk
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