Phuket is world famous for its beautiful beaches and tropical beach resorts but when travelling there for the first time, choosing the perfect area to stay in can be a bit of a dilemma. Travelling with kids makes the correct decision even more imperative. After a lengthy research process, I discovered that the Kamala Beach area appealed to our family the most. Sunwing Resort Kamala Beach was rated as one of the best family resorts in the area and that is where we spent our first three nights in Phuket.
We arrived in Phuket after a short flight from Bangkok. The hotel's driver was waiting for us at the airport with a name board - definitely my favourite way to be welcomed at a foreign airport. We drove through Phuket’s lush, tropical scenery to the resort in comfort, marvelling at the local sights and sounds – buffaloes grazing on green grass, street vendors selling local delicacies from makeshift stalls, kids playing outside brightly painted houses and motorbikes everywhere.
The drive to the resort was so enjoyable that it seemed to pass quite quickly. Soon we were at the resort and friendly staff welcomed us in the bright and colourful lobby with garlands and refreshing roselle (a variety of hibiscus) juice. After being briefed on the hotel’s layout and the entertainment activities, we were led to our room.
Hotel Pools
There are over 317 rooms and suites at Sunwing, catering for different requirements. Our en-suite family room had a king-sized bed and two single beds for the kids. It even had a microwave and a fridge. A generous bowl of fresh fruit including dragonfruit and mangoes, awaited us.
Welcome gifts
Huge sliding doors led onto the balcony with a table and chairs. We opened them and that's when we discovered the 7 - yes, seven- huge swimming pools with waterslides. Kids and parents were having a blast there and sounds of laughter tinkled up to our balcony. It was the perfect picture of a family resort. My kids loved it.
Bedroom
Facilities were in abundance here. Apart from the pools, there was a fitness centre, an aerobics studio, a Kids Club, an outdoor spa, a library area, a minimarket and a laundromat on the premises. The help desk assisted with tours, transfers and car hire and the staff were friendly and helpful with advice on the area.
Play room
An activity program containing a timetable of structured activities for kids, teens and adults, including family shows and sports activities, was handed out on arrival. The hotel had an amazing holiday resort vibe and characters in costumes would come out periodically to entertain the kids. At night, it was lit up with festive lights.
Festive Lights
We indulged in a huge buffet breakfast at La Tasca Restaurant everyday. There was a special children’s section with kid-friendly goodies too. Other meals were also served here and could be eaten indoors or outdoors near the pool. The resort also has an a-la-carte restaurant, Fino Restaurant & Grill, which serves Thai specialties and international cuisine.
Restaurant
To our delight, we discovered that the resort was even better located than we had anticipated. A short walk through the back took us to Kamala's main sandy beach. Next to the hotel was a park with a Tsunami Memorial monument, a tribute to the thousands of people who lost their lives in the 2004 disaster. A short walk from the front took us to the main shopping area, the night market which had delicious food and bargain clothing for sale, as well as Fantasea, considered Phuket's main cultural attraction for families.
Kamala Beach
All this was great but my kids wanted to spend every available moment at the pool. We even had to have dinner at the poolside while they swam. And when my husband and I wanted to explore Phuket, they’d nag us until we got back to the resort.
Although my kids are not babies anymore, it is worth mentioning that if you’re travelling with babies, then the Happy Baby Studio at Sunwing Resort Kamala Beach is a parent’s dream. Regarded as the ultimate in baby-friendly accommodation, they are specially equipped with baby cots, high chairs, strollers, and baby bathtubs. Babysitting services are available too.
Happy Baby Studio Rooms
It was quite clear that the focus here was on the kids and happy kids make for happy parents. Sunwing Resort Kamala Beach is one of the most child-friendly resorts I’ve ever been to and I would happily recommend it.
For more information visit Sunwing Resort Kamala Beach or book here.
For things to do in Phuket, click here.
Disclosure level: 7
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Hi there! Such a good short article, thank you!
This site is absolutely fabulous!
Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be okay. I'm definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
Hi Chad. You can find me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InAfricaNBeyond .
Oh my goodness! Those are HUGE rooms! That's really made for families. 🙂 And yes, if I ever go back to Phuket - I'd stay in Kamala or Kata areas. Patong is no longer for me. :p
This sure looks like an epic place. We've always wanted to visit Thailand and this resort seems to have it all. Also loving the pictures. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you Cory. I love to recommend great places that I know others will enjoy too.
Haven't been to this resort but loved the kamala beach some of the best shots during our trip were clicked at this beach. It's a nice quite place to just laze around away from the usual tourist crowd.
After having been there, I'm so glad we stayed in the Kamala Beach area. We may not have enjoyed our experience so much if we had stayed in some of the other areas.
OMG this place looks like a dream!! My kids would be in love! We must visit!!r
Thanks Ruthie. It's a dream hotel/resort for kids. They will love it.
I've never seen this side of Phuket before! It looks like like a wonderful resort with so many thoughtful touches (and wow - it's spotless!) I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday.
Thanks Brianne. We had a wonderful holiday. This is a great resort and area for a family holiday in Phuket - far removed from the wild nightlife etc.
This resort sounds amazing! And I'll keep in in mind if my family decides to explore Thailand further in the future! I think having an activity program like that can make such a difference when it comes to feeling whether a resort is family-friendly or not. The typical relaxing on the beach type of resort activity might get boring fast for younger ones!
I agree Rachel. An activity program helps to keep the kids happily busy while the parents are relaxing 🙂
This hotel looks beautiful! Would be perfect for me and my little family. I have to ask- how did the hibiscus juice taste?!
Thanks Chloe. It's the perfect family hotel. And the roselle/hibiscus juice was delicious 🙂
Love the look of this hotel, and that pool looks divine! I think it's really cool how they cater to those traveling with kids! I stayed in Phuket (Patong area-bad choice haha) but i would have much rather stayed in a place like this. I must say though, I felt very "luxurious" in all the hotels i stayed in Thailand. They really know how to make you feel like VIP!
Oh yes, the Thai people really made us feel like VIP's too. I also booked in Patong first then discovered that it wasn't a family-friendly area so I booked in the Kamala Beach area instead.
The photos are beautiful and it sounds like a fun trip!
Thank you Belle. We had lots of fun there.
Sounds wonderful!
It certainly is, Karen!
I love places where you get the little extra - like fruit bowls and flowers! Sounds like the perfect place for a family holiday! Will definitely keep this place in mind when I go to Phuket 🙂
Thanks Kathrine. I love the extra touches too. It makes one feel more welcomed and valued.
Looks like a family- friendly resort. The rooms look pretty big!
It's one of the most family-friendly resorts I've ever been to. 🙂
This looks like a lovely resort in Phuket! I love the colorful decor, the beautiful pool area and the beaches of Phuket never disappoint (although its been years since I have visited Phuket last!).
It was my first time in Phuket, Heather, and I loved it. And this resort had stunning pools and it was near the beautiful beach too.
Sara - you do have a knack for finding lovely resorts and this one does not disappoint. It looks lovely and its nice they had so many activities. The beach there looks beautiful too.
Haha, thanks Anisa. It takes alot of research before I find the perfect place for my family and it's great when my instincts turn out to be correct. 🙂
That sounds like a completely different experience of Phuket than you read on other blogs:) I guess kids do make a big difference in the way we travel. Anyways, the resort looks really nice.
Thank you Lena. That's a valid point. I also read about the negative things in Phuket but because I was saying in a family-friendly area, I didn't experience any of it.