What makes a family holiday truly enjoyable?
To help inspire your next family holiday with a little me-time built in, dive into four family favourites — and the kids’ clubs that go well beyond babysitting to teach children about local culture, connect with nature and come away with their own special memories of their trip. Think temple tours, traditional dance classes and outdoor playgrounds in paradise.
If you live for travel and the soul-restoring experience of chilling out with the kids in beautiful places, ALL — Accor Live Limitless, and its MyResorts Programme could be just your thing. The MyKids benefits make the holiday even more memorable for children, from the welcome surprise to the special menu, through to an amazing range of daily activities. And parents, you might want to unwind with the MyGlass free-flow experience while you’re on vacation…
Perfect family holidays in Thailand
Phuket is a popular getaway for families thanks to unforgettable Thai hospitality plus attractions like the epic Splash Jungle Water Park and thrills at Patong Go-Kart speedway — not to mention the famous white-sand beaches. But we won’t blame you if you never leave your resort.
If you’re on the hunt for a great kids’ club in Phuket, and kite making, treasure hunts and batik painting sounds like your child’s idea of fun, put the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort Hotel on your list. Beyond the kids’ club, there’s a dedicated fun pool, and if you can tear yourself away from the beach, Phuket Aquarium is incredibly near, with the Old Town just a 20-minute drive away for a great afternoon of exploring.
For a cultural experience in Krabi, you’ll find fascinating temples such as the White Temple and Tiger Cave Temple: a great challenge for older kids with a climb of 1,260 stairs to reach the shrine at the top! At the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort you can reward yourself with famous homemade ice-cream afterwards and a dip in Thailand’s largest pool. Or drop the children off at the kids’ club (pictured top). It welcomes infants to children aged 12, with a unique programme that includes sailing lessons, Thai dance and even learning about local herbs.
Mind-blowing Maldives
One word: dolphins. A pod playfully leaping through the waves, or even more thrilling, a dolphin racing by your boat, is one of the most magical and unforgettable experiences for kids and grown-ups alike. It’s why a family holiday in Maldives is high on the bucket list for so many. But don’t let the dolphins steal the entire show — there’s also the impossibly clear and gloriously blue waters. Here you can snorkel in calm seas, explore coral reefs (with the chance of spotting a majestic sea turtle!) and marvel at sunsets like you’ve never seen before.
The all-inclusive Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is a perfect place for introducing your kids to one very special pocket of the world. With its lush forest and beach that’s safe for toddlers, you can walk straight out of your family villa onto the powder-white sand. Or, for something truly mind-blowing, the Aqua Villa that sleeps four features an underwater bedroom with a window that allows you to literally watch the world float by.
The best kids’ clubs in Maldives offer activities that go beyond arts and crafts, and connect young visitors with nature — there’s no place more beautiful, after all, to go for treasure hunts on the beach and through forest, collect coconuts and learn about local marine life. And this is just a taste of the programme at Pullman’s Kids’ Playground. Surrounded by lush greenery, this little paradise has one impressive outdoor playhouse with a water slide and roundabout, and plenty of books and games for when kids just need to chill out.
Why we keep going back to Bali
You may have been to Bali countless times pre-kids and know and love it for its relaxed island vibe, surf, beach clubs and cool cafe scene. Add kids to the equation, and to be honest, the Bali experience is still chill — you may swap bar hopping for a day at Waterbom, but families are welcomed with warmth at every turn — even at your favourite beach club.
If it’s serenity you’re after, the luxe Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua has it in spades. With lush tropical gardens, a lagoon and beautifully designed spaces, it’s divine. Start imagining yourself unwinding now: the kids’ club offers activities such as coconut bowling and movies under the stars, and truly lovely ways to learn about local culture. Children might get a lesson in Bahasa, head out on a temple tour where they’ll weave baskets for offerings, dress in traditional costumes and learn a Balinese dance. Foodie families will be eager to know that brunch here has been voted one of the best in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. If you’re a member of ALL – Accor Live Limitless and the MyResorts programme, take advantage of the MyGlass benefits to enhance your dining experience with free-flow throughout your stay. As for the little ones, they can indulge in their own special menu and treats such as a travel diary under MyKids benefits.
For a relaxed vibe, head to Jimbaran with your brood, famous for its long stretch of beach and fresh seafood, which you can enjoy at restaurants on the sand. Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali is a beautiful base that’s incredible for kids: the outdoor playground with water play, and epic pool with slides are just the start. The two-storey pirate-themed Meera Kids’ Club, which caters to toddlers to teens, has a cultural programme that includes cooking classes that teaches kids about local cuisine, and Balinese dress and dance. With such a range of activities it ranks high on the list of best kids’ clubs in Bali. A cue for parents to book a spa treatment or two!
Singapore will surprise you
It’s best known as one of the foodie capitals of Asia, but Singapore is also made for kids. Case in point: the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, where you can easily spend a day or three exploring the famous Cloud Forest — a rainforest within a dome, complete with a waterfall — taking in colourful displays in the Flower Dome, cooling off in the water play park or climbing the OCBC Skyway before feasting on local hawker treats at Satay by the Bay. Then there’s the mesmerising hi-tech Future World exhibit at ArtScience Museum, and the wilds of the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Choosing a kid-friendly hotel in Singapore as your base could lead you to the ultra-calming Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa. Here you’ll unwind in generous family rooms in a lush setting. For members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless and the MyResorts programme taking advantage of the MyKids benefits, your child will enjoy lovely perks such as special menus, welcome surprises and daily activities. Or, bring your little one to the resort’s Villa des Enfants for storytelling, crafts and games, or weekend cooking lessons!
