Kiwi Curated
The Best Kid-Friendly Island Vacations
by Monika MarkovinovicAs a parent, you only have about 18 summers with your kids before they’re off exploring the world on their own. You’ll want to make every family vacation count. For the next one, what better way to create memories than by skipping the city in favor of easy island living.
The Best Kid-Friendly Island Vacations
Just because the kids are in tow, doesn’t mean parents have to give up their dream of finding total island bliss. The Maldives is tailored for families. Case in point: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Children’s imaginations are sure to ignite once they spot their first sea turtle or manta rays in this aquatic wonderland. While parents may want to awaken their senses by checking-in for a luscious body treatment at the Over-Water Spa, little guests can equally enjoy their time by heading to the Majaa Kids’ Club for marine adventures and culinary workshops.
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Looking for an intimate setting to take in those cherished family moments? We suggest a private island. Located off the coast of Abu Dhabi is Zaya Nurai Island, where the whole gang can enjoy turquoise waters and endless white sands. With spacious two-bedroom homes, produce sourced from the island’s own garden and an outdoor cinema, families can relax knowing all their needs are met. Whatever age the kids are, Zaya Nurai Island has something for everyone–water sports, face painting, hair braiding, you name it.
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Island spirit is alive and well on the breathtaking clifftop where The Villas at AYANA Resort, Bali dwells. Spacious private pool villas are perfect for the whole family, and the surrounding area is ideal for kids. AYANA’s beautiful, recently-renovated Kids Club is packed with everything a kid could want on vacation, including a trampoline, playground and table tennis. To add to the fun, little ones can find the Rimba Kids’ Club through a ‘secret’ entrance via one of the poolside cabanas. Inside, a mini-cinema and game room awaits. At the Children’s Pool, there also two waterslides.
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If bringing the kids to this remote island of jungle and beach off the eastern coast of Thailand, then prepare to be utterly impressed. Soneva Kiri is home to The Den, a giant moulded bamboo playground shaped like a manta ray, where tots can learn how to play Thai instruments and get creative with a mocktail making course. And if looking for activities the whole family will love, Soneva Kiri makes it easy to book child-friendly excursions, rainforest walks or even chocolate tastings.
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Enjoy family time, island-style at Fiji’s Nanuku, an Auberge Resort. From warrior drumming lessons to sandcastle building competitions, Lailai Children’s Club creates magical moments that your little one will remember forever. If wanting to explore the area, Nanuku also offers family snorkeling or Hobie Cat sailing on the properties’ local reef. End your jam-packed day with a true glamping experience young and young at heart guests are sure to enjoy: a family bonfire on the beach.
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Jamaica’s Round Hill Hotel & Villas may have celebrity status (Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly were fans), it’s also one of the Caribbean’s finest family resorts. While parents admire Ralph Lauren-designed rooms, kids can take in the fun and games of The Pineapple Club and The 7-Up Club. Because no trip to Jamaica is complete without basking in the Caribbean Sea, the whole gang can get on-board with Round Hill’s favorite water sports, from glass bottom boating to windsurfing.
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Children are welcomed with open arms at the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, in Maui–what more could a parent want? The spacious beachfront property is home to The Rock, a mini-resort for kids of all ages. The 20,000-square-foot facility includes the famed Camp Grande, the Ohana Hale gaming lounge, and The Spot for teens looking to play a game of air hockey or grab a bite at the snack bar. And a big bonus for parents? Kids five-and-under eat free.
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Overlooking one of the finest beaches in Cyprus, Anassa is the ultimate Mediterranean retreat for families. The whole clan will feel at ease thanks to award-winning kids programs and all-encompassing babycare. The European island’s Kid Clubs are broken up into four categories: Globetrotters for the littlest guests, Adventurers, Voyagers and Pioneers for the young teens. Children can take part in baking Cypriot cakes, sporting activities and dancing classes while the rest of the family spends the day venturing into the unspoiled heart of Cyprus.
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Situated on the island of Hainan, the southernmost tip of China, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort is a tropical playground with more than 800 meters of beautiful coastline. Their world famous Sanya Yalong Bay Yacht Club, perfect for those sunset cruises and private parties, isn’t the only club on the resort: there’s The St. Regis Children’s Club, too. If you want to spend the day splashing around, a giant family swimming pool with two waterslides is right on property. If entertainment parks are more your family’s thing, Qian’guqing Scenic Spot is nearby. But if you’re looking for adventure, snorkeling, sailing and kayak trips are easily arranged.
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The Best Kid-Friendly Island Vacations
A family vacation to the Caribbean is a must, and the Dominican Republic is the perfect island for creating memories with the entire family. Koko Kid’s Club at Eden Roc at Cap Cana is located on the resort’s artificial lagoon and resembles a massive tree house equipped with a mini spa, mini kitchen, and video game area. Kids can paddle the lagoon in a kid-sized kayak, maybe even spotting their parents relaxing by the infinity pool. Families don’t have to worry about sleeping arrangements, either. Young children will love the popular two-bedroom Family Suites, whereas teens will find the Two Bedroom Pool Residences or Beachfront Suites to be the perfect escape.
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