“Emerald lawns, sparkling pools and five-star comfort? Let’s sign you up!”
The hip life asia
Think of an end-of-year holiday and the image that comes to mind is likely one with snow-covered roofs, outdoor ice-skating rinks and layers upon layers to keep from freezing. Well, on our side of the globe, that’s not the case. But what’s to keep you from having just as memorable a holiday with your family?
What’s not to forget is that planning a year-end holiday for the family is no mean feat. With schools closed for the holidays and the young ones’ bubbling energy to entertain, there has to be something for everyone. So what makes a truly good venue for a family getaway? Well, you can stop looking, because we’ve covered it all—from water sports at the beach to water parks and indoor playgrounds. Be ready to create the kind of memories kids remember long after the suitcases are unpacked.
Read on to discover our top ten family getaway spots throughout Southeast Asia.
MALAYSIA
Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson
Address: 12th Mile, Jalan Pantai, 71250 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Nothing depicts a typical Malaysian getaway quite like a quick drive to Port Dickson that will shield you from the urban rush of day-to-day life. This year, Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson launched their December Playcation campaign designed for parents looking for a fuss-free holiday. At the 5-Star Family Beach Resort, kids will be thrilled to discover the indoor play area (Kidz World) and participate in complimentary daily activities at the beach, such as kite-flying and sandcastle building. As for the adults, look no further than a chance to unwind with massage treatments at the resort’s LexSpa. After all, it’s the grown-ups that deserve the holiday most, right? We feel you!
| Room Type | Starting Price (MYR) |
| Royal Suite | 3,000 / night |
| Premium Pool Villa | 898 / night |
| Executive Pool Villa | 828 / night |
Book directly via https://www.lexishibiscuspd.com/ to enjoy exclusive perks. Available until 31 December, 2025.
Wyndham Suites KLCC, Malaysia
Address: 8, Jalan Changkat Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
One attraction is great but two is a party! While nothing beats the real thing, WynSnow at Wyndham Suites KLCC is a close second to witnessing winter wonderland for us locals, omitting the trouble of long flights and passport renewals. And an indoor playground that keeps your young ones fully occupied all day long. Enter Malaysia’s first real snowfall experience, brought to you by the 48-story hotel that stands in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. For a less-chilly experience, WynSports by Wyndham Suites KLCC is an indoor playground with enough attractions to warrant a well-deserved staycation. The elegant hotel is an urban sanctuary to decompress while remaining in proximity to home.
| Room Type | Starting Price (MYR) |
| Wyndham Executive Suite | 740 / night |
| Wyndham Premier Suite | 1,290 / night |
Website: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/
PARKROYAL Penang Resort, Malaysia
Address: PARKROYAL Penang Resort Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Not too far from the excitement of the city, this serene escape was made for unwinding in style. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend a whole day horizontal, basking in the sun by the dazzling pool or on the sand, with cocktail in hand from Sunset Bar. This tropical paradise is a subtle nod to Penang’s natural beauty and cultural identity, blending structures and natural materials that soothe the soul.
Book directly with the hotel to enjoy unlimited access to Amazonia Kid’s Club, Amazonia Splash, the outdoor freeform pools and usage of tandem bicycles. The little ones are sure in for a good time!
| Room Type | Starting Price (MYR) |
| Premier Family Room | 1,205 / night |
| Deluxe Family Room | 955 / night |
Website: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-penang.html
VIETNAM
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
Address: 15 P. Ngô Quyền, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
The weight of ‘Legend’ in the name itself and its upcoming line-up of festive celebrations are reasons enough to save up the pennies for an exquisite stay at the stunning 124-year-old Grand Dame of Hanoi with the clan. From extravagant buffet dinners and brunches accompanied by live music to a vibrant countdown party at angelina, you can surely count on the iconic hotel to host a memorable end-of-year stay. Côte de boeuf, flambé lobster bisque, smoked salmon… need we say more?
While the younglings are spending the afternoon at the heated outdoor pool with dad, mothers are welcome to enjoy a 75-minute Illuminating Facial Treatment at the Metropole’s serene and private wellness sanctuary, Le Spa.
| Room Type | Starting Price (VND) |
| Premium Room | (Check website to book) |
| Luxury Room | (Check website to book) |
Website: https://www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/
Azerai Resorts, Vietnam
Address: 05 Le Loi Street, Hue City, Vietnam
Just a 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, a stay at Azerai Ke Ga Bay is what beach-life daydreams are made of: tucked within 4.5 hectares of lush gardens; stone and wood structures basking in warm rays; and organic patterns evoking a sense of serenity. Check out the limited-time wellness packages that are also on offer for the festive season that combine a body massage and hair wash as a reward for powering through the year.
