Who wouldn’t love a fun family vacation? With international travel kicking off again, we will be off – even if it is for a short getaway nearby. If you have not started planning for the upcoming holidays, here are some great family-friendly vacations to consider. They range from overwater accommodation and family-friendly resorts, to even staycations with holiday packages offering a tour of gems in the city!
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Fancy a family-friendly staycation instead? Mandarin Oriental, Singapore’s Cycle For MOre package lets you embark on an eco-friendly, energising, and exciting exploration of the Lion City on two wheels. Available until 30 December, the holiday package boasts six curated cycling routes, complimentary usage of customised Foldie and City bicycles for adults and kids, healthy and sustainable snacks, and more.
Explore Marina Bay and bask in the scenic views of the waterfront district the hotel is located within, embark on a nature-surrounded ride through gardens and beaches on the beach route, or take the cultural route to ethnic enclaves in Singapore. Art enthusiasts can opt for the curated art route that brings them to an impressive line-up of public art installations. Or relive the past of Singapore on a historical route to museums and key places that witnessed the stories of the nation. A countryside farm route is also available for a cycling adventure away from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the myriad of farms in Singapore such as cow farms, ornamental fish farms and vegetable farms. It’s a holiday package not to be missed!
Barefoot Yachts Indonesia
For your next family vacation, let Barefoot Yachts design your one-of-a-kind private cruising experience in Indonesia. They will not only offer incredible cultural experiences and discoveries of the stunning and gentle Indonesian archipelago, but unforgettable memories and moments that you will never forget.
Private yachts range from single-cabin for intimate families, all the way to up to 8 cabin vessels for reunions with family and friends. Dining al fresco is a highlight, with personal chefs available to create delicious dishes that can be tailored to your families’ requirements.
Delight your whole family and snorkel with whale sharks in Raja Ampat, or dive in Komodo National Park, a UNESCO heritage site, with flipping manta rays. Other activities include hiking and trekking to breathtaking viewpoints and kayaking or paddle-boarding through mangroves and into caves. Pick a holiday package of your choice and sail away!
barefoot-cruising-indonesia.com
Telunas Beach Resort
Telunas Beach Resort has recently added four new overwater bungalows to its collection, two of which are three-bedroom villas – the perfect family-friendly vacation, and super close to Singapore! Besides these, the Indonesian resort also has overwater rooms that are located on the main Telunas jetty. If you need baby cots or extra mattresses, just let the team know and they’ll arrange it for you. This family-friendly resort has loads of fun activities on offer, including kayaking, hiking, badminton, ping-pong, gaga ball, beach volleyball and soccer, and even a low ropes course. Brave little ones (and adults) will also love leaping off the new jumping deck! Families can also enjoy exploring the beach and tidal pools, getting creative at the pottery studio and having a fun bonfire under the stars.
During meal times, dig into a delicious spread at the overwater dining room, including yummy desserts and fruit. There’s also a special kids’ menu for little diners, and vegetarian options for any who want them. In the evenings, you’ll be able to catch the sunset while enjoying the cool ocean breeze.
Anantara Mui Ne Resort
Shanti Travel offers ready-made itineraries and tailor-made holiday packages for different interests and budgets. One of their family-friendly vacation recommendations is Vietnam, a welcoming and lively country with loads to offer for both adults and kids. Only a two-hour flight from Singapore, the country’s highlights include stunning landscapes, a rich history, lovely beaches and delicious cuisine. A great time to visit is from November to March, which is the dry season.
For a family break, the Shanti Travel team recommends staying at the Anantara Mui Ne Resort, a seaside hotel on the southeast coast. There are a variety of rooms and villa options that are great for families. The family-friendly resort also has tropical gardens, a beachfront infinity pool and a fun kids’ club to keep little ones entertained. While you’re there, head out and explore the town’s unique geological formations, including Ta Cu Mountain and the red-and-white sand dunes of Mui Ne. In addition, the beach has rock-free waters that are perfect for swimming, kayaking and surfing.
shantitravel.com/travel-vietnam
Sohamsa Ocean Estate
Sohamsa Ocean Estate has two stunning cliff-side villas that will do great for a family-friendly vacation. Located about half an hour from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, 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.
