A Night In: Club Med Phuket, an all-inclusive resort that’s ideal for families

Phuket has long been a top Southeast Asian destination for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and historical temples. Also known as the Pearl of the Andaman, the island paradise is especially attractive for Malaysian tourists due to its location in southern Thailand, close to Malaysia’s northern border.

Thanks to its popularity, Phuket is not short of 5-star hotels and resorts to meet every need and preference. And if yours happens to be a family holiday where everything is included and within walking distance, Club Med Phuket could be your ideal accommodation.

Nestled on the idyllic Kata Beach, a 60-minute drive away from Phuket International Airport, Club Med Phuket delivers that tropical beach holiday experience and so much more. Sprawled across 16 hectares – at least three times larger than most resorts on the island on average – it boasts a premium all-inclusive concept that caters to every whim and fancy. Led by Chef de Village Vincent David (Club Med’s equivalent of a General Manager), the resort’s dynamic team of Gentle Organisers (GOs) provide thoughtful, personal, and vibrant hospitality to ensure a good time.

With a legacy spanning 39 years, Club Med Phuket has also constantly adapted to the demands of families and active couples to deliver a memorable stay fused with the essence of Thailand. We recently spent three nights in Club Med Phuket to discover its newly renovated rooms, upgraded facilities, and upcoming offerings that make it a family-friendly haven. Read on for our full review.

Stay in upscale comfort

As mentioned, Club Med Phuket has given some of its rooms a makeover, blending its heritage with modern design cues. For instance, the headboards feature fabric woven in the traditional Nam Lai pattern – an intricate Thai technique where artisans use their fingers to interlace colourful cotton threads to create patterns resembling flowing water. Furthermore, the updated rooms now feature pastel colours and contemporary furnishings for a more modern appeal.

The first phase of renovations was completed last December, with the rest of the resort still undergoing transformation in stages. We had a preview of the older rooms too, so believe us when we say the updates are truly a step up in comfort and aesthetics. Our Superior Room was more than spacious enough for two, but there’s also the Deluxe Room that fits up to three, or interconnecting rooms that are ideal for a family of four.

Enjoy endless activities

The family-friendly Main Pool at Club Med Phuket.

Day beds by the main pool offer panoramic views of the public beach.

Muay Thai lessons at Club Med Phuket are not to be missed!

An adult-only Zen Pool promises a relaxing escape from the resort's bustling activity.

Don't miss the daily evening performances, especially the fire shot by the beach!

Like all other Club Meds around the world, Club Med Phuket boasts a vast array of facilities and over 20 activities for guests to experience. There’s a main swimming pool and adult-only Zen pool, a 24-hour fully equipped fitness centre, a wall climbing area, tennis and padel courts, an archery centre, a yoga room, a wellness centre, and easy access to the public beach. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker, sports lover, or spa enthusiast, there’s definitely something for you.

Two offerings you should not miss out on are the Muay Thai classes and circus school. The former is a Club Med Phuket hit, where you’ll be led through a beginner-friendly Muay Thai session by a former athlete, San. Armed with over 30 years of experience, San injects fun and humour to each session with his playful personality, available for an additional cost starting from THB1,400 for a one-hour session. On the other hand, the circus school is a complimentary signature experience of Club Med. Participants will be taught how to perform a flying trapeze – promising a thrill of a lifetime!

Treatments at Payot Spa incorporate traditional Thai techniques.

Moreover, there are special programmes for children ranging from babies to teens to make new friends with other guests of similar age groups. This allows parents to pamper themselves and get some time away from their kids, while still having the option to spend quality time together through the Amazing Family! program. Speaking of pampering, Payot Spa is the perfect place to relax the mind and body after a day of fun and adventure. The wellness sanctuary offers six treatment rooms and two rooms with baths where guests can indulge in an extensive range of services including full body massages and aromatherapy sessions, starting from THB1,200.

And if all the above isn’t enough, guests can also book culture trips to discover Buddhist temples or experience outdoor nature excursions at additional cost.

Indulge in a plethora of dining options

The Mamuang is the resort's main restaurant with buffet-style offerings.

The Sanook offers invigorating beverages to stay refreshed.

Food carts by the main pool offer an authentic experience of the local food culture.

When it comes to dining, Club Med Phuket has no lack of options. The Mamuang is the main restaurant with buffet-style offerings and live cooking stations that span Thai, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Western cuisines, with a delectable dessert bar to boot. Some areas of the expansive restaurant have also received contemporary updates inspired by Thailand’s rich culture and heritage for a refreshed dining experience.

Over at another end of the Village, there’s Chu-da, an elegant restaurant serving a la carte Thai-fusion cuisine for dinner. It boasts oceanfront views, making it a great option for couples or intimate dining. Alternatively, The Sanook is a cafe cum bar by the main pool that offers a relaxing space to sip on refreshing cocktails while soaking in the sun during the day, before transforming into a vibrant hub for mingling and dancing in the evening. Lastly, there’s also Zen Bar, a tranquil oasis located next to the adult-only Zen Pool for couples and friends to unwind over a tipple or three.

Immerse in a Family Oasis (coming soon)

Families are at the heart of Club Med, and Club Med Phuket is leading the charge with the signature Kids Club and an upcoming Family Oasis slated to be completed in the first half of 2025. This much-anticipated new development will be the first in Southeast Asia for the hospitality brand, designed to be a haven for families with 32 Family Rooms – each comfortably accommodating up to two adults, two children under 11 years old, and one baby. There will also be a dedicated waterplay zone and snack bar completing the space, ensuring an unforgettable escape for parents and their kids.

Whatever you’re looking for in a resort, you’re bound to find it with Club Med Phuket’s extensive all-inclusive experiences. Its refreshed look and upcoming Family Oasis only make a visit here that much more inviting, especially for families.