Maldives, Thailand or Barbados with a tween

This hotel has everything. Hands down the best place we’ve ever been. Could be combined with Thailand or Malaysia. Wildlife abundance.

Elephant Hills in Thailand is pretty Meh. You get about an hour with them and it’s a tourist conveyor belt.

Can you remember the name of the elephant sanctuary in phuket? We're visiting at easter and there's a few different ones around. We were leaning more towards the "green elephant sanctuary" as they aren't ever chained or rode on, and it seems like it would be a great experience for the kids. They get to walk through the woods with them, prepare their food for them, and bathe with them in the mud baths. There are some others but it's hard to tell as, some people just seem to want to get them all shut down, which I'm not sure is the best way to protect the elephants, and the tourism obviously pays for the upkeep of them. Just want to make sure we don't end up paying into anything unethical.

Have you considered Costa Rica - particularly if you love wildlife it is amazing for this, you can also get the beach, volcano/hot spring or jungle experience depending on which area you visit. All the wildlife experiences we had were either natural or very respectfully led by a guide and they seemed to be on it in terms of animal welfare and sustainability. There is lots to do for teens.

I've not been to Barbados or the Maldives. And the Maldives sounds like my idea of Hell. But I love Thailand and a few days in Bangkok is magic. Have been many times.

Are you keen for a one stop shop? If not you could consider a few nights at Universal Studios Florida and then hop down to an island?

@Bedroomdilemmas113 I’ve landed in Bangkok on previous travels to Thailand and found it a fun place to explore. For about one day. One day has been about enough because it is intense. Crazy busy but also interesting and vibrant. Some amazing sights like the Giant Buddha. Not for everyone though.

I hope you enjoy your trip wherever you go!

I've been to Thailand and dd loved it. Would only spend the first night in Bangkok and then travel around.

How about Malaysia if your dd is passionate about animals? We went when dd was young and visited a brilliant orang utan sanctuary.

The west coast of Barbados.
We stayed at the Crystal Cove in March every year. A great water sports team on the beach right in front of the hotel. Our DD was between 15 & 20 when we went.

Further up the beach, we stayed at the Colony Club which was wonderful, but with a tween, I’d go Crystal Cove.

West coast is just more upmarket, great beaches and calmer waters and some great restaurants.

Thailand

there is so much to do and see. Thailand caters for independent travellers so excursions, buying tickets etc is all made very easy and it’s cheap no need to hire cars or book through expensive travel agents

plus amazing food, service is great and the people are very friendly

I have never been anywhere else (and travelled to many countries) where they manage service and cater to everyone’s needs so well and without fuss. They just have a great knack of doing this so well often the costs are very reasonable too

Thailand, absolutely. And there's a lot too see in Bangkok - the temples are quite something, and markets are fun. It is very busy though.
We have been many times, and have learned to find small hotels away from the main tourist attractions. There are indeed some areas you do not want to take your teen to, and explain what exactly they do with the pingpong balls. But it's easy to avoid.
Otherwise the country is beautiful, beaches are gorgeous, very child friendly and super easy to navigate. You can go to any tour operator sitting behind a little desk in the middle of the street, tell them what you want, and they will put together an amazing program for you. Never had any issues.

Thailand 100%. Great cultural appreciation to be had. Thai's very friendly. Good service sector. Hotel/resorts great value. They look after animals-they are very aware of Western cultural sensitivities around elephants etc.

I have been to Thailand and Barbados and loved both of them. Barbados was shorter flight, easy to get around and not long drives, beautiful beaches and water activities, interesting history and an interesting mix of peoples. Thailand has more cultural sights, is more challenging to visit, great food and beautiful places. Thailand has an edgier side that I didn't notice in Barbados.

I would maybe go for Barbados now, and Thailand when she is a bit older. Maybe the Maldives surpasses them, but I haven't been and know nothing about it.

Thailand, there’s a lot more to do, it’s more interesting than Barbi & Maldives, & a lot cheaper than both of them. Barbi & Maldives are more for people who like to lie on the beach all day.

I agree with the Philippines suggestion. Great place to visit. Maldives would be my choice out of the OP's list, then Barbados.

Out of your choices I’ve only been to Barbados which I didn’t like as much as St Lucia. To echo a previous poster, I’ve recently heard great things about the Philippines, so that’s now near the top of my list.

I've got the same issue OP. I wondered if the Maldives would be a bit boring but I've recently discovered you can island hop.

I'd say Thailand would have more in the way of variety.

Barbados every time. So much to do and see. Shorter flight time. They speak English, drive on same side as us, you can drink the water. Lovely people.

I've been to all three but would always go back to the west coast of Barbados.

We went to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. As I recall it was pretty ethical.

I think it was the one in Phuket.

We also went to elephant hills which was great but it’s a bit out of the way.

Why did you think it would be OK to say this? It makes you look bitter.

Look at Elephant Hills in Thailand. Very much about animal welfare and it was a total highlight for my two DC (8 and 10) when we travelled around the country.