These are unusual times, and the state of affairs can change quickly. Please check the latest travel guidance before making your journey. Note that our writer visited pre-pandemic.
This gloriously green tropical isle has something for everyone – and that includes families. Children of all ages are catered for, from action-packed activities for teenagers – learning Muay Thai boxing, rock-climbing, kayaking through mangroves – to fun educational outings. From visiting the island’s only ethical elephant sanctuary and touring the Old Town’s colourful streets, to lazy days with the little ones spent flitting between beach and pool, here’s our pick of the best family-friendly resorts in Phuket.
Six Senses Yao Noi
Ko Yao Noi, Phuket, Thailand
For such a romantic spot, Six Senses Yao Noi is surprisingly offspring-friendly. As an all-villa property there are no connecting rooms but the villas are enormous so extra beds can be rolled out – and come at no extra charge for wee ones under 11. Children’s menus are also discounted, with kids aged one to six eating for free, and seven to 11-year olds receiving a 50 per cent discount. Elsewhere, the beach is silk soft and the sea flat calm making it ideal for splashing around with tots, while activities for older children include everything from Muay Thai boxing sessions in a beachside ring to kayaking around shady mangroves to messily-brilliant batik painting classes.
From
£
462
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
• The best hotels in Phuket
Rosewood Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
Located on Phuket’s south west coast, the phenomenal, family-friendly Rosewood Phuket is beachside beauty made for fun in the sun, spa pampering and steamy cocktail-fuelled nights. Hidden in the heart of the resort, out of sight but within easy reach of parents, the Explorer’s Club is free for children aged three to eight. There’s a terrific variety of activities, with a focus on sustainability and cultural awareness – Thai language classes, umbrella painting, picking herbs, digging for worms and tree planting. Children’s menus and welcome amenities are also provided.
From
£
561
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
The Slate
Nai Yang Beach, Phuket, Thailand
A family-friendly bargain on a mammoth scale, nestled against a strip of silken sand. The biggest pull is the three magnificent pools embedded in mature sub-tropical greenery. Families aren’t chastised either, as the principal swimming pool is just as relaxed as the adults-only Infinity one. There’s also sand-in-the-toes dining, monastery visits, bike tours, shipping trips, £45 Thai cooking classes (with discounts for kids), plus an office of the Sea Bees dive centre within the hotel perimeter. There’s a daily kids’ club from 9am to 5.30pm, plus scavenger hunts and Little Chef baking lessons.
From
£
134
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa
Layan Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Situated on an empty hairpin of golden sands, the Anantara Layan is a calm, classy resort where days start with hours-long breakfasts gazing at the sea and end with heart-melting sunsets. It’s not the most sensational beach in Phuket – the sand is a little shingle-y – but the waters are calm, clear, warm, and above all feel delightfully private. With its secluded location and fabulous wellness facilities, it’s the ideal spot for those looking to rest and recharge. Children are welcome but the quiet atmosphere and lack of kids’ club makes it better suited to older families and groups of grown-ups.
From
£
154
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
• The best nightlife in Phuket
The Naka Island
Ko Naka Yai, Phuket, Thailand
The hotel is located on the island of Naka Yai, off Phuket’s craggy east coast. There’s not a lot else to be found on the island, other than a small fishing village, some rubber plantations and a couple of empty beaches. Naka’s beach isn’t the best in Phuket but it is private, very pretty to look at and pleasant enough for a quick dip (do pack some beach shoes). Other ways to enjoy the surroundings are by kayak, stand-up paddle board or catamaran, all of which are available free of charge – as are Schwinn bikes if you fancy exploring the island. The staff are great with children and there are a number of large family rooms, a kids’ club and tennis courts.
From
£
120
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
The Surin Phuket
Surin Beach, Phuket, Thailand
The Surin is perfectly positioned on Pansea Beach, a near-private bow of boulder-strewn golden sands which can only be reached via long-tail boat or through the hotel. There are two more sensational beaches within walking distance too; the more playful Surin beach and peaceful Laem Sing. There’s plenty to keep you busy; an enormous hexagonal-shaped swimming pool; tennis courts; a watersports centre with complimentary kayaks, catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, body boards and snorkelling gear. Children are welcome and while there’s no kids’ club, the empty beach, big pool and free watersports should keep older children occupied.
From
£
183
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Banyan Tree Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
Banyan Tree Phuket is a safe bet for both couples and families in search of quiet surrounds, excellent facilities and easy access to one of the best beaches on the island. The grounds are huge and there’s a lot going on: cooking school, tennis courts, yoga pavilions, a golf academy (and an 18-hole course), a fitness centre, a kids’ club and two swimming pools. There’s a fun one with jet cannons, hot tubs and a swim-up bar and another large quiet pool adjacent to the spa. The Turtle Kids’ Club is free for children aged four to 12, and is open from 8am until 6pm every day. Child-friendly activities include a cooking school, art classes and discovering Thai flora and fauna on nature trails.
From
£
207
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Amanpuri
Phuket, Thailand
Literally and geographically separated from the pack, Amanpuri rests on a rainforest-covered peninsula flanked by beautiful boulder-embossed Pansea beach on one side and the seemingly infinite white sands of Bangtao on the other. There is also a comprehensive watersports centre, tennis courts with ex-pro instructors, a dazzling sea view gym and a sensational spa. Amanpuri has been at the top of its game for nearly three decades and that experience shines through in the intuitive friendly staff. Despite the wonderfully secluded feel, there are a few small restaurants, bars and boutiques within walking distance of the hotel should you require a change of scene.
From
£
885
per night
Rates provided by
Mr & Mrs Smith
The Village Coconut Island
Phuket, Thailand
A private estate that shouts tropical Thailand from the off. The resort’s character is hedonistically holiday: most guests do nothing more strenuous that sip the welcome cocktail, enjoy a golf car transfer to their villa, then while away a sun-kissed week with a well-thumbed paperback. Expect relaxation, made simple. The Village Coconut Island is also great for families, not only for the private villa pools, free bikes, grand gardens and general communal fun. Cots are provided free of charge, and extra children’s beds are priced at £17 per night. Babysitters cost £4 per hour.
From
£
54
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Contributions by Tristan Rutherford
This article was originally published by Telegraph.co.uk. Read the original article here.