Traveling long distances on vacation is not always ideal when traveling with toddlers. They’re easily frustrated on such trips, especially with destinations that require a lot of logistics and are not kid-friendly. This leaves you stressed-out and needing a holiday from your holiday! You don’t have to complicate things. There are many amazing toddler-friendly beach destinations around Asia, from Sri Lanka to Japan. Take an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing easy short-haul beach trip away from, but close to home.
Choosing a beach destination for your mini getaway is great for tots, as the beach is one awesome gigantic sand-pit to them. Let the little ones enjoy some fun in the sun while splashing in tiny waves or building epic sandcastles with dad. Mom, you can work on your tan! Check out our guide to the best short-haul beach trips around Asia, fabulous accommodation options included, with toddlers in tow. Don’t forget your sunhats and sunscreen!
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Our first stop is in Sri Lanka, a year-round welcoming toddler-friendly holiday destination. Designed by Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, The Blue Water Hotel and Spa provides families with a luxurious serene escape from the city. It’s nestled amidst wild coconut groves in the idyllic coastal town of Wadduwa, just an hour’s drive from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. All rooms and suites feature private balconies or terraces with ocean views. Toddlers love to play on the hotel’s sprawling lawns, the wide golden beach frontage, and in the kids' pool. Request the babysitting service while you visit the hotel’s world-class spa.
The Blue Water Hotel and Spa, Thalpitiya, Wadduwa, Sri Lanka, +94 38 2235067 8, reservations@thebluewatersrilanka.com, www.bluewatersrilanka.com
With endless stretches of white sand, quieter Tanjung Rhu Beach is easily one of Langkawi’s most beautiful beaches. It’s home to the ultimate toddler-friendly resort - Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. They can pre-arrange your transfer from Langkawi International Airport, just a 25-minute drive away. Stay in private home-style Villas with pools or airy pavilions, plus there’s no charge for kids sharing your room. Nestled within the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, enjoy arranged nature walks to see exotic fauna and flora. There’s a kids club, family pool, babysitting service, outdoor play area, kiddie's spa, and kids under 5 eat free. Visit Langkawi between November to April for the best weather.
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Jl. Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia, +60 4 950 8700, res.langkawi@fourseasons.com, www.fourseasons.com/langkawi
Avoid Phuket’s busy tourist-trodden beaches and visit a quieter family-friendly option, just a 15-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. We’re talking about secluded Nai Thon Beach, with a long stretch of pristine beach perfect for toddler sand-play! Across the road sits the beautiful all-inclusive Naithonburi Beach Resort Phuket. This hideaway is nestled in the Sirinat National Park where the mountains meet the sea. The resort features large family rooms and suites, restaurants, and extensive lawns. There’s also a playground, stunning turquoise lagoon pool with a real sandy beach, games room, open-air spa, and free bicycles including ones for toddlers. Visit when it’s cooler between November and February.
Naithonburi Beach Resort Phuket, 9 Moo 4, Sakhu, Thalang District, Phuket, Thailand, +66 76 318 700, reservations@naithonburi.com, www.naithonburi.com
Drift off to the calming lull of the waves beneath you. Book a stay at Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort and stay in spectacular overwater family rooms or villas right at Bagan Lalang Beach in Sepang. This resort is conveniently located just an easy 40-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Enjoy the resort’s overwater infinity pool, gym, and spa, while the little ones are entertained at the AvaniKids Club with activities like arts and crafts. Tots love the Polynesian-style gardens to play in and the golden beach to fly kites and picnic on. Take the family on a mangrove boat tour in the area. Visit between February and September for dryer weather.
Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort, No. 67, Jl. Pantai Bagan Lalang, Sepang, Kg Bagan Lalang, Sungai Pelek, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, +66 2 365 9110, reserveavani@avanihotels.com, www.avanihotels.com/en/sepang
Head to Sihanoukville in south Cambodia where you’ll be greeted by the golden sands and aquamarine waters of Sokha Beach. Right at the beachfront you’ll discover Sokha Beach Resort and will experience true Khmer hospitality with world-class service. This luxurious resort is only a 25-minute drive from Sihanoukville International Airport and 2 minutes from downtown Sihanoukville. Stay in spacious rooms, suites, and villas. The resort’s 2 large swimming pools each have adjoining kids pools, perfect for toddlers. Relax on the 1.5km stretch of pristine beach or at the resort’s Jasmine Spa. The Sokha Kids Club offers a wide selection of toys and games in an air-conditioned playroom. Visit during the dry season from November to March.
