The Best Kid-Friendly Hotels

The InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam

Overview: Nestled into a cliff on Monkey Mountain, part of the spectacular Son Tra Peninsula, this resort doesn’t disappoint. How could it? Interiors that ooze floor-to-ceiling glamour, a gleaming private bay, a tram that takes you up and down the cliff stopping at different restaurants or bars to sip on French champagne or six-course menus. There’s a reason it’s legendary. And the Vietnamese charm is complemented by a roster of impressive international names: celebrity pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez created their nail studio, three-Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire created the award-winning fine-dining restaurant, and both work as part of a whole created by designer Bill Bensley, dubbed ‘the king of exotic luxury resorts’.

Kid-friendly activities: For little ones, there are complimentary clubs for ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 12. Children can play sports, explore the ample grounds with a guide, learn traditional Vietnamese songs and games, fly kites on the beach, try yoga, do environmental activities and dabble in arts and crafts. (Adults are welcome too). The main pool has a kids’ area attached to it, and the beach is watched over by a lifeguard. There’s also a club aimed at teens.

Dining: You’ll find kid-friendly meals at both the Citron and Barefoot restaurants. If you’d like a more adult-friendly evening at one of the other venues you can take advantage of the after-hours babysitting.

Insider’s tip: Forget packing any toys yourself — you’ll find an impressive abundance at the kids’ club.

Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Overview: When you think of paradise, you’re probably picturing Soneva Fushi without knowing it. Turquoise water, white sand, lush jungle, no cars or plastic in sight — in fact, its motto is ‘no news, no shoes’. Throw in a celebrated spa set in the forest, an on-site sustainable vegetable garden, open-air cinema and an observatory for good measure and you’ll be starting to get a feel for the kind elevated experience you’ll in for here on this private island, 30 minutes by seaplane from the capital of Maldives, Malé. While it is a honeymoon destination, it caters to children in an impressive way.

Kid-friendly activities: The staff-supervised ‘Den’ is a wonderland for little ones. There’s a pirate ship, two pools, a cinema, a music room, and an ice cream parlour and chocolate room that are free-flow. You’ll also find plenty of activities on the island to do as together as a family, including an in-house astronomer to show you the stars, along with snorkelling tours guided by a marine biologist, picnics on the sand prepared by a private chef, and beach movie screenings. There’s also a babysitting service.

Dining: You’ll find children’s and infants’ menus and portions at the restaurants, as well as toys and drawing materials to keep them entertained. Plus, kids between 7 and 11 get 50% off food and drink, while kids under 6 dine for free.

Insider’s tip: For families with older children, the Soneva Fushi Villa Suite and Tree House is the room to book. There’s a seawater pool and a separate tree house that up to three tweens or teens would relish having all to them themselves.

Mandapa, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bali

Overview: In the heavenly high hills of Ubud, where the Ayung River meets a plunging valley, you’ll find 24 acres of a breathtaking resort. Think swaying trees, gleaming waters (both river and pool varieties), rice paddies and extravagant structures modelled after Balinese temples. You’ll also have your own personal butler to arrange tours of the surrounding area, and find local life on site: farmers work in the resort’s rice fields, and local villagers come daily to leave offers at the century-old temple.

Kid-friendly activities: The activities schedule here is great for getting kids outdoors and learning something new. Little ones can join the immersive Mini Explorer day camps, and learn about Balinese culture, food, healing traditions and environmental sustainability. There’s also a daily hike and everything from farming to art activities. You can even join your kids in an organic gardening session before making your own herbal drinks.

Dining: Along with kid-friendly dinner options, Kubu restaurant is a lot of fun for a family dinner within its family-sized bamboo cocoons.

Insider’s tip: For those with older children, have the hotel organise a session conquering the Ayung River on rafts, followed by a riverside family picnic, explorer-style.