When planning a family holiday, I look for experiences that will likely create lasting memories while offering good value for our time and money.
A family-friendly destination with warm hospitality and activities for all ages is always a bonus.
The five-star Swiss-Grand Beach Resort Kuantan in Pahang, with a clean beachfront, ticked these boxes.
The hotel’s greenery, rattan furniture and songket-inspired decor are prominent after the resort’s upgrade.
The resort won second place in a landscaping competition organised by the National Landscape Department, in conjunction with National Landscape Day 2026, said sales and marketing senior director Linda Evelyn Wong.
“This is literally a beachfront hotel. Park your car, get into the hotel and you can step onto the beach,” she said.
After a three-hour drive from Petaling Jaya, Selangor, we had lunch at the resort’s Blossom Chinese Restaurant, which serves handcrafted dim sum and Chinese classics.
We then headed to Pantai Balok to watch the sunset as well as enjoy the clear water, clean beach and gentle sea breeze.
My children, aged 15 and 11, loved the beach. We dipped our feet in the water, chatted about our dreams and goals, and strolled along the shore while watching the world go by.
Guests seeking outdoor activities can play volleyball and mini soccer or relax in hammocks beneath shady trees.
On Saturday nights, the resort serves a barbecue dinner overlooking the beach, accompanied by a fire show.
My children enjoyed the entertainment, which added to the festive holiday atmosphere.
The resort’s Garden Terrace offers local and international dishes, including hearty meals and desserts.
Adults can also unwind at Malibu Corner, which serves a variety of beverages.
The swimming pool was another highlight for my family. My son spent hours in the water and made new friends at the Kids’ Splash Pool.
Both my children also enjoyed the Kids’ Playroom where daily activities include batik painting using pre-printed designs on the fabric.
They had fun and the creative activity was relaxing. It’s a great way too for families to bond.
They brought their paintings home and we plan to frame our creations as keepsakes.
Guests can also join cooking sessions for children and adults, where the chef teaches participants how to prepare traditional desserts such as kuih ketayap and onde-onde.
Trying my hand at making these local treats was one of the highlights of my stay.
For those seeking pure relaxation, the hotel’s Soulé Spa & Retreat offers an opportunity to unwind.
The resort also hosts corporate retreats, destination weddings and family celebrations, said general manager Sonnie Lauh Kok Leong.
Its ballroom and event spaces accommodate gatherings of various sizes, while corporate groups can combine indoor meetings with team-building activities along the beachfront.
With its beachfront location, family-friendly facilities and varied activities, Swiss-Grand Beach Resort Kuantan offers families a chance to reconnect while creating holiday memories.
