Let’s face it, as parents we go away on holidays to let go, remove the mental load, and unwind. But in reality, we often just move all the coordinating, organising and challenges of family life to a completely different location, multiplied by a completely different level of challenges.
So if you’re dreaming of a family holiday that combines luxury, adventure, and relaxation, plus gives parents a break from the everyday, I can honestly recommend you consider an all inclusive family holiday like I did recently in Phuket.
The all inclusive resort with no surprises
When we book a holiday at a hotel or resort, we still often need to feed our kids 3 times a day (plus snacks), come up with or decide the ideas on what we will do (often multiple things to factor each day), coordinate the activities, book the tours, coordinate the transport, try to keep the cost within our budgets, coordinate the currency exchange (if overseas) and so on.
But at an all-inclusive resort, it’s a bit different. It’s like the thinking has been done for you, and I couldn’t love this more!
Unlike traditional hotels and resorts, the cost of an all inclusive holiday at Club Med includes:
- All meals – delicious full-board dining with 3 meals a day plus snacks
- All your drinks including coffees, juices, alcoholic drinks including cocktails and more!
- Premium accommodation across various room types
- Five amazing kids clubs for babies 4 months right through to teenagers
- Over 60 activities and sports to choose from
Plus, one of the big wins for me was that because everything has been done for you, we get to have a proper holiday. I mean a proper holiday. I honestly felt like they’d done all the thinking for me, so I didn’t have to.
And it felt soooo good.
Welcome to Club Med, Phuket
Nestled in a prime position on the gorgeous Patong beachfront in the heart of Thailand’s Phuket island, you’ll find Club Med. This five-star resort offers everything you need for the perfect family getaway. From stunning beaches to fun and daring activities for all the family, plus delicious cuisine and free flowing drinks, Club Med resorts really are the ultimate destination for families.
After all, they’ve really perfected the art of the all inclusive family holiday. Club Med have been going for over 70 years now, with resorts across 40 regions around the globe.
Club Med are the Pioneers of All-Inclusive Resorts
Back in 2017, well before COVID hit, we road tested Club Med in Bali. That was back when my boys were sweet and innocent, and did what we told them (mostly!) It was a fabulous holiday, giving us the time away as as family, but also my husband and I equally time to ourselves. We really loved it. You can read our review of Club Med in Nusa Dua, Bali here.
Now that my boys are teenagers, and sometimes often hard to please, I was curious to see what the experience of a different culture and different location (with an extra 7 years and COVID under our belt) had on a Club Med resort.
Magical Thailand
For me, Thailand is up there as one of my all time favourite countries for many reasons: the people, the culture, the scenery, and of course, the delicious food.
I love it when you go to a holiday destination, and everyone makes you feel so welcome, special almost, and like one of the family. Well guess what? That’s exactly the vibe you’ll get at a Club Med resort and I’m all for it!
From the moment we arrived at the resort, we were greeted with the warm and friendly hospitality that Thailand is so well known for. You’ll quickly discover that the staff are from all corners of the globe, and you gain a new sense of adventure now you that you’re overseas, and connecting with people from all over the globe.
Not your typical resort staff
Club Med’s staff are known as G.Os (or Club Med Gentle Organisers). They work in various roles around the resort, priding themselves on making your stay unforgettable (and they certainly do that!) They’re so proud of where they come from, and Club Med is clearly proud of celebrating a ‘one world’ type of attitude towards their team.
It’s important to remember, people always remember how you make them feel, and Club Med’s G.Os go above and beyond. I really love it when you’re made to feel so welcome and special on a holiday. It really does make a difference.
I always say that as a company your people are your greatest asset. Sure, you can have a gorgeous resort anywhere in the world, but if your people are cr*p, then you’re challenged.
Thankfully, it’s evident when talking to the staff that they’re so proud of the Club Med brand, it’s culture and how many resorts they’ve worked at across the chain’s 40 different resort destinations.
