Relax - 7 great family beach getaways

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Beach holidays aren't just for honeymooners and party animals. These resorts are safe and peaceful, and offer fun family activities, childcare services, and more – perfect for you and your young brood.

#1. Hyatt Regency Hua Hin

91 Hua Hin-Khao Takiap Road,Hua Hin, Thailand.  
Tel: +66 3 252 1234
e-mail: huahin.regency@hyatt.com
website: www.huahin.regency.hyatt.com

This beachfront property is a home away from home, with its tranquil tropical gardens, modern conveniences, state-of-the-art facilities, and fine restaurants and cafes. There is also Camp Hyatt, which offers half- and full-day educational and cultural programmes for kids aged four to 12.

If you’re looking for something to do besides shopping,  golf and spa treatments, sign up for a Thai cooking class, join tai chi or Thai boxing classes, or try an aqua aerobics session. For some fun in the sun, check out Hua Hin’s largest freeform interconnecting pools. There’s also the Duck & Fish Feeding programme, where your little ones can learn how Mandarin ducks and carp live and feed.

Besides its seafood restaurants, Hua Hin has lots more to offer, from the beautiful beaches and fishermen’s villages, to quaint floating markets and the Pa-La-U Waterfall.

#2. Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket
509 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand.
Tel: +66 76 396 139,
website: www.movenpick-hotels.com

Located on popular Karon Beach, which boasts clear, clean waters and pristine white sands, this property is perfect for strolling, swimming and water activities.

You have a choice of an ocean-view room, suite or a secluded villa. Each of the suites and villas have their own sundeck, some even come with their own plunge pool, so your little ones can have a splashing good time without leaving the resort.

Dining options are plentiful – choose from Asian cuisine to international fare. Your kids will love Cafe Studio, which serves Movenpick ice cream, while you and hubby can indulge in Movenpick coffee and fresh pastries.

If you’d like to have the day to yourselves, drop your kids off at Play Zone, a massive children’s entertainment centre offering fun games and activities. The resort’s fitness centre offers snooker, table tennis and pool, as well as a luxurious spa. Or you could head out for a game of golf or a spot of snorkelling. The town of Patong is just 10 minutes away by tuk-tuk, if you want to shop or check out the local attractions.

#3. Conrad Bali Resort & Spa
Jalan Pratama 168, Bali, Indonesia.  
Tel: +62 361 778 788,
e-mail: baliinfo@conradhotels.com,
website: conradhotels1.hilton.com

Nestled among tropical gardens, lagoons and waterfalls, this beautiful property sits on a 350m beach. It is known for its children’s services and amenities, from the well-equipped childcare centre to its kids’ menu.

If your little one is between three and 12, keep her entertained at the hotel’s Kura Kura Club, which offers activities like face-painting, cookie-making, sand-painting, Balinese dance, scavenger hunts, even spa treatments. A half-day package costs Rp 70,000++ ($11++) per child.

Older kids can chill out in the Games Zone, which is equipped with the latest computer and videogames, a pool table, and more. Babysitting and nanny services are also available.

The beach is very safe for swimming, and there’s a host of water sports and beach activities you can take part in. Just a 30-minute drive away is the city of Denpasar, where you can check out the traditional markets and modern malls, or get a taste of local delicacies. Old temples, rice fields and other interesting attractions are also not too far from the resort.

#4. Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort
Teluk Nibong, Langkawi, Malaysia. Tel: +60 4 952 8000,
e-mail: langkawireservation.00281@sheraton.com,
website: www.starwoodhotels.com

Take a family boat ride along Sungai Kilim.

On top of its natural setting, the resort features unspoilt coves along its private beach, so you’ll really feel like you are one with nature. The Malaysian-style rooms also have spacious balconies that look out onto beautiful green surrounds and/or the sparkling blue Andaman Sea.

The resort features the world-class Chavana Spa, set in tropical woodlands, as well as outdoor pools, a jogging track, golf facilities, tennis courts, and more. For children, there is the Lutong Kids Club, which offers supervised activities that include picnics, nature walks and batik painting.

