8 kid-friendly hotels where you can get some alone time, too
Pack the swimsuits, skip the tantrums
Imagine yourself lying in a hammock with a holiday read and a martini by your side, lulled by the rustling palms and crashing waves. You’re on the verge of the best nap of your life until one sentence snaps you back to reality: “Mama, I’m bored.”
With the year winding down, planning a family vacation can feel both exciting and daunting. When kids are involved, the holiday checklist can feel like a never-ending puzzle. Speed, distance, and time take on a whole new meaning with little ones in tow. That’s why we’re all about seamless, fun, and stress-free holidays where everyone’s happy. And the key? Choosing the right kid-friendly hotels, where children have enough to keep them entertained while you unwind.
A truly relaxing family vacation starts with selecting the best kid-friendly hotels. These are places where the kids can lose themselves in a world of water slides, treasure hunts, and endless entertainment while adults sip their drinks in peace—or join the kids in the fun, too. Whether you’re aiming for child-focused activities or memory-making experiences for the whole family, here are seven kid-friendly hotels and resorts that promise an unforgettable and truly restful holiday. Plus, they’re all close to India, making them ideal for families who want to avoid long-haul flights with little ones.
Kid-friendly hotels and resorts for your next family vacation
OBLU SELECT Sangeli, Maldives for top-notch hospitality
Finally, you can escape that nosy neighbor who’s always tracking your weekend plans with the family. The Maldives’ OBLU SELECT Sangeli offers a dreamy island getaway with pristine beaches, luxurious stays, and activities for everyone.
The resort’s Kids Club is a haven for children aged four and above, with supervised activities like treasure hunts, arts and crafts, and nature explorations. It’s a space where kids can safely play, giving parents a chance to truly unwind. With a children’s pool, playground, and game area, little ones can enjoy hours of fun while parents relax.
Imagine a vacation where you don’t need to plan every moment for the kids. Each day, your young adventurer can dive into exciting activities designed to spark learning and curiosity. For families, there’s snorkelling, dolphin-watching, and beachfront barbecues. And for parents? A quiet, candle-lit dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean—perfect for a romantic evening.
Club Med Phuket, Thailand for the best beach views
Located on the relatively quiet Kata Beach, this all-inclusive, family-friendly resort has a warm vibe. Perhaps it can be credited to the mutual understanding shared by all adult guests who want to enjoy some quiet time, while tackling tantrums from their tiny tots and teenagers. Fortunately, all the activities will keep all blow-ups in control.
Younger children can join the Mini Club Med for cooking classes, pool games, and nature walks, while teens have their own Junior Club Med with sports and evening entertainment. For families looking for shared experiences, there are island trips and a visit to Phuket’s Big Buddha, perfect for bonding over local culture and stunning views. You can also enjoy some time off at the adults-only Zen pool and bar.
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali, Indonesia for a luxurious cultural exploration
If you have curious young explorers, the Oberoi Beach Resort in Bali offers a mix of cultural experiences and relaxation along Seminyak Beach. Think of this as summer camp as kids can join pottery-making classes, Balinese dance workshops, and beach games, immersing themselves in local culture in a fun and engaging way. With a dedicated kids’ area, parents can relax knowing their little ones are having an educational adventure.
For a family activity, you can sign up for a cultural tour to explore temples, rice terraces, and Bali’s vibrant art scene. The property also has thatched roof villas with pools to give you that extra privacy.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, Malaysia for nature lovers
Nobody is stopping you from pulling your own Besharam Rang moment. Tucked between the rainforest and the Andaman Sea, the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Langkawi brings you closer nature. The Ritz Kids program lets young adventurers immerse themselves in jungle walks, treasure hunts, and nature-inspired activities that feel like scenes out of The Jungle Book. There’s even a movie night under the stars, where kids can sprawl out on beanbags and munch on popcorn while you sip a drink nearby.
You can hop on a boat to explore Langkawi’s pristine mangroves and brave the heights of the Langkawi Sky Bridge. If you’re feeling indulgent, you can go all-out with a private yacht rental for the day— an unforgettable experience for the kids.
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore for a city meets island adventure
Who wouldn’t love a vacation near Universal Studios with the comforts of a luxury hotel? Sofitel Singapore Sentosa offers the best of both worlds, with adventure right next door. This kid-friendly hotel has a ‘Little Ones’ program featuring treasure hunts, storytelling, and arts and crafts to keep the kids busy.
Families can easily explore Sentosa Island’s attractions, including the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark, or schedule some spa time while the kids enjoy their own adventures.
Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood, Thailand for stargazing with the whole family
Imagine you are SRK stepping out of a helicopter and walking towards the Raichand mansion, but in this case it would be Soneva Kiri’ luxurious, eco-friendly resort located on the unspoiled island of Koh Kood.
The kids’ club called The Den is not your regular play area—it’s under a giant bamboo, manta ray-shaped roof with dedicated areas for different activities, as well as a library. The music, art, and eco-experiences would fight right in a Studio Ghibli film. There’s even a mini mocktail bar and cooking school, meaning your kids could return home with a newfound love for some delicious mango sticky rice.
If you fancy a movie night under the open sky, Soneva’s outdoor cinema with gourmet snacks and cosy blankets will have you and the kids spellbound.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu, Philippines for water lovers
Shangri-La’s Mactan in Cebu is a paradise for families who like to spend the entire day in the ocean. This kid-friendly hotel has an Adventure Zone for kids, featuring play areas, slides, and obstacle courses. Budding marine biologists can join the marine education program, where they’ll learn about coral reefs and conservation through interactive activities and snorkelling excursions.
Families can island-hop, explore the private marine sanctuary, or relax in spacious family suites with plenty of dining options to suit every palate.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India for a royal experience
For families looking for a royal experience without the long flight, The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur brings together Indian luxury, history, and family-friendly activities. Kids can join cooking classes to make their first roti, try block printing, and create miniature paintings celebrating India’s cultural heritage.
Parents can steal a quiet moment during a private dinner overlooking Lake Pichola, with Udaipur’s historic beauty as the backdrop and the gentle strains of flutes filling the air.
Family vacations don’t have to be exhausting marathons of planning. The right kid-friendly hotel lets your children stay entertained, gives you time to relax, and ensures you actually soak in the holiday vibe. Grab the swimsuits, sunscreen, and that holiday read you’ve been dying to finish. With these kid-friendly hotels and resorts across India and Southeast Asia, you’ll return with cherished memories and maybe even a few extra chapters read.