Your Home Away from Home
My room was spacious, modern, and nicely decorated with Thai-inspired elements and a really pleasing feel. It was one of their newly renovated deluxe rooms with a super king bed (it’s been many years since I’ve had this much bed to myself!), so felt amazing to stretch out and not wake with an elbow in my chest.
The room was equipped with all the features you’d need on holiday including an impressive amount of storage (two wardrobes and heaps of drawers), complimentary Wi-Fi, TV, bar fridge, beautiful toiletries, in room safe, hair dryer, iron and board, a mosquito trapping device, and, if you’re lucky, a large balcony with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea or across into the beautifully manicured gardens.
Club Med have totally got the kids sorted!
Club Med really know how to look after kids too, they’re famous for it, after all! I can remember how impressive the Kid’s Club was back in Bali, and was even more impressed to learn they offer five different kids clubs by age group. They really do offer something for everyone, no matter their age or interests. Once again, they really do all the hard work for parents with kids, plus children under 4 get to stay for FREE!
Club Med for babies:
Let’s face it, travelling with babies can be cumbersome. It’s like we need to pack more for them than we do ourselves! Thankfully, Club Med has taken the guesswork out of holidaying with a baby, and have most of the equipment ready for you, so you don’t have to bring it! For parents with babies, Club Med offers:
- CLUB MED BABY CLUB: This is an exclusive space created excusively for babies 4-23 months of age. It costs $110 per day and has a carer ratio of 1 G.O. to 3 babies so good hands on support and care. The program includes play time with their baby gym, areas for naps, swim time and arranging of meals and snacks.
- The Baby-Corner: This is an area of the main restaurant featuring an assorted buffet and a choice of small savoury and sweet jars with a blender, bottle warmer, and microwave.
- The Baby Restaurant: A restaurant created just for kids, where the little ones can enjoy delicious and balanced meals prepared for them, with you or as part of Baby Club Med.
- The “Biberonneries”: All you need to prepare your baby’s dishes, 24 x 7: a steriliser, bottle warmer, microwave, mineral water, small jars and more.
- Pyjama Club: a service that runs between 7-11 pm each night, featuring nursery rhymes, stories, games for falling asleep – allowing mum and dad the opportunity to have a night out on their own. #winning
- If your resort features the Baby Club Med®, then the Baby Welcome® service lets you enjoy less baggage and peace of mind. Think baby beds, a bathtub, bottle warmers, trolleys … they have all the childcare equipment you need waiting for you in your room. This service is included in your all-inclusive package. Simply ask for it when making your reservation.
- Plus, if you need to change baby across the day, each resort offers pleasant and modern changing rooms available 24 x 7 in the resort’s communal spaces.
Club Med for toddlers:
- PETITE CLUB: A service for 2-3 year olds. It costs $107 per day.
- Here kids can enjoy the baby gym play area, discover arts and craft. Enjoy picnics outside and the dedicated toddler swimming pool.
Club Med for primary school aged children (included in resort fee):
- MINI CLUB: A club for children between 4–10 years where kids can enjoy archery, flying trapeze, art and craft, various water sports and more.
- Amazing family Service. This is a free program of activities families can do together. Some of the activities include the foam party, a pool party, scavenger hunt, giant Jenga or beach cleanup events. All are coordinated and run by the Club Med G.Os so you can rest assured there’s someone to keep you all on track and again, you don’t have to think!
- Mini Club Plus is a programs designed by a child psychologist and is centered around the “6 C’s” aimed to preparing children for the future inspired by Positive Education framework. These 6 C’s are: Connection, Cheerfulness, Corporation, confidence, creativity and courage. Activities focud on this skills are conducted in between the sports and activities on offer. As each child demonstrates these skills they are rewarded with bracelets.
