February half-term break is just around the corner and the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together as a family. Agoda, one of the world’s fastest growing digital travel platforms, highlights a selection of exceptional destinations that will offer something for everyone – whether a bustling city getaway, a tropical island retreat, or even a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure!
SOAK IN THE SUN
Nothing beats a break from the daily grind than a day out enjoying the sun, sand and sea. The following family-friendly beach locations are sure to bring enjoyment for everyone in the family.
- Bali, Indonesia
Certainly an exciting couple’s getaway, Bali is also an idyllic choice for families. With an unspoiled landscape of volcanoes, tranquil waterfalls, scenic rice paddies and tropical beaches, Bali is the epitome of an unplug-and-unwind holiday that kids and parents alike will remember forever.
Stay
Visesa Ubud Resort is a great family-friendly luxury resort in the heart of Ubud town, a centre for culture and arts in Indonesia, and an opportunity to discover warm Balinese hospitality and traditions. With the bonus of kids under 12 staying free, the resort offers a kids club, stunning outdoor pool and relaxing spa treatments for parents.
For those seeking a family beach break, Six Senses Uluwatu offers sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, kid-friendly amenities that include a kids’ club, and fun room amenities like mini bathrobes and slippers. Children under 12 stay free.
Must-Do
Explore the fantastic hiking trails or a day with the kids at Tree Top Adventure Park , a park comprising a series of rope-walking courses among trees in Bali’s largest botanical gardens. Then, visit the Ubud Monkey Forest or check out the Bali Bird & Reptile Park – a unique and educational attraction for the whole family.
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Only a short flight away from the Kingdom, Dubai offers something for every family member, from scaling the world’s tallest tower to the dunes of the Arabian Desert, and to shopping for the world’s top brands to enjoying the best of Dubai’s stunning beaches.
Stay
Fairmont the Palm and Sofitel Dubai the Palm are 5-star beach resorts that have their own private beaches, entertaining kid’s clubs and a broad range of dining options. Children under 12 stay at no charge.
Must-Do
Dubai has all kinds of activities to keep the family entertained from morning to night. Spend the day on the slides and water trails at Wild Wadi Waterpark, let the kids loose at KidZania or the Dubai Aquarium while parents shop ‘til they drop’ at Dubai Mall, or pop into The Green Planet at Citywalk to learn about all things nature from around the world. Then in the evening, visit Global Village or make a reservation at one of the many restaurants at the newly opened The Pointe on the Palm Jumeirah.
- Phuket, Thailand
With a rainforest, endless beaches and even a mountain, what family could get bored on this resort island in the middle of the Andaman Sea?
Stay
Check in to the eco-luxury Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort which boasts a stunning private beach and kid’s club.
Must-Do
For a totally parent-free and safe day out, younger children should check out the Mid-Air Circus Arts Company. Splash Jungle Water Park, Phuket Bird Paradise, Baan Teelanka – The UpsideDown House of Phuket and Phuket Trickeye Museum are some other options that give kids their space, but do require supervision. Parents can take a Muay Thai or deep-sea diving class, before succumbing to the pampering relaxation of a spa treatment or foot massage at the beach.
FUN IN THE CITY
Big cities, with all the conveniences one can ask for, are perfect family get away destinations. Kids can enjoy a myriad of fun activities while the adults can indulge in the shopping and dining options that these metropolises have to offer.
- Hong Kong
Hong Kong makes family time easy with one plenty of options to entertain both young and old, including theme parks, iconic observation towers, night markets and other activities for the whole family to do together.
Stay
Offering views of the Hong Kong skyline, the luxury harbour side Kowloon Shangri La Hotel Hong Kong is a 13-minute walk from the Hong Kong Observatory. Kids under 12 stay at no charge.
Must-Do
Hike Dragon’s Back along the coast, and ride the glass-bottomed Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car to Po Lin Monastery. Book a tour to see endangered pink dolphins in the South China Sea, and end the evening with a family dinner at any one of Yum Cha’s four locations. Kids have the run of the land at Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Science Museum, where youngsters get hands-on access to dozens of activities.
- Singapore
Clean, green, and strikingly modern, Singapore is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Asia. Everything from the immaculate, buggy-friendly pavements to the spacious hotels, science centres, theme parks and major market areas makes travelling with kids easy.
Stay
Located on tranquil, tree-lined Orchard Boulevard, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is an oasis of calm in the midst of a busy city.
Must-Do
Families don’t have to look far for entertainment in Singapore. Options are endless with classic landmarks like Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa island resort. Wild Wild Wet water park provides hours of fun in the sun, and a ride on the Singapore Flyer is a must. Little ones will love the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari as well as Jurong Bird Park. Check out a few of Singapore’s “secret” fun spots, like World of Birdnest Museum or the Japan Creative Centre.
- London, England
London is one of the most popular cities and loved by families of all interests and ages. Europe’s largest city offers a host of cultural highlights, parks, museums and galleries.
Stay
There’s family accommodation of every sort in and around London like this stunning Knightsbridge Apartment with views of Harrods or this Arlington House Apartment perfectly located in the heart of Mayfair.
Must-Do
Visit several of England’s most popular attractions including the British Museum, Tower of London and Tate Britain. Of course, London isn’t complete without a visit to the world’s oldest toy shop Hamley’s on Regent Street. The city has eight Royal Parks including Hyde Park in the city centre, immense Richmond Park and Bushy Park on the edge of Hampton Court Palace, all of which are perfect for an afternoon stroll or picnic.
CLOSER TO NATURE
For those looking for an alternative retreat, enjoy these less-travelled destinations that offers some quiet time to bond with the family, while appreciating the wonders of nature.
- Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
One of the largest natural islands in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and home to the Arabian Wildlife Park where giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles roam freely, this island is perfect for a family holiday focused on nature.
Stay
Nestled amidst the stunning beauty of the Wildlife Park, Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort is a suitable hub from which to explore the island’s lush wildlife.
Must-Do
Aside from game drives through the park for animal spotting, the island boasts a number of activities including multiple archaeological sites to explore, canoeing, horseback riding and a number of water sports.
- Jabal Akhdar, Oman
Jabal Akhdar is part of the Al Hajar mountain range, one of Oman’s most spectacular regions. Dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, the area has incredible history, culture and awe-inspiring nature.
Stay
Two-thousand metres above sea level and two hours south of Muscat, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is a lofty modern family-friendly resort offering Omani splendour in the most breath-taking natural settings.
Must-Do
The resort boasts a wide range of activities, from hiking, mountain biking and abseiling to archery, sunrise yoga and landscape painting. There is also a kids’ and teens’ club and infinity pool with majestic canyon views.
STAYCATION
Distance really isn’t a measure of family fun. For families who want to spend less time travelling and more time bonding, staycations are a great idea.
- Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
With a beautiful waterfront along the Arab Gulf transformed into a corniche with parks, eateries and family beaches, Al Khobar (also known as the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf) is a great option for families who want to stay close to home during the school break.
Stay
Located 10 minutes’ walk from Al Khobar’s Corniche, check in to the InterContinental Al Khobar Hotel.
Must-Do
Visit the The Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center (SciTech) which has an aquarium, interactive displays and an IMAX theatre. Families can also head to the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sea Park and spend many relaxing hours enjoying the beautiful views of the green areas and the Arabian Gulf.
