The ripening of sweet jackfruit, mangosteen and mangos; hammocks swinging gently in patches of cool shade; and evenings that stretch on with the comfort of knowing there is no alarm clock waiting the next morning: summer arrives as opportunity. When school holidays begin, families scramble to adjust schedules and secure care and activities, creating the potential to carve out some time for a vacation to savor fresh air, explore thrills, and simply bond as a family in a beautiful destination.

Intended to rejuvenate and reduce stress, if not considered carefully, vacations have the potential to be an onerous undertaking rife with planning chores and the challenges of satisfying all members of a large, diverse group. You could spend more time searching websites, creating itineraries and fretting over people’s comfort than actually relaxing. Instead, to ensure a trip where a warm and carefree atmosphere fosters wholesome togetherness, many families select a destination built for such activities. 

Phú Quốc long ago shook off its sleepy fishing village and colonial turtle harvesting reputation to position itself as one of Vietnam’s leading spots for clean beaches, crystal-clear water, fresh air, and an abundance of family-friendly activities. An expanded airport, theatre, conference center and infrastructure developmentsahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit next year, combined with measures to protect tourists, all underscore the nation’s commitment to establishing Phú Quốc as one of the nation’s premier vacation destinations.

First-time visitors to Phú Quốc are often surprised at its size. At 575 square kilometers, the island is large enough for different areas to have developed particular priorities, and selecting a location that best suits your family’s interests is essential. Positioned on the northwestern side of the island, famed for its sunsets, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, is suited to parents who want to avoid tiresome planning and the rambunctious travelers that stay closer to the town in the south. Simply pack comfortable clothes and sunscreen and then, from days at the theme parks to restaurants with a wide selection of meals for all preferences, the destination makes everything else seamless.

Staying on the northern part of the island places you just minutes away from a multitude of local attractions, including the safari, theme parks, and Grand World night market. For fresh air and a touch of nature, sim, pepper and bee farms are nearby as is the national park. Such accessibility makes vacation days particularly easy; just decide what time you want to wake up for a delicious, complimentary buffet breakfast and then head out for a day of unfettered smiles and giggles.

Of course, you don’t need to leave the resort to ensure you make the most of your vacation. Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay features many kid-friendly activities on-site, including indoor and outdoor kids clubs, workshops, outdoor games, and a cozy game room for the warmest hours of the day. While children are busy making the most of their unencumbered youths, parents can also enjoy days without meetings, tasks, and deadlines by visiting the Hoa Sim spa, 24-hour gym or library corner as well as head off to the nearby golf course.

The most enticing attraction of all at Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay is obvious: the ocean. Seen from the beachfront resort’s spacious balconies and large windows, the sea is a shimmering skein of impermanence, its waves whistful reminders of the preciousness of each lifespan. But crossing the private beach’s soft sand and diving into its subtle currents transforms the sea from an imposing metaphor to a place for splashing, floating and playing. The pleasures of cool water on hot days don’t require the ocean, however. Outdoor pools, including one designated for children, offer the joys of swimming while hearing the soft crash of waves, without the sand, salt, and undertows.

Whether you spend your day at an amusement park, lounging on the beach, or sitting at a table playing board games with your family, you are certain to work up an appetite. Another particular joy of vacation is not having to cook and wash dishes, and Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay makes it even easier via its range of dining options that satisfy different moods and preferences. To truly feel like you are at the beach, you will surely desire something caught fresh from the ocean. The Horizons Restaurant & Bar, a cozy, refined venue for celebrations and intimate dining, prepares sumptuous seafood. Meanwhile, the Amber Sand Beach Club serves fresh, locally sourced Vietnamese seafood in a relaxed atmosphere with a beachfront view. A private BBQ dinner can be arranged in your villa to add another layer of specialness and inclusion to your family vacation experience.

Summers, like childhoods, are short and vacations are rare. Selecting a family resort in Phú Quốc ensures one makes the absolute most of the privilege. Thanks to Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay’s comfortable, spacious rooms, stunning sunset views of a private beach, easy access to kid-friendly activities, an inviting spa, and delicious food, staying at the resort is like approaching the holiday on “easy mode.” All you need to worry about is taking a lot of photos to remember the joyous occasion.