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TRAVEL
230
January15
Phuket is a great choice for a short family
break over a public holiday long weekend.
Quick, direct flights and kid-friendly
accommodation options make the Thai
island a hassle-free escape. With family
in tow, KATIE ROBERTS visited the new
Anantara Vacation Club
at gorgeous Mai
Khao Beach, and found that it ticked all five
boxes on her holiday checklist.
Two-bedroom villa
It might be a splurge, but most parents
would agree that two-bedroom accommodation
makes all the difference. The children are
pleased to not be lumped in Mum and Dad’s
room, and everyone is happy if there’s a TV and
separate bathroom too – cartoons at 6am, no
problem; and wet swimsuits can languish in the
corner of the shower.
The villas at the Anantara are incredibly
roomy. The soaring ceiling in the open plan
living, dining and kitchen area makes a big
impression, as does the private pool that’s
accessible through large sliding doors. There’s
a comfortable daybed in the sala, and some of
the villa pools have a shallow wading section for
kids. Bedrooms are cleverly located at either end
of the main living area, and the dressing area
between the master bedroom is enormous, as
is the bathroom with massive freestanding bath
overlooking an outdoor rain-shower.
An additional 45 villas are due for completion
by the end of March to add to the current 30,
which are a mix of one- and two-bedroom
accommodation.
The Anantara gets
its name from the
Thai word meaning
“without end”,
symbolising the
sharing of water and
heartfelt hospitality