TRAVEL
Family Reunions…Where love is in the air
WORDS: Phil Hawkes PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied
When Aussie families have parents or grandparents who live overseas, the logistics of getting together can become an issue. Australia is a long, tiring journey from Europe/UK or North America.
So we found the perfect solution – meet in Thailand. It’s a sort of half-way house between two continents but more than that – it’s possibly the most child-friendly place on Earth. No shortage of support from Thai hotel staff, shops, theme parks, elephant rescue parks, and even clinics if you need them.
We chose Phuket and Krabi in southern Thailand for a small gathering, bringing Australia and the UK closer for the grans, the parents, and a 2-year-old. Sure, we can do Zoom calls but nothing matches the hugs and kisses, the cuddlesome memories that will linger forever. Baby Lily was in her element, with doting grandparents predictably over-the-top in that department!
Where did we stay?
THE SLATE RESORT, Phuket
What’s special about Slate? It’s no fluke that Slate was recognised as the only hotel in Thailand to feature on TripAdvisor’s prestigious 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best “Out of the Ordinary” list. Whatever we may think of hotel ratings, this was certainly our experience with our group aged from 2 to 85.
The 10-acre resort, set back from Nai Yang beach and just 10 minutes from the airport, is unique. Site planning, architecture, interiors and facilities were designed by renowned Bill Bensley Studios and include 177 villas and suites, eight restaurants and bars, three outdoor pools, an art gallery, fitness studio, tennis courts, kids’ club, award-winning spa, conference facilities and a designer boutique. There’s also a buggy service on call to take you to anywhere on the property, including the two beach security gates to the local food stalls on the street or sand, a pharmacy, money changers, a laundry service and a mini mart like a 7-11. And plenty of friendly massage ladies…in the open air, of course!
The hotel suites are super-comfy, aircon or fans if you prefer, free wifi in every room and around the property if you really must go online. Some of the balconies have an outdoor bath if you like to show off your pecs.
Our stay was made thoroughly delightful by the well-trained staff and we found ourselves automatically going Thai with a “wai” hand gesture, “Sawasdee Kap” and “Kop Kun Kap” at every turn. The smiles and offers of help are genuine, reflecting the hospitality that Thai people are known for. In short, Slate was our perfect reunion venue… inclusions with package deals are super value. www.theslatephuket.com
CAPE KUDU RESORT, Koh Yao Noi
What a find! A rather different kind of laid-back luxury awaited us on this lovely island. It’s just 30 minutes from Phuket by speedboat, but it feels like another world here. The resort buildings are more conventional in style, with just 50 rooms and 11 villas set in tropical gardens on an elevated site. We looked out over magical Phang Nga Bay with rocky karst outcrops jutting upwards from the sea, like fingers pointing to the universe.
Cape Kudu is one of those tropical resorts where everything seems to work… genial Acting GM Jason is very hands-on and the team are typically Thai; plus a helpful Italian guest relations lady. Rooms (with baths) are tastefully understated and have all mod cons including wifi, aircon of course, a balcony with a swing chair, and a large TV with many satellite channels if you can tear yourself away from the sea view. Best of all, there’s an elevator up to the 1st and 2nd floors for the oldies and baby-carrying parents.
Breakfast is comprehensive buffet style with plenty of fruit, healthy juices and even bubbles if you can’t wait for happy hour 4-5 pm. There’s an egg chef, food stations, fresh pastries and strong coffee for a caffeine hit…no decaf here! Lunch and dinner are à la carte, spicy if you wish but tailored for kids with a special menu…”ghetti” is baby Lily’s favourite.
There’s plenty to do on Koh Yao Noi apart from vegging out beside the pool and watching the hornbills feeding their chicks twice daily. There’s a beach below the hotel, or they can arrange longtail boat trips to secluded beaches (with a picnic lunch option), round-island tours by tuk tuk giving a glimpse of rural life, and a visit to the island’s market town with a bank, cafés, shops, a 7-11, even a donut shop. Plus a really good Thai restaurant, Kindies. The island also has two excellent Italian restaurants a short ride away if your taste buds need a rest.
LE PASSE-TEMPS at Tha Lane, Krabi
“Vive la Différence” seems appropriate for this boutique-ish resort with French/Thai owners, away from the madding crowds you find near Krabi’s main town, Ao Sane. Arriving at the jetty of Tha Lane by speedboat from Koh Yao Noi, we were met by the LPT minivan and within 10 minutes we reached the beachside resort along a bush road. A warm welcome awaited at the lobby, crammed full of beautiful antiques and objets d’art, some of which are for sale.
A distinct contrast to our two previous resorts, LPT has 12 Thai-style cabins with very comfy beds, large bathrooms, a balcony overlooking the pool or beach facing West…and no TV! The stairs down to the beach and the informal restaurant-on-the-sand can be daunting if you’re mobility-challenged, but food can be delivered to poolside or patio, especially at happy cocktail hour if need be. Loved-up couples will be very happy here, collecting memories in tranquil surroundings.
Unfortunately our time at LPT was cut short by the arrival of the monsoon season. The rain bucketed down, making excursions and beach walking impossible. Entertaining a lively littlie was also proving difficult so after an excellent breakfast, we decided to head back to Phuket, a 2-hour road trip through some dramatic scenery in the hotel’s minivan. Tristesse to leave so soon. www.lepassetemps-krabi.com
GETTING THERE
Direct flights to Phuket from Sydney and Melbourne by Jetstar International (with connections from other cities) make Southern Thailand much more accessible than transits in Singapore or Bangkok. Better still, Jetstar 787 Dreamliners offer “Business Class”, which is really a Premium Economy service with seats reclining to 45 degrees, not a flat bed. There was an excellent menu with several choices, complimentary drinks, charming Thai cabin crew (and an Aussie Captain who lives in Thailand, lucky fellow). It’s interesting to note that Jetstar International now flies these wide-body Dreamliners to 12 Asia/Pacific destinations including 3 in Thailand.
