6 OF THE BEST
Phuket hotels
FOR FAMILIES
One of the favourite holiday playgrounds for Aussie families, Phuket has a plethora of resorts offering everything from waterslides to kids’ clubs close to beautiful beaches. Here are some to consider for your next Thailand getaway.
1
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, Karon Beach
Set around its own water park on Karon Beach, on Phuket’s west coast, with a lush green hill as the backdrop, this resort is a great choice for families. Its design was inspired by the classic Sino-Portuguese architecture that characterises Phuket Town, with a large pool with a lazy river and waterslide, a bright and colourful kids’ club, and an award-winning spa, SPA Cenvaree. Dine with your feet in the sand at COAST Beach Club and Bistro, enjoy international cuisine at The Cove restaurant, or an Italian feast at Mare. Its less than 15 minutes’ walk along the beach into the heart of Karon village, with a range of family-friendly accommodation, including pool suites, private pool villas and rooms with two double beds.
2
Centara Karon Resort Phuket, Karon Beach
With three pools (and three swim-up pool bars!), waterslides and an awesome kids’ club, you’re guaranteed a fun holiday at Centara Karon Resort Phuket. Located just a few minutes’ stroll from the beach in the heart of Karon’s lively dining and entertainment strip, it has four residential zones designed to serve different-sized groups and preferences. Tuck into pizza and pasta at Italian restaurant Azure, international dishes at Lotus and a range of refreshments at the Terraces Pool Bar. There’s a full schedule of activities in resort for kids and adults, with happy hour every day.
3
Centara Kata Resort Phuket, Kata
In the bustling resort hub of Kata, on Phuket’s south-west coast, this resort is a short walk or free shuttle ride away from the two-kilometre-long Kata Beach. It has a small toddler pool with a mushroom waterfall, a waterslide, separate childrens’ pool, and a jacuzzi. There are also two age-specific kids’ clubs. The Resort has 158 rooms and one-or two-bedroom suites with a private balcony or terrace. Suites also boast a fully-equipped kitchenette. The tour desk can arrange activities such as snorkelling, island hopping and family-friendly treks, and a complimentary scheduled shuttle service will take you to the beach.
4
Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa, Centara Boutique Collection
Splash out with a luxury stay at Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa, which has 22 pool villas that were built to resemble traditional Thai houses. Inspired by the native white wood named maikhao that is found in Phuket, the boutique resort has a sleek white design that is complemented with teak wood and terra cotta. Each villa has its own terrace, a sala, a sunbathing deck and a private pool. Enjoy a laidback dining experience by the pool or the pristine private beach at Pines Beach Club or a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavours at Dokbua Lounge.
5
Waterfront Suites Phuket by Centara, Karon Beach
This 21-storey Sino-Portuguese serviced apartment building combines modern living with contemporary comfort. Spacious and sleek in design, each of the 39 one, two and three-bedroom suites is equipped with a kitchen and separate lounge area. Wake up with a morning swim in the pool, play tennis or squash, or explore beautiful Karon Beach. Guests can also use the facilities at sister hotel, Centara Karon Resort Phuket, which is only a short seven-minute stroll away.
6
Centara Villas Phuket
Built between the jungle and the Andaman Sea, Centara Villas Phuket offers an intimate hideaway close to Karon Beach. It has sweeping views over the bay, which can be reached in just a few minutes via a coastal pathway that leads from the resort’s gardens. Each of the private Thai-style villas directly faces the sea from a dramatic inclined perch, ensuring unobstructed views. Some even offer the choice of a private pool or jacuzzi. It also boasts a two-tiered pool overlooking the bay, three restaurants and bars, and a signature SPA Cenvaree. Villas have one extra bed for kids, but many families book two adjoining villas.
