Rooms that fit four

Maldives

Forty-five villas, three outdoor pools and two tennis courts, with childcare available. Works for a couple and works for a family, which is rare.

Maldives

A private coral island with tropical gardens, a kids' pool and airport pick-up arranged. The one I send families to in the Maldives.

Maldives

Children's pool, a games room and a library, on a big island you can actually walk around.

Singapore

Sixty-two private pool villas on a Sentosa hilltop, from 210 sqm up — built for extended stays. Too far out if you only have one night in the city.

Bali

Above the Ayung river in Sayan, with a children's pool and a library.

Bali

Babysitting can be arranged if the trip is a family one.

Bali

On Jimbaran bay with a children's pool and a garden, and the scale stays small. Good for a couple, fine with one child in tow.

Bali

Steps from Echo Beach in Canggu, with a kids' club and surf lessons on site. Right if your family wants to be where things are happening.

Bali

Thatched-roof villas above Jimbaran Bay with surfing on site and airport pick-up arranged. A villa layout suits four better than a hotel corridor does.

Bali

Nusa Dua, on a private beach, with spa treatment rooms and a steam room. A big resort — come for the ease of it, not for intimacy.

Phuket

Layan beach with a games room, a children's setup and airport transfer arranged. Phuket without the Patong noise.

Phuket

On the Andaman at Mai Khao, with beach yoga, kayaking and tennis lessons. Enough on site that nobody in the family gets bored.

Phuket

Direct beach access on a secluded stretch of Tri-Trang, with a kids' club, a water slide and a playground. Built for families, plainly.

Phuket

Cape Yamu, facing the Andaman, with a kids' pool and a design that stays quiet. Works for a couple; works for four if you take a bigger room.

Phuket

On Surin Beach with a children's pool and a garden. Easy days in, easy walk out to dinner.

Singapore

You are in the middle of Marina Bay, with babysitting on call and a kids' pool. For one or two nights when the city is the point.

Singapore

A heritage building on the Marina Bay waterfront with a rooftop pool. Children eat free at breakfast, which helps on a one-night stop.

Dubai

Heart of Downtown with city views and an indoor play area for children. Good for a stopover that has a nine-year-old attached.

Dubai

Palm Jumeirah with lagoon-style pools and a kids' club. Families settle in here without much planning.

Dubai

On the Palm, facing the Arabian Gulf, with a children's club and childcare available. Suites work when you would rather all stay together.

Dubai

The Palm, with ziplining, squash and a scale children love. Loud and busy — go for that, not despite it.

Dubai

Palm Jumeirah with a children's pool, a health club and shopping on site. Easy for four when you do not want to leave the property.