Away from the resort, you and your family will have lots to do. The Langkawi cable car has views of the islands in the Langkawi archipelago and the rural lowlands. Your little ones will have fun spotting wildlife during the ride. Underwater World and the Crocodile Farm are just 8km away. Don’t forget to visit Kuah, known for its night markets, duty-free shops and seafood restaurants.

Enjoy a romantic stroll with your hubby, knowing your kids are well cared for back at the hotel.

#5. Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa
Yalong Bay Natl Resort District, Sanya, Hainan, China
Tel: +86 898 8856 8888,
website: www.marriott.com

Sanya is fast gaining a reputation as the Hawaii of the East, thanks to its gorgeous beaches and perfect climate. Located on China’s Hainan Island, the Marriott Resort & Spa sits along the pristine Yalong Bay, which boasts excellent conditions for swimming and water sports. You can also indulge in games like beach croquet, beach football and petanque.

If your children love the outdoors, the resort has loads of kid-friendly facilities, from a swimming pool with a waterslide to a standalone clubhouse, and adventure playground. There is also a biking trail and miniature golf course on the property.

Off-site, Yalong Bay Butterfly Valley and Yalong Bay Underwater World are ideal for a family day out.

Also check out the shopping centres in Sanya. The main shopping drags are Jiefang Road and Hongqi Street, where you’ll find local foodstuff, clothes, homeware and souvenirs.

#6. Westin Resort Macau
1918 Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane, Macau, China
Tel: + 853 2887 1111,
website: www.starwoodhotels.com

Famous for its casinos and rich colonial history, Macau is also, increasingly, becoming known for its family-friendly resorts. Westin Resort Macau faces the South China Sea and is located on the tranquil charcoal-coloured Hac Sa Beach.

And if you’d like to take in the sights on the island – sans your kids – there’s Westin Kids Club. From 10am to 6pm, kids aged three to 12 can enjoy fun activities, lunch, treats and souvenirs, for HK$388 ($69). Or book them for individual activities for just HK$60 per activity, which range from face- and hand-painting to arts and crafts, beach games, treasure hunts, and more.

You and hubby can relax on the property with a spa session, yoga class, or a few rounds of golf on the championship 18-hole course. The outdoor pool complex, surrounded by lush greenery, is also the ultimate in relaxation, or you can indulge in a soak in the indoor Jacuzzi.

Make your way to the city centre for duty-free designer shopping, Portuguese egg tarts, antiques, and the famous Senado Square flea market.

#7. Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort
Maribago, Buyong, Mactan Island, Lapulapu City, Cebu, Philippines.
Tel: +63 32 492 0100 or +63 32 232-5411
e-mail: maribago@bluewater.com.ph,
website: www.bluewater.com.ph

For a taste of paradise, book a Royal Bungalow on the beach. It’s the perfect accommodation for a small family, with a choice of king or twin beds, separate living room, and a spacious verandah with hammocks.

The resort’s Dolpo Kids Club takes special care of kids aged four to 12. Children are greeted with a bag of goodies, including a colouring book and stuffed toy. And at the Kids Club Center, they can choose from a host of fun or educational activities.

There is also a tree house, playroom, and an outdoor playground. The property’s restaurants and room service menus offer kids’ options, and, at the end of the night, cookies, milk and bedtime stories are available to help your children slip into a restful slumber.

On the resort grounds, there’s a  lot to keep the family occupied, from marine wildlife lagoons filled with tropical fish; the private Alegrado Island, which offers a safe swimming area; water sports and more.

Babysitting services are available  if you and hubby wish to take in a cultural show or enjoy a romantic dinner together.

Photos: Tourism Malaysia & Philippines department of Tourism

The August issue of Simply Her is available at all news-stands. Simply Her is published by SPH magazines.

7 great family beach getaways

By Carol Lim, Simply Her | Thu, Aug 26 2010

These destinations not only feature enriching activities for kids but some also boast dedicated childcare services so you can have quality time alone with your spouse.