Sokha Beach Resort, Street 2 Thnou, Sokha Beach, Sihanoukville, Cambodia, +855 34 935 999, reservations@sokhahotels.com, www.sokhahotels.com.kh
Vietnam is a popular family-friendly destination, with one of the best areas to visit being Danang. Specifically for a beach trip with toddlers, Non Nuoc Beach ranks high up there. This beach was voted “The most attractive beach on the planet” by Forbes magazine. On this gorgeous somewhat private beach, you’ll find the peaceful oasis that is Vinpearl Resort & Spa. This charming resort is only a 15-minute drive from Danang International Airport and 800m from Marble Mountains. Stay in exquisite neoclassical style villas with private pools embraced by tropical gardens. Perfect for families wanting some privacy. Find Hoi An ancient town and golf courses nearby, and there’s a spa and kids club on-site. Visit between May and August for temperate weather.
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Danang, No. 23 Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang, Vietnam, +84 236 396 6888, res.VPRSDN@vinpearl.com, www.vinpearl.com
Do you want to visit bustling Singapore, but stay close to the beach? Our pick would be to stay at D’Resort @ Downtown East. Your kiddos, both young and old, will love this place! It’s one of Singapore’s first nature inspired, all-inclusive family resorts. This little slice of paradise comes complete with rainforest and underwater themed family rooms, with an integrated water park experience on the property at Wild Wild Wet water park. This resort is located just a 10-minute drive from Changi International Airport. For beach days with the toddlers, at this resort’s doorstep is one of the longest stretches of beach in Singapore - Pasir Ris Beach. Singapore is a year-round destination to visit.
D’Resort @ Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599, +65 6589 1688, reservations@dresort.com.sg, www.dresort.com.sg
Nestled right in the crook of Dalit Bay, Shangri-La Rasa Ria offers the best of both rainforest wilderness and beach paradise to families. Blessed with powdery white sand, guests can enjoy the 3km golden crescent stretch of Dalit Beach all to themselves. It’s the perfect getaway for families looking for peace and quiet. The resort’s elegant rooms and suites feature traditional Malay accents. From a kids' club to an endless array of sea sports, as well as a unique 64-acre rainforest reserve home to baby Orangutans and perfect for morning walks, the resort’s younger visitors won’t have a shortage of things to do. There’s also an 18-hole golf course on-site. The resort is a 45-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Visit Borneo between March and October for the best weather.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Pantai Dalit, Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia, +60 88 797 888, malaysiarasaria@shangri-la.com, www.shangri-la.com/rasariaresort
The Malaysian island Penang is affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, an up-and-coming travel destination. Head to a tropical retreat right on the beachfront at the stunning Batu Ferringhi Beach - ParkRoyal Penang Resort. It’s just under an hour’s drive from Penang International Airport. Take in breathtaking sea views from the resort’s spacious rooms and suites. There’s a fully-equipped Zap Lab Gym and spa on-site. Besides the large free form swimming pool at the resort, there’s the Amazonia Splash water park and a children’s pool featuring a baby wading pool and 2 giant water slides. The golden beach is fantastic for beach fun, plus the tots will love the Amazonia Kids Club with indoor playground, with a babysitting service. Visit Penang between November to January when the Island is pleasantly cool and festive.
ParkRoyal Penang Resort, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia, +60 4 886 2288, enquiry.prpen@parkroyalhotels.com, www.panpacific.com
Bali is a top family-friendly destination, and it’s not hard to understand why. This wonderful Indonesian Island has something for everyone, from idyllic beaches to fabulous shopping spots. Nestled on the white sands of gorgeous Nusa Dua Beach, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua offers families contemporary, 5-star luxury in delightful rooms and suites. The resort is a 20-minute drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Let the tots stroll through the resort’s lush resort grounds or build sandcastles on the beach. The Westin Family Kids Club offers loads of fun for the kiddos. Besides the adults’ spa, younger guests can get pampered at the Westin Kids Spa too! Find everything from 6 restaurants, 2 tennis courts, exhilarating water sports, child-friendly swimming pools, and even a 12-meter slide here! Visit during Bali’s dry season from April to October.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua, ITDC Lot N-3 Bajo, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 771906, reservations.00035@westin.com, www.marriott.com/the-westin-resort-nusa-dua
Book into Shangri-La Mactan resort, no more than a 20-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Arrange for a car transfer from the airport directly with the resort. This resort is located on Mactan Island, part of Cebu province. Stay in one of the resort’s immaculate rooms or suites with outstanding ocean or garden views. Kids love the resort’s Adventure Zone multi-level indoor playground, children’s pool, and exciting E-Zone. There’s even a supervised Toddler Zone. Wander around the resort’s greens with the insightful Resort Rangers. The resort’s private beach cove and marine sanctuary is a delight for children and adults alike. There’s also a spa, 6-hole golf park, large landscaped gardens, and an Aquaplay area at one of the pools. For the best weather, visit The Philippines between December to April.
Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu, Mactan, Cebu, The Philippines, +63 32 231 0288, Mactan@shangri-la.com, www.shangri-la.com/mactanresort
Are you looking for a cozy beach destination to visit with your toddlers? Head to the small island of Ma Wan in Hong Kong. Excite the little ones by staying in a gigantic ark right on Ma Wan Tung Beach - Noah’s Ark. This hotel is set inside the world’s first full-scale ark replica, complete with life-size animal statues. It’s a 25-minute drive from Hong Kong International Airport to Ma Wan Island, with a paid bus transfer available. Stay in special themed family rooms inside the ark. The small beach stretch is perfect for keeping a close eye on tots while they run and play. Plus the hotel’s property features a Fun Fun Playground, Adventureland, Bike Track, and more! Hong Kong is a year-round destination, but October to December is the most optimal time to visit.
Noah’s Ark, 33 Pak Yan Road, Ma Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 3411 8888, info@noahsark.com.hk, www.noahsark.com.hk
Kenting National Park has some of the best natural scenery in all of Taiwan. Here you’ll find majestic limestone mountains to beautiful white sand beaches like Kenting Beach. Stay right on Kenting Beach at Chateau Beach Resort. It’s a 20-minute drive from Hengchun Domestic Airport. Enjoy beach days on the 2.8km stretch of golden beach. The resort features 295 cozy rooms and gorgeous oceanside pools, including a kid's pool. Go for lovely strolls along the wooded path of the Greenbelt Promenade alongside Kenting beach, or rest on one of the hammocks or lounge chairs situated beside the path. A fantastic resort for young families, the little ones are kept entertained at Chateau Star Paradise, the resort’s indoor play space. It features 3 themed areas - World of Fairy Tales, Fun Word to Explore, and Oceanic Fantasy World. Visit Taiwan between October to April.
Chateau Beach Resort, No.451, Kenting Road, Hengchun Township, Kenting, Pingtung County, Taiwan, +886 8 886 2345, service@ktchateau.com.tw, www.ktchateau.com.tw
It’s time to visit South Korea! Just a 40-minute drive from Yangyang International Airport, is the beautiful 250-meter Jeongdongjin Beach on South Korea’s east coast. Book into the incredibly unique Sun Cruise Hotel & Condo situated alongside the beach. This hotel resort is designed in the image of a large cruise ship, the first of its kind in the world. It’s set atop a large cliff overlooking the ocean, with a stunning infinity pool at the hotel’s “bow”. The hotel features 211 rooms and suites, 6 restaurants, a rotating bar, kids play room, a netted golf range, and more. The beach stretch is perfect for beach fun and there are landscaped gardens, along with giant statue hands rising from the ground, to explore. Don’t miss the spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the East Sea. Visit South Korea during Spring from March to May and Autumn from September to November.
Sun Cruise Hotel & Condo, 950-39, Heonhwa-Ro Gangdong-Myeon, Gangneung-Si, Gangwon-Do (50-10, Jeongdongjin-ri), South Korea, +82 33 610 7000, rooms@esuncruise.com, www.esuncruise.com
Our last stop is in Okinawa, Japan at the heavenly Manza Beach. Discover a slice of paradise and stay at the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort. It’s a 1-hour drive from Naha Airport. The resort sits right at Manza Beach, with a private beach stretch, allowing guests to splash in turquoise blue waters and explore the beautiful coral reefs. Manza Beach may be one of the best beaches around Asia for epic family beach sessions. There’s also a modern garden pool and a beach pool just steps from the beach. The beautifully appointed rooms and suites make for a comfortable stay with toddlers. Visit Okinawa during March to May, or September to December.
ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, 2260 Seragaki, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan, +81 98 966 1211, info@anaintercontinental-manza.jp, www.anaintercontinental-manza.jp
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