The first criterion to evaluate is the quality and suitability of the accommodation for families. Connecting rooms or family-friendly suites with separate sleeping areas for children are an added advantage. For those with little ones, inquire about the availability of cots, baby monitors and other essential amenities for families with infants or toddlers.

On many occasions, those travelling with small children can opt for one-bedroom villas for two and make arrangements for baby cots. For example, the rate for a one-bedroom villa at Joali Maldives usually assumes two people, but actually the maximum occupancy includes a child below the age of 12 and an infant younger than two. In such instances, a spacious one bedroom villa will work for a family of four comfortably.

Play it safe

The safety and security of your children is obviously a top priority. When selecting an all-inclusive resort, parents should ensure that the property takes adequate measures to ensure this. Look for resorts with childproofed rooms, well-trained staff that are attentive to the needs of families and a reliable security system. It is also beneficial to choose a resort with a lifeguard on duty at pools and a secure kids’ club area with restricted access.

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Setting an example is The Standard in Hua Hin, Thailand, where there is security at every entrance at all times with camera surveillance. There’s also signage placed around the hotel to indicate safety information while staff are up to date with safety training and other protocols such as for a lost child on the property, performing CPR on children, and other immediate healthcare-providing protocols.

Food, glorious food

A well-rounded all-inclusive experience should encompass a variety of dining options. Check if the resort has child-friendly menus, buffets with diverse food options, and restaurants that offer child seating and utensils. Special dietary requirements or food allergies are key considerations, and it is also worth thinking about resorts with 24-hour room service – handy for those with young children who may have specific or ad hoc mealtime demands.

At Ayana Estate, Bali, there is a dedicated kid’s menu at each of their dining outlets. “Our restaurants also cater to the dietary needs of children by providing a selection of vegetarian and healthy options,” says Giordano Faggioli, general manager of Ayana Estate. “We understand that dietary restrictions and allergies may exist, and our restaurant team is more than willing to accommodate any specific requirements or preferences our guests may have and ensure that every dining experience for children is tailored to their needs.”

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Joali, Maldives, takes it a step further by asking guests to fill out a Guest Journey Planner, which include questions about dietary requirements so they can cater accordingly. The menus at food outlets in Joali also have symbols which indicate food items that may contain pork, dairy, alcohol etc and can accommodate dietary requirements such as gluten-free, vegetarian, kosher, halal and others.

Staying active

To keep children engaged and entertained throughout the holiday, a resort should offer a diverse range of family-friendly activities. Look for dedicated kids’ clubs that provide supervised activities, including arts and crafts, sports and educational programmes. These should offer appropriate activities for different age groups too. Resorts with water parks, splash pads, mini-golf and other recreational facilities that cater to the interests of children are a plus.

In July, The Standard Hua Hin will introduce The Kid’s Hut by the beachfront lawn, where children can expand their imagination and creativity using an array of art and craft activities and supplies.

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An ideal resort should offer entertainment options for the entire family. Look for resorts with nightly shows, live performances or family-friendly films. Some may organise themed parties, treasure hunts or interactive events that appeal to parents and children. Consider the availability of excursions or day trips to nearby attractions, such as wildlife parks, historical sites or water sports facilities. These excursions can add an extra element of adventure and exploration to the family holiday, adding precious bonding time.

In Ayana Estate, parents and children can enjoy complimentary activities such as nature walks, ketupat or Javanese rice cake making, Indonesian batik painting and visits to the Ayana farm, where parents are encouraged to participate alongside their children.

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Joali Maldives offer a range of activities for sun-loving children and families such as dolphin- or turtle-watching cruises, fishing trips, private family cooking classes, private picnics, family yoga sessions, personalised family spa treatments and even a semi-submarine for children to experience being underwater but are not yet comfortable swimming.

Two things that fun-seeking parents should pay particular attention to are the age limits of activities and the age that parents can leave children unattended at kids’ clubs and facilities. This can vary according to the laws of different countries and also affects whether licensed staff have been arranged to man these facilities.