The Ultimate Guide to Phuket Family Resorts

Choosing the Best Family Resort in Phuket

Finding the ideal family resort in Phuket can be the key to a perfect holiday. When making your selection, it's important to consider what matters most to your family. The location of the resort is crucial. Consider whether you prefer to be near major attractions, secluded beaches or within walking distance of shops and restaurants. A conveniently located resort can save a lot of travel time and make your holiday more relaxed.

Look for resorts offering a variety of room types, such as interconnecting rooms, family suites with kitchenette or full kitchen facilities or even private villas. This is especially important for larger families or those with teenagers who might appreciate their own space. Families with younger children may wish to avoid loft-style rooms or rooms with direct pool access for safety reasons. Resorts like Sunwing Kamala Beach offer themed rooms that add an extra element of fun to your stay. These rooms even include toys for the little ones to play with, saving you space in your luggage.

Depending on how adventurous your family is, you may find it easier to enjoy the facilities of your resort rather than venture too far. If this is the case, keen your eyes peeled for essential amenities like children's swimming pools, playgrounds, and kid's clubs. These facilities should offer a range of age-appropriate activities that are not only fun but also culturally enriching. Some resorts even offer special programmes like snorkelling lessons, eco-tours and cultural excursions that are suitable for families. Finally, look at reviews from other families. These can provide valuable insights into the actual experiences of families similar to your own and can be a deciding factor in your choice.

Top Phuket Family Resorts

Sunwing Bangtao Beach: Sunwing Bangtao Beach is a family paradise, offering spacious rooms and a variety of children's activities. With multiple pools, including kid-friendly options, and a beachfront location, it's perfect for families looking to combine relaxation and fun. The resort's Lollo & Bernie Kids' Club ensures the little ones are always entertained.

Sunwing Kamala Beach: Ideal for families, Sunwing Kamala Beach boasts direct beach access and a selection of pools, each designed with family fun in mind. The rooms are tailored for family stays, offering ample space and convenient amenities. The kids' club and various family-oriented activities make it a top choice for a stress-free family holiday.

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket: Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, situated on Karon Beach, is a family-friendly resort with a water park and a range of activities suitable for all ages. The spacious family rooms and suites, along with dedicated children's facilities, make it a luxurious and comfortable choice for families.

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort: Nestled along the shores of Kata Noi Beach, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort offers a tranquil escape with a touch of luxury. The resort features five swimming pools, including a children's pool, and a fun-filled kids' club making it an ideal option for families seeking both relaxation and entertainment.

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach: Located on a secluded stretch of Tri-Trang Beach, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach is renowned for its family-friendly environment. With three landscaped pools, a kids' club, and a range of family activities, this resort ensures a memorable and enjoyable stay for guests of all ages.

Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa: Set in the heart of Karon, Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa is perfect for family vacations, offering specially designed family rooms and a relaxing atmosphere. The resort features a kids' club and an onsite waterpark complete with a 12 meter-high slide, dedicated kids pool, water play areas and even a swim up bar for the adults, ensuring that younger guests are well-catered for, while adults can relax.

Facilities & Activities

The hallmark of great family resorts in Phuket is the range of facilities and activities they offer. Look for resorts with dedicated kids' clubs, where activities are tailored to engage young minds while ensuring their safety. Swimming pools with child-safe features, play areas and family-oriented entertainment are also significant perks. Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa is an outstanding example of this, with an onsite waterpark complete with giant 12m high water slide, dedicated children's pool with a variety of water play activities and even a swim up pool bar for the adults. Additionally, many resorts offer educational activities like Thai cooking classes or eco-friendly tours, providing fun learning experiences for the whole family.

Dining Options

Dining with children can sometimes be challenging, but many family resorts in Phuket cater to little palates. Whether you've got a little one who will eat anything or a picky eater, family-friendly dining options are an important factor for a happy family holiday. Resorts should provide highchairs, child-friendly menus, flexible dining hours and perhaps even special meal deals for children. Some resorts may also offer interactive dining experiences, such as buffet stations where kids can watch their food being prepared, themed dinners or cooking classes suitable for the whole family.

Beyond the Resort

Phuket is a treasure trove of experiences for families, and venturing beyond the resort can lead to some of the most memorable moments of your trip. Here's a closer look at what Phuket has to offer:

Beach Exploration: Beyond the resort's beachfront, Phuket's coastline is dotted with numerous beaches, each with its unique charm. From the bustling Patong Beach to the serene Kata Noi, families can enjoy a variety of beach activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, or simply building sandcastles.

Cultural Attractions: Phuket is rich in cultural heritage. Visit the iconic Big Buddha, explore the temples, or take a stroll through the historical Phuket Old Town. These attractions provide a great opportunity for families to learn about Thai culture and history in an engaging way.

Nature & Wildlife: For nature-loving families, there are elephant sanctuaries and national parks where you can observe Thailand's majestic wildlife in a responsible and ethical manner. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and Khao Phra Thaeo National Park are great options for educational and eco-friendly excursions.

Adventure Activities: Phuket offers numerous adventure activities suitable for families, such as guided tours by speedboat, zip-lining through forests or a family-friendly trekking experience. These activities are not only thrilling but also allow families to bond over shared adventures.

Boat Trips & Island Hopping: A must-do in Phuket is a boat trip to the nearby islands. Destinations like Phi Phi Island or James Bond Island offer spectacular scenery, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and beaches perfect for a family day out.

Local Markets & Shopping: Exploring local markets like the Phuket Weekend Market or Chillva Market can be a fun family outing. Great for shopping up a storm, these markets also offer a glimpse into local life and are perfect for picking up souvenirs, trying street food, or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Thai Cooking Classes: For a unique and interactive experience, join a Thai cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Thai dishes. It's a fun way to involve the whole family and learn something new. Who knows, maybe your little chef will even bring home a new dish to cook so you can have a night off.

Remember, while exploring beyond the resort, always consider the comfort and safety of your family. Plan your outings based on the ages and interests of your children and don't hesitate to ask the resort staff for recommendations or assistance in organising these excursions. This way, you can ensure a balanced holiday experience that combines relaxation with adventure and cultural immersion.

Tips for Families Travelling to Phuket

• Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers your entire family.
• Healthcare: Familiarise yourself with the locations of the nearest hospitals or clinics from your resort.
• Local Customs & Language: Teach your children basic Thai phrases and educate them about local customs to enhance your cultural experience.
• Packing: Apart from the usual beachwear, include sun protection, insect repellent and any specific child-care items that might not be readily available.
• Safety & Convenience: Safety is paramount when travelling with children. Resorts with well-trained staff, secure premises, lifeguards at pools and medical facilities on-site or nearby are preferable. Additionally, consider the resort's location in relation to attractions you plan to visit to minimise travel time.

Phuket's family resorts offer more than just a place to stay; they provide a complete, enriching experience for your family holiday. With the right choice of resort and some planning, your trip to Phuket can be a memorable adventure for the entire family, filled with the perfect mix of relaxation, fun and cultural exploration.

Compare Family Resorts in Phuket

* Age limits apply, click resort names for more details.