Pack your bags and travel to these weekend getaways in Southeast Asia!
At times, planning for a family trip can be exhausting, we understand. It is also true that you can’t return a bad vacation. So here we are, aiming to provide you with the best recommendations. These are 4 family-friendly staycations near Singapore that you can rely upon for a relaxed weekend. All four destinations offer stylish comfort, quality activities and value that will give you the most from your short getaway.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
A weekend trip to Johor Bahru has long been a favourite among Singaporeans. Apart from the instagrammable cafes and #ootd murals, how about taking your loved ones on a Malaysian food trail?
Reputed to serve the best Pisang Mawar (banana fritters with a special homemade sauce), Sungai Chats is only a 10-minute drive away from Mr Phang’s Restoran Botak Handmade Fish Ball Restaurant, so you can treat loved ones to both sweet and savoury all in a day! For something a little out of the ordinary, try Ah Lee Kampung Chicken Rice Shop in Taman Sri Tebrau for a taste of wild boar curry.
Where to Stay
A stay at Amari Johor Bahru makes it easy to explore the unique town of Peninsula Malaysia. This chic hotel is an 8-minute walk from JB Sentral train station. From delicious food and street art to the Angry Birds Activity Park just a short walk from the hotel, there’s plenty of activities for the whole family. Families can also kick back and relax at the hotel’s swimming pool after a long day out.
From now till March 2020, Amari Johor Bahru is offering special Your Stay, Your Way benefits that enable guests to customise your stay. Indulge in sumptuous buffet breakfast at the Amari Johor Bahru’s Amaya Food Gallery and enjoy free-flow beverages at the Club Lounge from 6pm to 8pm. For that added pinch of relaxation, you can also enjoy afternoon tea at Amaya Café, or a 30-minute foot massage at the Breeze Spa.
Pattaya, Thailand
Well, we know what you’ve been thinking – the term ‘family-friendly’ doesn’t seem coherent with Pattaya. While it’s true that Pattaya has a seedy reputation, this area we’re about to show you is located further away from central Pattaya which is infamous for its nightlife.
Don’t be quick to dismiss Pattaya, there’s more than just nightlife. There are plenty of family-friendly activities too. Pattaya is home to a selection of outstanding water parks, including the largest waterpark in Thailand, Ramayana Water Park. Take the kids on fun-filled adventures there and at Cartoon Network Amazone Water Park which are conveniently located just about 20 minutes away from Pattaya City.
Where to Stay
Serenity? Check. Luxury comfort? Check. Scenic views? Check.
Welcome to Amari Pattaya, an upscale beachfront resort that is a 2-hour drive from Bangkok, and to be exact, it is nestled in the peaceful northern end of Pattaya.
Ideal for families with young kids, the five-star resort welcomes little ones with their own check-in desk, so they too can feel part of the entire holiday experience. The resort also has a specially curated ‘Kids Journey of Experience’ programme hosted by resident mascots Sky and Rose. Daily activities include a Kids’ Hunting Map, a special daily dance showcase, and endless hours of fun at the supervised outdoor water slides, an adjoining Treehouse Kids’ Club, and even a treatment room just for kids at Breeze Spa.
From now till 30 November, discover the brand-new Amari Suites which includes a complimentary mini-bar, special kids-eat-free programme, daily complimentary sundowner drinks and valet parking upon booking the Two or Three Bedroom Suites. An advance purchase offer is also available till the end of the year, enabling guests to save up to 20% at least seven days in advance when one book online.
Phuket, Thailand
The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is renowned for its sun, sea and sand. Touted to be one of the best tropical paradises in Asia where sugar-white beaches and recreational activities abound if you know where to look, especially when you’re travelling with families.
Phuket is the perfect base for exploring nearby islands and must-see attractions. Hop on a boat and tour the neighbouring Phi Phi islands on a day trip. Snorkel through clear waters and enjoy being out in the sun with the whole family while you’re there.
Where to Stay
Check in to the five-star Amari Phuket, a calming retreat within easy reach of the city centre’s bustling activities.
After a long day of frolicking under the sun, drop by the hotel’s Voyager Lounge to unwind. It has a library and computer stations with complimentary Internet access – ideal for planning your travel itinerary. To keep children entertained, the Kids Club next door also offers a variety of activities and space to play too.
Amari Phuket is offering the All Together Family Package, starting at 1,600++ SGD for a three-night stay in a two-bedroom suite in the Ocean Wing overlooking Patong Bay. The package includes roundtrip airport transfers, a complimentary dinner for four at Rim Talay (choice of set dinner menu or buffet), accompanying activity at the Kids Club and a guaranteed late checkout at 4pm.
Koh Samui, Thailand
A postcard-perfect oasis, Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket. Whether you’re interested in water sports, yoga classes or child-friendly activities, Koh Samui has it all. Take the kids on a day trip to Crazy Golf, a nine-hole mini-golf course perfect for all ages. And if you have had enough of the sun, head over to Central Festival Samui, touted to be the largest lifestyle shopping complex in Koh Samui, which includes thematic attractions and indoor playgrounds.
Where to Stay
When in Koh Samui, you should definitely check in to a beachfront resort to enjoy scenic ocean view during your stay. Enjoy the soft white sands of Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach and stay at Amari Koh Samui.
The hotel offers 24 two-bedroom family duplex rooms in Thai Lanna-style, with high ceilings providing additional sleeping space for little ones. To keep younger guests entertained, the friendly staff at the Kids Club will help ensure kids are kept occupied with a variety of fun activities, while adults get to chill with a poolside cocktail. The property also has a babysitting service, baby cots and a dedicated kids’ corner at Amaya Food Gallery, serving up a wide variety of child-friendly dishes.
The Long Stay Package at Amari Koh Samui starts from 580++ SGD for a three-night stay in a Superior Garden Wing King room. The package includes roundtrip Samui airport transfer for the family, 20% discount on food and beverages across the hotel’s dining outlets including a scrumptious Italian meal at Prego, and daily breakfast at the Amaya Food Gallery.