Club Med for Teens (included in your resort fee):
- Club Med offers 2 sub-groups for kids in the teens & tweens age group:
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- TEEN CLUBS for 11-13 year olds
- CHILL PASS for 14-17 year olds
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- They know how to do ‘teen adventure’ that is actually cool, and judging by the group sizes I saw at the resort, they think it’s worth going back day after day.
- Days can be filled with laser tag, volleyball tournaments, inflatable water courses, DJ nights & more. Their program’s been created to enhance the social interaction … and get them off their screens (and we all know how much we want that!)
- Club Med can even organise “offsite excursions” in specific resorts. For example, teens one day per week can go with a G.O. from the resort to the local water park etc.
No matter the age, it was evident that Club Med really drives the family holiday market. The staff are so friendly and attentive, they love kids and really don’t mind getting down and partying with them.
From parties in the pool, to rock climbing, poolside foam parties, water inflatable parties, arts and crafts or sports and outdoor adventures, Club Med really does have your daytime activities nailed. Plus, of course, you can’t forget their circus school, where kids learn to juggle and even try their hand at the flying trapeze.
Choose from a huge range of activities, all included in your stay.
Adults are spoilt for choice too, with the hardest decision each day is deciding what you are going to do. I loved the sound of unwinding in a (WINE) yoga session by the pool (yes, that’s yoga with a wine in your hand!), or a hit of tennis, round of archery (saying that like I’ve actually played it before), or swing on the huge trapeze setup in the front garden and build out my circus skills (this was a HUGE hit with both the kids AND the adults!)
I’ve been asked a lot about the resort activities, and, of course, you don’t have to participate in ANY of the included activities if you don’t want to. But I’m not sure who could resist, to be honest. The best bit is, you decide EXACTLY what you want to do – you’re 100% in control of each and every day.
HUNGRY? Well let me tell you about the food!
I cannot stress this strongly enough. Club Med are renowned for their food and hands down, breakfast, lunch and dinner were a highlight of each day! Seiously, you didn’t know what was going to be on offer each lunch or dinner, the standard of food is exceptional, with so many different cuisines all under one roof. Plus, with menus changing daily, you’re always up for a new surprise!
The Mamuang, is the main restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is a buffet-style restaurant with a series of different stations offering flavours from around the world. Choose from Thai, Japanese, Italian, Vegan, Indian, Salad, bread station, fresh fruit station, and dessert bar with gelati stand.
There are a handful of dining areas leading off the restaurant, so it was lovely to have a variety of eating expereinces each day too. One day our view was the beach, the next it was the front garden, another time the pool. Nothing felt repeated.
Plus, there’s also an all-day restaurant where you can order a-la-carte, so no matter your timing, your next delicious feast is never far away.
Choose from a selection of restaurants and bars, each serving up delicious cuisine from around the world. And, it’s all included.
I was particularly impressed with the delicious Asian influences, Japanese offerings, the Italian pasta and pizza station (this was a hit with the kids for lunch and dinner) plus although I don’t eat seafood, the range of fresh seafood was hands down a winner for those in our group because of its freshness and always bursting with flavour.
For something different, you can reserve a table for dinner at The Chu-da, the resort’s specialty à la carte restaurant. Offering a fusion of Thai and international cuisine, the setting is stunning overlooking the Zen pool along the beachfront. Again, it’s all included.
FANCY A DRINK? Guess what … your drinks are included too!
The resort also features several bars where you can relax with a refreshing cocktail or enjoy a casual snack. The Zen Bar, right by the adults-only pool, was our favourite spot for a quiet afternoon drink, while the lively Sunset Bar by the main pool was perfect for watching the sun set across the horizon.
The kids will love working their way through the mocktail menu, while adults can equally enjoy sampling the local cocktail menu.
Relaxation and Wellness are Paramount at Club Med
While there’s no shortage of activities and adventures at Club Med Phuket, the resort also nails it at providing opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. One of my favourite resort locations was the Zen Pool, an adults-only infinity pool, and a perfect place to unwind with a good book or just relax and be in a peaceful and quiet location. It’s so tranquil, and bar staff are very attentive, which made it one of our favourite spots at the resort.
