South-east Asia has long been associated with romance, business and gap year adventures, but families looking for long-haul travel have usually passed it over in favour of destinations such as Australia or the US. That is until now. Parents are realising that this region offers a wealth of cultural, natural, sporting and educational opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else on the planet, and Hilton hotels are on hand with a range of family-friendly amenities that will help you get the most out of your holiday.
In the Maldives, families can snorkel off unspoilt beaches, enjoy delicious global cuisine, adult and child spa retreats and learn about local island culture. On a city break to Singapore, kids can take in the cultural sights before chilling out at a Hilton hotel with a laid-back vibe where children are warmly welcomed. Meanwhile, a trip to Bangkok begins with a one-of-a-kind shuttle boat ride that brings you to your hotel room in ultimate style.
Whether you’re travelling with babies, toddlers, younger children or teens, these six Hilton hotels will ensure a trip to south-east Asia is one your whole crew will remember for years to come.
The Maldives
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa
The first thing you notice about Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa is how accessible it is. A 20-minute ride by boat from Velana International airport by boat in Malé, and you find yourself in a warm, friendly island paradise. This makes it a popular choice for families, who, after a long-haul flight, want to get down to the serious business of relaxing as quickly as possible. While many islands boast top-of-the-range spa facilities for adults, at the Amingiri Resort, there are spa sessions and treatments for kids too. Through the Young Zen programme, children and teens can indulge in age-appropriate body wraps, scrubs, massages and facials from expert therapists, or perfect their downward dog during a basic yoga session, before enjoying some guided meditation.
For kids who prefer a more action packed itinerary, there’s plenty to do at the Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives. As well as a mini splash park and pool, there’s a rooftop lounge that hosts regular milkshake-making workshops and movie nights under the stars. Little ones can let off steam in the toddler play area, or try the interactive doodle wall, all while being looked after by a multilingual team certified by Worldwide Kids. Whatever the age or interests of your child, the guest-experience makers (or GEMs) at this resort are there to ensure everyone, young and old, has personalised care and, most importantly, a really good time.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Looking for a holiday that’s as enriching as it is relaxing? Then Conrad Maldives Rangali Island needs to be on your radar. Even getting to this two-island resort, on a 30-minute seaplane flight, will open your eyes to the stunning nature around you and how important it is to protect it. This focus on responsible tourism is emphasised at the Majaa Explorers Club, for children aged three to 12, which has an “edu-taining” programme focusing on Maldivian culture and marine life. The Furaavaru Teens’ Club takes this a step further with an introduction to scuba diving. Adults and kids alike can get the latest marine updates from the resident marine biologists and have a chance to appreciate the creative talents of people in the area at the resort’s in-house art exhibitions.
Whether guests are taking a trip on a glass-bottomed boat or on a snorkelling safari, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is all about exploring this unique environment sustainably. With a house reef that’s just 50 metres from the beach, it’s easy for children to spot the manta rays, turtles, dolphins and colourful marine life that inhabit these waters. What’s more, this part of the South Ari Atoll is one of the places in the world where whale sharks can be seen year round. You can even watch the local sea life as you feast on a six-course meal at Ithaa, the world’s first undersea restaurant. Located five metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean, guests have panoramic views of the coral gardens and their inhabitants, offering a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton
SAii Lagoon Maldives effortlessly combines traditional Maldivian culture with modern luxury. At the resort’s Koimala and Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp, kids can enjoy contemporary water sports, such as windsurfing and kayaking, alongside a dolphin quest in a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat. The kids’ club, aimed at children aged from four to 15, is themed around two characters from Maldivian folklore – Koimala, the wise turtle prince, and Maalimi, the mythical black marlin, the fastest fish in the ocean. Through their stories, and activities such as coral propagation and leaf art, children can learn about conservation and sustainability. Other highlights include a kids-only zone to foster creativity and responsibility, and a private beach with a dedicated area where kids can camp under the stars.
Another highlight for families is the vast array of eating options. The resort’s 14 restaurants and bars take you across the globe when it comes to cuisine, meaning even the fussiest palate is satisfied. In particular, younger guests will be bowled over by Mr. Tomyam, a poolside trattoria blending Thai classics with pool snacks, Terra & Mar, with its themed buffet dinners and, of course, the Gelato Bar, serving a variety of homemade ice-cream and milkshakes.
Singapore
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Surrounded by toy stores, gaming arcades and the city’s entertainment centre, it’s little surprise that Hilton Singapore Orchard’s family programme is called Where Dreams Begin. Upon arrival, younger guests are presented with a kids’ registration card to obtain their own specially designed wooden room-key card, and those under 12 receive a junior explorer bag, filled with puzzles, an activity book, origami set and soft toy, as well as kids’ bedroom slippers and bathrobes to ensure they feel as pampered as their parents.
The hotel’s focus on its younger guests continues throughout their stay and there are a range of fun, interactive sessions, including chocolate painting workshops and mixology masterclasses, construct your own pizza experiences and quarterly upcycling workshops. Toddlers and babies haven’t been left out, either, as parents can request a dream sleep ritual – a comforting lavender room mist, a night light and a speaker to play lullabies to help them nod off. Specially appointed kids’ ambassadors have been trained to provide support and help to families, whether that’s by arranging a connecting room, organising a rollaway bed or suggesting child-friendly local activities.
Conrad Centennial Singapore
The nearby attractions of Kiztopia, the ArtScience Museum, the Singapore Flyer, Universal Studios Singapore, and Gardens by the Bay make Conrad Centennial Singapore a great choice for those travelling with little ones. What’s more, even the tiniest detail of a family stay at the Conrad Centennial Singapore has been considered. Connecting rooms mean everyone is close by, while complimentary kids’ amenities include bathrobes, cribs and step stools. Dining out with children can be a stressful experience, but the Conrad Centennial Singapore makes it as effortless as possible – with the option of a kids’ in-room dining menu, as well as complimentary breakfast for children under six and half priced for those aged seven to 12.
There’s also the chance to pull out all the stops and celebrate a special occasion with personalised welcome decorations, a birthday cake, or the Family Escape package, which includes 50% off a second room, a kids’ private glamping site, and a (much-appreciated) 4pm check-out.
Bangkok
Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Just arriving at the riverside Millennium Hilton Bangkok is an experience in itself. While you can take a car or taxi, many guests (especially younger ones) choose to make an entrance on one of the hotel’s complimentary shuttle boats. These depart from the Saphan Taksin BTS Station and take guests on a scenic ride along the Chao Phraya River, giving them a taste of the best that Bangkok has to offer before they even get to their room.
While the Millenium Hilton Bangkok is a great base for families who want to explore the city’s cultural landmarks, there’s plenty to entertain kids at the hotel itself. A dedicated playground and kids’ pool give them space to relax and burn off any excess energy, while the hotel’s restaurants are unpretentious and boast specially curated children’s menus for when they’re in desperate need of a refuel after a day of sightseeing.
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