Sometimes family holidays can be a bit exhausting, particularly for mum. Days can be spent arranging activities, interesting things to do, meals and just making sure the littlies are enjoying themselves.
Dermott Brereton, a dad of two, discovered that Club Med Phuket takes care of everything for everyone whether travelling with children or not. It's all under one umbrella and everything is included in the price.
Phuket is Thailand's largest island and was in the path of the horrendous 2004 tsunami. But Club Med is back stronger than ever and many staff members stayed on to rebuild Phuket and Club Med and everyone is smiling again.
Set in the bay of Kata, Club Med is set in 72 hectares of lush gardens with a beautiful beach where you can enjoy everything from scuba diving to the flying trapeze.
Thailand's exotic architectural style has been used throughout the 307 rooms. There is accommodation to suit families, couples and singles, all air-conditioned and opening onto a private balcony or terrace overlooking the sea or the beautiful, fragrant gardens.
There are two restaurants, various buffets and three bars, including one with a live band. Meals are taken in a large communal dining room, mostly smorgasbord style, and the variety is excellent. Beer, wine and cocktails are included.
Club Med for children
Club Med Village for Kids and Junior Club Med are for children between two and 11 years and 12 to 17 years. They are away from the centre of the village so parents and other guests can relax in peace knowing their young ones are fully supervised at all times by a team of highly qualified staff. Play areas are tailored to ages with just the right toys and gadgets, activities, creative activities and DVDs.
A 0.3m paddling pool allows toddlers to enjoy the outdoors and they also enjoy puppet theatre shows and happy gym programs. There are afternoon nap rooms if it is all just too wearing!
Older ones have their own outdoor pool and outdoor and indoor play rooms, all supervised by lifeguards and genteel organisers.
Club Med is just one of those places where you can be as busy or as idle as you want. You have the option of pool volleyball, golf, basketball, pool, archery and non-motorised activities are free!
Circus Phuket
This is madly popular, and again, is included in your package. Bungy trampoline is a mixture of trampoline and bungy jump. It's all done with a waist harness and two elastic cords attached to a post at either side of the trampoline. Jumps are amplified by the cords, and as the jumper becomes confident they can try more tricky moves.
There are various circus workshops with children learning to juggle, balance, ride a unicycle or just being a clown.
Adults and children adore the flying trapeze. After ground-training and some demonstrations, new flyers take off for their very first catch. More experienced people practise their return and work on the "weap" and "layout". It's all fantastic fun and makes for some special pictures.
You are guaranteed to never be bored or run out of things to do at Club Med and if you want to go further afield, why not hop aboard a speedboat and head for the beautiful Phi Phi Islands.
Location
Club Med on the island of Phuket, 890km south of Bangkok.
Cost
Club Med Phuket has eight-night packages including accommodation, all meals, drinks, use of non-motorised activities, entertainment, access to Kids' Club and Circus School starting at $1548 for adults and $982 for children aged between four and 11, land only, twin share. Nightly all-inclusive full rate is $258 per adult based on superior twin share. Book three months in advance and save 25 percent with the early-bird offer.
Thai Airways International has return flights to Phuket.
Fares from:
- Perth $988
- Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
$1145
Sales and validity dates apply.
Prices correct at April 2, 2009.
For further information
Thai Airways International
Ph: 1300 651 960
www.thaiairways.com.au
Club Med
Ph: 1300 855 052
www.clubmed.com
Visas: Australians may stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.
Electricity: 220V with European plug of two circular metal pins or Japanese plug with two parallel flat blades.
Time zone: GMT +7.
Currency: The baht
International dialling code: +66
Thailand
It is recommended travellers to Thailand see their doctor at least six weeks before departure as there are specific vaccinations recommended for Thailand. Other health precautions and preventions may also be recommended and are best discussed with your doctor. For further information visit www.welltogo.com.au and www.smarttraveller.gov.au.
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