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 in Bali. This contemporary seaside property spans three levels and includes 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.
Choose from an array of activities for the perfect holiday package. 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 for a family vacation. 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). You can also explore the surrounding rice fields and villages – a great holiday package for the family.
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
ÀNI – Sri Lanka
On the hunt for a family-friendly resort? This charming seaside property on Sri Lanka’s south coast is a lovely family vacation destination. It houses two private villas – the eight-bedroom Villa Monara and seven-bedroom Villa Divia. Both come with separate dining and living areas, ensuite bathrooms and connecting twin rooms that can sleep up to three kids each. With an all-inclusive concept, the stay includes delicious meals paired with wines and spirits and relaxing spa treatments. For dinner, the in-house chef can whip up a tasty meal according to preferences and dietary requirements.
The family-friendly resort has a tennis court where you can enjoy complimentary lessons and a gym with a personal trainer. Or, you can go cycling, do some yoga or try meditation. Each villa also comes with its own 24-metre private pool and a kids’ pool with a fun water slide. Kids also can also enjoy games and hands-on activities organised by the villa staff.
scottdunn.com/sg/sri-lanka/south-coast/ani-villas
Kiroro Resort
For a change from tropical, how about a trip to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido? Surrounded by stunning mountains, Kiroro Resort is made up of two main hotels: Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort and The Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel Hokkaido.
Time to hit the slopes? Enrol the kids in the Annie Kids Ski School, which has ski classes for kids as young as three. There are also snowboarding classes for children aged six to 12. Little ones will be well-taken care of the entire day, with the ski package including lunch and other recreational activities. Other winter activities include snow banana boating, mini snowmobiles, and sledding and tubing at the snow park. The resort is also a great spot to visit all year round, not just during the winter. You can also enjoy a scenic ride on the Mount Yoichi gondola, try paddle tennis and go trout fishing.
SAii Phi Phi Island Village
Choose to stay in a contemporary Thai-style bungalow or a hillside pool villa, at this beachfront resort inn Thailand. Formerly known as Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, the eco-friendly property houses multiple restaurants and bars and has a lovely freeform pool to take a dip in.
Little guests can look forward to an array of activities, including a trip to the resort’s marine discovery centre. You can also head out the resort on an excursion and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Sri Panwa Phuket
The family-friendly resort on the southern tip of Phuket has various villas options, including one- and two-bedroom pool villas and two-to-five-bedroom residence villas that are great for larger groups. There are various family-friendly activities on offer, including snorkelling, cooking classes and batik painting. Teens and tweens will also enjoy hanging out at the game room that has foosball, table tennis and billiards.
Pick a holiday package of your choice – from a private tour of Phuket to a yacht trip to surrounding islands. Or simply spend the day lounging by the infinity pool or ramp things up a session in the resort’s Muay Thai boxing ring.
The Sanchaya
Enjoy a fuss-free family vacation to The Sanchaya in Bintan, with accommodation comprising beachfront villas and suites – including the two-bedroom villa that’ll fit the entire brood comfortably. At this family-friendly resort, all the rooms come with super king-size beds (with a pillow menu), Bang & Olufsen TVs and sound systems. While you’re there, you’ll want to visit the Balinese-inspired spa for a well-deserved pampering sesh.
Families can look forward to loads of great activities to keep everyone entertained, including beach volleyball, kite flying, archery and miniature croquet. Guests can also join family cooking classes and mocktail-making classes, in which the kids get decked out in mini chefs’ hats and aprons.
Looking for more travel inspiration?
Lindsay Yap
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Source: expatliving.sg
