#travel: Top family-friendly hotels in Asia

Travelling with extended family can be a rewarding experience, but finding the right balance between shared adventures and personal space is key. We've handpicked a selection of exceptional hotels across Asia that cater perfectly to multigenerational getaways, offering spacious accommodations, engaging activities and thoughtful amenities to ensure everyone has an unforgettable time

Anantara Desaru Coast: A family oasis

One of Asia's leading integrated resorts with access to pristine natural attractions, Malaysia's Desaru Coast is an especially attractive choice for families with young children. While the little ones are off to a nearby water park for lazy river and roller coaster rides, grandparents can relax at Anantara's Lagoon Pool Villas. Inspired by traditional Malay architecture, these spacious residences feature high ceilings, exquisite lattice wood panels and private gardens, while the gazebo with plunge pool is the perfect spot for family gatherings and relaxation. Set away from the main resort, the villas feel incredibly private yet only a short stroll away from the resort's exciting activities, such as guided nature walks, sunrise dong stick practice and birdwatching sessions. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary refill of the minibar once daily and access to select resort activities.

Avani Fares Maldives: Pavilions of paradise

The Maldives might be famous for pioneering the overwater villa concept, but it's the multi-bedroom beachfront pavilions that steal the show at Avani Fares. Being the largest, the Four-Bedroom Beach Pavilion accommodates up to eight adults and four children, who will be sharing two Premium Ocean View Rooms on the upper floor and two Premium Beach Rooms right on the beach, each with a sunny ensuite bathroom. Glass doors slide open to reveal ocean blues framed by tropical trees, while inside abstract murals add a splash of colour to the rooms' stylishly muted interiors. Guests can explore the natural beauty of the island with activities like snorkelling in the protected house reef, boating, deep diving and more.

The Standard, Hua Hin: Pet-friendly fun

Ever the innovator, The Standard, Hua Hin turned a cluster of pool and tree-top beach villas into a private Villas Village, allowing families to book up to eight villas at a time in a mini-takeover. The villas circle a leafy courtyard – perfect for a casual BBQ, an impromptu poolside party or a private alfresco meal courtesy of the resort's masters of the grill. The property, which has recently received an accolade as a leading pet-friendly destination, treats four-legged guests to delicious welcome amenities and spoils them as much (if not more) as their humans. The Standard Hua Hin is a pet-friendly hotel, allowing a maximum of two pets of any kind – dogs or cats – provided they are less than 20kg. Furry friends receive a pet treat, bed, food/water bowls and poop bag supplies upon arrival.

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SAii Laguna Phuket: Club privileges galore

Beyond the timeless allure of room service in bed, the Two-Bedroom Lagoon View Villa at SAii Laguna Phuket also offers families the pleasures of the Club Lounge. Alongside panoramic views, the club serves international breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails with unlimited canapés, as well as providing extra perks. In addition to enjoying fine gastronomy at the Club, guests can also rustle up a meal from seasonal ingredients picked up at a local market in their in-villa kitchenette, before setting up a table on a private terrace to savour their meal alongside serene lagoon views. Guests staying in Club rooms also enjoy privileges like personalised check-in, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages all day, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and canapés.

Santiburi Koh Samui: Duplex comforts

When travelling with two kids and one set of grandparents, Santiburi Resort's Two-Bedroom Duplex Suite offers a winning combination of privacy, compact layout and easy access to all the facilities. Nestled in the heart of the resort, the duplex features a bedroom on each floor, two bathrooms with refreshing rain showers, and a spacious living area adorned with classical Thai décor and modern amenities. The balcony overlooks the pool and tropical garden—a wonderful sight to wake up to in the morning. The resort offers a range of activities for families, including cooking classes, spa treatments, watersports, fishing, boat trips and more.

InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping: Cultural adventures

With InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, culture vultures can stay close to the archaeological sites dating back to the ancient Lanna Kingdom. The largest suite can accommodate up to four adults and two children, and guests can explore the city through organised activities such as hiking, hot air ballooning and touring highland tea plantations. In keeping with the hotel's overall theme, the suite boasts gracious décor and fine craftsmanship showcasing local painting, carving, mould casting, metal beating and plastering techniques. The hotel is the first in Thailand to use the living museum model, offering a creative online experience for guests to enjoy and learn about the enriched cultural, spiritual, and artistic legacy of the Lanna heritage through innovative augmented reality or AR interactive technology.

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