Let’s be honest, choosing the best possible family friendly resorts in Phuket for your vacation is perhaps the most important holiday decision you’ll make because if the kids are happy, mum and dad will be too. To help you make this all-important decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 tips you should think about when selecting a resort for a family holiday on Phuket island.
Water Sports
Look for resorts that have plenty of water play options for children. Why? Because it will keep them happy for hours and they’ll have the opportunity to meet other children to play with. All good family-focused resorts offer multiple pools, waterslides, fountains and water play areas, along with separate adult pools.
Kids Club
Most quality resorts, especially in Thailand, have some kind of Kids’ Club nowadays. Typically, they will have play equipment, games, sporting equipment, arts n’ crafts supplies and the supervising staff will do activities with the children. Most such clubs are free for kids staying at the resort and open from approximately 8:00 am 5:00 pm daily.
A Safe Beach
A safe, swimmable beach with good sand (i.e., not too rocky) is always a bonus. And if it has great snorkelling every better! Many resorts will have water equipment like snorkelling gear, paddle boats, kayaks. etc. which you can use for free or a small rental fee. They might have a volleyball net too.
Kids Meals
Many resorts will let younger children eat for free when accompanying an adult at mealtimes. Other hotels offer a special children’s buffet at breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a la carte, most will have a dedicated kid’s menu, with favourite staples like chicken nuggets, mini pizzas, fish and chips, spaghetti, banana split sundae, etc.
Kids Activities
In addition to its Kids’ Club, many top-tier resorts will also offer a range of fun activities for their mini guests. Activities will range from swimming lessons and face painting to pottery, cooking lessons and sporting classes, like Muay Thai and beach yoga. Again these are generally either free or come with a small fee and pre-registration is usually required. Most hotels will have a schedule, ask Reception to see it.
Outdoor Activities
Any decent resort worth their salt will have an on-site tour booking service. In Phuket, that might mean booking your family on a half-day snorkelling trip the Similan Islands; a visit to Phuket Aquarium; taking to the skies at Flight of the Gibbon; going on an elephant trek or watching the extravagant Phuket FantaSea cultural theatre show.
Help with Kids at Check-in
Anyone with children knows that hotel check-in, especially after a long flight and drive, can be an absolute nightmare. Kids either want to see their new room, run off some energy, eat something or take a nap; all of which conspire to make them somewhat testy. A great hotel will have a special area for children to hang out in while mum and dad take care of business; this could include special drinks, snacks and games.
Family-friendly Rooms & Baby Equipment
A truly family-friendly resort will have no problem addressing your needs as a parent travelling with children, particularly babies. Don’t be afraid to ask for a ground-floor, quiet, non-smoking room; a cot for your baby; adjoining suites; babysitting services; and in-room kids entertainment, like suitable toys, games consoles and DVDs.
In-House Entertainment
If you have small children and can’t possibly go out in the evening to explore the island’s nightlife, check in advance to see if your chosen resort offers any in-house cultural shows. These will be entertaining for the whole family and provide a taste of the local culture. Many resorts will put on a nightly or weekend dinner show, complete with costumes, music and dancing. Others will ramp-up the fun with audience participation, via a rowdy round of karaoke.
Family Activities
Holidays are all about spending quality time with your loved ones. And while you can have a great amount of fun playing in the pool, lazing on the beach and enjoying a good meal together; some special family activities will add a memorable touch to your trip. Some resorts offer awesome family-friendly activities, like croquet, water volleyball, beach cricket, coconut bowling and mummy and me’ spa sessions.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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