Easy travel escapes for the long weekend & beyond

Singapore’s Vesak Day long weekend on 1 June , 2026 is almost here, the school holidays are looming, and doesn’t it just about feel like time for a bit of a break? For those not so great at forward planning, or if you just prefer to live life on the edge, there’s still time to make that dream escape happen! Some of the best micro travel destinations are super-close and easily accessible to Singapore: a short flight, a simple ferry ride or just a taxi across town can quickly get you to a destination that ticks all the boxes. We’ve rounded up options to suit every taste, from a Maldives bolthole fresh out of a major reno to a new family beachfront Bintan property. 

NH COLLECTION MALDIVES REETHI RESORT, MALDIVES

This firm Maldives’ favourite reopened in December 2025 after a serious renovation, and it’s better than ever. Sitting within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, it’s the place to be for beach and overwater villas, a new adults-only infinity pool, and seven restaurants. The new Maxies Family Club boasts a supervised two-storey playground, toddler pool with water slide, plus dance classes, face painting and creative activities for ages five to twelve. Hanifaru Bay is twenty minutes away, and as luck would have it, Manta season runs from now through to November. 

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THE STANDARD, HUA HIN, THAILAND

Hua Hin was once a royal escape, meaning that The Standard knows how to do quality getaways! This place provides just the right amount of buzz right on the Gulf of Thailand, with all amenities on tap for grown ups and little ones. The Play Roof – the hotel’s dedicated beachside kids’ space – runs daily with arts and crafts, building blocks and playboards; meanwhile, beachfront bar Praça is home to excellent sundowners and Lido covering all-day Italian dishes. The night market is ten minutes’ walk when you feel like leaving the property (which will be less often than expected!). For those with kids looking beyond the long weekend and into the school holidays, the Suite Escape offer provides more space, with discounted longer stays and oversized suite accommodation ideal for beachside downtime. Direct flights from Singapore make this a winner, so book it before everyone else does!

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SELONG SELO RESORT & VILLAS, LOMBOK

For families craving total escape, or larger groups wanting a place to hang out en masse, Selong Selo ticks all the boxes and then some. In a world filled with noise, activity and distractions, this lovely spot, located high on the hills overlooking Lombok’s Selong Belanak Beach, offers villas oozing a complete cut-off from the hustle and bustle. Large and airy, each one come with all mod cons, kitchen, living space, a private pool, a dining table made for shared dishes, some of the comfiest beds you’ll ever encounter, plenty of lounge room inside and out and  – oooh – those views! Bedrooms per villa vary, so there’s one to suit all group sizes. The resort is also a large communal pool, spa, gym and chic onsite Aura Restaurant if you’re feeling sociable. Nearby, Selong Belanak is one of the best surf spots on the island.

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COMO METROPOLITAN SINGAPORE

The long weekends in SG have a habit of disappearing before you’ve made the most of them, but you can guarantee a bit of downtime with a staycaytion. COMO Metropolitan Singapore keeps things simple with its Orchard Road location, rooftop infinity pool, and enough to do that nobody needs to leave the building unless they want to. The family offer includes a room upgrade, daily breakfast for three at COMO Cuisine, welcome drinks at the Sky Bar and a future Emerald Room voucher, valid to 30 September 2026. For an easy break in the Lion City, it’s a well-constructed argument for staying put.

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ANA HOLIDAY INN RESORT KARUIZAWA, JAPAN

If the thought of travelling to Japan with kids brings you out in a hot sweat, here’s a solution! An hour away from Tokyo in the southeastern part of Nagano Prefecture, and 1,300 metres above sea level with Mount Asama looming behind it, this highland resort will calm your stress levels and work wonders for everyone. Adults get natural hot springs, an indoor pool and golf. Everyone gets fresh mountain air and the kind of quiet that’s hard to find closer to the city. The forest-inspired Kids Club has wooden play structures, picture books and games; the wider Kids Programme layers in seasonal outdoor activities, and there’s a dedicated Kids Check-In so arrival doesn’t unravel anyone. Accommodation includes family-friendly suites with bunk beds, and the Kids Stay & Eat Free benefit takes the edge off the bill.

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DUSIT THANI BANGKOK

Dusit Thani Bangkok is a strong city break option with serious style cred. In Bangkok, where a decent view is never guaranteed, all 257 rooms face Lumpini Park through floor-to-ceiling glass, offer a panaorama that takes your breath away. If you can stop staring, the rooms are sophisticated and comfy, with an edge of decandence and plenty of space. The infinity pool overlooking the park is super-special allowing guests to swim amongst the skyscrapers. The Spire rooftop bar handles cocktails and city panoramas after dark; meanwhile, Cannubi by Umberto Bombana holds Thailand’s only Italian Michelin Star. Direct connections to both MRT and BTS stations, plus Central Park Mall next door to the hotel make this great for a stop ‘n’ shop weekend, and transport on tap nearby also takes the sting out of getting around Bangkok with children. 

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MANDAI RAINFOREST RESORT BY BANYAN TREE, SINGAPORE

No airport. No travel sickness tablets. No need to answertwenty “are we nearly there yet?” requests in a row. The Explorer Quest Package at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is a new immersive staycation package tailored for families. Running from now until 13 September, the Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue is the main event. Kids step inside the game, explore iconic realms and work together to save the Villagers. Daily buffet breakfast, experience tickets and dinner at Planter’s Shed are all included. The resort sits on the edge of Singapore’s Mandai wildlife corridor, so even without the Minecraft hook, there’s plenty going on.

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INTERCONTINENTAL CHIANG MAI THE MAE PING, CHIANG MAI

Two hours from Singapore, Thailand presents a whole different world. Cooler air, temple-lined streets and khao soi worth crossing a timezone for. The InterContinental Mae Ping is fifteen minutes’ walk from Chiang Mai’s Tha Phae Gate and right on the edge of the Night Bazaar which makes it well-placed without feeling chaotic. Two outdoor pools, a children’s pool and a swim-up bar keep things cool, while children wanting more than a splash around can keep busy at the kids’ club, Planet Trekkers, for ages four to twelve.The ii Spa offers Lanna herbal compress massage and Tok Sen therapy. HONG’s Sky Bar on the 17th floor is where to be at sunset, while watching Doi Suthep turning pink in the distance. Book the Stay Longer Pay Less package and get up to 20% savings with breakfast included.

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MÖVENPICK RESORT & SPA BINTAN LAGOON, INDONESIA

Short ferry. Long beach. Job done! Bintan’s newest beachfront property runs along the island’s longest private stretch of sand and it’s considerably easier to reach than most of the competition. Three lagoon-style pools, a kids’ club, splash zones and creative playrooms handle the children, while two Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch-designed golf courses cater to the adults who can’t quite let go of a schedule. Six dining concepts cover most moods (including the only Japanese izakaya on the island), alongside the biggest beach club in Bintan. Did we mention that every afternoon, without negotiation, there’s Mövenpick’s legendary Chocolate Hour? 

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FRASERS HOUSE, SINGAPORE

The former InterContinental Singapore reopened in January 2026 with a new name and a whole new personality. Rooms are split between a light-filled main tower and a Heritage Wing that takes its cues from shophouse living. Man Fu Yuan is the go-to for serious Cantonese; LUCE for Italian. Every afternoon, the lobby serves locally inspired cookies alongside a refined teh tarik. Outside, in the Bugis neighbourhood, Kampong Glam, Arab Street and the Bras Basah arts district are all on the doorstep, all with plenty going on. Hot tip: ANZA recommends The “Family Moments” package which combines daily breakfast with special perks and super-spacious rooms.

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