Family-Friendly Thailand: David Kevan's Top Resort Picks

 

At Chic I like to include a range of resorts , based mainly on appeal .So there are those that are essentially couples romance focused with personalised attention a priority . There are others that are larger with more on site activities such as numerous dining options and facilities . And then you have others which are geared to families , be it children and Mum & Dad or multi-generation . 

 

Two resorts I saw recently in Thailand really stood out as attractive to families . The first is the Avani + plus resort in Khao Lak . 85 minutes drive north from Phuket Airport , or 2 hours from Krabi . It has over 300 rooms split between main building and up/ down villas which are particularly spacious . 4 swimming pools with one family focused with slides and fountains . ( See lead picture ) Superb extensive beach ( particularly good November to April ) with range of water-sports . And then facilities which include crazy golf , a skate boarding area , a farm area with chickens , ducks and rabbits ,  tennis and basket ball courts , a kids club for the younger ones and then a games room that seemed to appeal to parents  just as much as teenagers , really buzzing atmosphere .  Rock climbing . Thai boxing classes for all ages . Two restaurants for family meals , plus some romantic options should the parents need an evening together . 

 

To me Avani + was one of the most impressive family resorts I have seen for a long time . It can appeal to couples as well but to me the main attraction will be to families , of all ages . It is frequently promoted as a deluxe resort but in my mind it more very good first class . Obviously you choose it knowing there will be plenty of other families , not just your own but that can be part of the appeal Plus Avani offers an optional all-inclusive meal and drink plan which some families find attractive .

 

The other resort I saw that had family appeal , and almost equally romance , was the Anantara Resort on Koh Yao Yai . 40 minutes by speedboat from Phuket but a different world . Koh Yao Yai is one of the least developed of all the Thai Islands . Just a handful of hotels of which the Anantara is the standout resort . Superb beach even at low tide when you can almost walk to the offshore island. 

148 rooms and suites set with five wings , with two dedicated to families with their own family pool and slides . Very good kids club up until 12 years , plus soccer pitch and training . Several restaurants with one being family focused . Some unique family rooms with bunkbeds giving you a climb up / slide down option . 

 

Unlike Avani + , Anantara has a strong attraction to  both couples and families . There are plenty of romantic little nooks to escape and the tropical gardens are extensive  . Some clients might find Yao Yai too authentic but is also part of the aspirational appeal , very few have been  . You fly into Phuket and then quickly move on . Tourism is new , it is still mainly fishing and rubber plantations . If you want nightlife and shopping stay first in Phuket for a few days  and then take the speedboat across , with each minute taking you  back into traditional Thai hospitality allied with superb quality . 

A very different Thailand experience . Wonderful