Looking for a family-friendly resort with excellent facilities and a kids' club for the children? Jump into this handy guide...
We fondly remember a time pre-kids when we booked boutique hotels in the most exclusive parts of town on vacation. While we still manage to slip in the odd girl’s weekend and even an infrequent romantic getaway, now the focus is very much on short escapes in Asia with the kids. And when selecting the perfect hotel for our holiday, kids clubs are high on the agenda.
With so many resorts around the region offering the perfect blend of sun, surf, sand and sea for families, it can be hard to sort through the pretenders and find the true gems. So, we’ve done that for you – from personal experience and recommendations from friends. Here’s our hit list of family-friendly resorts in Asia with kids’ clubs your crew will be begging to return to day after day. And we all know what that means – precious time for you to indulge in massages, poolside naps and cocktails. Now, that’s our kind of holiday..
Incredible kids’ clubs at resorts we love in Asia
Jump to your destination:
Malaysia: JB, Desaru, Langkawi, Genting
Indonesia: Bintan, Bali
Vietnam: Danang
Thailand: Phuket, Koh Samui
Philippines: Boracay
Maldives
Japan
MALAYSIA
Make sure you check out our kid-friendly travel guides to Johor Bahru, Desaru Coast and Genting too!
1. KSL Resort Malaysia, Johor Bahru
KSL Hotel & Resort is centrally located at Taman Century in Johor Bahru, and there’s plenty of room for everyone (almost 900, to be exact)! This is a very family-friendly resort, offering package deals for Legoland visitors, and all hotel guests get free admission to the in-house Dinosaur Alive Water Theme Park.
KSL Hotel & Resort, 33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
2. Legoland Hotel Malaysia, Johor Bahru
Don’t forget about Legoland Hotel – with 249 rooms decked out in themes including Pirates, Adventure, Kingdom and Lego Friends, each room is kitted out with Lego features galore. The whole hotel is like a giant kids club, but adults can play too! The foyer is a big play-zone with a castle and pirate ship, and even a ride in the lift is filled with disco music and lights. Legoland theme park, SEA Aquarium and the Lego waterpark are all just outside the front door.
Legoland Hotel, No 7, Jln Legoland, Bandar, 79250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
3. Anantara, Desaru Coast
When talking about the best kids clubs in Asia, Anantara Desaru Coast definitely lives up to the Minor Hotel Group’s global reputation for being luxurious. If you’ve got both big kids and younger kids, everyone will be taken care of at the Anantara. The hotel itself is in a great location and offers all the things we would want for a fun family holiday that will be both relaxing and adventurous.
There’s a choice of swimming pools, watersports, excellent gym facilities, and a world-class spa (we tried a treatment here and can guarantee that it is a little slice of heaven). On top of that, there is both a decked-out Teen Club with everything from Playstation games to foozball and pinball machines, bean bags and movie nights, as well as a spacious Layang Layang Junior Club for the littles where they can craft and play to their heart’s content!
Pssst… Make sure you check out our review before you go!
Anantara Desaru Coast, Persiaran Pantai, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
4. The Westin, Desaru Coast
Looking for a spacious room to fit the whole family? The Westin Desaru Coast has you covered! Active families will love the beachfront watersports. The Els Golf Club is a short drive away and is the setting for sunrise running (or power walks), guided by The Westin Running Concierge – we enjoyed the fresh air and beautiful views over the rolling greens. The kids club is quaint and well-stocked with arts and crafts, with lots of natural light and fun activities.
The Westin Desaru Coast, Jln Pantai 3, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
5. Hard Rock Hotel, Desaru Coast
Do your kids love waterslides? This is the hotel for you as it is attached to a waterpark! With a giant swinging pirate ship, a toddler play area with fountains, mini slides and a tipping water bucket, a lazy river and a roller-coaster, there is plenty to keep the family cool and entertained. Hire a cabana by the wave pool for some respite and enjoy lunch in the shade. The kids club here is for age 4+ and is in true Hard-Rock style – there’s even a drumkit for budding musicians to bust their skills! After dinner, there are live bands in the foyer area to get your groove on.
Pssst.. Note that the food and rooms are less luxurious than The Westin or Anantara, but the price tag matches this. You could also combo a stay at The Westin with a visit to Hard Rock, as they are just across the road from each other (Anantara is also within walking distance!)
Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Jln Pantai 3, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
6. The Westin, Langkawi
Just a stepping-stone from Singapore, Langkawi is a top destination for a family holiday. Our pick of the family-friendly resorts is The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa. It’s in stunning condition, and the Westin Family Kids Club rivals the best in Asia. As the resort is surrounded by a perfect white stretch of beach and a rainforest so the kids club runs a range of outstanding outdoor activities for kids. Pick from bird watching; nature walks and beach discovery. For those wanting to escape the sun, the daily calendar of indoor offerings is just as good. They’ll even feed your munchkins with wholesome grub.
Westin Langkawi, Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar, Kedah, Langkawi, 07000, Malaysia
7. The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
Another good choice for a family break. The Family Kids Club, complete with a sand adventure playground, is located next to the family pool in the main area of the resort. It’s also just steps away from one of the best (private) beaches on the island. The kid’s club team has designed holistic programs that go beyond the usual painting and sandcastle building, including kids yoga programs, Junior Masterchef cooking classes and parent-free mangroves & monkeys safari cruises. Super-fun!
Four Seasons Langkawi, Jalan Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
8. Rawa Island Resort
Only a two-and-a-half hour drive and a speedboat transfer away from Singapore you’ll find an idyllic white beach on the little jewel that is Rawa Island. There are only two resorts on the island, so you’ll feel like castaways on this rustic family-friendly isle, with its swaying palms and laid-back vibe. This beachfront resort features 77 rooms, each individually designed to blend in with the natural landscape. Relax, reconnect and try a spot of water sports. Snorkel along the natural coral reef just metres from the shore. Or simply relax as you watch the sun disappear lazily over the orange horizon. All with sand between your toes. Rawa Island Resort is a kids paradise, with a jetty and slides that lead directly to the sea. No screen time needed here!
Rawa Island Resort, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
9. Alang’s Rawa
The other resort on Rawa Island is Alang’s Rawa, made up of a cluster of rustic white beach shacks. But don’t let the exterior fool you – all the rooms are well-kitted out with comfortable beds, showers and…aircon! There are only 12 rooms in total and five room types available, ranging from the cosy Little A-Frame rooms for two guests, to the large Beach House or Big A Frame Group room which can accommodate up to 12 people. Compared to the other resort on Rawa Island, Alang’s Rawa is more intimate. Boasting its own private beachfront, water sports equipment for loan and a modest buffet at every mealtime – it has a ‘private island’ feel with lesser guests, so it never feels too crowded!
Alang’s Rawa, Rawa Island, Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
10. Resorts World Awana
Resorts World Awana is one of the few hotels located at the base of Genting Highlands. The journey here from Awana Bus Terminal takes just about 15 minutes (and some coach services may drop you off here directly if you request it!). We were hosted for a stay here recently and highly recommend it for families! The Superior Deluxe Room we stayed in had all the creature comforts we needed, including two comfortable queen beds, a TV, bathroom with a hot shower and a balcony with beautiful views of the surrounding area. The kids’ club is next level, with kids’ programmes under their Chief Experience Officer (CEO) programme, which entitles kids to a CEO Onboarding Kit. There are also kid-friendly guided tours, including a garden tour where you can look into the hives of stingless bees and even harvest their honey by hand! The resort also offers guided hikes through the Awana Trail where you can get up close to never-before-seen natural wonders and even encounter wild Siamangs, tropical birds and endangered plants.
Awana Hotel Resorts World Genting, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
11. Genting SkyWorlds Hotel
If you want to stay right in the heart of the action of Genting, consider Genting SkyWorlds Hotel. It’s located right in front of the Genting Skyworlds theme park and has cute kid-friendly interiors that will appeal to families with little ones. No kids’ club here, but there are bunk beds, cool wall decorations and kitschy details in the rooms! Staying here means everything is within walking distance, including the two theme parks in Genting, SkyWay Avenue mall and the Awana SkyWay cable car.
Genting Skyworld Hotel, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
INDONESIA
Check out our guide to Bintan for the lowdown on our favourite resorts and things to do on Bintan! Here’s our fave kids clubs in the area. Plus our sister site, Honeycombers Bali, has a whole list of the best kid-friendly resorts and kids clubs in Bali for you to consider, along with ideas of where to eat and what to do!
12. Nikoi Island
While it’s not technically on mainland Bintan, it’s only a fifteen-minute speedboat away! Nikoi Private Island is hands down one of the best family vacay spots close to Singapore, and you’ll feel like you’re worlds away in a fam-friendly paradise. With loads of fun kids’ activities based in nature, a gorgeous restaurant serving delicious local food, and a rustic spa, check out our full review before booking your next Nikoi escape!
