As temperatures dip in Hong Kong, resorts in the Indian Ocean are rolling out the beach hammocks. Here's where to head for amazing holidays with the kids in the Indian Ocean.
If you’re dreaming of silky white sands, gelato-hued waters and bathlike sea temperatures, this is one area of the world that doesn’t disappoint.
The Indian Ocean, the third largest ocean in the world, stretches from the east coast of Africa and as far as Indonesia and Australia in the west with heaps of destinations to discover in between. Whether you’re looking for a glam resort in which to fly ‘n’ flop, wild beaches on which to surf or dive destinations rich in marine life, there’s something for everyone.
Mauritius
Find the sunshine this winter in Mauritius
Mauritius is an enticing mix of superb palm-fringed beaches and heaps of child-friendly attractions away from the coast. Inland there are huge tortoises (some old enough to have crossed paths with Darwin), cascading waterfalls, multi-coloured volcanic sands and fascinating working sugar cane mills. Back on the beach, there’s heaps to do if the kids get fed-up basking under a coconut tree, including banana boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and whale and dolphin spotting.
Travel stats
December to February is the best time to visit Mauritius. Fly with Emirates via Dubai to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam airport in the southeast of the island.
Where to stay
The Residence Mauritius on the northeast coast of the island is known locally as the ‘jewel of Mauritius’. The hotel blends colonial elegance with modern comforts and warmly welcomes families. The Family Moments Package includes breakfast and dinner, a ten percent spa discount, a private family beach dinner, a kids cooking class and complimentary use of the Kids Club and water activities at the Boat House.
Read our destination review for Mauritius here.
Maldives
The Maldives is a mecca for divers
The idyllic islands of the Maldives sit in the most biodiverse waters in the world. Think whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and myriad fish species and corals. This island nation is divided into atolls and then islands within atolls. Resorts tend to occupy their own private island within an atoll; some will require an additional domestic flight or seaplane flight to reach from the international airport at Male, some are just a speedboat ride away. If you’re looking for white-sand, picture-postcard perfection, the Maldives has it in spades.
Travel stats
December to February is the high season in Mauritius as the dry season moves in. Fly direct with Hong Kong Airlines into Male International Airport.
Where to stay
Kids will have a ball at what is one of the world’s best kids’ clubs at Soneva Jani. The Den is a two-storey entertainment space with dedicated areas for kids aged from toddler to teen. Action at the club includes a pool crossed by a 32m zip line, a Cave Bar and DJ booth for teens, plus Lego, craft, a bowling alley, a library and even a cinema. The Family Offer includes complimentary full board stays for kids under 15, with signature child-friendly experiences.
Seychelles
Escape the crowds at Grand Anse beach in the Seychelles
The paradisiacal islands of Seychelles were once known almost exclusively as a honeymoon destination. However, the country has now widened its appeal, embracing family travel. The archipelago of 115 coral islands offers boulder-strewn beaches, crystal clear lagoons, lush greenery and abundant wildlife and marine life. The most popular islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are connected by an efficient ferry service. Explore giant tortoise parks, colonial-era towns, castaway islands, rum distilleries and vast national parks.
Travel stats
October and November and then April and May are the sweet spots between trade winds. Fly with Emirates via Dubai to Aeroport de la Pointe Larue on Mahe island.
Where to stay
Club Med Seychelles Resort is located on the island of Saint Anne. Channel your inner Robinson Crusoe at this island resort with trekking, free-diving and glass-bottomed kayaking. Larger accommodation options include three-bed villas with private pool, terrace and three bathrooms and bedrooms. A butler service is also available. Club Med Seychelles operates as an all-inclusive holiday resort with kids’ activities from two to 17 years.
Sri Lanka
Winter is a great time to hit the beaches of Sri Lanka
Rich in culture and abundant in activities to keep the whole family engaged, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. From tea plantations, heritage train rides, exciting safari adventures, bustling cities and serene temples, there’s a lot to cram in. Don’t miss the cultural triangle in the centre of the country with rock fortresses, Buddhist monasteries and the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. Explore tea plantations in the misty mountains of Hill Country and remember to book the famous Kandy to Ella train ride well in advance. And there’s 800 miles of coastline to enjoy; between December and April head south and west. There are dozens of beach towns all the way to Tangalle.
Travel stats
High (and dry) season runs from December to April and this is the best time to hit the beaches in the south and west of the island. Fly direct with Cathay Pacific to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
Where to stay
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka and close to the old fort town of Tangalle. The resort spills onto a golden beach fringed with coconut palms and the Indian Ocean. Facilities include a 25m resort pool and there is both a kids’ and teens’ club with a shaded playground for children. The hotel offers excursions to the Turtle Conservation Project at nearby Rekawa beach, trips to Handunugoda Tea Plantation, Tangalle city tours and wildlife viewing tours to Yala and Udawalawe national parks. Book a Stay Longer Special package and save up to 25% on accommodation.
Broome
Sunset camel rides along the Indian Ocean on Cable Beach, Australia (image courtesy Unsplash)
Broome, once the largest pearling port in the world, is located in Australia’s Kimberley region. The small town occupies a stretch of Indian Ocean coastline that is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, including the world-famous 22km Cable Beach, and for its dramatic sunsets. International connections have been a long-held ambition for Broome, which is geographically closer to Asia than to many Australian cities. It's a huge 2,000km north of Perth, the capital of Western Australia and currently, direct flights from Singapore now operate through the dry season.
Travel stats
May to October is the dry season with blue skies and lower humidity. Fly to Singapore and pick-up a direct flight to Broome with Jetstar Asia.
Where to stay
Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa is one of the most popular and well-established resorts in the area. It’s located on world-famous Cable Beach and is warmly welcoming to families. The resort offers a dedicated family pool as well as a playground, mini golf with fun crocodile obstacles, tennis and basketball courts and all facilities offer plenty of shade and seating. Babysitting services are also available. Currently and for a limited time kids receive a Charlie the Camel complimentary toy on check-in. The Savour More package includes a 15% discount on bookings of more than three nights, return airport transfers, welcome drink and resort credits, available until May 31, 2025.
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