A beloved destination for Singaporeans looking for the sand and sea, the cultural beauty of Thailand, but away from the bustle of Bangkok. Set on the Andaman sea, luxury resort brand Aman’s first resort in Phuket, reopened its doors in August. It presides over the beauty of the mountainous island and better yet sits on its own peninsula – luxury hospitality and exclusivity rolled in one. So, we are talking 26.8 hectares of sprawling property, that has been the favourite of Holllywood celebrities, from Leonardo Di Caprio to Beyonce and Jay Z with their children and even Brangelina during more peaceful times.

Amanpuri Phuket is a flagship property of Swiss luxury group, Aman Resorts, so stylish villas with luxurious villas and lush green surrounds are a given. This getaway, opt for the Amanpuri Family Escape – perfect for small families to multi-generational reunions – with a variety of activities to suit every one. Think a family cooking class, non-motorised water sports such as water-skiing and paddle boarding, and fitness programmes for adults and children’s entertainment alike.

Art classes, a climbing wall, and other activities at Eco-Beach Discovery Centre will keep the children occupied while you enjoy some of Aman’s renowned wellness offerings. Or, tire them enough so mum and dad can get away for some alone-time at the Sunset Terrace – breathtaking views of the bay, a cocktail menu inspired by Thai mythology, legends and lore.

A minimum three-night stay will get you breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner – and a variety of gastronomical delights vie with each other for attention.

The resort’s newest dining location, a floating platform, which doubles up almost as a private island for intimate gatherings and bonding time.

Top Tip:

There are a variety of villa options – upto nine bedrooms – offering spectacular vistas, If you are planning a family reunion, consider their private chef option

Villas at Amanpuri run from $890 onwards a night.

Fringed with white sandy beaches, lined with rich biodiversity and tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Desaru has always had the name for being that tranquil hideaway thats just a short drive away from Singapore.

One&Only Desaru Coast takes it a step further by creating a world of its own – a sprawling resort on 128 acres of pristine beach and 1.5km of private beach and 42 Junior Suites, two two-bedroom Grand Suites and the ultimate in luxury, a four-bedroom 1,500sqm residence, Villa One.

All suites have private plunge pools, and expansive spaces that invite the outdoors in. But if it’s a family gathering you have in mind, the two-storey Villa One, located in its own enclave, ticks many boxes. A 27m pool, ocean facing lawns, private spa treatment area and more – perfect for intimate family moments, or fun and boisterous, if need be, parties.

For activities outside the villa, there’s Club One with a cocktail of activities, that cover wellness, fitness and health and culture – a lesson of traditional Malaysian martial art, Silat Melayu.

And KidsOnly, which as the name suggests has the little ones in mind, throws in EcoLab, that educates them about the local ecosystem, as well as The Fisherman Hut on local marine life. One Tribe, is focused on teens and features an art studio, bicycle riding among other.

In a country with a rich culinary heritage, you can rest assured that you will be indulging your palate. But One&Only Desaru Coast take the celebration of the senses to a different level with a nature immersion with mindful excursions with the resident naturalist. Guests go birding at the nearby Panti forest. Wind down for the day with Bonfire Legends – conversations and perspective on a variety of topics from astronomy to wellness.

Top Tip:
Make a date at the resort’s Ember Beach Club. Aside from being a plush hangout area with tranquil and stunning views, it brings a slice of Singapore to your plates. Singapore-based chef Andrew Walsh of the one Michelin-starred Cure, among others, has designed its menu.

Suite rates at One&Only Desaru Coast run from about $860 onwards a night.

When you think of a tropical beach paradise, Vietnam may not be on the ‘must-go’ list. But the island of Phu Quoc is here to change that perspective. A short 30-minute plan ride away from the capital city, the island is the biggest among an archipelago of 105 islands that come under Vietnam’s Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve.

Regent Phu Quoc pays that homage with a luxurious all-suite and villas resort that sits on the longest stretch of beach on the island.There are a whopping 126 pool villas in all and 176 suites, but walking around the sprawling property, all you feel is the sense of space.

Vietnamese flavour abounds in the architecture, the hospitality and the attention to detail to the guest’s specific needs. Families with children are immediately catered to with toddler-friendly accessories.

The F&B offerings are exclusive as they are expansive, with the adjective applying to the culinary spreads. Complimentary breakfasts at Rice Market are an event in itself with over eight large stations offering everything from traditional fare to continental to organic and more. Ocean Club with beach offers Mediterranean cuisine and fun bites – choose to eat in or while lounging on the pool deck with beach views. Plan a meal at Oku, for a French-omakase experience that feels lavish as it is comforting.

If you opt for a villa, you get exclusive access to the rooftop Regent Club and infinity pool. Or you can have quiet couple time at Fu Bar and watch the sunset, while sipping artisanal gin cocktails. Children may be too happy to stay at Regent Kids – the play room has so many thought-through activities, reading nooks and games areas that you might have a hard time pulling them out of there.

When it comes to activities, there are plenty for everyone – snorkelling, kayaking, wind surfing, paddle boarding and more. No resort holiday is complete without a spa experience and massages aside, tired feet can get a pampering at Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez.

With so much to keep you occupied, the villa stay may seem inconsequential, but make some time to take in the different amenities and comforts. All villas have a fully equipped kitchen, while suites have a kitchenette area.We recommend a soak in the tub with Acqua di Parma’s hair and body care products.

Top Tip:
Regent Phu Quoc offers a grocery service, order in through the resort app if you want to whip up some quick bites for your family. The kitchens are well worth it.

Visit Regent Phu Quoc

Moving away from resort stays into more rustic getaways, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, set in the hybrid landscape of Sunshine Coast, Australia, redefines luxury and family holidays.

An homage to the legendary conservationist and zookeeper Steve Irwin, the Irwin family has launched this beautiful getaway in the woods. The name is a dead giveaway of what one can expect, and it does not disappoint. The Lodge is set inside the Australian bush near the Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast beaches, which are home to red kangaroos, emus and koalas. The best part is that you get to live alongside these beautiful settings. Think watching these quintessentially Australian scenes while taking a dip in the 25m infinity pool, The Billabong, or while enjoying poolside snacks and cocktails from Warrior Restaurant and Bar. This is where you will be enjoying your complimentary breakfast. The Wild Luxury Escape Package also throws in lunch and dinner with drinks.

Nature is the playground for children here. taking it up another notch are  scheduled visits to the Australian Zoo and Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for intimate encounters with wildlife, all of which come as part of the package.

Top Tip:
Switch off from the everyday – your mind will thank you for it.

Lodge rates at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge run from about $950 onwards a night for a cabin for four.

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