From tricked out hotel rooms to all-action kids’ clubs, here’s where to stay before they turn 12
Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
Floating all their cares away at Cheval Blanc Randheli
Le Carrousel children’s club at this stunning resort is 500 sqm of pint-sized heaven. An indoor playroom opens onto an outdoor space where children can go mad on the outdoor trampoline, climbing wall and mini waterpark with pool, slides and splash pad. Every day there are specially arranged pool activities including the intriguing ‘pool invisi-bottle’, water polo, pool octopus and pool noodle joust.
There’s an interactive wall where kids can try their hand at creating their very own virtual fish amongst the corals and lagoons of Randheli atoll.
Further fun activities include nighttime ghost crab hunting, island treasure hunts, open air movies, discos, coconut hunt and painting and blindfold obstacle courses.
Parents are welcome to stay and join the fun or leave the kids in the entirely capable hands of the resort’s Carrousel Ambassadors.
Le Carrousel, 10am to 6pm, evening activities from 7.30pm, three to 12 years.
Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort, Thailand
Outrigger Koh Samui has four pools and a water slide to keep kids entertained
Located along Lamai beach, Outrigger Koh Samui has been designed with families in mind offering 32 interconnecting rooms, two restaurants, a kids’ club and games room and a plethora of activities to keep everyone happy and entertained.
What’s more, this popular family resort has just expanded its children’s activities menu even further with the addition of the island’s first laser tag facility. Armed with cutting-edge technology like infrared emitting light guns and infrared-sensitive vests, the venue is open to all ages.
Meanwhile, the resort’s Coral Kids’ Club has heaps to keep younger guests entertained, like yoga, science experiments, craft activities, pool games and movie night. The kids’ club includes a games room with pool tables and air hockey and a state-of-the-art movie room.
More child-friendly facilities at the resort include Edgewater Family Beach Club, four beachfront pools and a water slide.
Laser Tag at Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort, 10am to 10pm, US$10 for five hours or US$14 per day; Coral Kids Club, 10am to 7.30pm, four to 12 years.
Read our review of Outrigger Koh Samui here.
ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore
Kicking back with the gnomes in Singapore
Are these the cutest hotel rooms in Asia? ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay has now launched two gnome-themed family rooms.
The Gnome’s Burrow is a cosy retreat designed as an underground hideaway. Earthy tones, mushroom accents, wall murals and a slide bring to life the gnome’s secret passageway under the ground.
The Gnome’s Treehouse sits in the branches of an imaginary tree with plenty of leafy wall motifs, twinkling fairy lights, cosy corners and ladders to climb.
The Gnome’s Land Package includes a stay in one of the two themed rooms, kids’ welcome drinks, daily buffet breakfast, a gnome plush toy, themed Gnome’s Land bathrobe, slippers and tote bag, an in-room Nintendo Switch, a complimentary cooking class, a complimentary urban farm tour and activity book and colouring pencils.
The Gnome’s Land Package at ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay, based on two adults and children aged three to 12 years staying in a Gnome Land-themed room.
The Slate, Phuket, Thailand
There's lots going on inside The Tin Box at The Slate
Hotel designer Bill Bensley has reimagined Phuket’s mining past at this sleek hotel - and the onsite kids’ club is just as bling.
Known as The Tin Box, the club caters to ‘little miners’ with an array of exciting experiences (ideal for parents who want to enjoy the adults-only pool and lingering meals at the resort’s memorable Black Ginger restaurant).
On offer? Origami, mask-making, hair-weaving and even chef and petit sommelier classes. Active kids will love activities like archery and kickboxing, while younger tots can relax inside the club with its host of toys and games.
Further family-friendly entertainment around the resort runs to three outdoor pools including a family lagoon pool with waterfalls and other features for kids to enjoy, tennis courts and a private beach club.
The Slate is located around 15-minutes from Phuket airport at beautiful Nai Yang beach.
Tin Box Kids’ Club at The Slate, 9am to 5pm, four to 12 years.
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Three bedroom suites with an airship at Hong Kong's Island Shangri-La hotel
No expense has been spared on the recent refurbishment of Hong Kong’s popular ‘Island Shang’, hotel with an entire floor devoted to families.
Level 45 now hosts themed rooms including features such as toddler-safe beds with slides, toys, extra luggage space and larger interconnected suites for extended family groups.
The family-friendly floor also has a relaxation space known as The Hangout, with ‘grab-and-go’ healthy food stations, books, games and craft. Meanwhile The Pantry has a washing machine, dryer, wash basin, microwave and more; in fact everything parents could need when staying in a hotel with young children.
The hotel has recently launched three-bed suites, including an Airship Voyage suite and a Fairy Garden suite complete with a pink pumpkin carriage bunk bed.
Level 45, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.
Amanpulo, Philippines
Kids can learn to dive in the resort pool at Amanpulo
If you’re looking for a little understated luxury but with the kids in tow, don’t walk (or fly) past Aman. Aman resorts are the last word in sumptuous stays and Amanpulo on the private island of Pamalican in Palawan, Philippines, is no exception.
The dedicated kids’ club is located at the West Villa Clubhouse where a team of professional nannies ensure children enjoy a safe and fun environment. The club has an air conditioned indoor space filled with toys, books, board games, puzzles and arts and crafts, as well as an al fresco playground.
The resort also offers youngsters aged eight years and over the opportunity to obtain their PADI Bubble Maker certificate. Under the supervision of an instructor, young divers can make use of the clubhouse pool and the ocean (if conditions permit) to dive up to two metres and receive their certificate. Certified diving parents are then invited to join their newly qualified offspring in the water to make it a family affair.
The Kids’ Club at Amanpulo, under 12s; Bubblemaster diving certification is available to children aged eight years and over.
The Den, Soneva Jani, Maldives
Swining into The Den at Soneva Jani
Luxury Maldivian resort Soneva Jani has taken the kids’ club concept to the next level with The Den, a two-storey children's entertainment space, allegedly the largest in the Maldives.
The Den embraces the resort’s ‘slow life’ philosophy with a ‘no news, no shoes’ ethos. Phones and tablets must be left back at the villa and shoes removed.
The Den seeks to nurture adventure, play and a little bit of learning amongst the resort's younger guests, with an imaginative field of resources. It boasts plenty of action with its own swimming pool complete with two waterfalls that cascade into it. There’s a waterslide, catamaran nets and shallow areas for littlies. The pool is also crossed by a 32m zip line which plunges through a waterfall.
Inside The Den, there’s a bowling alley, Lego and craft area, dress-up room, library and cinema. A separate area provides sensory play for toddlers.
The Den at Soneva Jani, four years to teen, opening hours as you require.