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Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
The art of a successful family holiday lies in keeping all ages happy, with entertainment for the kids, menus to suit all tastes and for the grown-ups, of course, copious opportunities for relaxation. Whether your idea of perfection is a tropical island escape with an epic kids’ club, something closer to home, a self-contained apartment with access to theme parks or an easy, all-inclusive beachfront getaway, here’s our pick of the best holidays for every type of family.
Room rates and package options may vary based on number and age of guests.
Top family friendly holidays under $999
Vietnam: Meliá Danang Beach Resort
Da Nang is quietly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling family destinations, and the Meliá Danang Beach Resort makes a strong case for why. Fronting Non Nuoc Beach with direct sand access, the resort has the family infrastructure to keep every age occupied: the Kidsdom kids’ club runs a full program of activities, while seven outdoor pools include two just for kids. The Level Family Two Bedroom rooms feature two interconnected spaces with children’s amenities built in, and dining spans Southeast Asian at Sasa, seafood and cocktails at Cape Nao Beach Club, and pool bar and cafe fare. When you’re ready to explore, Hoi An’s Ancient Town is a 30-minute drive and the Marble Mountains are closer still.
Japan: Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel
Japan with kids is an experience unlike anywhere else, and the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel gives you a brilliant base for all of it. The hotel occupies floors 38 to 57 of Abeno Harukas, and the floor-to-ceiling views over Osaka are enough to stop even the most screen-fixated child in their tracks. Tennoji Zoo sits nearby, Universal Studios Japan is a short train ride away, and the tangle of Dotonbori’s neon-lit food stalls is easily reachable by subway from Tennoji Station below. At the COOKA buffet restaurant, fill up from live cooking stations, or admire glittering city views from Restaurant ZK.
Thailand: Sunwing Kamala Beach
With the dream combination of sandy beaches and accommodating amenities, Sunwing Kamala Beach offers Phuket’s ultimate family-friendly escape. Boasting eight outdoor pools – including a kids’ pool complete with a waterslide – and a swim-up bar, sun-soaked fun is never far away. Treat yourself to massages and cocktails while little ones have fun at Lollo & Bernie Club.
Venture out of your beachfront oasis onto the golden sands of Kamala Beach, explore the quaint Kamala Village on the resort’s doorstep or for a dose of culture and history, take a 45-minute drive to the lively Phuket Old Town. The fun even continues after dark, with resort’s schedule of lively family-oriented shows.
Sydney: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
Spectacular Sydney Harbour views, koalas and wildlife pottering right outside your bedroom window… this could be one of Australia’s bucket-list family experiences. Set in Taronga Zoo, this eco retreat blends into the bush landscape, offering native wildlife viewing opportunities after hours. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal dining at Me-Gal Restaurant; the culinary journey here might begin with East 33 Sydney rock oysters with preserved desert lime and mignonette, followed by Rangers Valley wagyu and cinnamon myrtle creme caramel.
Top family friendly holidays under $1,499
Thailand: Wyndham Garden Phuket Kamala
Perfectly perched above the pearl-white sands of Kamala Beach, Wyndham Garden Phuket Kamala sits just 20 minutes from Phuket’s buzz. Drop your bags and dream on the knowledge that every indulgence is covered for the next few days, with daily dining and free-flowing drinks included in your package, as well as one child (16 and under) staying and eating free. A main pool and kids’ pool offer something for everyone, a kids’ club is on hand to entertain little adventurers, and the pristine Kamala Beach is just a short walk away.
Australia: Sea World Resort, Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a magnet for families, and Sea World Resort sits right at the centre of the action. Onsite, the New Atlantis precinct delivers some of the most thrilling theme park rides in the country – think a rollercoaster that hits 80km/h and a 42-metre-high Trident ride that the kids will be talking about for weeks. Back at the resort, a dedicated water play zone keeps the little ones entertained while parents decompress. There are four parks to discover – Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild and Paradise Country – so there’s always something to fill a morning.
Bali: The ANVAYA Beach Resort Bali
Consistently rated among Kuta’s top resorts, this family friendly Bali escape is a great value flop-and-drop. There’s something for everyone here; the kids’ club welcomes little ones with Indonesian crafting and music lessons, the Sakanti Spa embraces local Balinese tradition for its treatments, five pools promise endless fun in the sun and the restaurants and pool bar offer international dishes kissed by ocean breezes.
Hamilton Island: Palm Bungalows
Experience one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after destinations with a stay at the self-contained Palm Bungalows on Hamilton Island – your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. These idyllic, freestanding bungalows are dotted throughout thriving landscaped gardens, perfect for couples or small families looking for a tropical home away from home.
Minutes from your doorstep, you can lounge on the pristine shores of Catseye Beach, laze the days away at one of four swimming pools or take a scenic hike to the highest point on the island, Passage Peak. In the evening, make use of the complimentary island shuttle and dine at one of the island’s impressive restaurants and bars. From fine dining at Bommie to relaxed, share-style plates at Catseye Pool Club, even fussy eaters will find something to love.
Top family friendly holidays under $2,000
Thailand: Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s leading family resorts for good reason. Camp Hyatt, the resort’s kids’ club open daily from 9am, offers activities such as arts and crafts, Thai boxing and treasure hunts. Family rooms feature bunk beds, and kids staying in suites or villas receive in-room amenities including a teepee stocked with toys and unlimited homemade sweets at Cobalt restaurant throughout their stay. The resort itself sits on a rocky headland above North Chaweng, with five pools terracing down toward the Gulf of Thailand and the Samui International Airport just eight minutes away, which, after a long-haul flight with children, matters more than it sounds.
Fiji: Warwick Fiji
Located on the sun-drenched Coral Coast, this all-inclusive Fijian oasis is perfect for families of all ages. Little ones can spend their days at Warwick Kids’ Club engaging in activities like crab hunting, craft making and sandcastle building; older kids can explore the island via kayak, bicycle or stand-up paddleboard or divide their time between the tennis, squash and volleyball courts. Meet up for family meals at oceanfront Bula Brasserie, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and authentic Fijian dishes.
