The golden Andaman shores of Phuket offer an idyllic playground for memorable family vacations. But Phuket is more than the sum of its beaches, with temples, jungles, street markets, water parks, and more to keep travellers of all ages entertained. Stay active with Muay Thai boxing classes. Explore the coastline on a family kayaking expedition. Or learn more about Thailand with fun cultural activities for families like Thai cooking classes or Thai language lessons.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort on the west coast of Phuket enjoys a serene location on a protected bay — perfect for smaller kids and tots. Explore the calm waters of the bay and neighbouring lagoon by kayak or SUP board. Take the kids ziplining through the trees at Layan Active Zone. After an active day out, relax with wellness experiences at Anantara Spa, which offers special kids’ treatments like the Mini Me Massage.

The Maldives may be known for its spectacular corals and marine life, but it’s also the perfect place for family wellness retreats. Immersed in pristine nature, surrounded by lapping turquoise seas, a wellness escape in the Maldives makes it easy to unwind and reconnect. Spend time together exploring the reefs on a snorkelling tour with a marine biologist. Enjoy beachside BBQs and family picnics on remote deserted isles. Go on a dolphin-spotting cruise or observe the reefs from a glass-bottomed boat.

Designed for fun family holidays, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offers a vast array of experiences for kids from tots to teens. Enjoy water sports like jet skiing, Flyboarding, and kayaking across the resort’s topaz lagoon. Dine together on the beach and watch movies under the stars. Take time out at the overwater Anantara Spa, with special kids treatments like the Chocolate Face and Body Sparkle. Or let little ones meet new friends in the dedicated play space of Dhoni Kids’ Club.

The northern Thailand capital of Chiang Mai is a hub for history, nature, and culture. Here, you can walk with rescued elephants, enjoy a classic Thai massage, and browse art galleries and craft markets. Take a cooking class together and learn how to make authentic Thai dishes. Or do Muay Thai classes by the historic Ping River. Join a workshop and learn Chiang Mai’s traditional crafts, like soap carving, floral art, and Lanna flag making.

Overlooking the Ping River, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort offers a serene retreat for family vacations in Thailand. From this central location, the city is at your doorstep. Explore the markets by tuk-tuk with a Streetwise Guru. Hop on a twilight river cruise aboard the Nam Jai converted rice barge, to see historic bridges and make merit at a local temple. Meet Thailand’s gentle giants with an Elephant Experience at a nearby rescue, learning about their nutrition and watching them bathe at the river.

Take the family on a Bedouin-style adventure in the Empty Quarter, just a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi. Venture into the dunes on a camel trek and learn the ancient traditions of the Liwa tribe. Learn how to read the constellations with a stargazing session, or ramp up the adrenalin with a 4x4 buggy ride up and down the dunes. Take archery lessons or watch a falcon and saluki show for some fun family immersion in local culture.

Enjoy traditional style and contemporary luxury at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Located at the fringe of the Empty Quarter, this sprawling fortress offers spacious suites, villas, and residences for families of all sizes. Take the kids on desert adventures and then unwind by an idyllic oasis pool. Meet camels and enjoy immersive activities at the on-site Ezba Cultural Centre. Take family Spice Spoons cooking classes and treat the kids to some pampering with the Prince or Princess Honey Facial.

Beaches, bike rides, water parks, sea caves — the Algarve is the perfect spot for family holidays packed with outdoorsy activities. Explore the Atlantic coastline on a private cruise or canter through the countryside on a horseback riding adventure. Take a boat tour through Ria Formosa National Park and spot flamingoes and sea horses. Try surfing off the beaches, or splash out with a day at a waterpark.

The award-winning Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort sets the scene for fun-filled family holidays. Enjoy sunny days by Cascades Pool, specially designed for families with little ones, or join kids’ activities and games at Adventurers’ Kids’ Club. Get out and explore local cuisine and culture, with a guided open-top Jeep tour to nearby foodie spots. Take to the water for a boat expedition to Benagil’s famous cliff caves and hidden beaches. When the little ones are all worn out, book the Baby Concierge for a few hours while you enjoy an Italian dinner for two at Cucina, or a pampering couple’s spa treatment at Anantara Spa.