Nikoi Island, Riau, Indonesia
13. Club Med Bintan
Two hundred and fifty metres of private beach, stunning lush green vegetation, and the clear blue waters of the South China Sea – Bintan Island is a treat for the senses. The award-winning Club Med Bintan is the perfect place for a revitalising break for the whole family. Keen golfers, and want to get the kids into the sport early? This is the place to go! Practice at the onsite golf school before enjoying a round at the nearby championship standard Ria Bintan golf course. If golf isn’t your thing, you can enjoy a cool drink next to the stunning beachside pool. In true Club Med style, the kids will be well catered for at the kids clubs for all ages – it’ll be tough to get them to leave at the end of the holiday!
Club Med Bintan, Indonesia
14. Capella Ubud
For the love of all things Bali, Capella Ubud puts the luxe into jungle-glamping, perched on the serene mountainside of Ubud’s Keliki Valley. Kids over 6 are welcome here and could not be more spoilt, beginning at check-in with a bag filled with jungle-adventure goodies. Think essentials like sunscreen, organic face mist, insect repellent and more.
The family accommodation option is exclusively ‘The Lodge’, which offers impressive valley views, an open plan living room, master and twin bedroom, two bathrooms (one featuring a Japanese bath tub and one with a hand-hammered copper bath) and a large wooden deck with two large daybeds. Don’t forget you have your own private 19 sqm pool, which will come in handy for days spent chilling poolside or for burning off all the fabulous feasting from the Asian barbecue restaurant, Api Jiwa. Ask the hotel’s resident culturist to curate your authentic Balinese experience for the whole family. Think Balinese dance classes and Keliki-style painting, one of only five recognised artforms in Indonesia and is unique to the area!
Capella Ubud, Jl Raya Dalem, Ubud, p. +62 361 2091 888, e. [email protected]
15. Mason Elephant Park & Lodge
To experience a family holiday with a difference, check out Bali’s “Most Unique” Hotel and Winner of 2018’s Best Luxury Lodge in Asia and Best Luxury Eco Safari Lodge in the World. This destination resort is so unique and attracts it’s fair share of celebrity visitors, but know that by staying at Mason Elephant Park and Lodge you are staying at a resort fully committed to elephant conservation in a purpose-built environment. The hotel boasts different types of rooms which suit any taste, each with their own distinctive elephant touch. You will find plenty to entertain the kids here, like the unique elephant experiences JUMBO Bath, Wash and Night Safari, or maybe just the chance to wander the grounds, gaining access to places where regular park guests do not.
Mason Elephant Park & Lodge, Jl Elephant Park Taro, Taro Village, Tegallalang, p. +62 361 721 480, e. [email protected]
16. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
This one has the wow factor! Voted the No.1 Hotel in the World, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is the ultimate in awe-inspiring family luxury. Set amongst the lush Ayung River Valley, this simply stunning resort takes you closer to the heart and soul of Bali as it nestles peacefully between two sacred rivers, hidden behind a jungle canopy. Meanwhile, parents will find themselves absorbed in a vast selection of spa and wellness offerings and Instaworthy architecture at this six-star sanctuary. The Pici Pici (AKA little snail) kids’ club’s action-packed programs for kids aged 4 to 12 years old. There’s an arts class, Balinese dance, sports and adventure-based activities. Rainy weather? No worries. There are books, board and video games as well as movies for those who like to stay indoors. Kids also have access to the tree house.
Bonus: Children under 6 can dine for free with mums and dads at the resort’s restaurants, while those between 7 to 12 years old can eat for half the price.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Jl Raya Sayan, Sayan, Ubud, p. +62 361 977 577
17. InterContinental Bali
We do want to shout out one of our newly-renovated faves.. We had one of the best family summer holidays ever at the InterContinental Bali Resort at Jimbaran Bay. Everything about this experience was five-star – from the gorgeous Balinese styling to the delish dining options (in and outside the hotel) and the kids playground. We spent the mornings alternating between the multiple pools and beach with the kids, and then come noon booked them into the Planet Trekkers kids club for a quality lunch and five hours of fun. With daily activities like hair braiding, swimming, Bahasa lessons, recycled art classes and fishing, our kids are still raving about the place. The childcare staff was so lovely we wrote tear-stained farewell letters.
InterContinental Bali Resort, Jalan Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran: Bali ,80361, Indonesia
VIETNAM
18. Hyatt Regency Danang
Danang and Hoi An in Vietnam is right at the top of our list as a great location for a family vacation. And the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa is the pick of the hotels, and it has one of the best kids clubs in Asia. We’re talking casual family dining next to a sandy pool for kids, beach access and huge grounds for your kids to roam about. The family-style accommodation is also excellent.
For the sub-12s, Camp Hyatt is where it’s at. With a raft of indoor and outdoor activities available, like wall climbing, adventure playground, mini-cinema and pool table, there’s something for all ages. Our kids loved joining the resort walk and family yoga sessions and making keepsakes like lanterns, sand paintings and ceramics. And so long as you book a babysitter, kids under three are welcome – music to the ears of parents with two kids under two.
Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, 5 Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang, Vietnam
19. Pullman Danang Beach Resort
A playground on the beach? Sounds amazing. The Pullman Danang Beach Resort has everything you need for a fun family holiday by the beach. With 186 rooms and cottages, all of the accommodation has a private balcony overlooking the beach, infinity pool, or tropical gardens. Only a 15 minute drive from the airport and half an hour to the market town of Hoi An, this hotel is also in a great location. The kids club will keep little ones up to the age of 12 entertained for hours. Activities include balloon shaping, origami, face painting, clay modelling, lantern making and hair braiding. There are also on-call nannies for tiny tots.
Pullman Danang Beach Resort, 101 Võ Nguyên Giáp, Street, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
THAILAND
20. Avani+ Mai Khao, Phuket
If you’re looking for a kids club for kids aged 8 and under, where you won’t hear from the little tykes all day long, then Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket is where it’s at! The Avani+ kids club is intimate with lots of fun crafty activities, games and sing-a-longs; our kids didn’t want to leave (even for an ice cream – so that’s saying something). There’s also a sweet playground and bikes to ride around the resort when you aren’t catching a golf cart to take you to the beach.
Older kids will love getting involved in the Avani+ Fit activities like rock climbing and Muay Thai boxing – a good way to tire them out, ready for an afternoon of poolside relaxation. There are also pizza-making classes and even a visit to the turtle sanctuary down the beach, just waiting to keep them entertained. Partner these fun activities with gorgeous two-bedroom private pool villas and sunset virgin mojitos during happy hour, and you have one unforgettable family holiday!
Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket, 887 Moo 3, Tumbon, Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
21. Tinbox at The Slate Resort, Phuket
While The Slate doesn’t look kid friendly from the outset, we have it on good authority that the kids club is next level. The Tin Box kids club is decked out with nice wooden toys, unlike some plastic fantastic zones we’ve seen. There are activities every hour to keep little people busy, like bracelet making, seashell collecting, art from nature, a blow-up water slide activity, pom-pom making, Thai kickboxing and rock painting. Accommodation-wise the spacious D-Buk Suite (76sqm) is far more comfortable than squeezing a family of four into a standard hotel room.
The Slate, Nai Yang Beach and National Park, Phuket 83110, Thailand
22. JW Mariott Resort & Spa, Phuket
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is a 5-star, super family-friendly resort just steps from Mai Khao Beach. From the resort, enjoy easy access to the islands of Phang Nga Bay, Old Town Phuket and the Royal Phuket Marina. Not only is there a bangin kids club suitable for tiny ones all the way through to teens, but resort guests are also treated to an award-winning spa, three outdoor pools, a modern fitness centre and activities such as Thai cooking classes.
Relax in family-friendly hotel rooms, suites and villas filled with five-star amenities like plush bedding, marble bathrooms, 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi and outdoor space overlooking tropical gardens or the ocean. Select resort rooms have whirlpool tubs, extra living space and private pools (lush!) They also happen to have one of the best kids clubs in Asia – our littles didn’t want to leave!
JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 231 Moo 3 Mai Khao, Talang, Phuket, Thailand, 83110
23. Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
An awesome kids’ club, a waterslide, and a splash park for the littles? Yes, please! If you’re looking for water play fun for the whole fam, this is a great pick for you. A five-star resort located in the vibrant area of North Chaweng, only eight minutes from the airport, Hyatt Regency Koh Samui offers a gallery-inspired setting where nature is the art on display. From the stunning ocean along the rocky coastline to the lush surrounds with over 600 protected Yang Na and coconut trees, come here for energising experiences, relaxing moments, and a haven of fun for the kiddos and adults alike!
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui, 99/11 Moo 5, North Chaweng, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand, 84320
24. Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Ahoy there! A sweet pirate-themed playroom that will keep the kids entertained for hours? Check. A luxury resort with a restaurant, free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre on Choeng Mon Beach? Check. Water sports and a bar for mum and dad? Check! Shall we just check in.
Kimpton Kitalay Resort Samui, 10/79 Moo 5. Bophut Koh Samui 84320, Thailand
25. Chaweng Regent, Koh Samui
We’ve also got to give mention to the Chaweng Regent, a destination we’ve boomeranged back to many times (with and without the kids). Its beachfront location, excellent kids’ menu, friendly staff, babysitting service and top-notch all-important kids’ club (for kids aged four to 11 years) seal the deal on a heavenly fam vacay.
Chaweng Regent, 155/4 Moo 2 Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
PHILIPPINES
26. Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa
Back in 2016, we road-tested the Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa with a toddler and deffo give it the green light! Our little traveller loved the Activity Zone in the kids’ club. It’s full of toys and a massive slide and there are daily kids activities from fish feeding to crafts. For teens, there’s a well-equipped Entertainment Zone with basketball, air hockey and foosball, arcade games, billiards, table tennis, karaoke rooms, and even board games for those who want to take their eyes off the screen at some point! Because the resort has such extensive grounds and three pools, including one dedicated kid’s pool, it hardly feels overcrowded, even when at full capacity. The whole island recently shut down for a ‘refurb’, so now’s definitely a great time to visit.
Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa, Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, 5608, Philippines
MALDIVES
Read our Guide to The Maldives for more info on how to get there and where to stay with the kids!
27. Anantara Dhigu Maldives
We had the pleasure of staying at the Anantara Dhigu Maldives with the family, and we can confirm it was amazing. Offering overwater pool villas, bicycles to explore the island, and numerous restaurants, it was perfect for our family of five. The hotel’s Kids Club is shaped as a Dhoni, a traditional Maldivian boat, and had the kids dreaming of becoming pirates! This resort has a bonus of connecting islands, with two more associated resorts only a boat ride away, which means you have access to a wider range of restaurant options. We especially loved the reef on Gilhifushi Island, complete with sun beds and a bar, and perfect for family snorkelling experiences every morning!
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, South Male Atoll 20109, Maldives
28. Avani+ Fares Maldives
Imagine a kids-only restaurant, where the kids can wear chef’s hats and aprons and create their own culinary masterpieces (no parents allowed!) Avani+ Fares Maldives is a kids paradise, with a super cute kids club. There is also a teens-only club complete with pool table, game stations, and adventures and activities just for teens. We love Avani as a (slightly) more affordable option on the Maldivian holiday scale, without sacrificing the awe and wonder of being in the Maldives.
Avani+ Fares Maldives, Fares, Baa Atoll 20077, Maldives
29. Soneva Fushi
It’s all about the villas at Soneva Fushi, with incredible two-storey accommodation that even includes your own private pool and waterslide into the sea. If you’re looking for arguably the largest playground in South Asia, we’ve found it. At the size of six tennis courts, the dedicated playground at Soneva Fushi is a paradise for kiddos, with two pools, a water slide and rooms for dressing up, Lego, music and more. Everything is overseen by qualified childminders, while older children and teens also have access to Soneva Academy.
Soneva Fushi, Kunfunadhoo Island, Eydhafushi, Maldives
30. Per Aquum Niyama
If you want to head a little further afield, we can’t sing the praises of Per Aquum Niyama, one very special pocket of the world, enough. This is one of those rare resorts that capture a boutique feel with all the luxe treats. We’re talking award-winning restaurants, a divine spa, snorkelling and diving trips. Plus, we’ll say it: one of the best kids’ clubs in Asia we’ve seen on our travels.
Per Aquum Niyama, Olhuveli, Kudahuvadhoo Dhaalu Atoll, 13080, Maldives
JAPAN
31. Club Med Tomamu
Looking for a fantastic ski trip in Asia with the fam with one of the best kids clubs in Asia? Look no further than Club Med Tomamu. We were lucky enough to visit this mountain resort with the kiddos! We can confirm that the kids clubs are epic. Ski lessons, play time in the snow, arts and crafts, games, even a talent show in the theatre! This was one of our most memorable holidays to date. Being all-inclusive, the adults are catered for well too (open bar, anyone?)
Club Med Tomamu, Hokkaido, Japan
Happy holidaying with the kiddos!