I can just picture myself here, with a couple of girlfriends, watching the sun slowly lower across the sky. It really would be an incredible holiday with other families and it’s quite evident that multi-generational holidays were popular amongst the guests when we were there.
If you want a little more pampering, the Club Med Spa by PAYOT offers a range of treatments designed to pamper and revitalise oneself (these are an additional cost). Therapists use a combination of traditional Thai techniques and modern wellness practices to leave you feeling completely relaxed and refreshed.
Plus the entertainment’s all included too!
Club Med comes to life after sunset with an array of evening entertainment options. Each night, the resort offers a different event, from beach parties to traditional dance performances or cultural shows, ensuring there’s always something fun and exciting to look forward to.
From fire shows on the beach, to traditional Thai performances, talent shows and plenty of local markets and sideshows by the pool, every night is different and bound to keep you entertained. And yes, they’re all included so you don’t have to think!
Plus, locals set up tables by the pool to sell their handmade crafts and souvenirs in a local community market some nights. It’s a fantastic opportunity to interact with the local community, discover local talents, and bring home a piece of Thai culture.
One of the highlights of our stay was the White Night, a key Club Med event where guests dress in white and enjoy a night of dancing, music, and entertainment poolside under the stars.
The atmosphere was electric, and it was a fantastic way to connect with other guests and make new friends.
Crunching the numbers on an all inclusive family holiday
A Club Med all-inclusive holiday offers incredible value with no hidden surprises. The closest I could compare it to as far as giving mums a break was a cruising holiday. But when it come to crunching the numbers, I just couldnt compare the two. While cruises might seem appealing with their exotic itineraries, the costs can quickly add up. After paying for your cruise, you still need to budget for taxes, fees and port charges, gratuities (tips often in $USD), room upgrades, specialty dining and beverage packages; shore excursions, drinks packages and Wi-Fi access. These extras can turn your dream holiday into a financial strain.
I remember on our last cruise, it was going to cost my husband and I over $2,000 for the drinks package alone for our 9 nights. $2,000 just for two of us for drinks! Comparably, an all inclusive holiday at Club Med includes all your drinks, including coffees, juices, wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, mocktails, shots and more!
Obviously you can still choose to do external tours around your resort, however they’ll be significantly cheaper and more competitively priced than if you book on your cruise.
Included in your Club Med stay:
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- Superior Accommodation: Spacious rooms overlooking the lush garden or out to sea. Ideal for a couple, they can also fit an additional child < 12 years.
- Children’s Club (4-17 year old): A wide variety of activities for your children from 4 to 17 years. Sports, games, tournaments, everything is done for them under the expert eye of their G.O®
- Gourmet Cuisine: All meals are includ: breakfast, lunch, all day snacks and dinner.
- Drinks (including alcholic drinks) are all included. Top shelf products available at an extra cost.
- Bar & Snacking: You have access to a bar and snack service all day.
- Sports & Activities: Over 25 sports and activities on offer, all included in your stay.
- Day & Night entertainment: All included as part of your stay, cultural performances and themed nights are included – even the white night!
Step outside of the resort and onto the beach for a stroll, head down to grab some souvenirs nearby or, for an extra cost, there are tours to explore Phuket’s historic Old Town and the Big Buddha, or head out on a boat to James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, or to the Phi Phi islands.
My stay at Club Med Phuket was everything I had expected and more. The combination of luxurious accommodation, delicious food, endless activities, and warm hospitality made for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or embark on exciting adventures, Club Med Phuket has something for everyone.
If you’re planning a family holiday and want a destination that offers the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and cultural immersion, Club Med Phuket should be at the top of your list. With its beautiful location, excellent facilities, and attentive service, it’s no wonder this resort is a top choice for families looking to create unforgettable memories together.
Belinda stayed as a guest of Club Med Phuket and all of her opinions are her own.
