The Anantara Vacation Club at Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, Thailand, is the perfect place for a quick and easy family getaway from Singapore. The resort was opened in 2013, it’s relaxing, there are plenty of food options, people are friendly and there is no need to think too much. Here are ten reasons to add it to your holiday list.
1. Mai Khao Beach
Aussies and Kiwis are fairly fussy when it comes to beaches, and this discernment is totally understandable given the calibre of sandy, white ocean shores in both countries. Mai Khao Beach is a national park in Phuket’s far north-west, it’s longest beach, and definitely passes the test. The beach is a quick five-minute walk from the Anantara, and December to May is known for the best swimming weather.
2. Roomy villas
The spacious villas come in one and two bedroom configurations with an open plan living, dining and kitchen area. There’s no need to bring too much with you as there is a washing machine and dryer on hand. Outside, there’s a comfortable daybed in the sala, by the private pool, some have a shallow wading section for kids. If villas aren’t your thing, there are one, two, and three bedroom apartment suites.
3. Tasty food options
Guests can choose to self-cater in the spacious, well-equipped villa kitchens or get stuck into the hotel offerings. There are three options: Crust, for wood-fired pizza; Chaam, the all-day dining restaurant; and pool bar Ripples. Don’t miss the weekly seafood buffets, and ordering from the room service menu is a nice treat some evenings.
4. Kids’ Time
The Jakka Kids’ Club offers complimentary activities and care services, suitable for children aged four to 12. Painting, hair-braiding, towel art, treasure hunts, sports and craft-based activities will keep kids entertained for hours. The fitness centre is above the kids club, with a sunny outlook over the large, lagoon pool.
5. Quick transfers
After the one hour and 20 minute flight it is reassuring to know that the resort is located just 15 minutes from the airport. The greeting and pickup by friendly staff is a great welcome.
6. Anantara Spa
For parents with kids, dropping them off at the Kids Club and heading across the road for a couple’s massage at the Anantara Spa will be a well-earned treat. Located at the stunning Anantara Villas, in a lush six-pavilion spa, this is true respite, with the signature 90-minute massage just one of the delights on offer. Follow it with sundowners at the Infinity Bar, best recommended to enjoy without younger kids.
7. Cooking classes
For rainy days, there are options of board games, movies or a cooking course at Spice Spoons. It’s informative, fun and tasty, especially as you get to enjoy eating your four-courses, without the washing up.
8. Bike rides
Bigger kids will appreciate the complimentary bikes, whether it’s for cruising the resort, or the quiet back roads. Ask a staff member to take you for a ride to the nearby temple.
9. Shady kids pool
The thatched kids pool is brilliant for little ones under five. They’ll love splashing in the shallow water, the sandy beach stretch and the pool toys, plus they can play safely for hours without risk of sunburn.
10. Shops nearby
Just across the road is Turtle Village shops; with a range of boutiques, restaurants, and a well-stocked minimart selling everything including wine, swimming goggles, cheese, vegetables, canned tomatoes and pasta.
Our thanks to Anantara Vacation Club for its generous support of ANZA’s Singapore Orchid Ball with the donation of a:
Four night stay in a pool villa for two or family of four worth $2,000.
This, together with a range of other fabulous Lucky Draw prizes, will help to raise much needed funds for two Singapore-based charities – Riverkids and Melrose Home (Children’s Aid Society).
Anantara Vacation Resort is located in Phuket, Thailand
www.avc-phuket.anantara.com
