DANANG, VIETNAM

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Danang is perhaps THE most convenient beach destination from Hong Kong. A 90-minute flight away, if you’re a savvy traveller, you can be on the beach within three hours of taking off from Chep Lap Kok. The famous China Beach runs for 12 kilometres along Danang’s coastline, and its calm and warm water is ideal for children. The UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An is a short drive away from most of the coastal resorts and is perfect for pottering about, shopping and dining out when you’ve had enough of the sun.

Where to stay: InterContinental Danang
This property has been winning over discerning Hong Kong travellers in recent months. The architecture is incredible, built into the side of a hill overlooking its stunning stretch of beach, with some of the best dining in Danang. Kids will love the little tram that runs from the beach up to the lobby and living areas.

LOMBOK, INDONESIA

Bali normally tops our list for nearby beach destinations, but with the longer summer holidays, this is the perfect opportunity to go a little bit further and experience its tranquil next door neighbour. The Gili Islands are less than five minutes by boat from Lombok’s north coast, and are home to some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the region, perfect for day trips and island hopping sails. Families with teenagers can embark on the 2 day/1 night trek up Mount Rinjani, an active volcano offering incredible sunrise views over its caldera and the surrounding landscapes. In a nutshell, Lombok is what Bali was 20 years ago, so is the ideal place for families who are looking for a quieter Indonesian locale to set up camp for a week or more.

Where to stay: Sira Beach House
For large families or several families traveling together, Sira Beach House is a fully-staffed beach front family villa that backs right onto the beautiful Kosaido Golf Course. The villa features 5 double bedrooms and 1 twin room, with expansive grassy areas for the kids to run around and play.

FIJI

Figi is another beach destination that is ideal for the longer summer holidays, given its longer flying time from Hong Kong – just under 11 hours direct with Fiji Airways. From the minute you land to hearty cries of “Bula”, or welcome, you know that you have arrived in a warm and friendly place! Fiji has that barefoot feel of a lost land in some of its remote locations, and can be looked at as a more rustic version of the Maldives, which it is often compared to. It is the perfect “Robinson Crusoe” paradise for families looking for a more off-the-beaten-track beach experience.

Where to stay: Laucala Island
The granddaddy of luxury Fiji hotels, Laucala Island is a splurge, but definitely something the kids will never forget. With tennis, biking, game fishing, eight Fijian horses for riding, and all the watersports you can imagine, the resort is one giant playground for children. Its 18-hole golf course and proximity to some of the best dive sites in the world make it pretty appealing to parents too!

MALDIVES

With direct flights between Hong Kong and Male, property options for every type of traveler and some of the clearest waters in the world, the Maldives is the epitome of tropical island paradise. Step right off the deck of your water villa into the calm turquoise sea; sail alongside dozens of dolphins on a sunset cruise; hop between deserted islands; and experience phenomenal diving and snorkeling.

Where to Stay: Soneva Fushi
Ordinarily, Hong Kong families tend to opt for resorts that are a quick speedboat away from Male. However, with a little bit of extra time during the summer, go that little bit further and stay somewhere more remote, and therefore that much more pristine. Soneva Fushi is set to launch its brand new Kid’s Club in mid-August of this year, and it is rumored to be absolutely mind-boggling in its facilities for children!

KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIAN BORNEO

The capital of Malaysia’s state of Sabah in northwestern Borneo, KK as it’s often referred to, is known for its towering mountain, pretty beaches and abundance of orangutans! Conquering the 4,095m peak requires a 2 day/1 night trek, and is a great bonding experience for families with teenagers. Set sail on snorkeling excursions during the day and pull up to nearby islands for sandbar picnics. Last but not least, seeing the orangutans while in KK is a must. These lovely creatures completely enthrall kids and adults alike!

Where to stay: Shangri-La Rasa Ria
With an array of activities on offer for all ages as well as a complimentary children’s club (4-12 years), this is our go-to resort in Kota Kinabalu. The highlight has to be the property’s own orangutan sanctuary complete with treetop canopy walks, and there is also a children’s pool.

To book your next family getaway, contact Lightfoot Travel at +852 2815 0068 (HK) or +65 6438 4091 (SG), info@lightfoottravel.com. Lightfoot Travel is a luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice and inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services.