What’s more, the oceanfront resort has done all the planning for your kids’ itineraries—jam-packed with exhilarating activities such as surfing lessons (for ages 9-12) on New Year’s Eve and bodyboarding lessons for New Year’s Day. Make sure to book early to secure a spot for the limited Western set-menu dining at the oceanside terrace. Option for a reservation at Azerai La Residence, Hue is also open for those looking for an upcountry stay.
| Room Type | Starting Price (VND) |
| Deluxe Suite | (Check website to book) |
| Pool Villa | (Check website to book) |
Website: https://azerai.com/
The Anam, Vietnam
Address: 452V+53X, Nguyễn Tất Thành, Cam Hải Đông, Cam Lâm, Khánh Hòa 650000, Vietnam
Emerald lawns, sparkling pools and five-star comfort? It checks your must-have travel boxes right? The Anam Cam Ranh, which overlooks 300 meters of scenic beachfront on the Cam Ranh Peninsula, is the sense of escape we’re all looking for. When it comes to bringing the little ones on a holiday, let the resort do the heavy lifting. Kids will find a delightful array of Christmas-themed activities ready, such as crafting coconut leaf toys, stone painting, and screenings of favorite holiday movies such as Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, The Christmas Chronicles and Klaus, to name a few.
Offering a more intimate yet no less luxurious experience, the award-winning resort has a newer, smaller sister property, The Anam Mui Ne, where guests will be greeted with numerous lavish feasts including a Christmas Eve BBQ Buffet Dinner at The Indochine.
| Room Type | Starting Price (VND) |
| Two-Bedroom Hilltop Pool Villa | 16,877,889 / night |
| The Anam Suite | 10,978,821 / night |
Website: https://www.theanam.com/
JAPAN
Palace Hotel Tokyo, Japan
Address: 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
It feels like everyone is in Japan right now — the buzz is real, the FOMO is high. Located a stone’s throw from the Imperial Palace grounds, a getaway at Palace Hotel Tokyo this year end is just what you need.
For those looking for a well-rounded experience of Japan, there is a four-hour guided ‘Tokyo Illuminations’ tour which happens after dusk where you will be taken in a private car through the city. Destinations include the brilliantly lit Marunouchi Naka Dori; the 0.8-kilometer-long (half a mile), tree-lined boulevard that stretches from nearby the hotel to the ritzy Ginza district; along with Omotesando and Shibuya, with their zelkova trees all aglow.
| Room Type | Starting Price (MYR) |
| Premier Suite Twin | 670,000 / night |
| Club Deluxe Room w/ Balcony | 222,000 / night |
Website: https://www.palacehoteltokyo.com/
SINGAPORE
Pan Pacific, Singapore
Address: 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square Singapore 039595
Located walking distance from tourist attractions and shopping malls, Pan Pacific Orchard is the epitome of modern luxury, from well-lit roomy spaces to elegant motifs. Level up your stay by booking one of the Urban Jungle Suites, designed in partnership with Kiztopia, that connects to a main bedroom for the parents and overlooks the energetic city. After a day full of activities, whether it was shopping at the nearby Suntec City, Marina Square and Millenia Walk; lounging by the pool; or an afternoon at the Urban Jungle Village for the kids, dine at Gustoso By The Beach for some authentic Italian fare to end your day right.
| Room Type | Starting Price (SGD) |
| Urban Jungle Suite | 1,270 / night |
| Deluxe Two Bedrooms | 900 / night |
Website: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina.html
The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore
Address: 1 Fullerton Square Singapore 049178
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is the ideal respite for some quality family bonding. Think neoclassical vibes, historical charm and impeccable service. Opened in 1928 as the General Post Office and home to key institutions like the Singapore Club, this iconic landmark has since been transformed into a 400-room heritage hotel that only brings the best of luxury.
This December, kids will get to walk away with an adorable Fullerton Christmas Bear to mark the occasion. Also, if you’re looking to elevate your stay, book a spot for the mini log cake-decorating workshop to flaunt your creative talents.
| Room Type | Starting Price (MYR) |
| Premier Collyer Suite | 713 / night |
| Marina Bay View Room | 600 / night |
Website: https://www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-bay-hotel-singapore/
Shangri-La Singapore
Address: 22 Orange Grove Road 258350 Singapore
A reservation at any of the Shangri-La hotels can never go wrong. The one on Orange Grove Road—the first one to ever exist, actually—boasts nature-inspired interiors in spades. A highlight for family getaways? Their themed family suites (there’s Castle-, Underwater-, Safari-, Space-Themed and more) to suit every child’s unwavering imagination when it comes to play time. The resort also comes with an interactive play space—buds by Shangri-La—and Splash, a water playground spanning 1,300 square metres.
Of course, food can make or break an experience. At Shangri-La’s culinary playground, you will not be left disappointed by the myriad of flavours presented, from Christmas dining packages and afternoon teas decorated in whimsy, to thoughtfully crafted cocktails and hampers and gift boxes.
| Room Type | Starting Price (MYR) |
| Castle Themed Family Suite | 6,151.5 / night |
| Treetop Themed Family Suite | 5,729 / night |
Website: https://www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila/
Pack Your Bags
Of course, these are just our suggestions to ease your travel stays. But, one thing’s for sure: these exquisite accommodations will make you feel at home, despite being away from home.
“Because the need to decompress isn’t just a luxury – it’s essential.”
the hip life asia
If you’re on the lookout for more recommendations that both parents and kids will be happy about, check out this list:
