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TRAVEL
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January15
Parental downtime
With a Kids’ Club fulfilling the child-minding duties, parents
are free to do their own thing. For us this meant a twilight stroll
on the deserted beach and sundowners at the Infinity Bar at
Anantara Phuket Villas
, just across the road. This is another
stunning resort, with several quality dining options, but is perhaps
best enjoyed without younger kids.
A couple’s massage at the
Anantara Spa
will put anyone
in a good mood. Also located at Anantara Villas, the tranquil
six-pavilion spa is set around a picturesque lake in lush tropical
gardens. The signature 90-minute massage combines soothing
Thai techniques with hot oil – the ultimate treat.
Clean beach
Khao Mai is a clean beach with no pesky touts or traders,
and kilometres of fine sand. The area was designated a national
park in 1981 and it is largely free from development. Olive
ridley sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach from November
to February.
While the Vacation Club does not have direct access to the
beach, it’s only a five-minute walk away and guests can use
the Anantara water sports centre. During the few months of the
monsoon season, the Andaman Sea can become pretty rough
and the water can be closed to swimming. December to May
offers the clearest weather.
For me though, as long as it’s not raining, beaches are good for
so much more than swimming: leisurely walks, watching sunsets,
jogging, playing ball and just laying about. The ideal holiday.
Optional extras
Here’s where the Anantara scored bonus marks:
The resort is located just 15 minutes from the airport;
the personal greeting and prompt pickup by friendly
staff makes a big impression.
Whether it’s just tootling to the beach, or a longer ride
with a staff member as guide, complimentary bikes give
freedom which bigger kids appreciate.
Parents like me who are paranoid about sunburn
will recognise the value of the shaded kids’ pool and
playground, where kids can play safely for hours. There
are pool toys, too.
A washing machine and dryer are tucked away in a
cupboard in the villa’s kitchen.
A mini-market is located across the road in the Turtle
Village shops and is well stocked with flip-flops, pool
toys, cheese, fruit, beer, pasta and more.
A cocktail at a swim-up pool bar always gets a holiday
off to the right start.
One-, two- and three-bedroom apartment suites are
available at the Vacation Club.
avc-phuket.anantara.com